After almost 20 years . . .

[AlleyOop007]

. . . I found myself buying a new handgun last weekend at a local gun show:

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/c3835d01cdea8596d4d0a758745f6ecc71677d3_r.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/b4835e49c1468909ddd3ae167342be902419544_r.jpg

After considering the .22 caliber 1911 look alikes made by the German Makers Sig Sauer and GSG, I did some research on this Italian Chiappa Puma 1911 - 22 and found some very favorable reviews regarding it's quality, accuracy and reasonable price so I picked it up when I found it at the gun show last weekend. As you can see, it came with hard case, two magazines and a cleaning rod. I hope to get it out to the range one of these days when the daytime temperatures drop below 90 degrees.

Here is a photo of it between my Colt 1911 and 1911A1:


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/d7725d0cfa8e9d30a91710a384586e24311c1b4_r.jpg

All the major parts are metal except the magazine shells which are polymer but it's just a tad lighter than the "big boys". I've read that 1911 grips and laser sights fit it without any modifications.

[duncaninfrance]

Looks nice Dan. I wish they would drop the category of .22 pistols to 5 here in France so we could plink without all the paperwork.

[AlleyOop007]

Thanks Duncan,

I went to a couple of gun shows today and picked up a holster and some oil finished checkered walnut 1911 grips for my new acquisition.

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/e41151c785deac7c0e852c71d2ba3cd4144f3b0_r.jpg

I know "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover" but I'm liking the looks of the pistol with new accessories even more. Now, if I could just get out and shoot it.

Exactly what is a category 5 firearm there in France? Air guns or their equivalant?

[ccmsd]

Hi Dan,

nice catch, hope she shoots as good as she looks

Category 5 is basically the 'hunting long guns' category. It excludes handguns and also rifles chambered for 'military' cartridges such as 30-06, 8mm Lebel, 7.62 NATO, 5.56 Nato, etc. (e.g.: .300 Magnum is a hunting 'caliber')
Cat 5 guns can be bought with a valid hunting licence (once you bought it, if you choose not to renew your licence - yearly tax - you can keep it but theorically not shoot it).
Handguns and 'non hunting' long guns need (except .22 caliber, BP and few other exeptions) to be granted a specific licence by the administration prior to buy it (has to be renewed every 3 years) pending you are a registered member of a shooting society.

:cussing: technocrats ...

Cheers
ccmsd