What are some good, inexpensive 9mm pistols? I use to own a Browning HiPower (regret selling it!) but moved to the 45 ACP as my cartridge of choice. Considering adding a 9mm pistol as a stablemate with my 45 acp and soon to arrive Witness 10mm. Which used models of 9mm are good and which one's should I steer away from? Smith & Wessons, Glock, Ruger, Browning, Baretta, Taurus, etc?
Budget 9mm Pistols
- Thread starter jakester
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PreserveFreedom
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All of the above are nice pistols but most will still cost you a bundle used. I think that Ruger and Taurus are your two best bets for economy priced handguns that still retain a great degree of quality and dependability.
Face it, what you really want is another HP, and who can blame you. I have this feeling that whatever you buy is going to have to live with being compared to your "regrettedly sold!" HP.
Wait till your Witness arrives and you've had a chance to shoot it. If you like it, then you can go from there. The Witness is a clone of the CZ, so if you like the Witness you can go either a 9mm Witness or a CZ75b.
FWIW, I really believe you'd be wasting your money at this point on anything other than a HP. Even a FEG clone of a HP wouldn't work. (been there, thankfully didn't do that). Not that the FEG is a bad gun, it just isn't a Browning. It sounds snobbish, but there's something gawd-awful about toolmarks on that sleek HP profile that are just unacceptable to an HP owner.
Wait till your Witness arrives and you've had a chance to shoot it. If you like it, then you can go from there. The Witness is a clone of the CZ, so if you like the Witness you can go either a 9mm Witness or a CZ75b.
FWIW, I really believe you'd be wasting your money at this point on anything other than a HP. Even a FEG clone of a HP wouldn't work. (been there, thankfully didn't do that). Not that the FEG is a bad gun, it just isn't a Browning. It sounds snobbish, but there's something gawd-awful about toolmarks on that sleek HP profile that are just unacceptable to an HP owner.
I have the FEG 9HP model, and I'm not sure where the remark about toolmarks comes from. My FEG is 100 reliable, will accept all the HP parts, and costs just over $200. It shoots like the Browning HP, just doesn't cost like it.
Yes, I'd much rather have the $600 Browning HP, but we are talking about a Budget 9mm pistol. For a range gun, I think the FEG is the cream of that category.
Yes, I'd much rather have the $600 Browning HP, but we are talking about a Budget 9mm pistol. For a range gun, I think the FEG is the cream of that category.
I like Hi Powers, but some of the newer ones don't have the classic beauty of the older HP's.
I have a FM Argentenian HP that I have been perfectly happy with. The Argentenians were so impressed with the Brownings that they decided to produce them in country under license from Browning. I'm sure many folks can attest to the quality of steel used for Argentenian weapons, especially considering the current buying spree of Argy Sistema and Mod 1927 pistols.
I got my Argy HP for $250. For an all steel weapon with complete parts interchangeability with its Browning cousins..ya can't beat it. If you do get an Argy HP try to find one of the older models. The newer ones have been "commercialized" and include large bold stampings of the model number on the slide. My FM HP looks more like a military model with small stampings. No mod # , Just "FM Hi Power, Industria Argentina".
Any of the other 9mm's you mentioned would cost you in the neighborhood of $300 to $400 or so used. You could probably luck up on a cheaper deal..but the above price is about the norm.
Good Shooting
RED
I have a FM Argentenian HP that I have been perfectly happy with. The Argentenians were so impressed with the Brownings that they decided to produce them in country under license from Browning. I'm sure many folks can attest to the quality of steel used for Argentenian weapons, especially considering the current buying spree of Argy Sistema and Mod 1927 pistols.
I got my Argy HP for $250. For an all steel weapon with complete parts interchangeability with its Browning cousins..ya can't beat it. If you do get an Argy HP try to find one of the older models. The newer ones have been "commercialized" and include large bold stampings of the model number on the slide. My FM HP looks more like a military model with small stampings. No mod # , Just "FM Hi Power, Industria Argentina".
Any of the other 9mm's you mentioned would cost you in the neighborhood of $300 to $400 or so used. You could probably luck up on a cheaper deal..but the above price is about the norm.
Good Shooting
RED
I would go with the Witness 9mm. I paid $275 for mine and after firing several hundred rounds it's had flawless reliability and very good accuracy. It's all steel so rather heavy if you're looking for a CCW weapon, but for just a bedside gun or one for recreational shooting the Witness is great.
Rainbow Six
New member
I'd have to say that a used Glock G17 or G19 would be a great "budget" 9mm. The CZ 75B is an awesome pistol for the money but parts and accessory availability may be a problem. Also, the availability of in stock holsters for CZ pistols isn't what it would be for a Glock, SIG, Beretta, etc...
I picked up a "used" G17 yesterday for $379. Although it was sold as used, I can find no evidence that it has ever been fired other than maybe test fired at the factory. No wear or marks whatsoever on the striker/sear, barrell or any other moving part. Still has the copper based lube on it so I know that it has never even been cleaned. I basically got a brand new Glock for $379.
Shop around and don't get into a hurry. You can find some great deals if you take your time!
R6
I picked up a "used" G17 yesterday for $379. Although it was sold as used, I can find no evidence that it has ever been fired other than maybe test fired at the factory. No wear or marks whatsoever on the striker/sear, barrell or any other moving part. Still has the copper based lube on it so I know that it has never even been cleaned. I basically got a brand new Glock for $379.
Shop around and don't get into a hurry. You can find some great deals if you take your time!
