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Well, after a few months of research and saving up my money I'm ready to buy my first gun. My problem is that I think I have some sort of new buyer's block that's making me be indecisive.

I had finally narrowed it down to the Beretta PX4 sub compact over the Walther PPS due to the fact that I wanted a smaller 9mm for carry but still have some larger magazine availability for range time as I intend to pound the crap out of the gun I buy at the range. The PX4 also feels great in my hands, costs less, and has magazine interchangeability with the CX4 storm carbine that I plan on getting down the road. But I also plan to get the PPS or some other single stack for easier concealment in Texas summer.

My problem is that I've always loved James Bond. I love the look of the Walther PPK even though I can't stand the gun itself. Enter the Makarov. It's pretty much a cousin of the Walther and IMO looks and feels better. And it's thin.

Now, due to the apparent difficulty in finding a PX4 SC right now and the fact that I've wanted a Mak for a couple of years now, I'm wavering on my decision to get the PX4 first.

I could get the Mak (preferably East German, but would be just as happy with a Bulgy) now, but due to the fact that they're not made anymore it looks like it will be harder and more expensive to get things like parts and spare magazines. Plus I would pretty much have to order all ammo, though I don't really suppose that's a bad thing with prices like they are. It would also save me some money from buying the Walther since I'd have a thin, although heavier, gun.

Since I've been lurking around here it seems like a lot of you guys have some good heads on your shoulders, so what would you guys do? Get the Mak (and try to find spare mags) now and wait until the PX4 becomes more available or keep trying to find a PX4?

And does anyone know where I might find a PX4 SC or a good Makarov in the DFW area?

Bersas are Argentine Walther PPK look alikes. From personal experience they are excellent. With good ammo don't jam, have amazingly large easy to center sights, good accuracy through the 15 yd, and are inexpensive (under $350 IIRC). I can snap shoot the wife's Bersa in a six inch target at the 15 yd with no problem. My only issue is that the recoil is so light such that I have the urge to empty the clip with extreme haste into a target

http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_Thunder380.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On the Beretta subcompact vs. Walther, I've heard decent things about the Beretta but not so much about the Walther-sharp edges and optional backstrap has a tendency to slip off which puts the gun on auto safety. Other views may disagree however.

If you plan on going the Beretta rout and want to save on magazines, I would suggest you do that. Also, start buying mags now. Beretta has (or had) great deals on factory mags and you probably won't be able to get any in the near future.

Having interchangeable mags would go a long way to maximizing your investment.

Also, this won't be the last gun you buy. Buying, selling, trading all are a great hobby.

No experience with the Mark or PPK. The PPS is a great little shooter with a hefty price tag for very low capacity 9mm. The PX4SC should not be THAT hard to find, but getting a GREAT deal on it will be tough. They are fairly new and in demand right now. I have full size PX4 and love it. Its my second and the SC model was not available when I bought both of them. I was in a toss up between the PPS and the PX4 when I bought my second PX4. The price of purchase, price of mags, and low round count kept me from buying the PPS. You can carry a SC1911 with single stack mag and have the same number of rounds in .45 with about the same width, just more weight. I would go with the PX4 b/c its simple as can be to clean and would make a great range mule for you.

TDDude wrote: you probably won't be able to get any in the near future.

Why won't we be able too? Is someone discontinuing them?

Thanks for the suggestion of the Bersa. I've shot them and they're pretty nice, but they just didn't feel right in my hand like the others did.

As for the .22, my dad has one that I've pretty much taken over so I'm covered there. Looking for a full sized round this time.

Liberty wrote:

TDDude wrote: you probably won't be able to get any in the near future.

Why won't we be able too? Is someone discontinuing them?

They are all hi-cap mags and when the B. Hussein Obama-ites get the "Assault Weapon" ban pushed through, you won't be able to get them.

Besides, the Cougar mags were going for $20 each. They were normally more than twice that. I don't know if the PX4 mags were included but it's worth checking.

TDDude wrote:
They are all hi-cap mags and when the B. Hussein Obama-ites get the "Assault Weapon" ban pushed through, you won't be able to get them.

Besides, the Cougar mags were going for $20 each. They were normally more than twice that. I don't know if the PX4 mags were included but it's worth checking.

Oh !!

Liberty wrote:

TDDude wrote:
They are all hi-cap mags and when the B. Hussein Obama-ites get the "Assault Weapon" ban pushed through, you won't be able to get them.

Besides, the Cougar mags were going for $20 each. They were normally more than twice that. I don't know if the PX4 mags were included but it's worth checking.

Oh !!

https://www.berettausa.com/e2wShoppingC ... 3100001456

It looks like the PX4 isn't that good a deal but you can decide for yourself. Good Luck.