Looking for a Hi-quality, Hi-cap, 9mm

J

J.T.King

New member
Hey guys!

As some of you know, I am a .45 guy: HK USP45f, Marlin 1894 .45 Colt, twin Ruger Vaqueros in .45colt, etc...

BUT

I have always kept in the back of my mind that I want to buy a NIB 9mm with ample hi-cap magazine availibilty. Here are my criteria in rough order of preference:

1. Excellent quality pistol (equivilent to my HK or better)
2. Available new-in-box
3. Wide availiblity of Hi-caps (preferably cheaper than $75 each new)
4. EITHER full-size OR compact
4a: if full size, then the larger the magazine the better
4b: if compact, then 13-15 rounds in a smooth, clean execution
5. Well known, well supported company (availibility of spare parts)
6. Price cheaper than $800

I am willing to consider anything pretty much, even striker fired (which I have never owned) and SA guns (likewise never owned). I think it is a crime to buy a gun that is not exceptionally reliable out of the box, so please no "and spend $125 at a gunsmith" guns.

Price is the last criteria as I am willing to save if I have to. Mainly, I just don't know the 9mm market at all and am at a quandry where to start looking.

Thanks for the help!

JT
 
I have 2 suggestions..(1) Since you already have a USP 45, why not get a 9mm? You already know its manual of arms and you already know of HK's reputation. (2) I really like the Beretta 92fs. It is what I learned to shoot with and I have had many 1000's of rounds through mine.
Have fun figuring out which one you really want ;)
 
Wide availiblity of Hi-caps (preferably cheaper than $75 each new)
Click to expand...

Yikes...cheaper Hi Caps.

The only thing I think would fit the bill would be the BHP. Lots of aftermarket parts, reasonably priced Hi Caps available, and a joy to shoot. The new ones are decent, but I do prefer to find an all steel classic blued Hi Power. Those are beautiful guns!

I wouldn't even want to guess the price of Hi Caps for an HK 9mm.


Good SHooting
RED
 
Glock 19

1. Quality is on-par with HK, Sig, Kimber, et al.

2. Readily available NIB (along with two 10-round mags)

3. $75 will be about right for the standard capacity mags (15-rounders), and they can be had from a variety of sources. Some folks have had good success with Pro-Mag's 15-rounders, and they are a fraction of the cost ($20-25 or so). That's your call.

4. 4a. 4b. It's a mid-size pistol, and it's my choice for my concealed carry weapon because of that. See 3. for capacity (15).

5. Glock probably manufacturers as many firearms as anyone else in the marketplace. "Readily available" is a good way to describe the spare parts as well as other drop-ins that you may want to consider (night sights, lighter trigger disconnect, etc.)

6. Ought to run you $500, give or take a little, for one NIB. If you've got $800 to spend then you ought to be able to get the pistol, two or three standard capacity mags, a case of good range ammo (I prefer S&B), and a couple of boxes of good self-defense ammo.
 
OOOPS! :eek: Missed that part about the hi-caps. Kinda rules out the USP.
THe 92fs is still in the running...picked up hi-caps just before Chirstmas for $50 ea. :D
 
USP 9mm full capacity mags are available for $60-$75. I'd highly recommend the USP, especially as you already have the .45.

Don't forget the CZ, either. Excellent weapon - easily among the best full-size 9mm pistols around, costs less than some inferior weapons, and full capacity mags are plentiful and cheap.
 
I almost didn't bother looking at this topic because I expected a lengthy string of CZ-75 recommendations. To me, that's the gun you are describing - it meets or exceeds your requirements on every count - pre-ban mags for around $45, NIB pistols cost about 1/2 what you specified, many variations (full-size or compact, several finishes, double or single action), high quality, etc. I'm sure some of the other options mentioned are also good choices, but give the CZs serious consideration.

Doug
 
Thanks for the replies, Keep 'em comin'!

USP - my "standard" capacity 12 rounders (for the 45 full sized)cost me in excess of $100 each, plus they are a little questionable depending on who you talk to. I assumed the 9mm USP was similar so I really didn't consider it as I wanted a little more availiblity at a more reasonable price. I am planning on buying 4+ and at over $100 each that gets pricey.

Glock - well, I have fired them and have a lot of respect for them but I have one main complaint. No, its not the trigger although I do fid it a bit odd, but rather the cant. The angle of the grip to the barrel is too severe on the glocks that I have fired which makes it an awkward pointer. I have an aquaintence who says that is not the case with all glocks, but damned if he could tell me if a 9mm fitting my description came with a more conventional grip/barrel configuration.

CZ - I have absolutely NO experience here. I know they seem to be a well respected "budget" gun in their calibers, but I would wonder about fit and finish. I ceratinly don't have a bias against spending less money, but I am willing to spend more if it gets me a better piece. Can someone be a little more specific here? What models should I be looking at?

