Best american made auto??

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caz223

New member
I was just reading a thread at shooters, and I think the gist of it is on 9/11 this year, for 'anniversary' some people are gonna ccw american guns for a day.
I just realized I don't have any american autos.
All of my revolvers are american, but my autos are H&K usp compact (.45), a SIG 2340 (357SIG), and a CZ (9mm).
Now I have to have an american auto.
Who makes the best one?
I'm looking to get one in January, and the budget is around $500.00.
But it needs to be as good/better than my current picks.
And hopefully in a caliber I'm not already bored with.
My current caliber choices are .356 TSW, .380, 38 super, 9x21, anything I don't already have, and that's worth having.
I dislike .40, would rather have another 9mm.
***EDIT***
Now that I think about it, I wouldn't mind having an older smith 10mm auto, just for something to do.
Are they in the $500 range?
 
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C

caz223

New member
Already got a .45, but a 10mm colt delta, or a DW pointman major???
Good luck finding a good one for $500.00.
I didn't say it had to be new...
 
V

VVG

New member
I purchased a Smith & Wesson Chief's Special 9 (very compact, 3" barrel) for CCW and also looked at their pistols in the next sizes up. I didn't "Buy American}- I bought it because it was the best fit for my requirements. They look good; they have good triggers and sights; and based on the CS9, area accurate. They have an "economy" series, like the 908 (3.5" barrel 9mm) and 910 (full-size) for around $400. The Tactical series pistols run $500 and up, and the Performance Center pistols are semi-custom and more like $1,000. They have 15 models of 9mm pistols.

I also own a CZ 85 combat, and their is no comparison between the S&W and CZ in terms of workmanship - and you can buy a S&W 910 for nearly the same price. I wish I had!

There are still some knuckle draggers "boycotting" Smith & Wesson, which ignores the fact that S&W is a major subcontractor of forgings and castings to many other U.S. manufacturers, and that this "boycott" only hurts the people who work there, since the prior UK owners bugged out. Smith & Wesson is still one of the top three in supplying Law Enforcement Agencies.
 
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caz223

New member
Alright, a compact smith in 9mm. (Or a used 10mm smith.)
I have two of their revolvers, and can't say I'm unhappy with either.
A circa '91 586 6", and a circa '99 657 7 1/2".
Excellent triggers.
 
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Handy

Moderator
The 2 Ruger .45 models have often been refered to in reviews as the authors' favorite DA .45. They are not elegant, but they are not $500. And they are super reliable.

1911's always just seem like a crap shoot. You never know what sort of odd-ball feeding/reliability problem you're going to get from even people like Kimber.
 
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...

Guest
if you want a true American made auto, then I would go with Ruger, they make nice handguns, and are one of the few true American makers that make a quality pistol for 500 or less

now if you wanted to spend 4000 or less...... the list would go on and on
 
9

9x19

New member
Best American Made Auto?

Ford!

no, wait...

Chevy!

no, wait...

Ford! Definitely FORD!

('cause that's what I have)

:D
 
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cratz2

New member
I think my two Colts and my one Kimber are the only autos I own made in the US of A.

Several Springfields (Forgings in Brazil)
Taurus (Completely in Brazil)
Several EAAs (Italy)
CZ (Check)
Glock (Austria)

Maybe the KelTec. ???
 
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kdmoore

New member
A colt 380 would be my choice. Looks like a caliber you'd like, nothing like a shrunk down 1911. And if you look long enough, you can usually find a used one in the mid 400's.

Your other caliber choices seem to put you over 500. My other suggestion is a 1911 in 38 super or 9x21 and forget about the money. You'll save it in the long run, as you'll be reloading for sure:p

Stand by....
 
K

Kermit

New member
OF the mostly American guns I've tried, I like the Colts, Springfields & Kimbers the best. The S&W's & Rugers just don't feel right in my hands (YMMV)
 
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cheygriz

New member
VVG,

If boycotting S&W, (And Ruger) makes one a knuckle dragger, then I'm very proud to be a knuckle dragger!

Somehow, I've just never been comfortable with spending my money on a product made by people who want to take away my freedom. To me, buying a Smith or Ruger is like supporting Rosie (the oinker) O'Donnell or Sarah Brady.

I don't buy anyhing made by Levi Strauss either.
 
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Tim Whittaker

New member
The best American made Semiauto is, hands down, the SIG 239. They can be had for about $525 around here. And made right in Exeter NH ...........Whit
 
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Brian Busch

New member
The best made semiauto production pistol made in the USA is the SVI Infinity line, period. But you ain't gettin one for $500 thats for sure.

The best value semiauto production pistol made in the USA is probably a Ruger (blech).

Doubt you'll find a 10mm for under $500. Maybe a S&W 1006; or an AMT Javelina (GARBAGE). For a little more you can get a used Colt Delta.
 
P

Penman

New member
Take a look at the S&W 3913. Flat, compact, and good handling. Add a Hogue grip to complete the package.
 
D

Dogger

New member
Lordy! That is an easy question! In post-911 America the hands down best choice, all things considered, is a Colt 45 Auto M1911.

Why?

Because it is American made (the patriotism thing)
Because it is a Colt (the history thing)
It shoots a .45 ACP (THE American handgun cartridge)
It served us faithfully through two world wars, Korea, Viet Nam, and a host of other places (God Bless the Greatest Generation, and all our other warriors)
It was designed by Browning (Amen!)
Despite what you hear, they are almost always 100% reliable out of the box. (At least every one I have shot)
 
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