So here it is. Dad is retiring in about 2 months. Used to hunt in Alaska growing up but when he moved to Texas about 20 years ago he gave it up and took up golf. He mentioned last week that he was thinking about and wanting a pistol so I thought what a great retirement gift..right
So, I want to keep it under 1000 for the whole package...pistol, maybe a couple hundred rounds of ammo to get him started, and maybe a crimson trace if the gun goes that way.
I'm looking for your help in the choice.
Keep in mind that he hasn't shot anything in about 20+ years and said the only pistol he ever owned back in the day was a S&W 357mag that he rarely shot so I don't want to get something that will scare him off of shooting or be uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions. Heck, he'll be retired so he'll have lots of time.
All of his golfing buddies have their CHL so I'm guessing when he retires he could possibly be looking at getting his so that may be another factor to consider.
I want to give it to him at his retirement banquet so he won't be able to "pick the one that fits him best"
He average size (5"10-11" and 180) so not small or very large.
Any opinions on the choice would be great! Thanks

I would look at the new S&W Governor. It is the same as the taurus Judge just shoots one more load.

Tricked out Ruger Mk2 with suppressor. Not a CCW gun, but lots of fun, and easy/cheap to put lots and lots of rounds down range.

What does his golf buddies have/carry?
Has he mentioned any of their handguns?
9mm semi-auto, Sig Sauer, Springfield XDm, Glock.....

@chris25 OMG! the S&W Governor is huge and ugly...no offense and I'm sure it's a fine weapon I just couldn't see myself handing that cannon to him...

@beech96w I have a MKIII and love it but was thinking a little more CCW so that he could use it for that purpose if he wanted.

@RWH24 not really, I know one has a Kimber, and one a Glock because I talked to them last time we played golf.

I was thinking of the old reliable Glock in a 9 or 40 but was also thinking of getting something "prettier". I just don't know there are so many choices.

Thanks for the input so far and keep it coming

If you have to get something that's CCWable. I'd go with a full size 1911. Whichever brand/flavor you can get that's the most polished and slicked up.

Full sized 1911 are gentle and fun to shoot. They're not really much more difficult to carry than the compact 1911s.

I would personally go with a command length 1911. You have the option of several different calibers. It would be something that is "pretty" but functional, dependable and is able to be carried easily and he could show it off to his golfing buddies. That's my .02

I think you could meet your budget if you shopped around.

My vote would be for full size 1911. I think every good gun collection should have one.

However, I think 9mm is a great choice because of the very reasonable cost of ammo. And as much as I love Glock, I think a Sig would be a better choice, still under $1000.
Somthing like this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=251346534

I shot this Sig and thought it was absolutely awesome! Best sight system I've ever used, super accurate, and very easy to handle/manage recoil-wise.

X2 on the 1911, the customization is limitless, so you can make the gun "pretty". Also I liked carrying my full size 1911 better than my glock or my XD the 1911 is so thin its almost like its not even there...

1911.

That's almost enough for a new Springfield EMP in 9mm

1911, no questions asked. Classy and fits the bill perfectly for a "Retirement Gift". If a .45 is too much gun, you could get him a 1911 in 9mm. If you wanted to get him a plinker I would go with a Browning Buckmark.

1911.

I'm liking the "looks" of the 1911 Springfield (may get one for myself )...plus he is retired military so he may appreciate a 1911 more.
I've never handled many 1911's myself but now you have all peaked my interest. Going to go check these out this weekend.
I don't know if I can drop 1K+ on a 9mm (EMP) but it sure is a sweet looking gun and I'm sure it would be a nice "show off" piece.
Keep it coming and thanks again.

Glock 23, there is nothing prettier (to me) than when form follows function. You can get him a drop in 9mm conversion too with your savings, if you want to spice things up a bit get it in chrome lol. I got a threaded 9mm wolf conversion barrel in black for mine, I doubt I'll find $900 in my couch pillows for that gemtech tundra I want to play with. That's a lot of money for a pure toy.

You can go for something unique and modern like a FN Five Seven, I have one that I can let go for just a bit over $1k


Gravytrain... How about an AAC Eco-9 for your Glock? Only $440 OTD, arrives tomorrow

Or maybe even a Springfield XDM, I've only heard good on them, and should leave money for ammo and comes with a good amount of accessories.

Tempting but still a lot of money after the stamp, I can't find any videos on youtube of people specifically shooting it dry.

If he's prior service and actually carried a weapon (not all did) a 1911 would be nice, though .45 isnt' cheap anymore.

A S&W Model 65 or a 686, 4" would make a nice all around gun, though heavy for CCW. If he's familiar with .357s though, he can shoot .38's cheap all year long and still have a serious caliber if he decides to hunt or for home use.

Here's one where he fires a couple shots and then adds the can:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=676DyKbUxyg

I'll find the test results link and send that via IM so we stop hijacking the thread

SPRINGFIELD 1911 RANGEMASTER.. IS WHAT I WANT..

I feel like I'm the one always beating this dead horse, but definitely factor in the ost of the ammo, especially if he's retired. Which means he'll be on a fixed income for a while.

I love my S&W 686, but I got a 9mm because 357 and even 38 specials were getting too expensive to shoot. 45 is certainly more affordable, but still about the 1.5x the price of 9mm ammo.

i agree with the mkII its cheap to shoot i have the mkII hunter with a red dot, its a squirel and rabbit getter, if he lacks handgun experience and if its for security id go with a wheel gun like a gp100

One more vote for a 1911. Ever American man should have at least one.

New idea, scoped out the Bond Arms Derringers today. They are over/under with replaceable barrels in a big variety of interchangeable chambers, very cool.