More specifically a semi-auto "full size" handgun.  No mouse guns.

These are the features I desire in the handgun:

Reliability
Good front and rear sights
Longevity (meaning I want a work horse, not a princess)

I originally considered P-320 and Glocks 17 and 19

I'm a novice to semi-autos so I really don't know much about what's out there and would appreciate input, advice, and experiences from the members here.

Most likely than not the gun will be used as a range toy and for recreational shooting. 

Thanks in advance!
 

i just recently purchased a Sig P365 X MACRO...Will test it out next week in Las Vegas!  Should be a Winner!

17 round mags...with Compensator.....BTW when i bring mags back, will be restricted to 10 rounds...

Aloha!

I can share what I like about each having experience with both sig (p365) and Glock (45).  The field strip can be more humbug with the sig as theres a few more things going on at once compared to the glock, disassembling the trigger group (glock) or fire control group (sig) is where I prefer the Glock due to simplicity getting a deep clean. 

The advantage of being modular definitely goes to the sig because of the serialized part being the fire control group (trigger assembly) and not the grip module (frame).  For example, one could buy a standard p365 and later on if a larger XL sized pistol is desired, you can then purchase additional XL size grip module (frame), slide, barrel, recoil spring, and magazine adapter plates and have essentially a micro-compact 365 AND the larger XL size or combine both to get a p365X. I'm not 100% certain but with Glocks I believe you would have to buy both a G43, G48, and G43X to have the same effect.

There might be even more modular options within the p320 size vs the p365 size fire control group as well so you could change your pistol size based on your needs at the time i.e. full-size, mid-size, compact all amongst the p320 size fire control group.

Reliability wise I believe they are both very reliable.  I have not had any issues yet with only basic maintenance and cleaning after every session. round count each is 1800 G45 and 1200 p365 fired any ammo put thru it federal, pmc bronze, remington umc, fiocchi, blazer, speer lawman, speer gold dot, & some handloads.

For sights, you can always change those to suit your needs/liking.

I see more Glock parts than sig parts on the LGS shelves in regard to small replacement parts.

Glock magazines are much cheaper than sig magazines.  OEM Glock mags can be had for $25-30ish, Pmags for Glock  $10-12,  and the sig magazines are $40-50 each.   

Personally I am staying way from the P320s for now because of the issues I've heard/read about Un-commanded/unintentional discharges and sig blames some internal failure whether it be a weakened spring or something else.

If you have funding for a Sig P226, that is definitely a nice tool to fulfill a full-size metal frame pistol, I've seen going around $1500-$1700.

More specifically a semi-auto "full size" handgun.  No mouse guns.

These are the features I desire in the handgun:

Reliability
Good front and rear sights
Longevity (meaning I want a work horse, not a princess)

I originally considered P-320 and Glocks 17 and 19

I'm a novice to semi-autos so I really don't know much about what's out there and would appreciate input, advice, and experiences from the members here.

Most likely than not the gun will be used as a range toy and for recreational shooting. 

Thanks in advance!
 

Based on that, a Glock 17 is an all around performer, proven, and plenty of aftermarket support.  For the sights, you can get a model with night sights.  I can always help swap out the sights to any version you choose.

SNIP

The advantage of being modular definitely goes to the sig because of the serialized part being the fire control group (trigger assembly) and not the grip module (frame).  For example, one could buy a standard p365 and later on if a larger XL sized pistol is desired, you can then purchase additional XL size grip module (frame), slide, barrel, recoil spring, and magazine adapter plates and have essentially a micro-compact 365 AND the larger XL size or combine both to get a p365X. I'm not 100% certain but with Glocks I believe you would have to buy both a G43, G48, and G43X to have the same effect.

43 not parts/frame compatible with 48 and 43x.  I learned that the hard way when ordering a mag catch for a 43 that was sale.    There are also other slight variations in dimensions, so stuff like mags not compatible. 

1911
there are cheap ones that may not function too well.  and there are ones that cost 2 grand and up that work great.  and there are ones that are around $1k-1500 that function great
I really like the new Springfield Operator which goes for around $1k.  I have the older Range Officer Operator that has run flawlessly for years.  also have a Loaded Operator which has been flawless as well
its hard to beat the SA trigger on a 1911.  I've had ones that the trigger is from 2-4 lbs, short and crisp
besides revolvers, I love me some 1911 

if you don't want a 1911 at this point in time, then from my experience, I would recommend the HK45 or HKP30L.  different trigger options for each gun, LEM DA trigger or the DA/SA trigger with decocker and safety or no safety
some people like the trigger, some do not

Glock is good too.  a lot of aftermarket parts for Glocks

Recommend you first settle on a caliber.  Since you mentioned P320, G17 and G19, I might deduce you are looking for a 9mm, but I don't want to assume.   

