I would've been pissed AF if spent that kind of coin on a firearm platform and be totally dissatisfied with it. I would demand my money back from the company, lol~ Even though the company will not honor my request. It's ridiculous that a pistol that is custom-made will not perform to the level of expectations after one has paid so much money for it...
Non sense. The scar is a smooth shooting rifle, accurate, light and super durable. Cons are price..should be 2k not 3k, and parts availability which is a pain in the balls. I bought my scar 16s about 10 years ago for $2500. Currently own multiple ARs and love my bcm 14.5 recce but the scar is more accurate and more fun to shoot still.
I bought the Girson 1911, because of your video, and was not disappointed. As soon as I bought it I handed it off to my gunsmith's wife, she is our 1911 Goddess, and she gave it back to me with a 3 pound trigger and custom barrel bushing. Man, that puppy shoots!!!!!
I actually think i'm hooked on the turkish 1911's , i had to be completely honest with myself and my mc1911s is actually a better pistol than another much more expensive 1911 i own, put sights on it and use the sig1911 mags in it and that friggen thing can eat mixed ammo mags that will jam my custom everytime. Hint: i should have never bought from a New York state manufacturer cause that gun is nothing more than lipstick on a pig!
My Taurus TX-22 is my big surprise. I like mostly higher end stuff, and have never had any interest in Taurus, especially for 9mm etc. I picked up the TX-22 during the great ammo shortage because of some good reviews and as something fun to play with for introducing new shooters and man that pistol is fantastic! There are a LOT of .22 pistols in my family, and this is hands down my favorite and pretty much everybody else's. Great egos, full capacity mag, and it just eats any type of ammo all day long without malfunctioning. Great firearm at great price.
I love my TX-22 as well. Great trainer. It has allowed me to help several people learn about shooting a pistol. Including my daughter and my fiancé used it to pass her concealed class… and has now taken ownership of my TP9SF… which means I get to buy a METE, right? 😂
My surprise was Nighthawk, I did a 2011 style from them, they sent a gun missing work done on the barrel and a overcut chamber, to where it wasn’t safe to shoot. For near $5k, I shouldn’t have to worry about that.
God bless my dad (rip) When I was dirt poor and got a job in security in Austin Tx, he gave me his 1958 Browing Hi Power (Belgian made thank you). The most accurate and intuitive shooting handgun I own to this day.
@@ricksworlddereaux2397 who cares if it’s a weak caliber. I would rather a .32/7.65 over a .22 or .25 any day. And I wouldn’t choose to stand in front of ANY of them. But if you’re talking anything but a fun gun to shoot the just go for a sub-compact 9 and call it a day.
CIA makes a clone and it's shoots pretty well too. Chambered in 9mm Makarov, my dad had it for years and it's the one gun I wanted when he passed besides the Finnish Mosin he had. I love that little 9mm.
I don't like surprises with firearms. Almost always a bad surprise. That's why I watch your channel. And that's why I've had no complaints about the purchases made based on your recommendations.
KentuckBallistics might argue that there are worse surprises than just a click. I hate seeing guns break, but as long as they don't explode, it's fairly safe, even if broken.
Extar EP9 surprised me. I bought one based on your review and I knew it would be good. I just didnt realize HOW good it would be. Light recoil and extremely accurate. I had some QC issues but nothing I couldnt fix. The bottom rail and the muzzle brake came loose. Just used some Loctite blue and tightened them down.
Nice. I tried to buy one a few years ago and just couldn't find one in stock (pandemic). I ended up going with a PSA gen 4 (4") and put an 8.5" barrel on it... That little gun is dead nuts
Same. I bought one for my first pcc based on Outlaw’s review. It has held up well and is blast to shoot. My wife likes it so much that claimed it and now I’m in the market for a new pcc.
I have been buying modern hunting/precision rifles for a while and have loved most of them. But I bought an old Remington 700 BDL made in 1971 just because it was $400. I figured it was too old and too used to still be accurate.... That gun is easily the most accurate gun I own!!! It holds a tighter group than my Bergaras and that is saying a lot.
