Looking for a pistol....first pistol

N

Nathan

New member
Im writing this for somebody else, but want to make sure we don't miss any options.

Looking for a first pistol for an experienced shooter. Yes, they will choose, but don't want to get boxed n by wha a shop has in stock. Cash is a little tight. So, looking for a gun, not a trio, etc of guns. Looking for a regular carry/range gun. Got to shoot to improve! Looking for:
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 18-30 oz
Barrel: >3.0"
Grip length: whole hand, but not long....like a 1911 Compact
Sights: Good enough or readily changeable
Trigger: 4-6.5lbs SA or strikerideally, just want to shoot it without gunsmith work
Safety: drop safe+manual thumb safety....grip safety might be good enough.

Quickly, options look like:

* Springfield RO Compact 9 - PI9125L - $700
* Springfield XD9 MOD2 4" - XDG9101HC - $460 no thumb safety
* Springfield XD9 4" - XD9101HC - $430 no thumb safety
* Springfield XD9 3.5" - $375 used no thumb safety

* CZ P07 - 91086 - $455
* CZ75 Compact - 91190 - $490
* CZ75 P01 Converable - 91229 - $600

* S&W M&P 9C - 206304 - $440
* S&W Shield 9 - $245

So, what other good options are there?
 
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The list implies that only the 9mm cartridge is in the running. No .45s or 40s? What action configuration is wanted: sa, da, dao?
 
Every answer is correct and wrong.

You friend needs to go to a gun shop and see how they feel in their hand. I like a Sig 229 but it doesn't feel good to everyone.

First you need to try and like the balance, feel, weight and kick, then go buy one.
 
The CZ's are certainly nice, if they end up being in the running and money is tight you could save $100 or so by buying a Canik clone....also very nice.
 
First of all....no gun sold new "needs" smith work...period. Shoot it and don't listen to whiny internet BS.


That being said the CZ p-07 is a great option, maybe a little better at range and home defense than conceal carry...depending on how on likes to conceal carry.

The shield is more budget friendly and shoots like a much larger gun once the operator tames it's smaller size. Shooting the plates with the shield becomes easy at 15-20 yards after a little trigger time.

I've found the CZ's make even a poor shot look good right out of the box so that's a plus for sure.
 
I'll second the FNS 9c. The M&P compact is a solid choice. The Beretta 92 compact is another option.


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Beretta PX4 series should be added to the list to check out also. Maybe FN models too but I have no first hand experience with them.

CZ P07 is a nice pistol but I have read more than a few complaints about the quality of the external safety and also with CZs you can have either a safety or de cocker but not both which is not a problem if he wants to use cocked and locked. If not I recommend a pistol with both safety and de cocker.

There are terrific deals on M&P pistols right now but would recommend the 2.0 if the the size of the pistol is what he wants and the M&P9C is a nice pistol too but a bit small for all around.
 
Yes, all of the suggestions and more to come.

Every one of these open ended questions ends up with answers containing the favorites of the poster.

So silly. :rolleyes:
 
A CZ of any flavor will put a smile on your face. I'd recommend the P07 for the split duty you suggest.

If it was just a range gun, the 75b/85b is my personal favorite.

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There are rebates available currently for several S&W models. $75/Shield, $50/Bodyguard, $25/SDVE.

I've been very happy with my SAR K2P. It's way more gun than what you pay for. It would be on the big side for concealment and holsters are not plentiful. I used the initial money saved to get a 19rd mag and a variety of range ammo. 500 assorted commercial rounds, xtra high capacity mag, and K2P 9mm < $450
 
Yes, all of the suggestions and more to come.

Every one of these open ended questions ends up with answers containing the favorites of the poster.

So silly.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry... this confuses me. This wasn't a name my favorites thread.

Also, there have been 2-3 that I forgot about posted, which was the point...thanks!
 
I bought an AIM Surplus Browning Hi Power for about $500. Surprisingly, the trigger was pretty darned good for 'stock' parts!

There are some on GunBroker that are under $500 right now!

Just a thought-generally regarded as one of the best grip fits in handguns, classic design, thumb safety, single-action, 9mm, and- if it is a MKIII, it has a drop-safety on the firing pin. Those are the ones generally made after 1989. If drop safety on firing pin is a must, go MKIII design or don't buy one.

The only thing on your list that it doesn't seem to fit is that it comes in at 32 oz.

IF you go MK III Hi Power, pre 1993 were generally forged, and it is widely considered a good idea not to use a steady diet of +P loads [occasional is ok, but change springs regularly]. Sometime mid 1993, the frames switched to caste frames, and they are considered more durable- as the caste frame was a change brought on by the .40S&W round/upper warping the forged frames' rails in under 4000 rounds.

I have both. forged and caste, as well as both calibers.

Just remember that 'cheap' 9mm is not +P, so forged is fine for most people.



But, for $500 or less, the appearance isn't 'new'. Rather, well worn. ;)
 
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I own a xd mod 2 service. feels great in the hand, shoots great. doesn't feel heavy. has a nice balance, not to much recoil. very happy with it. springfield offers the "gear up promotion" til the end of june. they give you 4 magazines,holster and magazine holster for free..
 
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