9mm Desert Baby Eagle

S

scotjute

New member
Has anyone had any experience with this pistol in any
of the barrel lengths under 4"?
My daughter is wanting a 9mm and am thinking of this
one. Any other suggestions for a 9mm semi-auto
with 3-4" barrel and somewhat lightweight?
She should be considered a beginner.
(my handgun experience is basically limited to revolvers)
 
scot jute: Light weight autos usually mean polymer frame. many people love them, but I don't: when all the weight is on top, it makes the gun hard to control especially for a newbie whose wrist isn't real strong. An all steel gun weighs about 34 - 36 ounces. Saving 8 ounces and screwing up the balance makes no sense to me.

The gun I would recommend would be a CZ-75 or CZ-85 Combat (the latter has a bit more features like adjustable sights). These guns have smooth triggers, good balance, and are a good size for a small hand. Take her shopping with you and see what fits best.

BTW- as an aside: if you are a wheelgun fan like me, why are you getting her an auto? Revolvers are much easier for a newbie to shoot, easier to maintain, and more dependable. Just a thought.
 
My buddy just got a full size "b-eagle" for his son. Liked it so much, he traded his son his Glock 17 for it. Haven't shot it yet, but he says the added weight of the all steel gun really absorbs the recoil. Your daughter should like it ;)
 
Any other suggestions for a 9mm semi-auto
with 3-4" barrel and somewhat lightweight?
Click to expand...

Glock 26

The thing is perfectly accurate, easily concealable, and a marvelous piece of equipment.

I'm not sure about giving a gun with no external safety to a beginner, but I suppose it's no different than giving them a revolver.

-SS
 
I had a Baby Eagle and thought it was fine. I now have a CZ75B, and it is as reliable, more accurate, and better ergonomically, at least for me.

Cost is about the same.
 
IMHO you just can't go wrong with the CZ.
Try letting her hold or rent to shoot the CZ-75 or my favorite CZ-85 Combat.

Tony
 
The baby eagle or the eagle compact? Both are well made and as stated previously, heavy. I like the way they fit my hands
and thought about one for a CCW. I got a CZ Compact...same weight and size as the E/Compact...just a little more my style.
Plus I prefer frame mounted controls.
Shoot well
 
The Baby's have really nice ergonomics for smaller hands-better than the similar CZ-75.

I would also consider finding an inexpensive Browning BDM. Really slim, cheap mags, all steel yet not heavy. You see them occasionally for less than $300. The safety is a little weird, but I think a begginer would adapt well to it.

I've also seen alot SIG 225's lately for around $500 new. Great gun for the money. Not too big or small, medium weight.

A normal sized Kahr K9 or E9 (all steal) are very small, simple and beautifully made. Capable of first class accuracy. Trigger is heavier than a Glock but very smooth.

The above are all medium to small, excellent ergonomics for smaller hands and feature great accuracy and quality. I would favor the last 3 more.
 
Does it have to have a 3-4" barrel? The "newbies" I've taken to the range have all opted for a fullsize 9mm due to felt recoil, etc. Another note is that on some of the smaller guns, the slide is harder to rack than on the fullsize guns (not that that can't be overcome).

I have or had the following 9mms:

Glock 26, 19, 17, 34

Browning Hi Power Practical

Beretta 92 Elite, Elite II, Stainless Compact, Custom Carry, Custom Carry II

CZ 85 Combat

HK USP Stainless Compact, Stainless Fullsize

Sig P226

Walther P99

Colt 1991A1 9mm government

Springfield 9mm fullsize and 9mm ultra compact


Some of the above are fullsize, some midsize, and some compact. There's so much to choose from. I'd suggest that you take your daughter to a range that rents a wide variety of 9mm and have her try some out (if that's possible where you live). There is a big difference in the felt recoil/muzzle flip even between those 9mms that I have listed. I have some female friends (considered new shooters) that did not (and still don't) like the Glock 26 because of the small grip and muzzle flip (perceived or real, it doesn't matter to them....they just don't like it).

Another thing to consider is the type of trigger/safety systems she'll feel comfortable with. Glock type trigger, SA/DA with decocker only, SA/DA with decocker and manual safety, DA only, SA only (cocked and locked), SA/DA with safety (cocked and locked) ....hope I didn't mess up with those examples. These examples fit at least one of the above listed guns with the exception that I've never owned a DA 9mm pistol.

Good luck.
 
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