I inherited a 700 BDL in .243, made in 1976 or so.. its still new in box. I was debating on what to do with it, but sounds like shooting it may be the best?
I love my Sig P365 that I just purchased. 3 years of training with handguns has made all the difference. I can now shoot a micro compact without issue. If you're new to shooting start with a full size handgun and work your way down as needed. Larger guns shoot better but they are not as easy to carry.
I disliked my 365xl (with red dot) for a long time. I almost traded it in several times and ended keeping it. I eventually warmed up to it but i still regret spending nearly 1k on it. Just not worth it. That's not to say it's a bad gun by any means though, it's actually good. I just prefer others
I’m new to shooting I’d love some intensive training. More than a class here & there. Not sure what to look for. I’ll need to save my $ for awhile as I’ll likely have to travel, get a hotel, etc. Any tips on finding an academy/training center are welcome. I’m not confident enough to carry yet. 🙁
@@naughtystep9856 one guy doing some really good training is Scott Jedlinski, and his RU-vid Channel is Modern Samurai Project. He's a red dot focused, concealed carry trainer, and I've seen several collaborations he's done with other channels. I was quite impressed with how explained things and his attitudes and methods of teaching. Not gonna be a cheap course, but probably one of the best ones going. Hope this helps!
@@naughtystep9856 I would save the money and train more close to home for now. Going to the range 3 to 4 times a month made a huge difference for me. Getting 4,000+ shots down range in my first year of training increased my skills exponentially. Now I feel like I'm ready for a more intense multi day training program.
I thought 45acp was for another generation but got into it this past year after inheriting an HK45 and absolutely love it. Never touch my nines anymore I find them kinda boring now and got into reloading 45 as well (im all in). HK45 is a beast and so much fun.
same way with me, my dad got into 1911s and I shot one just for kicks (it was a turkish knockoff one he got for like 450$) and holy cow it was awesome, I was plugging holes dead center at 25yrds, need to get a 45 and Ive been looking at the Hk
My first 1911, the TISAS 1911 A1, around $400 and a great shooter, didn’t want to spend a ton of money for a gun to be used occasionally, and I find myself taking it to the range every other time
I've personally had a few that have had me say, "wow, that is really something." The most notable for me was my Citadel 1911 Government in .45 ACP. While the stock mags were not very reliable, switching to Chip McCormack, Wilson Combat, and Springfield Armory magazines has led to almost perfect reliability and the accuracy has been astounding. It's on par with my brother's Dan Wesson PointMan 45 and it costs under $600! Then there's the Sig P365 that shocked me with its accuracy. My Sig P320F in .40 S&W has been THE BEST .40 S&W I've ever shot and accurate beyond what its price would suggest. My FN FNX-45 which became a favorite from my first magazine. But to me, the biggest and most pleasant surprise has been Magnum Research's BFR single action revolvers. Off the shelf, all 3 of mine have had cylinder gaps under 0.005", triggers under 3 lbs., and shot groups that make you rub your eyes and make sure you're not dreaming. And all for less than $1,500 which will typically be cheaper than a S&W from their Performance Center. You simply cannot get this kind of performance from a revolver without buying a Freedom Arms revolver or having one custom made. And that will be at least 3 grand!
OK, I was on the fence regarding Freedom Arms. Those are excellent tolerances. I love revolvers. I have spent some money getting my Ruger single action worked on to get good accuracy (cylinders). Thanks.
The beretta px4 storm surprised me in a good way. I picked one up from gander for $350 when they went out of business in my area. I had low expectations but it shot well and it’s one of my favorite da/sa guns.
I love my full size PX4 Storm in 40 Cal. Great accuracy and low felt recoil. The gun allowed me to shoot so well, that my Instructor let me stop early when doing the hands on portion of the CCL class I was in.
I recently bought an S&W M&P Shield 45. I was impressed with its smoothness and lack of recoil. I expected a greater recoil from a smaller framed .45 caliber but was thoroughly surprised that the recoil was not what I expected.
