Any suggestions on automatics?

[grizz1]

I would welcome anyones input on the purchase of an automatic handgun,especially the best caliber.
I have owned a 357 Ruger for many years and for hunting it is fine but I'm wanting a gun small framed enough to carry with me while working on the farm .I need something large enough for the occasional brave coyote or wild dog that won't leave my livestock alone. Thanks for any ideas,grizz1

[smokeybear]

I've been in law enforcement for well over a decade now and I wouldn't carry any automatic other than a Glock. They are in my opinion about the ugliest handgun out there but man you can't beat them for reliability and performance. I like the 45 caliber for my personal use but my issued duty weapons are all 40 calibers. If you want a smaller frame look at the Glock model 36 (45 caliber). I like the Glock model 21 (full size 45 caliber) myself. The 40 calibers are nice also. I would highly recommend the Glock model 23 if you go with the 40 caliber. In my opinion it is the perfect size for everyday carry.

[grizz1]

Smokeybear,thanks for your advice,I plan to look at several guns this coming weekend.I was wanting to hear from someone like you, that has to carry a handgun a lot and depend on it.

[smokeybear]

My agency has been using Glocks for about 10 years now. We have to qualify twice a year and I try to shoot at the range at least once a month. Out of all of that shooting with a Glock I have never had even one jam or misfire!!! I have all of the confidence in the world in my Glocks. But I admit I am a bit of a "keep your gun clean freak". I have seen guys that I work with have their Glocks jam every now and then but without fail it is always one of the guys or gals that hardly ever clean their weapon. I can't imagine being in law enforcement and not keeping my firearms clean and ready. I clean my service weapons every week whether I've fired them that week or not. I have to be able to rely on my weapons to not only protect the public's lives but also to protect my own and I have every confidence from the last decade of experience with Glocks that they are an extremely well made and dependable firearm. I have had experience and training with several of the top brand handguns and Glock is by far the most reliable of them all in my opinion.

[levergun]

I gotta say it.

1911

1911

The only one.

Browning masterpiece.

No plastic on it.

Won a war.

Couple things no plastic gun can say. ;D

Did I mention to get a 1911???

[bird]

Taurus 24/7 OSS .45ACP
Smith & Wesson M&P .45ACP
Springfield XD .45ACP

I plan on getting all 3 of these soon. My Taurus OSS should be here any day.

Colt... Been there done that... NEVER AGAIN!!!

Glock I have had.... Good and Dependable. But like mentioned... UGLY!!!

[Olddog]

Glock UGLY but dependable forwhat you want 9MM.

[bigun]

www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=25&productid=131

Good ol fashioned Model 1911 here. I've got an original, but if i were gonna get a new one, it'd definatly be one of the sig models.

[''HILLBILLY'']

1911 .45

[xtremesportsman]

The 1911 is a great gun, but did you mentiion the wandering coyote here and there, well in that case I wold look into a 9mm first or a .40 cal second. As for the Law Enforcement Officers on here, I am retired NYPd and I carried the Sig Suaer for the end of my carreer. It is a MUCH better gun then the glock and S&W will ever be. It is a shooter and the only downfall is the long trigger pull. It is made heavier then some models, but I like a heavy gun in my hand. If I was buying an auto to bring to the range and shoot occasionally I would most definately look into a 1911,, nice gun for a collection. But if I am looking for an auto to use as a work gun that shoots real good, well look into the P226 by Sig. PS, I have shot the Smith and Glock duty weapons with the NY trigger and without, Sig is a far superior auto.

[grizz1]

Thanks a bunch for all the input guys. At this time I have not purchased anything as the cost of living is taking my fun money quicker than I can make it.
I have looked at several guns at my local store and of course I liked the most expensive, so I'm going to wait awhile before buying one.
So far I have looked at Glocks,1911's and a Springfield , and many more but those 3 were my favorites at this time. I'm going to get with some guys and actually shoot some of their guns if I can, that may help me make a decision.

[Mobe]

for around the farm I'd go with a .40 cal or larger.
Personally I don't like the small frame glocks. I can only get three fingers on the grip. The rest of my hand extends lower. Full size grips on the glocks feel super, like a glove.I don't have one but have held a few.
My guns a 1911.

[Venison ~Lover]

never shot one but id say a 41 rem mag revolver,,,,,,,,plenty enough for any thing tha would want to terrorize your farm( anti's ,, bear,, coyotes,, bobcat,, cougar,, pigeons,, blue jays,,) I hate blue jays,,,blast them any chance i get

[mobuckhunter]

I love my smith & Wesson m&P 40 never jammed once accurate and reliable what more could you ask for

[brian]

Go to the shop and try the guns out that you like and get the one that fits and feel comfortable in your hand. It makes all the differance in your ability to shoot the weapon. As for caliber, I prefer the .45 ACP.