92fs - I have fired this weapon more than any other 9mm. Beretta has a finer fit and finish than most and I do like the looks although the grip is a bit "round" (of course I am used to a "square" gripped USP, so that may just be me). This will be the pistol that I compare all others to as its what I have shot. I wouldn't be unhappy ending up here, but its hard to believe that Dad's ol' gun (he is a 92fs nut) is the best thing out there (yes, that was a little tounge-in-cheek)!

BHP - I have only fired these one time. This is step-dad's gun. Are they reliable out of the box? I have heard of people putting in excess of 4 figures into these things and so they kindof feel like the 1911 trap - you just keep spending to get them where you want.

Please keep the suggestions coming and help educate a 9mm newbie!

Thanks a bunch guys!

JT

PS: Where are all the Sig guys? Don't they make anything like this?
 
Try a SIG P226.

The quality, durability and reliability are unquestionable. cdnninvestments.com usually has new factory hi-caps for $59.99 and slightly used for $54.99.

Three reasons I chose the Glock over the SIG. I didn't like where the slide release was on the SIG. It's where the decocker typically is on a DA/SA gun. I'm also not a fan of the DA/SA gun in general. And for me, the Glock gave me quicker follow up shots.

-Bill
 
J.T.,

You're 100% correct about the cant on the Glock's grip. It's one of those go/no-go deals.

Based on your dislike for that, I would hasten to second (or third, I lost count) the recommendation that you try the CZ-75. They are fabulous little pistols. If at all possible, try to rent one at a local range. You won't be disappointed. And they run about $350 NIB, give or take a little for regional pricing differences. I had no idea about the cost of the standard cap mags because I don't own one so I have no experience with purchasing extra mags.

Fit and finish are well above average on those firearms, BTW.
 
The HK is one of my favorites...HKUSPC.... Love em. World class
The CZ, check out the 85 Combat or 75 series other than the "Mil"
model....the only thing budget about them is the price and mark my words...it wont stay that way for long. Again, World class.
The 92 typical Beretta...wonderful, balanced, easy on the wallet
hi caps (like the CZ) .....World class
The REAL HP's...again....W/C...especially the $, you can spend less on an HK.

Get the gun that has the features you want. You cant go wrong with anything you have listed. If you want the d/a-s/a but Cocked and Locked...CZ, Classic features and lines...HP, etc.

Dont rule out the SIG line.....absolutely the class you are looking for......Good luck.

Shoot well
 
Glock 34
Glock 17 or 19
CZ 85 Combat

If you like plastic, you'll love the 34 or its old brothers, the 17 or 19.

If you like steel, you'll love the CZ-85 Combat. (Superb gun, great fit and finish, ambi-controls, adjustable sights, trigger adjustable for over-travel, DA/SA or start from cocked and locked.) High caps still available at reasonable prices.
 
WOW!!!!

It's taken nearly two months, but I'm coming out of the quandary you're goning into.

I can't remember ever firing a 9mm; let alone owning one.
Recently had the sudden, strong urge to get on board.
Decided on the CZ brand; with a STAGGERING array of diversification. Once you peruse their lineup you"ll understand.
Originally thought it would be a BHP; they changed my mind.
Bottom Line: For MY entry level into 9's, today I ordered a NIB 75B Military (Turkish overrun). Many reasons. Includes a 10 AND a 15 rnd mag (more available). VERY reasonable. $320 shipped to my FFL. Details? e-mail me.

:D :cool:
 
"budget"??

Cz75,excellent, top quality and low cost.Fit
and finish with much higher cost guns,one of
the most accurate 9mm I have fired. cz75b.

Like the 1911, look at there cz40B in 40cal,
all the above stands for it also.
 
BHP

They are reliable from the box, you can spend massive loot upgrading and customizing them, but you don't haveto do so. Some people consider removal of the mag disconnect and replacing the trigger reset spring (IIRC) to be a must-do modification, but its DIY and cheap.

13 rounders for reasonable prices. 15 and 17 rounders available for, ironically, less money.

Mike
 
What about Taurus? They make some Beretta 92 clones. Haven't fired one but I hear they make good stuff for cheap. I would say Walther P99 but hi caps are rididculous(100-125). Sig 226 is a nice gun and it seems hi caps aren't too bad. Good luck:)
 
CZ 75B

Designed when military forces destroyed things and eliminated people instead of painting schools and handing out penicillin shots

Designed before sniveling lawyers and loud-mouthed liberal women politicians from California dictated what would be built

Designed when wanton, depraved criminals were shot between the eyes when they resisted arrest or created a hostage situation instead of counseling or 600 psuedo SWAT troopers waited 72 hours to do anything after all the hostages were killed.

Designed to shoot any 9mm ammo loaded by a factory with precision accuracy at 7 to 10 yards and great accuracy out to 25 yards

and on and on and on
 
"Only a diamond can cut another diamond."

If the USP9f/c won't suffice, I would seriously consider the ultimate in the 9mm platform, the P7M8/13. Yes, it's more expensive, but you'd be the owner of probably the most radical gun design in modern times. I believe a collection wouldn't be complete without one of these...


Best regards,


New_comer:cool:
 
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