Another gun that surprised me in a good way is the Taurus TX22 competition. The accuracy, the trigger and the fun factor is off the chart. I also have a Ruger 22/45, both with the same exact red dot, and I’ll pick that TX22 every time.
@@pcpolice7937 Mine didn’t come with a red dot, nor is it optics ready. Rather than have a gunsmith mount a red dot directly to the slide, I’m looking for a light/laser combo that fits on the rail. In case I don’t like it for some reason. I contacted Canik customer service for suggestions. They responded quickly. Good luck!
I was stunned by how well my canik elite sc shoots. I've added a micro red dot, and it comes loaded with extras and an unreal trigger for a striker fired polymer 9mm. I've heard of some feeding problems, but I'm at 800 rounds and not one failure. Using 115 gr fmj to 147 gr jhp
I managed to snag a canik tp9sf for just under 400 tax included. Almost 400 rounds through it so far and only 7 malfunctions, six of them from the same box of ammo. Super happy with the purchase
That's probably gonna be next purchase eventually. Had to sell my G20 a few years back & miss it so much. Haven't owned a pistol since so when I get around to it made up my mind based solely on watching HO here & reading the comments.
I have one also. Been wanting a review for over a year. lol I thought when he got the Beretta it would be on. NOT. lol I was glad to see him buying Girsan & doing reviews. Since this is in my financial price point if I want to buy a new gun & not have to wait & save forever. And then find myself unhappy with spending more money. When I could have bought 2 clones for the same amount. And just tweaked them to get the same standards or better. as original.. .
@@m1a1abrams93 So far i have girsan number 1 for bang for the buck, i have a mc1911s that i did a little work to(very little) and it's incredible how good a pistol it is.
What a good, honest video! You told everyone the honest truth, and it was fun to hear / watch. Your getting messed over with the $4000 handgun, that bites, but you told us how it was. Thanks. You are an honest outlaw like your channel name. Thanks.
The 3 caniks that I own (SFX, sc, executive) for being cheaper firearms that I’ve shot these are my absolute favorites. Yes the executive is a little up there in price compared to the others but that thing is still absolutely awesome
@@Ali-7676 I just purchased a Sar9 also and would gladly buy another. $249 w/$30 rebate ... The rebate is an electronic email debit card kind of. I am not sure how I can use it though. I don't know by reading the instructions because it says to make sure you charge the full amount at one time and not sure where to use it like that. Maybe I will go buy an extra mag or something from SAR ?!?
@@t.k.morris man, you got a deal! I paid $479 for mine. Worth it, but hate the feeling of getting ripped off. A month later they out it in sale for $329. Extra Mags are hard to find as of right now.
The gun that surprised me was the Glock 43x. I know glocks are great, but I just don't like the way they feel, and I don't like that I have to "tune" them to feel good. The 43x is the lone exception. It's the only Glock that felt good in my hand, with a trigger that was actually pretty good. I thought I was going to hate it, ended up thinking it was pretty damn great.
Have you shot a 19x? I’ve always felt the same way about Glocks, most of them don’t fit my hands and aren’t pleasant to shoot. The 19x is the exception, I love mine (haven’t shot a 43x yet, we’ll see if that’s an exception too)
@@basedWisco715 I haven't, but I'll definitely give it a try if one comes to my club. I have shot a G19, but maybe I was a little spoiled for it because I've been carrying a P10c for some time now, and it feels like the way I want a G19 to feel, but I didn't have to upgrade anything to get it there.
I'm still surprised by how enjoyable my Beretta Neos is to shoot. Could use a better trigger but the gun is as good or better as any other 22 pistol under $600 that I have shot. Bought as a joke because it looks like something off of Star Trek
They are on par or dare I say better than some of the top 22’s from a reliability standpoint. Typical Beretta, even if the gun isn’t perfect/cutting edge, they simply work and last a long time.
I've had my Neos since '94. Extremely accurate and cycles on even bucket rounds. I originally bought it because of the looks too, different than anything. Now I need an Alien just to go with the looks.
