osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (andrew.vida-szucs) (06/27/91)
Greetings! I've been looking at various semi-auto handguns for home and a relaxing afternoon at the range. While several appeal to me, many I consider unsuitable by virtue of their aluminum frames (SIG SAUER 22x, 230 are good examples). Personally I feel that any gun that cannot stand hot loads ain't worth buying. Not that I hot rod my loads; its more an indication of overall quality and durability. Anyway, it seems that there are not so many automatics that show this level of quality, and those that do all have steel frames. The Browning Hi-Power is one, but a bit too big (besides it was the first pistol I ever owned, untill stolen by movers, and would like to try something new). That seems to leave the H&K Px and thw Walther P-88. I do not like the gimmicky nature of the H&K which leaves the Walther. I found the manufacture to be of very high quality (certainly better than the P-5) ans I love the fully ambidexterous nature of the weapon. I would like to know what experiences any of you have had with this gun and how is the balance and accuracy. Also, do you feel it is worth the hefty $1000+ price tag?? Many thanks for any help. -Andy V.
maarrrk@gauss.ucsb.edu (Mark Erickson) (06/28/91)
I saw an article in a gun magazine that showed a p-88 that made single-hole groups (25 yds.) out of the box. Impressive... you didn't say what kind of action you want. single? single/double? double only? --maarrrk
klm@uunet.UU.NET (Kevin L. McBride) (06/29/91)
Isn't it amazing how people some people can have wildly differing
opinions?
Put your fire suit on, Andy. I have a feeling that your mailbox is
going to get pretty hot. I'll apologize in advance for the partly
flaming tone of my reply, but you touched a nerve. I'll try to keep
it civil and rational. If you must flame back, do it by e-mail after
you read everything I have to say.
In article <36007@mimsy.umd.edu> osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (andrew.vida-szucs) writes:
#[belittles SIG, any other gun with an "aluminum" frame, etc.]
#
#Anyway, it seems that there are not so many automatics that show this level
#of quality, and those that do all have steel frames. The Browning Hi-Power is
#one...[deleted]
#That seems to leave the H&K Px and thw Walther P-88. I do not like the gimmicky
#nature of the H&K which leaves the Walther. I found the manufacture to be
#of very high quality (certainly better than the P-5) ans I love the fully
#ambidexterous nature of the weapon.
#I would like to know what experiences any of you have had with this gun and
#how is the balance and accuracy. Also, do you feel it is worth the hefty
#$1000+ price tag??
Well, you just put down a whole lot of guns that a whole lot of people
tend to like very much and gave praise to Walther, which I never
liked. I have no complaints with the Browning Hi-Power. I don't own
one, but have several friends who do. They're nice guns, even if they
do have a steel frame.
H&Ks are not gimmicky. They are awesome handguns. I wish I could
justify the cost of owning one. The squeeze safety and concealed
hammer are, in many peoples' opinion, the ultimate handgun safety
mechanism.
SIGs are not cheap, cheesy guns made from inferior metal. Steel can
wear faster than alloy when not manufactured correctly. I own three
autloaders, one with a steel frame, and two with alloy frames. Guess
which ONE shows more noticable signs of wear?
What signs of quality were you looking for that only the steel framed
pistols had? A steel frame? If SIGs and Glocks (Plastic frame!
Horrors!) and Smith & Wessons and Berettas are not quality handguns
then why are so many military and law enforcement agencies using them?
In most cases, "Quality" has more to do with HOW the materials are
used than the actual materials themselves (alloy vs. steel) There are
some real piece 'o sh-t guns out on the market. I won't mention
names, but none of the guns you mentioned are on my sh-t list. In
fact, all the guns you mentioned by name (except the Walther) are on
my quality list. I have no first hand experience with Walther, but
then none of my shooting friends own one either. I wonder why?
Is a Walther worth a thousand bucks? I don't think so, but that's
just my opinion. Is an H&K worth the same price? Unfortunately, yes.
Is a SIG worth $600 to $700? You bet.
#Many thanks for any help.
#
# -Andy V.
Before you fly off the handle with emotional issues related to handgun
materials and manufacturing quality, it would be of great benefit to
back up your first impressions with a little objective research. I
learned a lesson the hard way once by buying a gun based on emotional
issues. Before I bought it, I loved it. I thought it would be the
greatest. I *HAD* to have it! It was the worst gun I ever owned.
On the other hand, the first time I ever saw a SIG my first impression
was "it's ugly and it's mother dressed it funny." Now I know better.
German engineering does tend to be ugly but extremely functional.
My SIG P228 is the best gun I have ever owned, alloy frame and all.
After more than 1500 rounds in 3 months of ownership I have yet to
have a jam or misfeed. It is accurate, lightweight, concealable, and
shows absolutely no signs of wear. It's definitely a keeper. I carry
it everyday. I'd bet my life on it, but don't take my word for it; go
out and check it out for yourself.
Hope this helps.
--
Kevin L. McBride DoD // Just say NO to the war on your freedom which,
President #0348 // by the way, is being fought with YOUR money.
MSCG, Inc. \\ // Let them know you've had enough.
uunet!wang!gozer!klm \X/ Vote Libertarian.