Buying a new handgun

A

airbus

Inactive
i already posted on the handgun forums so sorry if this is redundant to some. im planning on picking up a new handgun and cant really make up my mind, i really like the hk 45 and the p30l only 2 issues i have come across so far in my venture mag size in the 45 and 9mm and for 45 the cost of ammo. I was also thinking about the m&p 9 but i hear a lot of negative things about the trigger.
Criteria
1.ambi controls
2. would prefer a de-cocker
3.1000$ or less
4. 45 ACP or 9mm
open to any suggestions any advice is appreciated
 
I think the CZ P07 and P09 are ambi. The CZ85 is ambi.

Are you a lefty?


The trigger on an M&P can range from ok to decent... But an Apex AEK kit will make it a very good trigger at a cost less than $100... Just replacing the sear with an Apex will make the trigger much better, but the kit has springs to tune the pull weight and a new striker block plunger to smooth things out better.

The original Canik TP9 is a DA/SA with ambi decocker and the price is around $400.


There are many nice pistols, but many are only partially ambi.

Stick with 9mm... Good round and cheaper than 45.
 
If your not planning on carrying it, just range use and home defense, then you might as well go to a full size, steel shooting platform like the CZ SP-01 Tactical.

-It's 9mm an comes with 18rd extended mags (which can actually be loaded to 19rds).

-It has ambi controls with a decocker.

-Usually priced around $650-700

-It's all steel, and muzzle heavy so it provides a VERY stable, and accurate shooting platform for the 9mm round. Will likely be the lowest recoiling 9mm service pistol you will shoot, and weighs about the same as a full size steel 1911 empty.

I would also take a look at the SIG P226 line as well, though.
 
The HK P-30 fits your criteria the best. It's has fully ambidextrous controls. The FNH FNX is also comes with fully ambidextrous controls and also comes in .45 ACP. The decocker levers are also a safety.

The Sig 226 can have the magazine release button moved to the right side of the gun. The decocker and slide release/lock will always be on the left side though.

The CZ's mentioned are a little more ambidextrous than the Sig as they have their decockers on both sides. They same goes for the Sphinx SDP which I would recommend above the CZ's.

You could also consider the Sig 2022 as it's pretty much laid out similar to the 226.
 
another vote for the TP9, your choice if you want to go with the new SA, I would. I woud also just stick with 9mm unless your a reloader or your not going to be shooting a ton. 9mm is so cheap right now it's amazing. the gun is around 400 so you have the extra $$ for ammo, targets, lasers and whatever

here is a review from another member hre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wue40MlRgV8
 
Your list and requirements make me think XD45 or FN FNS.

While neither has a decocker, both are safe when the trigger is not pulled.

IMO, a decocker is for when you have a pistol with full hammer spring pressure on the hammer and no safe way to hold it there. So, you decock and return to DA mode. Frankly, I find it a crutch for old DA/SA technology. Striker is the "improvement" here.
 
airbus said:
i already posted on the handgun forums so sorry if this is redundant to some. im planning on picking up a new handgun and cant really make up my mind, i really like the hk 45 and the p30l only 2 issues i have come across so far in my venture mag size in the 45 and 9mm and for 45 the cost of ammo. I was also thinking about the m&p 9 but i hear a lot of negative things about the trigger.
Criteria
1.ambi controls
2. would prefer a de-cocker
3.1000$ or less
4. 45 ACP or 9mm
open to any suggestions any advice is appreciated
Click to expand...
Trigger on the M&P is terrible! Get an Apex for it and you will love it. I also really love my VP9. Good trigger. Best out of the box triggers go to Styer first, than the new PPQ
 
These are the first few that come to mind in regards to your criteria from personal experience (I know there's much more out there, just really tired out!).

100% Ambi Controls (*Denotes striker-fire, no decocker):
• HK P2000 V3, P2000SK V3, or P30 V3
• HK P2000 LEM, P2000SK LEM, P30 LEM (DAO w/no decocker...love mine)
• *HK VP9
• *Walther PPQ

Ambi Slide Release/Lock and Decocker:
• Beretta PX4 Compact
• CZ 85BD
• *S&W M&P9 FS & Compact

100% Ambi, but no decocker:
• Grand Power P1 Mk7 & K100.
• CZ 85/85B

Sorry such a short list but like I said, I'm extremely tired from a very long day at work so I know I am forgetting a few that I haven't personally owned or messed with like the Sig P250 and P320..... [emoji42]
 
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There are a few 3rd-Gen S&W's that fit the bill,
although it can sometimes get tricky finding ambi,
as it was not denoted separately in the model numbers,
it was done per department request for the most part...

The upside, if you find a 3rd Gen S&W you like, you can simply buy the parts and install it.
They were all milled for ambi, but many got single-side decockers due to Dept's trying to save money...

My CS45 has the ambi decocker :)
fullsize
 
I highly recommend the H&K USP 9mm Tactical; it has a match trigger, about 4 pounds, smooth as silk with a nice clean break. The decocker is on the left, safety on both. I have several H&Ks, all except the Mark 23 have match triggers. Can't recommend the H&K p30, mine had the worst trigger I ever pulled, sold it? Loved everything else about it. However, lots of guys are crazy about the p30 with the LEM trigger, just not my taste.

I judge all triggers by my SIG p226 X5 L1 and X6 L1. I've adjusted both to about 2 1/2 pounds. I've never found any triggers smoother, or better.
 
Sorry, I misled on the H&K USP 9mm Tactical. It does NOT have the safety on the right right. The decocker and safety are one device, on the left side.

I'm naturally left-handed. Because of a slight tremor in that hand, I started shooting right handed about a year ago. Surprisingly, I now shoot better right handed than left handed. Most of the time. I still shoot both sides, frequently. Because of shooting from either side I don't care which side the control devices are on. And, sometimes forget which gun has what, where. But, recall as soon as I pickup the gun.
 
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