I had one. Agree it was fun to shoot and fairly accurate but mine literally started to fall apart after ~2k rounds. Extractor flew off, pins started to come out, etc.
Palmetto has really surprised me lately with a number of rifles… in the last year I’ve seen about 6 and they all function 100% of the time and held sub-minute accuracy! Pretty great for a $500-$600 firearm!
CANik TP9SFx still surprises me. Accurate. Nice trigger break. Heavy recoil spring, but after a couple hundred rounds of 124 grain Turkish NATO ammo it shoots everything I feed it.
M9A3, I wanted a big meaty full size pistol but never liked the huge grips of the M9. After picking the A3 I was impressed, it's absolutely awesome and a dream to shoot. Put the Beretta skeletonized hammer and Wilson Combat guide rod in it. It also convinced my buddy that he wants an A4 now, and he didn't wanna like it.
@357MAGNOLE I believe that, I originally was gonna get a Brigadier when they came out but eventually broke down and went A3. Now I want a 92x compact for CC
I bought a S&W shield 9mm in 2016, because I wanted a single stack, (that's the only way to get a slim pistol back then) carry pistol. The thing just fucking runs, never malfunctions, had kids shoot it with a terrible limp wrist, till I could correct them.. eats any type of ammo from 115 to 147 grain, fmj, hollow points, everything. Love it.
Honestly, my Windham weaponry impressed me. I got it to have a cheap AR that I could beat the crap out of. When I shot it, I loved it. Easily shoots as well, if not better than my FN and sig. it is now my #1 go to rifle. Great gun and company
Hey Chris! Love your channel. Couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to buy a CZ 75 sp01 shadow (almost new .. less than 200rds) at a ridiculous price. And boy, I knew you were a fan, but never thought it'd be this great, what a gun!!!
I did the same, upgraded grips as Chris did, and changed to single action flat trigger….lost double action, but wow 2mm reset and never have I had a single issue with 2000 rounds…it eats it all and is so accurate. I want the p07 for edc next but haven’t seen one in a while.
Me too, very underrated firearm, imo. Send your slide off to have it milled for a red dot. you will have something that can compete with some rifles. Also look at the Cajun gun works barrel bushing. You won't believe the groups. Shadow 2 is great too, but I kept my iron sights for flexibility.
The PPK is such a timeless design. If it was in 9mm I would consider it as a survival gun - like throw it in a backpack and you could find ammo for it after a fallout LOL! On the other hand, there are some Turkish CZ 75 clones I really hope you get your hands on in the future. I'm really keen on your verdict.
I'm still waiting for the Beretta & Girsan Regard MC BX comparison. I think he would find the budget friendly Girsan to match or to be better than the Beretta.
One that really surprised me is the Sig P238. For a small 380 I expected the recoil to be a little excessive. Surprisingly it was not at all. In fact my wife carry’s it because of that. Very nice pocket carry pistol.
The Walther Creed for me. Picked one up in my early days of gun ownership, not knowing anything about it or budget pistols in its range. Now that I have seen a few more years and guns, I realize this thing punches way outside of its weight class. It's no m&p 2.0, but it works every time and is more accurate than half the people that have fired it.
I just got a Walther Creed 9mm and love the ergonomics of it in my hand. I was lucky to find a left over new model for $285 + Shipping & Taxes. I think that it is a great value for that price regardless and very comfortable.
I own a few Saint Victor's, that is surprising. I haven't had those type of issues at all. I really like mine. I have 2 of the 5.56 caliber and 1 .308. Too bad you got a lemon. Now you have me interested in that damn CMMG 4 6. At first I saw a couple of reviews and I kind of skipped over them or didn't watch them at all but I listened to your review and it caught my attention.
I watch your video that had the Beretta apx centurion in it and I fell in love with the looks of it (rib for her pleasure) pick one up for $325. And have no regrets shoots great it's my carry gun now.
