DrLev99

I have 2 H&K Compacts....one of my favorite guns as well. I just prefer the feel of a full metal gun vs. the ones with polymer frame. I have 3 Glocks as well...nice for carrying, easy to clean.

C5driver

To the OP...when you try out the different handguns, you'll notice the extra long trigger on the Sigs

DRANGED

A SIG factory short trigger is available.

C5driver

And I think the new Sig 250 has fixed the long P226 trigger syle of the older Sigs.

bonehead

Hope to get back to SGC this week. Seems like Sig's are popular 'round here (yes, John, you've never steered me wrong ). Not having felt an array of guns yet, guess I'll see if I can rent a good mix of polymer and steel guns.

What are the top 5 handguns (within the 3 manufacturers I mentioned) you would recommend I give a whirl?

seoulman

You should definitely try the HKs in .45 cal that you like. Then there's the highly recommended Sig Sauer P229 in .40 cal.

And definite maybes are Glock 22 or 23... Springfield Amory XD 45... and any other guns that you think are 'cool'.

bonehead

Thanks.
Def want to try out the HK45 and HK45C. Prob gonna stay away from 9mm and stick with .45's
What other Sig's would you recommend?

seoulman

Which Sig would depend on whether you are only interested in .45 cal or other calibers like .40.

If I recall correctly, Sig used to make a .45 version of the P226, but I don't see it on their website anymore.

My favorite handgun is the P229 in .40 cal (I used to own the two tone version). The .40 cal is somewhat in between the .45 and the 9mm. The gun isn't too big, nor is it too small... Handles well for me, meaning I can shoot it well.

In the end, the most effective gun for you is the one that you can shoot well. The stopping power of the .45 may be better than say a 9mm, but if you have difficulties handling a .45, then it's basically no good to you. However, if you shoot a 9mm well, it is a more effective gun/weapon for you.

When I was living in the U.S. and was a member of a gun club, I tried lots of guns before settling with the Sig P229 (.40) and the Glock 19 (9mm). I shot these two guns well. I tried the several guns in .45, but I just wasn't comfortable with them.

Go to the gun club, rent and try as many guns as you can in different calibers. See which one you are most comfortable/accurate in shooting. Have fun!

C5driver

Yep! As for the 5 to sample first, maybe try these:

1. Springfield XD in .45
2. Glock 21 (this is their .45 ACP, not to be confused with the .45 GAP)
3. Sig P250 in .45. (The Sig P220 is also a .45 ACP, but has that long trigger)
4. Any of the HKs in .45

and last but not least...

5. Nighthawk GRP

SGC apparently sells these, but I'm not sure if they rent them. IF you can...you should try one out. Nighthawk is a new semi-custom manufacturer specializing in 1911-pattern handguns. A bunch of guys from Wilson Combat broke off and started Nighthawk a few years ago and their products have been well received by tactical officers. The trigger will be like breaking a glass rod Just pure sweetness. Any tuned 1911 will give you the same result and be light years from the Glock, Sig, XD, or HK.

The .45 ACP is a very capable round, but has a reputation of being heavy on the recoil. However, the recoil impulse on the .45 ACP is actually more like a shove, as compared to the .40 S&W and 9mm, which are "snappier." The key to controlling any recoil is in the grip and a capable instructor will go over this with you.

Stay safe.

UUronL

Can't say enough great stuff about the XD 45. Superb gun, I shoot it far more accurately than other 45 ACP weapons. Cheap too compared to other choices mentioned. There's a ton of aftermarket parts for it, and good Internet forum coverage.

Also, there's a neat model called the XD Compact 45. It has a 10 round mag (short for concealed carry) and a 13 round grip extension/mag that makes it identical to the service model.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handgu...5subcom_071207/