Need help on Choosing a 9mm?
- Thread starter Triggergurl
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The P228 is an excellent pistol. It's a bit large, however. The long DA pull can a problem for those with small hands. There's the issue of mastering the DA to SA trigger pulls transition. As well it takes practice to remember the manual of arms, load, fire, and decock.
At the risk of inciting the fury of diehard SIG Sauer fans, of which I'm a waning member, I suggest you give the Glocks 19 and 26 a serious look. Both are slimmer than the P228, have the same shorter consistent trigger pull, the slides are easier to work, have a simpler manual of arms, are lighter, absorb recoil better, and they're much more corrosion resistant.
Revolvers deserve a good loook also. Loaded with proper ammo, a 38 spl revolver will give you excellent performance. The manual of arms is also a lot simpler, and for the occassional shooter this makes them less complicated to master.
Whatever you get, make absolutely sure to take at least oe safety class. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a safety class. In my area you can take a one day course that includes 3 hours of range time with a certified NRA instructor for about $50. This is the best money you can spend.
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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited August 06, 2000).]
At the risk of inciting the fury of diehard SIG Sauer fans, of which I'm a waning member, I suggest you give the Glocks 19 and 26 a serious look. Both are slimmer than the P228, have the same shorter consistent trigger pull, the slides are easier to work, have a simpler manual of arms, are lighter, absorb recoil better, and they're much more corrosion resistant.
Revolvers deserve a good loook also. Loaded with proper ammo, a 38 spl revolver will give you excellent performance. The manual of arms is also a lot simpler, and for the occassional shooter this makes them less complicated to master.
Whatever you get, make absolutely sure to take at least oe safety class. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a safety class. In my area you can take a one day course that includes 3 hours of range time with a certified NRA instructor for about $50. This is the best money you can spend.
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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited August 06, 2000).]
BigCitySid
Inactive
If you are sure you want to go semi, I recommend you try a Glock 19 and also the 26. Most women I know who use semis own Glocks. However I think you should also consider a .38 cal. titanium revolver. Very simple to use, very light, very concealable. Also, revolver almost never jam, extremely reliable machine. My wife recently purchased her 1st firearm. Weighting all the pros & cons, we choose a S & W 342PD, a .38 cal. 5 shot "j-frame" revolver. Weights less than 11 ozs. She has small hands and tips the scales at approx 135 lbs. Currently learning to handle +P ammo at 7 yards, just about the legal limit. Good luck.
Triggergurl
Inactive
Thanks everyone for your help on this. I have shot only a few pistols, like the ruger 9mm and the sig pro 40. I know that the sig is way too big for my hands, but I love the mag release and slide pretty well. It was kind of hard for me, but I figured the p228 or 229 would be a little easier. I don't know where I can go around here to rent out different pistols, but if I did, I'd be there! 
Everyone seems to have the same idea about what I should try. So, I figure I'll take your advice and try a few before I make an ultimate decision.
Thanks again!
Take care all~Olivia
(P.S.) I really like this forum, everyone is really helpful and nice. I'm glad I can be a part of it.
Everyone seems to have the same idea about what I should try. So, I figure I'll take your advice and try a few before I make an ultimate decision. Thanks again!
Take care all
~Olivia(P.S.) I really like this forum, everyone is really helpful and nice. I'm glad I can be a part of it.
If you can't find a range that rents, just go to the range and see if there's anyone there that will let you try their gun. Most people are more than glad to show you their toys, maybe give them a few bucks for the ammo you shoot. You definitely need a gun that's as ergonomic as possible. I suggest the SIG P225 and P239 if you have small hands, both are single stacks.
I owned a Sig P239 for three years. I just sold it. Used the money to buy a Glock 19.
You wouldn't go wrong with either of those two. The reason I went to the Glock is that I like the idea of having the same trigger pull each and every time as opposed to having a 10-12 pound double action followed by a 2-3 pound single action.
I now own two Glocks (19 and 21) and have the 3.5 pound disconnects in both of them. I also consider the G19 to be the best marriage of size and capacity on the market (15 rounds in an easy-to-conceal package). Give it a try, and you'll probably go home with it.
You wouldn't go wrong with either of those two. The reason I went to the Glock is that I like the idea of having the same trigger pull each and every time as opposed to having a 10-12 pound double action followed by a 2-3 pound single action.
I now own two Glocks (19 and 21) and have the 3.5 pound disconnects in both of them. I also consider the G19 to be the best marriage of size and capacity on the market (15 rounds in an easy-to-conceal package). Give it a try, and you'll probably go home with it.
The Walther P99 might be a worthwhile consideration. As branrot mentioned about the thin grip they are also interchangeable to suit your need. Another well made handgun for you to look at might be the Walther P5 compact. As also mentioned above make sure you try them out before you buy or you might end up trading it in and losing money on the deal. Good luck on your gun purchase and let us know what you buy 
And also I might add welcome to The Firing Line.
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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
And also I might add welcome to The Firing Line.
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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
I agree with WESHOOT2, get the Smith & Wesson 3913TSW ...