R6
Rainbow Six
New member
Tecolote,
It must have something wrong with it. I never find those deals either! Actually, I have stumbled onto a few good deals lately and picked up some interesting pieces. I think it's all in the timing.
I almost "stole" a G27 yesterday. I saw a LNIB G27 on the shelf for $299. I looked it over and asked about the box, extra mags, etc... Turns out it had two mags with it, both wearing Glock +2 extensions. Like a fool I asked if the price was right! They checked it and said, "Nope, sorry, it's $419" and then changed the tag. I should have just told them to ring the d@mn thing up and then left the parking lot on two wheels!! This has to qualify as the most stupid thing I have done this week!! :barf:
I figure they would have caught it before the deal was done but knowing that there is a chance that I could have gotten that price had I not asked just eats me alive! It's not like that shop hasn't made the rent off of me in the past!!
FWIW, I ended up getting a new in box G27 for $399 anyway. Aside from being able to do that (LE) I would have snatched that gun for $419 with the +2 extensions on it. I have no doubts that Glock would cover any problems with it even if bought used.
R6
It must have something wrong with it. I never find those deals either!
Actually, I have stumbled onto a few good deals lately and picked up some interesting pieces. I think it's all in the timing. I almost "stole" a G27 yesterday. I saw a LNIB G27 on the shelf for $299. I looked it over and asked about the box, extra mags, etc... Turns out it had two mags with it, both wearing Glock +2 extensions. Like a fool I asked if the price was right! They checked it and said, "Nope, sorry, it's $419" and then changed the tag. I should have just told them to ring the d@mn thing up and then left the parking lot on two wheels!! This has to qualify as the most stupid thing I have done this week!! :barf:
I figure they would have caught it before the deal was done but knowing that there is a chance that I could have gotten that price had I not asked just eats me alive! It's not like that shop hasn't made the rent off of me in the past!!
FWIW, I ended up getting a new in box G27 for $399 anyway. Aside from being able to do that (LE) I would have snatched that gun for $419 with the +2 extensions on it. I have no doubts that Glock would cover any problems with it even if bought used.
R6
johnwill,
Sorry, I call it like I see (saw) it. The FEG I saw had a terrible finish, horrible trigger--something on the order of 20 lbs, so heavy it was unuseable and tool marks on the frame. If you got a good one, that's great, I really am happy for you, and not being sarcastic. The one I saw was garbage. And yes. It was brand new. From other posts I've read about the FEG,mostly positive, I'm guessing the one I saw must have been a lemon. That doesn't change the fact that there's at least one really bad one out there somewhere though. I passed on the FEG and bought a CZ75b as my low end 9mm. I haven't looked back since.
Sorry, I call it like I see (saw) it. The FEG I saw had a terrible finish, horrible trigger--something on the order of 20 lbs, so heavy it was unuseable and tool marks on the frame. If you got a good one, that's great, I really am happy for you, and not being sarcastic. The one I saw was garbage. And yes. It was brand new. From other posts I've read about the FEG,mostly positive, I'm guessing the one I saw must have been a lemon. That doesn't change the fact that there's at least one really bad one out there somewhere though. I passed on the FEG and bought a CZ75b as my low end 9mm. I haven't looked back since.
glockorama
New member
Get a CZ-75 and you'll never look back.
I had a an FEG Hi-Power clone and it was a very good gun. Nicely finished (no tool marks, although I do believe you when you say you had some on yours), and very reliable after the 200rd break-in period. I sold it only because it wasn't a Browning HP. Just a fun gun that served it's purpose and moved on. I think it could be a good choice for an inexpensive shooter. But spend a coupla extra $ and get a CZ. You'll be happy.
I had a an FEG Hi-Power clone and it was a very good gun. Nicely finished (no tool marks, although I do believe you when you say you had some on yours), and very reliable after the 200rd break-in period. I sold it only because it wasn't a Browning HP. Just a fun gun that served it's purpose and moved on. I think it could be a good choice for an inexpensive shooter. But spend a coupla extra $ and get a CZ. You'll be happy.
MY FEG PJK 9HP cost me 50 bucks more'n a dozen years ago, INthat time I have had two fail to feed incidents both with Wolfe ammo. The feed ramp became filthy. I have fired some other 9mms (but not a BHP) and couldn't wait to get back to my FEG. I'll never sell it and it will be my ccw piece once I have an extra fifty bucks for the permit.
If you don't mind a used handgun, I've seen several S&W 6906s popping up lately. My local shop has three or four of them all for under $300 with two standard cap mags. Probably in Good to Very Good + condition. One has the police trade in leather included.
I've always liked the 6906, the one I had several years ago was amazingly accurate. And, mags are still cheap. I sold it to a friend of mine who refuses to sell it back....that'll teach me to sell the good ones.
I've always liked the 6906, the one I had several years ago was amazingly accurate. And, mags are still cheap. I sold it to a friend of mine who refuses to sell it back....that'll teach me to sell the good ones.
don't shoot it's me
New member
A P7M8...at 1300 bucks, it's a steal.
Keep your eyes open for a military surplus Browning HP. I bought one last year from AIM Surplus for $275. It came with two standard capacity mags and a holster. The outside was worn, but the inside was mint. Just as accurate as my other two commercial HPs. Of course I have now spent way more on mods for that gun than I paid for the gun. The gun I bought was from the Israeli army. They have some interesting stuff on their site right now, but no HPs.
http://aimsurplus.com/acatalog/AIM_Pistols_4.html
http://aimsurplus.com/acatalog/AIM_Pistols_4.html