In search of a full-size 9mm handgun

I'm gonna leave the walther p99 and the cz75b out of consideration even though I believe they are probably outstanding guns. But they don't have a proven track record like the sig p266, glock17, hk usp9, or berreta 92fs.

I'm gonna leave the berreta 92fs out of it because it's too big and ugly :)

I fired the glock17 and I really don't like the way the trigger works and it doesn't fit well in my hands.

So that leaves just the sig p226 and the hk usp9. Next time I go to the range I'm gonna put 100 rounds through the hk usp9.
 
The USP is a good gun, but I think you'll find the P226 to be more accurate. (I did anyway.) Another thing to consider is 15 round magazines. The HK mags are more expensive because they have the HK logo on them. If the ten round mags are good enough for you it won't make as much difference. (The HK ten round mags are still more expensive:eek: )
 
CZ75 Doesn't have a proven track record? WTF??

Many years ago Cooper grudgingly gave the CZ75 top ratings in the 9mm pistol category. I say grudgingly because at the time Czechoslavakia was a communist country.

You are doing yourself a disservice by not trying one of the many varieties of CZ75 models out there etron.
 
I know the navy seals use the sig p226 and so do alot of other militaries and law enforcement agencies. I know the Army uses the berreta 92fs. And for the glock 17, heck its a glock. Just go over to www.glocktalk.com to hear the ravings about how this gun is great.

My point? I just haven't heard about the CZ75B's reputation on the same level that I've heard about these other guns.

Not that I buy into hype. It's just that I'm looking for the best of the best. Ya know? Correct me if I'm wrong about the CZ75B. Is it a high enough quality firearm to be adopted by the navy seals, the green berrets, etc...? Who uses the CZ75B?
 
I dont think I'd dismiss the CZs, but if you like the sig, you can't go wrong with one. Make sure you check out the 229 too, and if youre willing to spend some extra cash -- the 229 Sport. Sig refers to the 229 as a compact gun - it's not, it's a fullsize gun.
 
Please, no rock throwing :eek:

Years ago (about 20 years pre-sellout) I got a S&W model 59, the year after they fixed whatever bug was in the initial release.

Despite all the bad press I never had any problem with it at all except shooting one style of Remington hollow points, (I forget which ones) which would sometimes fail to feed or smokestacking if I ran over four boxes of ammo through without cleaning it. I used to shoot some really sooty reloads in it and we are talking major powder fouling here.

Nowadays you see these at gun shows, going fairly cheap and if they let me try it before buying to make sure it wasn't a lemon I'd go for that before just about anything else. No its not a SIG, but then its not $500+ either.
 
. The HK mags are more expensive because they have the HK logo on them
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HK USP mag prices are a nightmare. I can get 15 round Beretta 92 mags for less than the neutered 10 round USP 45 mags.

Still, I do love both my Beretta and my USP. I just consider HK to be like Mercedes -- I get charged an arm and a leg for EVERYTHING.
 
I know the Army uses the berreta 92fs.
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The Sig P226 was the other finalist in those trials. Reportedly, the Army chose the Beretta 92FS (as the M9) because of the cheaper price. FYI, the Army did adopt the 9mm Sig P228 as M11, so that's another thing to consider if you think this is important.
And for the glock 17, heck its a glock. Just go over to www.glocktalk.com to hear the ravings about how this gun is great.
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Well, Glocks are inexpensive, have a nice finish, and good customer support. And GlockTalk is probably not the best place to get objective advice about Glocks.

I have a USP myself (albeit a Tactical and in .45 ACP) and I love it to death! If the USP 9 is anything like it, I strongly urge you to consider it. This weapon is amazing! Check out http://www.hkpro.com/ for more information (their forums are also quite good).
I am shopping for a full-size 9mm too, and I settled on a Sig P226 (or P228, or a P229 [Edit: or a P225, but we're getting slightly out of the full-size category] - whichever I find first). The gun is very reliable, built solid, and accurate. While my limited flirtation with Sig's 9mm offerings left me wanting more, I think I'd still prefer my USP Tactical to one. Of course, you can't find a Tactical for under $800...
 
I'm gonna leave the walther p99 and the cz75b out of consideration even though I believe they are probably outstanding guns. But they don't have a proven track record like the sig p266, glock17, hk usp9, or berreta 92fs.
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While the P99 doesnt have the track record of the USP or Sigs due to being new, Walther has been making top quality firearms for over a century and is recognized by most as one of the premier handgun manufacturers. I wouldnt eliminate the P99 until you get a chance to check one out. It feels great to most everyone, is accurate, and has a couple of innovative features that I believe other manufacturers will be immatating in their upcoming models. It cant do any harm to give one a chance, I wasnt interested in the P99 whatsoever until I held one but I had to buy one soon after. Heres some links if your interested in resding more about the P99-

http://www.carl-walther.de/englisch/defense/defense-36.html
http://www.saftek.com/firearms/walther.htm
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/whog/p99/reviews.htm
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/whog/p99/The_Fighting_P99.htm
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/whog/p99/rauch.htm
 
"Not that I buy into hype. It's just that I'm looking for the best of the best. Ya know? Correct
me if I'm wrong about the CZ75B. Is it a high enough quality firearm to be adopted by the
navy seals, the green berrets, etc...? Who uses the CZ75B?"

Well that works for me,I will now sell my
tack driving cz75B and buy a gun the seals
use.(grin)
 
Nothing personal, but I have to take issue with a few statements.

