This is a first gun purchase, will be a handgun for a variety of reasons, and will likely only be used for HD and not CCW. However, if it is small/light enough to eventually be used as a CCW that is a bonus. The person has shot typical polymer pistols like a Glock 19, Sig P320, Beretta APX, etc and not really liked them. In particular they donāt like the Glock grip angle. They have shot pistols like the FNX Tactical, heavy revolvers and really liked them. They find the extra weight helps them shoot better insofar as being more accurate, more comfortable, and faster follow-ups.
I donāt have a lot of knowledge or experience around heavier all-metal (or mostly metal) framed pistols. Pretty much Sig P226, Beretta 92fs, and maybe 1911s and thatās all I can think of.
If not for cost, the FNX Tactical .45ACP would probably already be decided on (polymer frame, but still very heavy), but thatās right on the edge of the budget (really, its over budget), and we need all the room we can get for ammo, mags, and other accessories.
Criteria:
MUST be reliable out of the box. This person is not a tinkerer, wont sand or polish triggers, and doesnāt have the experience to diagnose why something doesnāt work, and I canāt always be at the range with the person
DA/SA or striker fired is DAO is
Budget < $1,000, less is better
Must be common with lots of aftermarket support for holsters, mags, sights, accessories, etc
Caliber doesnāt matter much, but 9mm or .45ACP is preferred
Preferably holds 10+ rounds
So Iām looking for specific model recommendations, and ideally something we can do some preliminary research on Youtube to narrow down a list of choices that we can then hopefully be able to rent on the range. The range nearby has a pretty good selection of firearms to rent (whether we can purchase remains to be seenā¦).
Plus one to Jerzyās comment. The P226/229/220 all fit the bill, though new they are at the top of your price list, $999 to $1199 if you donāt go for the more expensive models. Extremely reliable out of the box. simple to use once you get in the habit of the drop hammer lever and will last forever. My 226 is as reliable and ready to go as it was the day I got it in 1990.
Any steel chassis 1911, price range = Kimber, Springfield, Ruger, etc.
you may want to consider the Jericho 941 manufacturing by IWI, Harrisburg, PA. I know we donāt like PA anymore, just saying!
I have a Taurus PT 1911 AR in .45 ACP w/light rail. Itās a solid gun and with the light rail it makes a passable club. The trigger is very good out of the box and with a feed ramp and chamber polish it eats any hollow point.
How about a CZ Rami. All metal gun, Da/Sa you can get one with a safety, or a decocker. It is a subcompact, and can be carried. The frame is an alloy, so it wouldnāt be as heavy as an Officers model, but may absorb enough recoil.
Iām sorry to be one who says something negative ā¦but CZ cannot fit @Harveyās requirements.
CZ 75 would be ok, if āNo tweakingā requested.
CZ 2075 RAMI is not reliable as expected.
Iāve been a huge fan of CZ for over 1 year but found better handguns on the market.
CZ-P01 would fit. All of my other suggestions you already have.
To save money, I would suggest the used market. Most of these larger guns are not shot a lot, yet can be had for a decent price. Well, maybe 8 months agoā¦
1911 Springfield 9 mm 0r 45 with a variety of styles. Range officer, fully loaded, your choice. They have been reliable for 109 years! Go to a range and rent some and try them out to see what you are comfortable with.
My advice is to look at the Generation III āBaby Desert Eagleā from Kahr/Magnum Research - these are relatively new, re-designed, and are made by BUL Armory in Israel, with better fit and finish than the Gen II. They come with match barrels and better polymer grips. The polymer frame is 28 oz. - the all-steel frame is 38 oz. - CZ styling all the way. MSRP is $691 - FYI - Kurt
Itās polymer, but the Sig 2022 fits the rest of the boxes.
Beretta 92
1911 or 2011(Double stack 1911)
Last but not least GP100 or Ruger Redhawk in 357. GP is 6/7 shots. Redhawk is 8. No, not 10 shots, but, the weight makes them excellent shooters even with hot .357 mag.
Downside to looking for non-mainstream pistols is that accessories, parts, holsters, etc. can add money or time (like waiting 4 months for a custom made holster that you may or may not like), as well as issues with older firearms and warranty service.
The Sig 229 Compact is Glock 19āish sized and is 10 oz heavier (Sig 229 M11-A1); although I notice the higher bore axis when firing compared to other pistols:
You could also just take one of the polymer pistols he is OK with and add a flashlight. This might give him the weight he likes, while adding extra functionality.
IMO, you can save a lot of money if you take an industry standard firearm and adapt the body to it, rather than the other way around.
Iāve pulled out most of the models mentioned to do some additional research.
I somehow figured there were a bunch of heavy (and/or) metal framed pistols that I just wasnāt aware of, but it doesnāt sound like there is actually that many. Is it because of the price point? Buying used is definitely acceptable.
You can choose from the less expensive but quality 1911s from RIA (I have their full-size and compact) or spend more for offerings by Ruger (SR1911), Springfield Armory (Iām saving up for EMP in 9mm).
Iāve heard good about CZ in general, but am looking for specific models. I saw mentioned above the CZ 75 and CZ P-01 and added them to the āto be researchedā pile. Do you have any comments on those, or any other options that fit the criteria?
DAO is 