If that's the first criterion -- i.e. 9mm -- then next is budget.  You don't have to be specific, but a price range helps narrow the field even more.

Lastly, you need to try a sampling of various brands and models.  Personally, I'm a Sig supporter.  The ergonomics of their main models really fit my hand and feel more natural than a Block.  Having said that, not all Glocks are created equal.  I prefer my G17 over my G30 and G26, just on ergonomics alone.  The G19 isn't much different than the G17 for feel IMHO.  if you aren't experimenting with the Glock removable backstraps to find the best fit for you, you're limiting yourself.

I can't talk bad about a good quality 1911, either.  That's the "feel" all other pistols are compared to, because most people I know find a 1911 easy to shoot well -- even in ,45ACP.

If I had to rank order my personally-owned semi-autos (current and past), the list would be:

Sig P226 MK25 9mm
Sig P320 Full Size 9mm
Sig Nightmare 1911 Fastback .45ACP
Glock 17 9mm
Glock 26 9mm
Glock 30 Gen3 .45ACP

I'd rather spend a few hundred more for a Sig I like over any Glock.  Just my own experience, of course. 

I didn't get into Semi-autos for a very long time.  Finally started about 2010.  I bought Glocks because I didn't know any better, and Glocks were a better value feature-for-feature compared to many others.  When you first start out, you tend to follow the folks who've been doing it for decades.

I know Hickok45 is a HUGE Glock fanboy.  His videos helped persuade me to try Glock.  After watching him for a few years, I've realized he's never met a firearm he didn't like (unless it malfunctioned on him!).

Striker-fired guns are the standard now as far as I can tell.  The simpler design might reduce operator error and potential malfunctions. 

If I were to choose a full size for home defense, it's my P226.  If I carry a full-size for CCW, it would be the P320.  Lighter and striker-fired, and the ergonomics are on par with the P226.

Also, with the P320, you can alter the pistol size (Full, Compact, etc.), caliber, and barrel length by swapping parts with the same registered trigger module.  If you want a full size for HD and range practice, get that. Then get a Compact X-Change kit to make it more CCW friendly.  If you only need one pistol at a time, it's a real money and "gun law hassle" saver.

Sights are subjective.  Many are adopting the Red Dots now.  You might want to "future proof" yours by getting one with a RDS cut slide and tall/suppressor-height sights.

Recommend you first settle on a caliber.  Since you mentioned P320, G17 and G19, I might deduce you are looking for a 9mm, but I don't want to assume.   

If that's the first criterion -- i.e. 9mm -- then next is budget.  You don't have to be specific, but a price range helps narrow the field even more.

Lastly, you need to try a sampling of various brands and models.  Personally, I'm a Sig supporter.  The ergonomics of their main models really fit my hand and feel more natural than a Block.  Having said that, not all Glocks are created equal.  I prefer my G17 over my G30 and G26, just on ergonomics alone.  The G19 isn't much different than the G17 for feel IMHO.  if you aren't experimenting with the Glock removable backstraps to find the best fit for you, you're limiting yourself.

I can't talk bad about a good quality 1911, either.  That's the "feel" all other pistols are compared to, because most people I know find a 1911 easy to shoot well -- even in ,45ACP.

If I had to rank order my personally-owned semi-autos (current and past), the list would be:

Sig P226 MK25 9mm
Sig P320 Full Size 9mm
Sig Nightmare 1911 Fastback .45ACP
Glock 17 9mm
Glock 26 9mm
Glock 30 Gen3 .45ACP

I'd rather spend a few hundred more for a Sig I like over any Glock.  Just my own experience, of course. 

I didn't get into Semi-autos for a very long time.  Finally started about 2010.  I bought Glocks because I didn't know any better, and Glocks were a better value feature-for-feature compared to many others.  When you first start out, you tend to follow the folks who've been doing it for decades.

I know Hickok45 is a HUGE Glock fanboy.  His videos helped persuade me to try Glock.  After watching him for a few years, I've realized he's never met a firearm he didn't like (unless if malfunctioned on him!).