I was pleasantly surprised by the M&P M2.0 Compact. Everyone shits on the trigger and recommends the Apex, so I bought it fully expecting to replace the trigger. The trigger is different, but I jive with it for whatever reason. I bought it primarily as a bigger carry gun, but it turns out to be the gun I personally shoot the best (better than my Beretta 92 and Glock 34)
I picked a used compact 4" in 40 SW for a great deal. It came with the Apex already and man it's amazing! Easy to shoot for a .40. The grip texturing makes it easy to lock down. And it comes with 4 different grip options which is means your gf and giant-handed friend can all shoot it.
Did a lot of research on my Canik TP9 elite SC I’m a casual shooter you know 100 rounds a month and I saw mixed reviews. Some people had critical failures or absolutely loved the gun and I’ve been nothing but happy with my purchase as it was also my first ever Handgun purchase
I have a psa akv in 7.62x39. People seem not to like it but I have really enjoyed the gun and have had no issues. I really want a Bren 2. I have heard so many good things about it.
Just now have the chance to let you know that after you reviewed the Girsan 1911 I picked one up for $521 out the door. Like you, I was very happy the way it shot. Thanks again for the review and recommendation.
The last three pistols that I’ve bought (SFX, TX22 Comp, P01) have all been amazing guns. There’s been little surprise as to how good they really are since it was your videos that inspired me to get them in the first place.
I bought an Expert right after watching your review. I installed the magwell, talon grips, Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight and picked up 4 18rd steel mags. I have to agree; the thing is just right! It’s very accurate, the slide is light as hell; it’s just a cool pistol period
I am an AR guy and have owned many different makes and models through the years. I'm also an old guy and an AK was never an option for me because it was the "bad" guy's rifle. In college, for my senior thesis, I interviewed American veterans from both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. I guess, after witnessing their stories, I just didn't want to own weapons that had been developed by enemies that were responsible for so many lost American lives and casualties. My youngest son, who is in the service now, bought himself a Zastava zpap m70 for Christmas, and we took it out to shoot it. This was not the rusty, parts falling off, battlefield trophy from Vietnam that I shot years ago with a vet while he shared his story. It was a well-made, quality rifle with very surprising accuracy. I still don't believe I will own one, but I did enjoy shooting it. I now understand why my son calls himself an AK guy.
I know this is old news, but, Taurus G series pistols were a pleasant surprise for me. I inherited a PT 111 Millennium Pro (shot a few 100 rounds), traded it for a G2c (2,900+ rounds), and bought a G3c last year (1,000 rounds), all with no mechanical failures. I did not expect that. Nice to get pleasant surprises once in a while.
Honestly, the most surprising handgun I've gotten was the Walther PPQ M2 in .45ACP. The trigger is great, the gun feels great too. Another (not a gun) is odinworks the company. I ordered a barrel from them and was able to stack 3 rounds at 100 yards with a red dot. Covered them with a dime
Man that Walther PPK video was legendary. I was in shock at all the times you kept moving further back but kept hitting your targets. It was insane! I wish we were friends in real life because I have a Beretta Cheetah 84 and think you would love to shoot it. It's like a 380 version of the Beretta 92 but with a frame mounted safety instead.
I had wanted a Girsan and was checking my local store and they showed me a CZ75B, slightly used and it already had the Cajun trigger work done. I am so glad I bought the CZ. Hadn’t shot anything for 2+ years due to Covid, but the first 100 rounds through that CZ (my first ever) sold me on the brand. I shot it really well and it was a joy to shoot. I liked it so much a got a CZ97BD. I have never had a 45ACP pistol before and while it is a beast, it shoots exceptionally well and I love it! I am a newly minted CZ fan boy!
CZ is where it's at. I've been a fan for years and since they are expanding operations (just bought several companies including COLT) we can expect even more awesome guns in the near future
My greatest surprise came in the form of a firearm I inherited, but had never before shot. I’m an ex-army gun geek, and the M1911 has always been my favorite handgun-packs a wallop and very accurate in my hands. Never even considered a revolver. Then, the bequest-a S&W Model 66-2 Combat Magnum with a 4” barrel (1984). It’s a .375 MAG, so also shoots .38 SP /.38 SP+P. And, as you mentioned re: the Walther, I sometimes just take it out and look at it. I think I’m in love.
