9mm - what should I look at?

I always recommend steel frames (hey, I am a member of SNM). Nowadays I recommend a full size CZ with their 22 conversion unit. And adjustable sights.
 
The PPQ M2 5" is tops in my book right now. I currently have or have owned guns like the G34, XDM 5.25, M&P Pro 5" and many 1911's, but my current fave for hitting the center better than the other guy is the PPQ 5"... Customized for me of course.

 
I second the Canik/Tristar t-100 or any other variant if you like better. sweet guns, not as refined as a CZ in fit and finish, but the target can't tell. it's a fantastic cheap option. if you an Academy sports in town, they stock them.
 
I'd look for something comfortable in your hand and with a 5in barrel or longer (for sight radius)

Common suggestions:
1911 (RIA, Springfield, etc)
Glock 34 (lighter, but long sight radius)
Springfield XD
S&W M&P
CZ 75
 
For exclusively target use I'd go againast a polymer, metal frames just feel so good in the hand and a full sized all metal handgun will be a classic in your future collection. Get your first polymer when you want to conceal later on.

I think a cz 75 (actual cz 75, not eaa or other clone), then if you like it I'd say to outfit it with some personally fitted grips and a trip to cajun gun works for parts and polish to make it super sweet.
 
These firearm forums always have people with little or no firearms experience ask people with a lot of experience the question; "Which Gun Should I Buy?" My response is, "I don't know until I can see how well you can shoot in the first place" How often do you plan on practicing? Do you enjoy going to the range to shoot? If you like what you're doing you'll want to practice it until you get pretty good at hitting your target. If you shoot a box a year your new gun might as well be an expensive doorstop. Do your targets look like swiss cheese or is there a ragged hole on the target where the "meatball" used to be?

You would do well to do one of 2 things;

1) Enroll in the NRA Basic Handgun Safety Course the next time it is offered at your local gun range. I took the course years ago and there are things they teach that will stick with you. When I took the course I rented a Browning Hi-Power and that's all I wanted until I found out what a decent BHP went for. When the tell you that you should have your carry gun "armored" by a qualified gunsmith at least once a year, that's a valuable piece of advice you should follow. The best thing you will learn is to rent or borrow different types of guns for 6 months before you commit to a purchase. Six Months after I took the course I picked up.a LN Sig P228 that was half the cost of the BHP. The BHP might be a little better but it ain't twice as better. That instructor knows more than you, pay close attention & listen!

OR

2) Hire an NRA Certified Instructor for a one hour session so he or she can assess your shooting skills firsthand. The LGR should be able to recommend an instructor, they may direct you to their bulletin board or you can contact the NRA directly for an instructor referral. Have the instructor provide you with a short list of firearms that are either available for rent at the range or perhaps you have friends & acquaintances that have guns who you can meet at the range who will share their toys. It's always nice to offer to pay the range fees and pay for a box or two of range ammo.

In a perfect world, item 1 would be a prerequisite for getting a carry permit across the country. Here in Pennsy, you don't even need to own a gun to get the permit. In this situation, I think good common sense is always good but rarely common. Everybody starts out as a beginner but you don't want to stay that way!
 
Buy a used something that appeals and fits your hand. If this is your first handgun, don't hit Gunbroker. Find a gun friend you trust and go to a good LGS with a decent used inventory. $300-500 in the used market buys a lot of gun.

There are reasons to buy new, but as a first-timer, you won't notice them.
 
1. 1911 9mm - STI Trojan, Spingfield RO. There are other brands.
2. CZ 75 or SP-01 "Shadow" from the custom shop.
3. Glock 34 - Need better front and rear sights + will probably want some trigger tweaking.
4. Walther PPQ - Maybe. Maybe the long barreled one.
===============
My wife's favorite pistol is an STI Trojan 5" 1911 9mm. We have it set for her with the short trigger and slim grips.
She does not like any of the polymers we have (Glock, M&P, Walther P99, Xdm). She primarily does not like the trigger feel.
She does not like revolvers (S&W L & K frame) primarily because of the grip.
========
My top fun guns are:
1. 5" 1911 in 9mm.
2. S&W model 14 K-frame 6".
3. Glock 34 Gen 4 + Dawson FO front and Dawson Adjustable rear sights.

I have shot a CZ Shadow but just cannot afford one, yet.
 
ANYTHING, but a Glock. I have a Glock 17. It's rugged and reliable. But, it makes a horrible target gun. I prefer not to carry it because it is (essentially) a single action only with no safety....(trigger dingus doesn't count)

So the old Glock has been relegated to being nothing more than a safe queen.

Good 9mm guns to consider primarily for Target or Home Protection:
1. CZ 75B
2. Sig X-Five
3. EAA Stock or Stock II
4. Grand Power K100
5. Browning Hi-Power
 
I personally have a M&P-9, a PX4, and a LC9S all in 9mm. But my favorite gun to shoot at the range is my Ruger Mark III .22 cal semi auto. Cheap and easy to shoot and a real nail driver. just say'en
 
For a pure range gun, a 9mm 1911 would be a great one. Nice steel grip, usually a great trigger, very low recoil, high accuracy potential.
 
As you have seen if several posts, Beretta 92. Nothing else is said because nothing else need to be. Hey, It is what it is.
 
No one rents near you???? Odd..

Sounds like a good business opportunity near you. I live in Dayton Ohio, quite a few places here and in Cincinnati (50 miles) that I can go rent a multitude of firearms. Most have around 50+ different on hand to try. Lots of gun ranges here and most will rent firearms to try out. I would Google gun ranges near you for "gun rental" or call some and ask them who does rent. Should be someplace close enough for you to take a road trip and go try a few out. 600 to 700 is not chump change for most people, or for something you may not like when you pull the trigger for the first time. I have four 9mm myself, two I like a lot two are just ok. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top