Torn between 2 guns

[arthrimus]

I've had cheap versions of both. I don't have the 1911 anymore, but the Beretta is my favorite handgun and my primary carry piece. Grab a Beretta for $500-600 and save the rest towards a really nice 1911. You'll get a great shooter up front to tide you over till you have the big bucks for a properly made 1911.

 

[netsecurity]

1911 would be my choice of the two, but not in 9mm. I had a 92fs and traded it because: 1) Slide mounted safety/decockers are the worst, 2) Fixed sights meant I couldn't add night sights, and 3) It was too big to carry.

The 1911 safety is right there where your thumb will rest on it, and turn it off naturally, just like the safety on M&P's. I like my guns to have a safety, or at least a decocker, but I will never buy another pistol with frame mounted controls (would make an exception for a Baby Eagle because of its glass trigger!).

IMHO Both a Sig P226/229 (also a military standard as "M11" I think) and a CZ75 variant, like the Jericho/Baby Eagle, are superior to the 92fs, and would be much higher on my list. I consider the 1911 more of a fun range gun than a necessity.

 

[arthrimus]

1) Slide mounted safety/decockers are the worst,

I hear this all of the time, but I don't get the argument. On a DA/SA handgun why would you even use the safety? I don't.

 

[netsecurity]

I hear this all of the time, but I don't get the argument. On a DA/SA handgun why would you even use the safety? I don't.

I only use the safety when manipulating the gun, but try to turn it off once it is in the holster. If I forget then I'm not likely to notice that it is on, since my thumb won't be resting on it while gripping the pistol (as it would on a 1911 or M&P). I'd have to go out of my way to raise my thumb and push it off, which by the way is kinda hard to do on most of these types of guns (definitely harder than 1911 or M&P safety). Since you have to push UP to disable the safety, you are taking your thumb off of the grip too, which is not good.

Also, these stick out in a way that bothers me more. The 1911 and M&P safeties stick out just as far, but are on the frame, and are more in the center of the gun and don't bother me as much. A slide mounted safety is generally very thick, and seems to snag more, perhaps since it is nearer the edge. They definitely gets in the way of racking the slide. [I don't use slide releases anymore, because they are too unreliable from gun to gun, I always rack].

 

[Bfish]

I vote 1911, I saw some say SIG 226 229 or whatever over 92fs. That may be another thought to ponder

 

[netsecurity]

Check out the decocker location on the sig p226. It has really slick controls that require minimal effort, and don't affect the profile of the gun.

 

[sig1473]

IMHO Both a Sig P226/229 (also a military standard as "M11" I think)

M11 is the Army designation for the P228 not the P226/P229.

 

[Fordtough25]

I would go with the Beretta myself, if you're going to get both anyways. I have the M9 and love it, it points great, recoil is nil, mags are everywhere. I had a Sig P226 and while I enjoyed it for a bit I prefer the M9 for some reason. Rock n roll!

 

[Springer]

I would lean towards the 1911. I really like my 92fs and it was my favorite gun....until I got my first 1911. I still shoot the 92fs a lot but I love shooting the 1911.

 

[hps]

1911

 

[churchmouse]

1911 first. Not a 9mm either. A 9mm 1911 (yes they shoot but) is like buying a new mustang GT or full dress Camaro and opting for a V-6.....just wrong all the way around.

Springfield has some very good offerings in your budget and they are great guns. I know because we have several.
Nothing wrong with a Colt just pretty spendy.

 

[red_zr24x4]

Pick up a RIA 1911 in 9mm ,roughly $500, and a used Sig 226 again roughly $500 and have both in your price range.

 

[Whip_McCord]

Another vote for 1911, in 45ACP. You will get a 9mm anyway, so keep the 1911 in 45 as intended by the creator; John M. Browning. Do not settle for a cheap 1911, either. For $1000 you should be able to get a pretty nice 1911. Also, as stated by others above, check out the Sig 226 in 9mm.

 

[Hopper]

As much as I said I'd never be interested in a 1911, I too think I would go this direction over the 92. And I keep finding myself drawn to the Ruger SR1911 in 4.25" format... just love the clean, almost elegant look of stainless with the wooden grip inserts. I know having a Colt is the sentimental favorite, but I sometimes find myself sneaking over to the Ruger website to look at their SR1911 between meetings and calls. And yeah, a 1911 in anything other than 45 seems like sacrilege!

 

[PGRChaplain]

1911!

 

[seedubs1]

Skip the 92 altogether and get a cz or a sig.

 

[darinb]

Those are my 2 favorite guns. The 1911 fits my hand better and the trigger is better but berettas are easier to shoot and have larger capacity. I must say being a former beretta armorer it is less finicky IMO. 1911 require some knowledge of fitting parts and operation before you start customizing beyond cosmetics. The Beretta is less customizable. Id save up $1000 and get an RIA 1911 and a used Beretta. PM if you got any specific Beretta questions. Id personnally start out with a Beretta. O yeah dont listen to the internet rumors on Berettas I shot competition in the army and serviced hundreds over the years only had 2 break and those were fixed in a few minutes. Have fun shoot straight.

 

[Hoosier8]

I got the 1911 first and the 92fs later (when I ran into a great deal) The first 1911 was a nice used govt size 1980's Springfield and the 92fs was an nice used Italian. Paid just a little more for the 1911 but not by much. Later on I ran into a nice used Kimber CDP II Pro for a great price and it is my fav 1911 (only have two). FYI, I carry the 1911 not the 92fs. The Beretta is pretty large.

 

[Hohn]

I never warmed to the 92FS. I ended up giving it to my brother, in fact. So for me, it would certainly be a 1911. But what are you planning on using the handguns for? Purpose might lend itself better to one over the other, although they are both fine general purpose pistols.

This ^^

 

[augdog]

1911 for sure. In 45 or 9mm.