@@brandonhouston3683 my Canik runs literally everything I put in it. I tested it by running 4 115gr. 4 124gr. and 4 147gr. in the same magazine. It's never failed. I've heard some people have had trouble with them cycling 115gr. but mine has never had that problem.
@@markthe2nd741 the only thing mine will run is +P ammo Canik suggest a lighter spring and guide rod but they're out of stock they also said the SFX is designed to run high pressure ammo
Sarsilmaz P8S I bought one for Christmas this year for myself and I'm in love. For a CZ 75 copycat it's actually a very good pistol at it's price range. I'm definitely not rolling in dough but a ported barrel and a lightened slide in a CZ copycat is definitely something to look at especially in the price range that SAR Arms pistols sit in.
I'm still surprised you didn't like the Guncrafter's. Mine is the 5" Hellcat X2 and I've got around 2K rounds through it with zero malfunctions. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so I'm really surprised they didn't fix your issues. The gun that surprised me the most was the CZ P-01 Omega. I had the decocker break, sent it back to CZ and they fixed it, not even a mag through, it broke again. I called up CZ and just had them send me a new decocker and fixed myself, and found a chunk of plastic in the trigger mechanism that was breaking the decocker. Since I fixed the Omega myself it was 100% after that. I have a standard CZ P-01 that I got from Cajun Gun Works and it's been 100% perfect.
I bought a Taurus GX4 because I wanted something smaller than my XD9. Right out of the box I had two misfires and after about 60 rounds the front sight started flopping around. About two weeks later I replaced the sights with TruGlo sights and did a clean and lube. The next range trip was flawless. Having smaller hands, I like the feel and it is easy to conceal. The trigger isn’t as smooth as the XD9 but still pretty good. I like a stiffer trigger in a micro compact. I’m pleased with it after some “repairs”.
This is not surprising. I have a GX4 (my wife wanted it) but swapped the sights to a nice set of Tru glo's before I ever shot it. Most folks who swear Taurus is just as good as CZ, HK, Glock, etc just haven't owned anything else. I'm a Taurus fan but I'm realistic about what I'm getting at those price points
@@dilldowschwagginz2674 I too have a P365XL that I didn't like at 1st because of the gritty trigger, unlike the smooth P365's trigger. After dry firing it a couple of thousand times it was still gritty. I polished the striker & the sear which made a huge difference. Now it is almost as good as the P365's trigger. I can now shoot it as well as my Shield Plus, but I carry the P365XL because of the great night sights, longer grip, & slightly smaller. Was wondering what you are carrying instead of the P365XL? Thanks!
Here’s a grip technique that I found useful. Simply interlock your two little fingers, much as a golfer does. Then squeeze. I think this technique results in a MUCH firmer grip. Works especially well with small pistols where your pinky is off the grip. Try it. It might surprise you.
The Beretta CX4 Storm surprised me and everyone I know who has shot it. My biggest concern after seeing how reliable and accurate it was was the ergonomics. It turned out to be very comfortable and natural feeling. I bought it for my Wife and I can't pry it out of her hands long enough to get a shot in. Lightweight, accurate, reliable and fun as hell to shoot.
Surprised in a positive way: Rock Island 1911s, Standard FS and TAC Ultra. The standard features and the cost have far exceeded my expectations. I bought them for target shooting not carry but would not hesitate with quality mags. Another positive was Ruger Security 9: low-cost and good shooting. I wish I had the model without the safety.
Lol.... I think it's Mrs. Outlaw, but yours is the only gun channel my wife likes, and will watch with me consistently..... lol...I think they are kindred souls for tolerating us👍
I know I am late to the game here. In 2011 I purchased my Armscorp Citadel M1911 for just under $300. Changed the government sights to Novak. The thing is super reliable. Right after the purchase, I went shooting with some buddies one military surplus 1911 and one Kember 1911. The Kember had repeated jams, the old surplus and my Armscorp had zero. Since then it has jammed once, due to me taking it down to the frame and getting something not quite on reassembly.
