Get another 22lr or 9mm

dljor

New member
OK. I am new to this pistol fever.

Bought a Ruger Mark III and like it. It's more like a target shooting gun.

I want to get another one to play with, one more in line with a Glock, you know, a service gun.

Should I get another 22lr or a 9mm? I understand 9mm ammo would be much more expensive. How much do you guys shoot usually?

For 9mm, Glock 17, M&P9, or a Walther PPX? I don't want to go much over $500.

Anyone vote for another 22lr?
 
Nope, get a 9mm.

I started with a ruger 22/45 but quickly grew tired of shooting 22 and got a 9mm.

I highly recommend you rent at least ten different handguns before you decide. If you can't rent, I'm sure someone at the range will let you try theirs if you are polite and show some competence.
 
ten different guns? That's a lot.

My friend has a Glock 17. I read a lot and want a plastic gun instead of a Beretta 92FS. There are not a lot of good plastic guns out there.

Most CZ and Walther are too expensive.

I am only willing to spend ~$500.
 
Ok, ten might be pushing it, but if you are plunking down five bills for a gun, don't you want to be sure it's one you will enjoy in a few years?

Case in point. My first 9mm and carry gun was an XD9 when they first came out. Everyone and their grandmother raved how wonderful it was so I fell for the hype. It didn't take two months before I realized it wasn't for me and I started renting a few.

One mag through a CZ75 and I knew it was The One.:p

There are not a lot of good plastic guns out there.

While I'm not a fan of plastic fantastic, I beg to differ. There are a lot of amazing polymer handguns out there, just find one you like.
 
As stated, there are plenty of good polymer guns out there.

I have a B6P, which is a polymer CZ75 clone made by SAR. Great gun, especially on a budget. Mine cost me $250.
 
I'd go with a polymer frame if it's something that will be carried. The extra weight of the metal frame will make the recoil slightly more manageable if it's solely for range time and home defense.
If you are going to rent a few guns I'd suggest trying out a 357 revolver also.
My first handgun was a glock 17. Now I shoot my cz 75B way more than my glock. However I shoot my 357's way more than 9mm's
Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
CZ P07's ( the earlier "duty" model ) can be found for about $400, well within your budget. I've seen the Walther PPX going for less than that. Both can be hard to find at the rental ranges, though. I myself have the P07 - I knew it was the one for me ( or a 75b ) after I tried them at a firearms expo at the Lake Mary Florida Gander Mountain.
 
Bought a Ruger Mark III and like it. It's more like a target shooting gun.

I want to get another one to play with, one more in line with a Glock, you know, a service gun.

Should I get another 22lr or a 9mm?

You've already got the .22 I would recommend.

Given those choices, diversify and get a 9mm.

I understand 9mm ammo would be much more expensive. How much do you guys shoot usually?

I usually shoot my own handloaded ammo. Cost is less of an issue for me.

For 9mm, Glock 17, M&P9, or a Walther PPX? I don't want to go much over $500.

There are lots of choices in that category. A CZ clone, perhaps? One of the Italian police surplus Berettas?

I read a lot and want a plastic gun instead of a Beretta 92F

Ah, OK. Your call.

There are not a lot of good plastic guns out there.

There's a ton of good plastic guns out there.

A Springfield XD. Bersa's BP9CC. EAA Witless comes in a polymer frame version (or the attractive colored metalflake versions intended for the ladies, or those gents secure in their masculinity).
 
I'm going to solve your problems in a single sentence:

You should buy ALL the guns.

In all seriousness, I concur with Mr. Field above - diversity and go for 9mm.
 
9 Luger is a good choice for a centerfire caliber, because it is the cheapest and the recoil is manageable for most. And, if you end up carrying it or using it for self defense, there are effective premium JHP rounds available.

If you can't shoot 10 pistols, then at least handle that many. You will be able to rule out some just by doing so. Out of the ones that feel good try to shoot those before buying.

Focus in on size. Sounds like you want it to be useable at the range. That rules out subcompacts and pocket pistols. Compacts and full-size pistols work well as range toys, with the full-sizes having the edge, and both can be carried, with the compacts having the edge.

As mentioned above, a plastic frame will carry more comfortably than a metal frame, but the metal frame will shoot more comfortably than the plastic frame.

Give thought to what features you want. If you might carry a thumb safety makes cocked & locked carry safe, while a decocker makes hammer-down carry more convenient. What kind of sights do you want? You may want to change sights in the future, but some models (eg, Beretta 92) require major surgery to do so.

If you do end up carrying, the importance of a good gunbelt and molded holster can't be overstated.

Happy hunting.
 
I would go for a full size 9mm, its easier to get ammo and almost as easy to shoot. The full size 9mm I would recommend are as follows..

1) M&P 9

2) Glock 17

3) Sig 226

4) Walther PPQ

If you decide to go with another .22, I would advise against anything coming out of the Urmax factories, which is makes some of the best selling .22 pistols out there. This is based on my experience with a P22 and also taking into consideration the materials used on a lot of the guns they produce. Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose.
 
Gee, it's getting complicated.

I don't plan to carry it. My work doesn't allow concealed carry.

Just want to practice at range. or in front of a mirror :)

I like how CZ 75 SP-01 looks, but they are no where to be found...

So, maybe end up with a Glock, M&P or Walther. It's probably a toss up, as I have no previous experience with shooting. full-size only.
 
I like how CZ 75 SP-01 looks, but they are no where to be found...

If you are definitely not interested in carrying, I'd focus on full-size service pistols.

While CZs are not ubiquitous, they can be found online. They tend to hit US shores in waves every few months, so if you really want something just be patient and persistent.

If you can find a full-size CZ to handle, and if it feels good, I wouldn't hesitate about ordering one online. I own four steel-framed compact CZs, three of which I bought online, two came from here: http://www.damascusgunshop.com/shop/pistols.html.
 
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