Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!decvax!decwrl!ucbvax!jade!jkh From: jkh@jade.UUCP Newsgroups: mod.rec.guns Subject: Submission for mod.rec.guns Message-ID: <802@jade.BERKELEY.EDU> Date: Mon, 9-Jun-86 17:36:44 EDT Article-I.D.: jade.802 Posted: Mon Jun 9 17:36:44 1986 Date-Received: Tue, 10-Jun-86 20:04:03 EDT Organization: University of California, Berkeley Lines: 68 Approved: jkh@ucbjade Author: Robert Allen Article: 6:5 >> From jkh@jade.BERKELEY.EDU (Jordan K. Hubbard) Thu Jun 5 19:54:15 1986 >> >> Article: 6:4 >> >> I am on the verge of purchasing my first handgun and I need >> some advice. The models which seem the most appealing are the >> Colt and S&W .45 automatics, and the Browning and Beritta 9mm >> autos. Some of the information I am looking for includes: >> 1) quality of handguns- (tendencies to jam, quality of >> workmanship, ease of operation) >> 2) relative performance between the .45 and 9mm >> calibers >> 3) pricing and future value-(i.e. is the Browning worth the price?) >> 4) cost and availability of ammo for these guns The cost differential between .45 and 9mm ammo is negligable, given the preponderance of cheap militarty-style ammmo nowadays. >> In the interest of avoiding another "The .45 will blow off an >> arm" debate, I ask that the more emotionally enthusiastic >> owners of these guns try to keep a more objective view, but I >> would like some help in choosing what might be a family >> heirloom. Any advice in this area would be greatly >> appreciated. >> >> David Fannin Berrettas (sp?) are very reliable; they seldom jam, will digest even cruddy ammo (not that you should ever use such), and offer the feature of double action, which is nice if your ammo has a hard primer. Disadvantages of Berrettas are a) expense, b) aluminum alloy frame, and c) pretty heavy trigger pulls in double and single action. If you are going to buy a .45, I would recommend the Colts. Don't get the Gold Cup, get the Government Model. Gold Cups have more features, but are more likely to have problems which require a gunsmiths attention (because they have more features to break). Colt also apparently has a new Combat Model out, which has certain features such as beveled mag well, large ejection port, and other features which are nice to have. I purchased a Mk. IV, Series 70 years ago (for $299!), and recently had the following mods made to it; a) accurization tightening up, b) beveled mag well, c) enlarged ejection port, d) bobbed hammer, e) 4 lb single stage trigger, f) recoil buffer, g) ramped and throated. I'm very pleased with it, and it is very accurate. Of course, you may want to consider some of the smaller .45's, the Detonics, or the new Colt offerings. Or there is the midsize approach, the Colt Commander. In any case, my personal preference runs to all steel firearms, especially since they are likely to last longer as a family heirloom. If you get a high quality firearm in either .45 or 9mm you will have made an excellent choice. Only you however can make the final decision, based on concealability , safety, economic, ergonomic and other considerations. My personal bias however is the .45. All other things being equal, a larger bullet will have a better chance of stopping (not necessarily killing) your opponent, which is probably what you want to do. My first handgun was a .45, and both I and my younger brother had no problem hitting a target at 15 yards. Forget what people might tell you about, "the recoil of a .45 could break your wrist", it's bull, all bull. Robert Allen robert@sri-spam.ARPA