Biggest surprise for me was twenty years ago when I bought a CZ82. OMG what a sweet shooting gun! Made me a fan of CZs. Not a snappy recoil like you would expect in a 9mm blow back action. Very comfortable. Good ergonomics and VG trigger. Especially liked the smooth DA and crisp SA. Found it at a gun show for $250 in unissued condition. Now a days they go for $400 in good used condition. Its been stone reliable and the polygonal rifling makes it really accurate. I later found a nickle plated CZ83 in 9mm mak caliber. Bought it from a local police officer who got it as his BUG. Very rare pistol. When he found out that 9mm mak was different from 9mm para, he sold it. Surprisingly great pistols and under sung and under rated IMO.
I only got one gun last year: KUSA KP-9 and I have fallen in love with it. I feel more at home with the AK platform growing up using one for hunting, so it is perfect for me. Thanks for the videos Outlaw!
Two guns I was personally surprised by was first, the Taurus G2c and second, the Canik TP9sf (NOT elite). For the price, they can do almost as good as guns that cost twice the price.
I have a g2c from the first year they came out when it was still called the PT 111 and it has over 3000 rounds through it the only thing I changed is the firing pin
The most pleasant surprise I have had with a firearm purchase is a Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 45 ACP. Smooth slide operation, fitted Very Well and excellent finish. Nice Positive click safety, but not too much pressure required. Consistent 4 lb trigger and Not One Failure of any kind. I have not tried cheap steel ammo. But I love to shoot it more than I thought I would. Not bad for $400 and came with 3 magazines
I had a PT92 20 years ago and it was amazing. I beat the hell out of that thing on purpose. I would hardly ever clean it. I left it outdoors for days and it would still shoot. It just ran and ran and ran. If you're saying the Girsan Hi Power is better than the PT92 then it must be an amazing gun.
Gun that surprised me was yet another girsan, the regard mc. It a beretta 92 clone, and for $400 it is extremely worth the money. Smooth as butter slide, 18rnd flush fit mags, a pic rail, excellent reliability(I’ve put over a thousand through it now with no problems).
Bought a walther p99, the latest gen with extended paddles for the mag release but not the green final edition, bought it because its a bond gun, absolutely fell in love with the grip, the paddle mag release your grip doesnt change, the trigger is the S/DA style as my beretta 92 i love, but just all around better and smoother, and i can shoot it better than my 92, the grip on the 92 digs into my hand by my thumb, and I do have large hands. The Walther P99 is absolutely unmatched and completely slept on. And now, they are discontinued. Id highly suggest getting one now while you still can.
My 2 latest surprises were the Taurus g series and the Ruger AR-556. Bought as budget beat up guns, they've outdone themselves in every way. They eat everything and are accurate. Shooting sub MOA w the AR at any reasonable distance. And the fit and balance of the G2C was great for me. If you're on a budget, check them out.
I keep finding stories about custom 2011 builds that are many thousands of $ but don’t come close to a $2500 staccato, and the buyer is remorseful. My son had the opposite experience with our old gunsmith buddy who has hand built and fitted custom 1911s for 40 years. He built him a 9 mm 2011 using Caspian for a Damascus upper and stainless lower, Ed Brown threaded barrel, Wilson Combat trigger assembly, basically the best components from his perspective. The outcome was a work of art that functions flawlessly (after a couple hundred rounds and minor fine tuning). I’m saving up and selling some safe queens to get one started for me, on a negative note I like shooting my Shadow 2 more than the Caspian. This gun is just so unique and there’s something about owning a one of a kind.
Have to say after avoiding the XD9 due to having it compared to the McRib and trashed due to Springfields douche gun law move I bought one for under $400 during the gunpocalypse of 2020 because it was in stock and have been pleasantly surprised by the ergos and accuracy. Am now a fan.
