Can't decide what to buy after going to a few shops.

M

Maddnotez

New member
Looking to buy a 9mm for home defense and range mainly. Will also carry concealed from time to time. I do not want a sub compact, something mid sized is best.

I made the XDM thread and after seeing some replies I really wanted the VP9.

I'm now thinking the vp9 is a little too pricey for me but I've also ruled out the XDM due to it being pretty damn heavy.

I was set on a striker fired gun but now I'm somewhat open to others. I still think I'd prefer the same trigger pull every time but understand da/sa may be safer? Idk.

Anyway I went to a few shops to see a few guns and I held quite a few. What I like now after seeing them in person are the FN-9 and surprisingly the EAA Witness. The Witness felt GREAT in my hands but the FN was pretty nice too.

No one had the CZ-p01 but that seems nice as well. Also really wanted to hold the PPX but no one had it in stock. With the price point and free goodies the PPX seemed like a great bargain.

I want something with night sights or the ability to add them if possible.

Wanted some feedback and opinions.

Looking at FN9, EAA Witness, PPX and CZ p01. Not exactly apples vs apples but it is what it is. Fwiw the Witness is in the lead because of the price, looks and great grip feel. Unable to shoot all of these so I have to go off feel, looks and opinions to base my decision.
 
tunnelrat said:
These two shouldn't be overly different in price.
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Just a couple of reasons why I'm looking at other guns. The VP9 is just too much $ right now and regardless of price I thought the XDM was a bit heavy and just didn't really like the feel/size.

After looking more I see you're right. $100 difference I could save. The guy at the shop pricing quoted from buds gun shop and for the VP9 specifically Buds wants $650 :/

The Witness is like $300

For $300 I can buy tomorrow. For a $600 gun I'll need to buy from someone who offers layaway or will need to wait.

The cheapest I saw the VP9 was $550 at NorthArkansas Guns. Couldnt find any layaway info on their page.
 
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A suggestion for a good pistol at a good price... Canik TP9 SA... I hear very good things. It's sort of a DA/SA striker pistol, a P99 copy, and a good one as I hear. $300 MSRP


The P-01 is a good pistol, but it is heavier being all metal. If the XDm is too heavy, then the P-01 would be as well.

But heavy for carry is subjective, and weight is nice for range time, helps reduce felt recoil.

I hear good things about the new P-07s, there were issues early on a couple years back, but those are said to be fixed. It was just a little bulging of the poly frame where a spring applied pressure. They added a little material there I believe.

The other pistols you mention are a bit large for concealed carry... It can be done, but none were what I would call mid sized.

Look into a glock 19 gen 4, a good size for an all in one pistol.

The PPX you mention is very large in the slide, at least it looks like it. It's a bit clunky looking. It's a good pistol from what I understand though.

The M&P can be a good all around, though a little larger than the glock 19. The compact version can take full size mags, and an adapter can be had that fills out the grip when you use one.

Palmetto state armory has a sale going for the standard XD pistols, $350... They are closer in size to a glock 19 than the XDm. I carried one... They do have more heft than a glock, or some others, but they are good shooters.

I reference the 19 as it is widely available and a good point of reference for size comparison.
 
I've had a couple of witnesses and still look upon them as the best bang for the buck. People who've had problems say that customer service is a problem if you need it but I haven't had to deal with them. I recommend them.
 
I was at the Cabellas picking up supplies. Saw a Star 9mm for $300. put it on lay away got a $20 off coupon. Wnt in to pick it up payed it off and got another $20 coupon and I now have that Star sitting here came with a 30 day warrantee as it was built in the late years of WWII.

I just do not understand all the whining about this model or that and time wasting and hand wringing.....
 
The Walther PPX is a very good value. It's a very accurate model and the DAO trigger is pretty decent. Another good DAO would be the Sig 250. They also have a good DAO trigger and are accurate. They come in several sizes and can be found for pretty good prices from $400.00 to $450.00.

Striker wise the Steyr M-A1 or L-A1 are very good choices. The have one of the best if not the best striker fired triggers out of the box. They are very comfortable and accurate. They have a forward balance point and a very low bore axis which combine for lower recoil and muzzle flip. They usually go for around $500.00 or less if you look around a little.
 
I'll echo the M&P suggestion. The FN is also a good choice if you like DA/SA. I've always been intrigued by the high cap "tactical" .45 they make.
 
I mentioned the 07 in my other thread and everyone basically said the 01 wins in all categories.

I liked the price tag on the 07 quite a bit

I know it's just people's opinions but being new to guns and not being able to shoot them all I have to take everything into account.
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I can't see why anyone would dislike the idea of the P-07. It's a fantastic option right there with offerings from Smith and Wesson, Glock, SIG etc. I won't say a bad thing about the P-01 but I personally chose the P-07 over it. I just like the 07 design better myself for what I was going for.
 
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I personally like 01 better as well for a target pistol, but he said he wanted something a little lower priced and lighter weight. the 07 fits those categories and also is an awesome sa/da gun
 
sigarms228 said:
Check out the SIG SP2022 also if you get a chance.

A great pistol - DA/SA poly frame. A got quite a few classic metal P series SIGs and the SP2022 hangs right in there with them.

http://www.cdnnsports.com/sig-sp2022-9mm-tutone-n-s-w-holster-1-15rd-mag.html#.VKOBXivF808

The Walther PPQ is a fantastic pistol if looking for striker fired pistol. Great size/weight for CCW also.
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I agree. The 2022 is a very underrated gun that can be had for well under $400 new, with night sights and 2 mags.

I'm not sure if it will carry well, though. If you're considering a PPQ, PPX, or P-07, the 2022 is roughly similar in dimensions. It's a tall handgun, though, but the mags have a large pinkie brace that can be replaced with flat plates.
 
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Check out the Sig P320! I will admit that I have not shot it extensively, but I did shoot a buddy's. It has a great trigger and I love the grip. Also, due to the modular design, you can easily swap calibers and frame sizes. It's something I'd at least look into before you make a choice.
 
Another vote for the SIG SP2022 if you're on a budget, or the P320 if you can afford to spend a little more.
Tomac
 
The P320 compact is roughly the size of the glock 19... I have the full size and like it.

I keep hearing good about the 2022, but I never liked it myself... The trigger break feels weird to me, the distance between my palm and where the trigger break occurs is too short, and it feels like I am practically pressing my finger into my palm by the time it breaks. I have talked to others with the same feelings about the pistol... Others love it though.

There are many good choices out there for a good reliable pistol, but narrowing it down will require some hands on time with the models. Once you find one you like, then you are all set. Most modern pistols made by the top manufacturers, and some smaller ones (or less known/new like Canik) will be a quality firearm that should perform well.
 
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