I'm gonna leave the walther p99 and the cz75b out of consideration even though I believe they are probably outstanding guns. But they don't have a proven track record like the sig p266, glock17, hk usp9, or berreta 92fs.
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The error in the above statement is that the CZ75 DOES have a proven track record. Its just that the track record has been proven on the other side of the pond. Not here in the good old USA (though that is quickly changing). Plenty of people use the CZ's and they depend on them as much as our operators depend on their preffered type of handgun.
I'm gonna leave the berreta 92fs out of it because it's too big and ugly
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This is purely subjective. I find the Beretta to be just right for my hands. Being too big is dependent on hand size and individual preferences.

As far as it being ugly? depends on what you like. I think the Berettas are some of the better looking firearms out there. Especially the Inox and stainless versions
Elite1.jpg
Elite7.jpg

Who can't like that?

:D

Shake
 
selection

All of the handguns that you've listed are excellent and have solid reputations ........ so do the CZ and Walther P99. You shouldn't eliminate them from your list until you've looked at their design features. You may also want to add the HK P7M8 or P7M13. The P7 line is of extremely high quality and will improve your shooting ........ price not being a consideration, I'd probably go with a P7 before anything else you have listed (just personal preference).

I like my Beretta, but the grip is uncomfortable so I've never carried it. I carried a Glock for several years -- great weapon overall. The Sig line is very nice also, but the high bore axis never felt right in my hand. The CZ is easily the most comfortable handgun I've ever held.

For more background, Jeff Cooper called the CZ the best of the wondernines. I prefer smoothed-out CZ's to Beretta's and Sig's. If you like the Glock, you should try the 19 also ....... the difference in handling and recoil is negligible, and the 19 may be easier to handle.

My top choices would be the P7M8 or M13, Glock 19, or CZ 85 Combat.

You can't go wrong with any or your selections.
 
Try the Taurus PT92 or PT99. The PT99 has a fully-adjustable rear sight. It's similar to the Beretta 92 but has the safety/decock lever built on the top rear of the frame, closer to your thumb. Not up high on the top rear of the slide like the Beretta. It's costs less than the Beretta, but the Beretta does have a better finish.
 
You have to buy what you feel most comfortable with. With that said, at least give a CZ 75 a try (as others in this thread mentioned). I am so happy with my CZ's that I would likely never buy another Sig Sauer, Glock, or other "proven track record" brand, as you put it. For the record, I own Sigs, Glocks, and Ruger pistols. I like the CZ's tight tolerances (tighter than Sigs IMO), excellent ergonomics, and very good to excellent accuracy (the .45 CZ 97B model being the most accurate). There is nothing wrong with Sigs, I just prefer full sized guns being heavy and made of steel. The weight of the CZ feels more balanced to me, while the Sigs feel slightly top-heavy. The heavy (all steel) CZ frame also reduces recoil better than Sigs do. Finally, in the long run a steel frame can take more beating than an alloy frame...especially when we are talking 9mm +p/+p+ or full power .40 S&W loads. Like I said, buy whatever you prefer...but at least TRY several makes out, including CZ's.
 
Beretta 92

I don't currently own anything in 9x19mm. A 9x19mm will most likely be my next auto though. There are two things that are appealing to me about this cartridge.
1) High capacity
2) Low recoil - I'll be able to use it to teach new shooters

After much debate, I narrowed it down to two pistols. The Glock or the Beretta. The Glock has a higher capacity, but the mags are also expensive. I now have my sights set on a Beretta 92 INOX. Why? Well first of all, I can get reliable aftermarket mags for around $15. I can also get military surplus parts kits containing all of those commonly broken/worn parts in any pistol. These kits (with genuine Beretta parts) run around $15.
 
If price is no object, then why not get a Walther P5. Eight round refinement of the famous P38. Designed for the West German Police, and reliable as heck!! It will cost about $900.
You can check it's stats out at www.waltherusa.net
 
etron, give the p-99 a try before discounting it. it's well worth the try. it does come from one of the premiere firearms manufacturers in the world, and it's proving ground <if i am not mistaken> is the german police force. be wary of the S&W varient called the SW99...it is not built to the german standards.

good luck and pick which one feels the most comfortable to you. we can all tell you of our choices, but not what is best for you...only you can do that.


Adept
 
Fill size 9mm

Etron:
I've shot the 226 and it is a nice pistol; my question is whether this is going to be a target pistol, house gun or gun used in competative shooting (IDPA).

The 226 would fit the bill nicely for this first two uses; the glock would be a better gun for IDPA--G34 actually.

Have you looked at the TZ99; made in South Africa I think; originally designed by the guys that are doing the HS2000; What a nice pistol! Nearly identical to the Sig in many ways; I liked the DA better than the Sig's. Aim Surplus or SOG was carrying these for $269.

New Sig's cost a bundle; police turn ins are probably the way to go on a 226. I would recommend the G34 or the TZ-99 as well.

Mike
 
If price is no object, then why not get a Walther P5. Eight round refinement of the famous P38. Designed for the West German Police, and reliable as heck!! It will cost about $900.
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Earl's Repair Service appears to have them for $695 (though I don't understand all of the models).

They are pretty darn expensive. BNJ has the 226 for $614, the H &K USP for $580, and various Beretta 92s for $450.

I'm going through the same exeercise - in my head, I don't have the cash right now to do anything. The Walter P5 looks cool, but I'm thinking more along the lines of a used P226 for $450. If the bore is solid, if I ever get to the point that I care about the finish, I thin that Sigarms will refinish them fairly cheaply.

Mike P. Wagner
 
How about the HS2000? :)

I have been reading a lot of very positive things about these new guns. "A pretender to the throne" of the mighty GLOCK, or SIG even. If i remember right, avalable only in 9mm at present. I'm getting nauseous...... a lot of guns to choose from....so little time..... :D
 
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