... Here's some of the comments that I've received on it <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Hey Fud,
I picked up a Smith last week, it is beautiful!! This is the first pistol that i have ever shot, that fires as smooth as glass. Very little recoil, and back on target every time. I even got my wife out to the range, (miracle) the first shot she couldn't hit the target, second shot bullseye smack in the Xring. Twenty feet is no problem, and very accurate and smooth shooting. I call it a classic!
I bought a Smith 3913TSW - nine caliber.
Guess What! Today i sold my two glocks in - G-26, G-19, good time to dump them, very scarce. I got $375. apiece for them.
Then i bought another smith - 5906. It puts glock to shame. no misfires, no jams. I shot Wolf, UMC, Winchester, American Eagle wadcutters, probably around 600 rounds and not a blink from the pistol. I want a pistol that is dependable, one i can trust, this is the one. Shooting a Glock is like shooting sandpaper, much to abrasive of a pistol, especiallly the slide coming back on your thumb. Never on the Smith. The Smith is fine tuned, trigger action is tuned at the factory.[/quote]Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
... Here's some of the comments that I've received on it <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Hey Fud,
I picked up a Smith last week, it is beautiful!! This is the first pistol that i have ever shot, that fires as smooth as glass. Very little recoil, and back on target every time. I even got my wife out to the range, (miracle) the first shot she couldn't hit the target, second shot bullseye smack in the Xring. Twenty feet is no problem, and very accurate and smooth shooting. I call it a classic!
I bought a Smith 3913TSW - nine caliber.
Guess What! Today i sold my two glocks in - G-26, G-19, good time to dump them, very scarce. I got $375. apiece for them.
Then i bought another smith - 5906. It puts glock to shame. no misfires, no jams. I shot Wolf, UMC, Winchester, American Eagle wadcutters, probably around 600 rounds and not a blink from the pistol. I want a pistol that is dependable, one i can trust, this is the one. Shooting a Glock is like shooting sandpaper, much to abrasive of a pistol, especiallly the slide coming back on your thumb. Never on the Smith. The Smith is fine tuned, trigger action is tuned at the factory.[/quote]Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
Tecolote, if memory serves me correctly, you once agreed with me in regard to the quality of S&W pistols and posted the following: <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>... I've shot SW 3rd Gen autos side by side with SIG Sauers, Berettas and Glocks, and I can tell you that the SW hold their own. They're fine pistols ...[/quote]S&W is the second largest handgun maker in the world and as such, there are still a lot of their stuff sitting on dealer shelves without the need for ordering a new one from the factory. Actually, I don't even like the new 3913TSW -- they increaced the size slightly making it less concealable and they added a stupid equipment rail. Who ever heard of an equipment rail on a CCW? How dumb can one get?
Most dealers will not agree to the terms of the agreement and will not be ordering new pistols to replace the ones in their inventory that are being sold. If someone has any doubt, they can always ask or look around to see if "other banned items" are being sold -- which would be in violation of the agreement. Once that has been determined, I see nothing wrong with taking a finely built firearm off the dealer's hands form him -- after all, he didn't do anything wrong. Why should he get stuck with it
and be hurt by the boycott?
[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 08, 2000).]
Most dealers will not agree to the terms of the agreement and will not be ordering new pistols to replace the ones in their inventory that are being sold. If someone has any doubt, they can always ask or look around to see if "other banned items" are being sold -- which would be in violation of the agreement. Once that has been determined, I see nothing wrong with taking a finely built firearm off the dealer's hands form him -- after all, he didn't do anything wrong. Why should he get stuck with it
and be hurt by the boycott?[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 08, 2000).]
Fud,
Could you please tell me where in my above post I say S&W pistols aren't fine pistols. What I did say above, and what I stand behind, is that purchasing S&W products is contributing to a company that has betrayed its customer base. If a dealer carries S&W, even if it's new old stock, there's no guarantee he won't order a new one to replace the one sold. I prefer to give my money to companies that resisted the HUD agreement. What someone else does is of course their business. But I consider it important that someone considering buying a S&W product read the agreement with HUD before spending their money.
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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
Could you please tell me where in my above post I say S&W pistols aren't fine pistols. What I did say above, and what I stand behind, is that purchasing S&W products is contributing to a company that has betrayed its customer base. If a dealer carries S&W, even if it's new old stock, there's no guarantee he won't order a new one to replace the one sold. I prefer to give my money to companies that resisted the HUD agreement. What someone else does is of course their business. But I consider it important that someone considering buying a S&W product read the agreement with HUD before spending their money.
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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
Tecolote, First off, I really don't like this rail thing that S&W is putting on all of their pistols so I will not be buying a brand new one fresh from the factory. The older models (the ones without the rail) can no longer be ordered and the only way to buy a new one of those is if it is already in a dealer's inventory. Additionally, S&W already made it's profit on the guns that are sitting on a dealer's shelf. That said, I see nothing wrong with buying one of their pistols under those conditions because like you, I feel that they are world class autos able to hold their own against all others.
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