Striker-fired guns are the standard now as far as I can tell.  The simpler design might reduce operator error and potential malfunctions. 

If I were to choose a full size for home defense, it's my P226.  If I carry a full-size for CCW, it would be the P320.  Lighter and striker-fired, and the ergonomics are on par with the P226.

Also, with the P320, you can alter the pistol size (Full, Compact, etc.), caliber, and barrel length by swapping parts with the same registered trigger module.  If you want a full size for HD and range practice, get that. Then get a Compact X-Change kit to make it more CCW friendly.  If you only need one pistol at a time, it's a real money and "gun law hassle" saver.

Sights are subjective.  Many are adopting the Red Dots now.  You might want to "future proof" yours by getting one with a RDS cut slide and tall/suppressor-height sights.

I do like the Sig P series modularity.  ability to change grip modules, slides, barrels.  like having more than 1 gun size with just 1 gun

Desert Eagle

Sent from my SM-A102U using Tapatalk

Durable, reliable Range toy…1911.
They are fun. And accurate. And they’re .45’s. 

(Biased opinion of course.)
Come to think of it I wouldn’t mind getting a 1911 in 9mm.

Durable, reliable Range toy…1911.
They are fun. And accurate. And they’re .45’s. 

(Biased opinion of course.)
Come to think of it I wouldn’t mind getting a 1911 in 9mm.

I've been thinking of one in 9mm too.   

Recommend you first settle on a caliber.  Since you mentioned P320, G17 and G19, I might deduce you are looking for a 9mm, but I don't want to assume.   

If that's the first criterion -- i.e. 9mm -- then next is budget.  You don't have to be specific, but a price range helps narrow the field even more.

Lastly, you need to try a sampling of various brands and models.  Personally, I'm a Sig supporter.  The ergonomics of their main models really fit my hand and feel more natural than a Block.  Having said that, not all Glocks are created equal.  I prefer my G17 over my G30 and G26, just on ergonomics alone.  The G19 isn't much different than the G17 for feel IMHO.  if you aren't experimenting with the Glock removable backstraps to find the best fit for you, you're limiting yourself.

I can't talk bad about a good quality 1911, either.  That's the "feel" all other pistols are compared to, because most people I know find a 1911 easy to shoot well -- even in ,45ACP.

If I had to rank order my personally-owned semi-autos (current and past), the list would be:

Sig P226 MK25 9mm
Sig P320 Full Size 9mm
Sig Nightmare 1911 Fastback .45ACP
Glock 17 9mm
Glock 26 9mm
Glock 30 Gen3 .45ACP

I'd rather spend a few hundred more for a Sig I like over any Glock.  Just my own experience, of course. 

I didn't get into Semi-autos for a very long time.  Finally started about 2010.  I bought Glocks because I didn't know any better, and Glocks were a better value feature-for-feature compared to many others.  When you first start out, you tend to follow the folks who've been doing it for decades.

I know Hickok45 is a HUGE Glock fanboy.  His videos helped persuade me to try Glock.  After watching him for a few years, I've realized he's never met a firearm he didn't like (unless if malfunctioned on him!).

Striker-fired guns are the standard now as far as I can tell.  The simpler design might reduce operator error and potential malfunctions. 

If I were to choose a full size for home defense, it's my P226.  If I carry a full-size for CCW, it would be the P320.  Lighter and striker-fired, and the ergonomics are on par with the P226.

Also, with the P320, you can alter the pistol size (Full, Compact, etc.), caliber, and barrel length by swapping parts with the same registered trigger module.  If you want a full size for HD and range practice, get that. Then get a Compact X-Change kit to make it more CCW friendly.  If you only need one pistol at a time, it's a real money and "gun law hassle" saver.

Sights are subjective.  Many are adopting the Red Dots now.  You might want to "future proof" yours by getting one with a RDS cut slide and tall/suppressor-height sights.

Thank you Flapp!

Wow.  A wealth of information and experience.  Yeah, I'm thinking of a 9mm.  Also, I'm willing to pay up towards the 1.5K range. 

Thanks to all of you for your opinions and experiences.  NOW I AM CONSIDERING 1911'S ALSO!!! 

aletheuo137's Desert Eagle looks awesome!   But I think I'll pass (my wrist hurts just looking at it)

OP - For your pricy range and open to other than striker fired guns, you can try my 1911 9 mm and CZ SP-01 Shadow Target 2. 

