[Bubba Smithers]

I'm looking to purchase a new handgun for defense. What is the best value? I'm leaning toward a 45. Any suggestions?

[jerry]

Take a good look at the new Ruger P345. There are several here who own or have owned Ruger SEMI autos. I had a P-90 once, got the 1911 bug though.

Jesse is a big fan.

The P345 has some new interesting features that may be handy especially for a beginning shooter. ie. loaded chamber indicator etc..

There are a lot of good ones out there though. I'm sure you will get a dozen or so recomendations. Let us know how you do.

I have a Ruger P-90..big hand filling pistol too..it's a blast at the range..I shot it today..perfect for 25 yards and less..I don't shoot handguns at longer ranges (range rule) or shorter distances either (another range rule) :target:

I think the best automatics are Glocks..

[lefty o]

while glock wont get my vote, they are a good pistol. for a factory 45 i'd lean toward a kimber. if you weren't as concerned with caliber i personally think the browning hi power in 40s&w is the finest all purpose semi on the market.

he's talking about the best value though Lefty O..what would I get on a budget ?..a revolver like a stainless K Frame

[jerry]

value is one of Rugers trademarks.

every time I shoot mine the gripscrews loosen up :insane: :right: :target:

[lefty o]

for value probably a ruger gp-100 357 mag. and actually spending more on a better gun is a better value, at least to me. although i havent seen a bad suggestion in this thread yet.

[jerry]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Logansdad

every time I shoot mine the gripscrews loosen up :insane: :right: :target:

Try a dab of medium strength (Blue) loctite. Degrease first.

[jerry]

Bubba,
What is your over all experience with handguns?
Is this CCW or "night stand" use.
Why a Semi-Auto?

thanks Jer..I think semis because revolvers aren't cool anymore

[lefty o]

heck, as long as they shoot where your aiming they're cool with me.

[jerry]

I like revolvers in SA hunting guns.

You got that right Lefty.

I like them..don't care if they're cool or not :guitar: :gangster:

[oneastrix]

A good auto on a budget.....I would seriously look into the Ruger P series.

[alan c.]

Ditto 1*. I have owned several over the years and have never once been dissapointed.

[Shaun]

RIA 1911A1 about 285 if you find a deal

[GeneCockrell]

Get one of the auto ordinance 45's or get even a used ballester molina 45. these are not bad and certainly less likely to need parts or repair than a DA semi auto. The auto ord is a knockoff copy of the 1911a1 and is a pretty good gun, I have a buddy who put sights, sear, and a group gripper on one, had fired it for a couple thousand rounds with NO problems. You can easily pick one of these up.
The ballester Molina looks like a govt model but has a bunch of internal differences.

http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao_1911wgs_f.html