Thinking of a new purchase. What's your favorite Semi Auto non Polymer frame gun for around $1K?

Target price in the $1K - $2K range. If slightly outside range I'd still like to hear about it. Thinking of treating myself to a new gun in the next few months. Definitely something in 9mm.

(Not really interested in 1911 as I built a Steel frame 45ACP I'm pretty happy with.)

Bonus points if you can tell me why it's your favorite pistol in that price range.

Edit to update price range. $1K - $2K.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: myrottiety,

A classic folded slide P228, P226, or the Mk25, or the CZ Shadow 2 (DA/SA or SAO), or any of the Beretta 92s with trigger job from LTT, would fit the bill. They are all great guns and within your budget.

Used, S&W Performance Center 945. For $1k - $1200 price it will likely have no box....or extra mags.

And I am searching and saving fo one after having shot two examples belonging to customers. May be the most accurate 45 pistols I have ever shot. I can't wait to own one! Regards 18DAI

My Sig 1911 Nightmare Carry. I paid $995 for it. Excellent shooter with great features and looks cool, too.

Funny thing about "favorite pistol": It seems to change

You wrote you're "not really interested" in another 1911, but it doesn't sound like you're counting one out entirely, so I'm going to say my Springfield EMP in 9mm. I just love this little 1911 and no mistake.

It's about the same dimensions as my Walther PPS M2 and only a little heavier, which means it'll carry about the same. Has a nice trigger. (A bit heavy, but it breaks cleanly.) It's got a nice set of night sights. The fit and finish are flawless. Feels really good in the hand. It ran its first 200 rounds (Blazer brass and WWB) without a single hiccup. Plus it's a really sharp-looking pistol, IMO.

My thread on the pistol: Springfield 1911 EMP 9mm Owners: Your Thoughts, Please? Update: Snagged One!

Steyr GB. 9mm. Big, very soft shooter, accurate and a pain in the ass to clean. (gas brake ports)

226 Legion. All day.

Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm (First choice)
In no special order
Hk Usp Tactical.
BNT MKII with Trigger spring and main spring kit
P226 SAO
P225
CZ TSO
USP 9
Browning Hi-power
Iwi 941f
LTT 92c


Dollar for dollar, and I spent a whole 250 bucks for it, and no I am not joking
Ruger p85MII. The trigger is smooth if long and shoots as accurately as anything else I can shoot.

P210 target.

9mm EMP Contour Carry

228 it is for me.

I bought a Shadow 2 in the middle of covid crazy for 1203. So 3 bucks out of your range. Lol. It’s become my go to gun for any match. It’s fantastic. I love my LTT’s but I shoot my CZ’s better.

92 Elite LTT. At least that's the next pistol I plan to purchase in that price range.

I'd also say a 226 Legion SAO, but already have one of those. Really like that gun.

Figure out what fits your hand best and points naturally. Anything from Beretta, CZ or Sig in that price range are fine pistols but LOTS of different models and shapes and sizes. I love my Beretta's but I should my lowly $500 CZ P01 better than anything else.

P226 Combat or MK25

I will not purchase another gun of any type until I save the money to get the CZ Shadow 2 Orange. I know it's way out of the price range but when you're in love money doesn't matter. May have to sell my truck.

Bonus: Because it's Orange, it's beautiful, and it's design and accuracy are the same as my P210 which most people overlook.

PS: Maybe I should get some orange grips for my P210 and keep my truck.

My sig P320 x5 Legion.

quote:

Originally posted by backlash:
I will not purchase another gun of any type until I save the money to get the CZ Shadow 2 Orange. I know it's way out of the price range but when you're in love money doesn't matter.

I've got a 320 X-Carry with a Romeo I never shoot. I could easily justify using it to help cover the price gap on the CZ TSO.

Sig P226 Legion SAO - great ergonomics and slightly over 3 pound factory trigger.

My Shadow Systems MR918