Since you’d have to go through the PTA and reg process, might as well get multiple pistols. 

CZ there’s another one.

The HK P30 series would get my vote. Has great ergonomics, ambi controls and are very reliable. My only gripe is the trigger isn't great, but there are some aftermarket parts you can drop in to mitigate this.

More specifically a semi-auto "full size" handgun.  No mouse guns.

,,,,,

Most likely than not the gun will be used as a range toy and for recreational shooting. 

Thanks in advance!
 

Magnum Research Desert Eagle.  is that "Full Size" enough?

I would recommend a version with the Integral Muzzle Brake.  I also recommend the 44 Magnum over the 50AE.  JMHO.  The 44M is range toy enough, the 50 is just brutal, even with the IMB.  and then there's ammo availability.  But be advised, the Desert Eagle is finicky on ammo choices, needs to be Full Power loads, not mouse loads.  Otherwise you'll spend the day doing malfunction clearing drills.

if you decide after getting the 44M, that you want the 50, it's just a barrel swap and a 50AE-specific mag.

in all seriousness, might be over-the-top.  but solidly, definitely in the category of "Range Toy", right?  If anything, this is nothing but a Range Toy.  Isn't it on your bucket list, too?  perfect Christmas present for yourself, go ahead, admit it, you've always wanted one.  no shame in that, except for maybe the gold tiger stripes.  We're all grown up adults here, well, most of us.  Some of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we grow up, even those that are retired.

gratuitous motivational pic:

Glock is always a good option for magazine commonality/availability, and spare/aftermarket parts availability. And just all around reliability. But they are not the most ergonomic of handguns.

Most of my handguns are striker fired. But I think my favorite off the shelf handgun I have tried so far is the CZP10c. It shoots really nice. Has decent controls and the trigger is better than my glocks. And it comes with useable metal luminescent stock sights.

I would recommend CZP10c for mid size and CZp10f for dull size if you want to go striker fired route.

And I have also shot, but do not own CZ shadow 2’s and they are really nice full size, but will cost you more $ and are hammer fired. And the basic hammer fired models for CZ are also a good option from what I hear.

More specifically a semi-auto "full size" handgun.  No mouse guns.

These are the features I desire in the handgun:

Reliability
Good front and rear sights
Longevity (meaning I want a work horse, not a princess)

I originally considered P-320 and Glocks 17 and 19

I'm a novice to semi-autos so I really don't know much about what's out there and would appreciate input, advice, and experiences from the members here.

Most likely than not the gun will be used as a range toy and for recreational shooting. 

Thanks in advance!
 

Sig P320, G17, G19:  those are solid choices.

OP - For your pricy range and open to other than striker fired guns, you can try my 1911 9 mm and CZ SP-01 Shadow Target 2. 

Since you’d have to go through the PTA and reg process, might as well get multiple pistols. 

.

I remember when I took the Handgun safety certification course that one needs to get a handgun.  The instructor had a whole bunch of different handguns and one of them was a 9mm 1911 but I forgot what brand gun it was.

I liked shooting it.  It wasn't as snappy as the others, but to be fair some of the others were more compact pistols, I know one of them was the G43 but don't know what configuration.

Too bad the range is closed.  Would love to try your pistols.

Magnum Research Desert Eagle.  is that "Full Size" enough?

I would recommend a version with the Integral Muzzle Brake.  I also recommend the 44 Magnum over the 50AE.  JMHO.  The 44M is range toy enough, the 50 is just brutal, even with the IMB.  and then there's ammo availability.  But be advised, the Desert Eagle is finicky on ammo choices, needs to be Full Power loads, not mouse loads.  Otherwise you'll spend the day doing malfunction clearing drills.

if you decide after getting the 44M, that you want the 50, it's just a barrel swap and a 50AE-specific mag.

in all seriousness, might be over-the-top.  but solidly, definitely in the category of "Range Toy", right?  If anything, this is nothing but a Range Toy.  Isn't it on your bucket list, too?  perfect Christmas present for yourself, go ahead, admit it, you've always wanted one.  no shame in that, except for maybe the gold tiger stripes.  We're all grown up adults here, well, most of us.  Some of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we grow up, even those that are retired.

gratuitous motivational pic:

One never should say never.......   I do have a .44 magnum revolver and a hunk of .44 ammo laying in the safe......