I recently inherited a Remington R51 and I was very unfamiliar with that particular product, I have not had a chance to take it to the range, but watching some of the various reviews etc of the product, as well as just trying to familiarize myself with how the pistol works, and gets "field stripped", my gosh what a mess of a product. There is nothing quick or simple about taking the gun apart for cleaning/maintenance, and some of the design elements/choices makes me have serious doubts about long term reliability/functionality. I can absolutely understand why I hadn't heard about it. There really isn't much to be excited about. To mirror another comment here, the Berretta Neos was a pleasant surprise, I was looking for a nice 22 long barrel pistol to just have fun at the range without having to spend a lot of money on ammo. It serves that purpose exceptionally well, and has been an extremely pleasant addition to my small collection. I still keep toying with trying to find a carbine conversion kit.
Banshees have a specialized SBA3 they call like the "Rip Brace". You just pull it open and I think you can set it for the length stop. Then use the lever to release. I think the trick is in the receiver extension and brace catch.
Good surprise: Beretta APX. Still can’t believe how low recoiling this is. Kind of defying physics. Recoil feels like just a small push on my palm. Bad surprise: Canik TP9SC. I may have gotten a lemon where it was just light prime striking due to slide not going all the way back to normal after 3-4 rounds fired. I’ve tried multiples of different manufacturers ammo and same thing. Fired 300rds bumbling through and slide cocked 48 hours etc, changed out recoil spring, still doesn’t work well. Yeah, I chalk it off as a lemon. Then I went Glock binge after that.
My fiancee has a Kel Tech 9mm rifle that I was surprised I enjoyed shooting. She also has a 9mm EZ that I found to be a nice, accurate pistol to shoot. My personal, hands down, if I needed something to save my life weapon though is my 6 inch 686+ .357 magnum. I love wheelguns anyway, and this thing shoots awesome and looks awesome.
Guns that surprised me. SDS 1911's, got one and had to buy 3 more. Tisas Zigana PX9, It's been flawless through 2500 rounds. Runs like a top and you get all the case goodies for 250 bux. Ruger LC9 MAX. Great pocket gun.
Gun that surprised me was Ruger security 9 I bought as cheap budget gun to keep in my garage/tool box. Thing shoots pretty good and not one malfunction 1000 rounds in. I carry it from time to time.
I purchased a springfield saint, then a day or 2 later saw your saint video. so started wondering if i made a mistake. Took it out to shoot without lubing it at all and it ran solid for 200 rounds, had a failure to feed then lubed it and it ran the rest of the day without issue. Now i know to keep it lubed up. I am happy with the performance so far.
Biggest surprise for me was the Beretta 92X. Was debating on a P320 VTAC but was on the fence, put my hand on a 92X and that baby was mine. The Canik Elite Combat was another one, it took the place of my Glock as my carry prior to the Beretta. By far my favorite striker pistol, although it surprised me twice cuz it appears to have a crack in the slide rail. Jury is out as to whether or not I'm being paranoid or if it is a real issue.
Surprised me: #1 = Walther PDP - love it. #2 = Shadow Systems DR920 Elite - Love it. #3 = Taurus G3C - not a Taurus fan but very surprised in a good way. #4 = Geissele Super Duty pistol - fantastic AR. #5 = Sig M18 - disappointed. #6 = IWI Masada - I really wanted to like this pistol but it never felt right. Man, my Saint Victor has run flawless. Not one issue after 2500 rounds. I too am a big HK fan & I’d really like to have an HK USP Expert.
Canik surprised me. They are affordable and the best trigger out of a budget gun I've every shot. I own 3 of them now. Also don't sleep on the Girsan 1911. The trigger on it is light and crisp. I got it for under $500 and would purchase it over a RIA any day.
First shotgun I ever fired, don't know the model, just that for the first gun I shot I was surprised that it didn't end badly, always expected a 12 gauge to be hard to handle but no, now I'm all in on starting my own collection
