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What features do you look for in judging the quality of a semi-automatic handgun? Either design features or materials used.

The first thing I usually look at (and not just with firearms) is the length of the warrantee. Short ones don't always indicate a poor quality product, but I've found it to be a good starting point.

The manufacturing process is important. Milled parts are almost always of higher quality and precision that cast parts. Honestly though, I still believe feel is one of the best measures of quality. An action that feels good is going to be smooth, and demonstrates tight tolerances, which are indicative of quality.

English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

For me, with a handgun, what I am looking for is reliability and consistency.

Rather than looking at any specific element I do the following.

1. Don't buy new guns immediately following their release. Semi-automatic handguns often have problems with new designs that are not found until they get into wide use in the field. They can usually be resolved but I don't want to be the guy risking my life on it.
2. Ensure they are manufactured by reputable companies. You will spend a little more for Sig than a hi-point but if you need to decide if that money is worth it. This, in part, depends on what you will be doing with the gun.
3. Perhaps most importantly, read first hand accounts of people using the gun and what issues they have had. Every gun will have some number of issues but it certainly worth comparing the volume of complaints. Make sure you look for recent accounts as many guns have "teething" issues on initial release as mentioned above.

dalto wrote:2. Ensure they are manufactured by reputable companies.

That was the first point I was going to make. Some companies are known for taking care of their customers. Some are not. Reputation matters a lot to me.

Every company will have a certain percentage of weapons with a flaw. We never know when we buy a new weapon whether we just bought a problem or not. The difference is, the company that stands behind their product and takes care of their customer will make it right.

fishfree wrote:What features do you look for in judging the quality of a semi-automatic handgun?

Reliability
Accuracy
Durability

texasmusic wrote:English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

That eliminates all the companies in the USA.

texasmusic wrote:English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

That would eliminate Springfield XDs and XDMs which are all made in Croatia. I'm sure there are other fine pistols your ban would eliminate from the market.

The Annoyed Man wrote:

texasmusic wrote:English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

That would eliminate Springfield XDs and XDMs which are all made in Croatia. I'm sure there are other fine pistols your ban would eliminate from the market.

It's inclusive not exclusive. And not really a rule but in my opinion it is an indicator of quality. Making of a gun overseas is a cost cutting measure which may not show up in the final product but should be taken into account if we're trying to create broad categories which apply to quality guns.

It's almost like saying more expensive guns will tend to be of higher quality.

1. John Browning design
2. 1911
3. 1911

The Annoyed Man wrote:

texasmusic wrote:English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

That would eliminate Springfield XDs and XDMs which are all made in Croatia. I'm sure there are other fine pistols your ban would eliminate from the market.

I can't judge how other people spend their money. But I kinda feel that buying guns from not made in America is sorta like giving aid and comfort to the enemy. I understand the cold war is supposed to be over, but I still haven't got over it. Made in the USA still means something, and guns are one of the few quality items still made in this country.

That being said, The Europeans do make some nice guns, and the best shotgun I ever had was a Belgium made Browning that I once owned. And I have been tempted by a couple of Brazilian Taurus` and my Beretta's although American made are Italian designed.

TLE2 wrote:1. John Browning design
2. 1911
3. 1911

Liberty wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:

texasmusic wrote:English (or german) is the official language where they are made.

That would eliminate Springfield XDs and XDMs which are all made in Croatia. I'm sure there are other fine pistols your ban would eliminate from the market.

I can't judge how other people spend their money. But I kinda feel that buying guns from not made in America is sorta like giving aid and comfort to the enemy. I understand the cold war is supposed to be over, but I still haven't got over it. Made in the USA still means something, and guns are one of the few quality items still made in this country.

That being said, The Europeans do make some nice guns, and the best shotgun I ever had was a Belgium made Browning that I once owned. And I have been tempted by a couple of Brazilian Taurus` and my Beretta's although American made are Italian designed.

I own a Brazilian made Springfield Loaded, and my son owns a Brazilian made Taurus PT1911AR. I do generally understand "Buy American," but in another thread, I pointed out that even American Nissan dealerships tell me that my Japanese built '02 Pathfinder is a better built vehicle than the '02 Pathfinders built in Smyrna, Tennessee and to hold onto it as long as I can.

I want to buy American, and I do when quality options are available (i.e. my American made Kimber Ultra, S&W M&P45, Kahr PM9, etc., etc.) at competitive prices. BTW, my Springfield Loaded was purchased used from a forum member, and my son couldn't afford the buy-in for an American made 1911 with all the features that came on his Taurus.

I am a patriotic American. I am also a consumer who expects to get quality at a competitive price. We make great guns here in the U.S., but not all of them are competitively priced. American manufacturers need to be mindful of that and not squeeze American consumers under the guise of an appeal to patriotism.....just because they can.