davidnkristine
Inactive
I am in the market to buy a semi-auto 9mm handgun, but I am uneducated on good brands. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks,
David
David
Recommended 9mm's for new guy
- Thread starter davidnkristine
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Go to a gun shop and pick up a Sig 225 and see if it fits your hand, points well (in safe direction of course), and if you like it. 
Do this after doing LOTS of research on this forum. Do a search on semi auto handguns to start with. If you delay your choice until you have educated yourself beyond what little bit you will get from this one thread, you will be much happier with your choice.
In closing, look for opportunities to shoot different brands. Friends, gun shop rentals, local gun clubs, relatives, etc. Sig Sauer is an awesome brand though. The plastic Sig is best for law enforcement IMHO, but they are all extremely reliable, most are accurate, and they all have the potential to getting the best double/single action trigger pull with a Sig pistol specialist. You need to evaluate and detail your specific needs and go from there.
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36, see John 3:15-18)
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited October 12, 1999).]
Do this after doing LOTS of research on this forum. Do a search on semi auto handguns to start with. If you delay your choice until you have educated yourself beyond what little bit you will get from this one thread, you will be much happier with your choice. In closing, look for opportunities to shoot different brands. Friends, gun shop rentals, local gun clubs, relatives, etc. Sig Sauer is an awesome brand though. The plastic Sig is best for law enforcement IMHO, but they are all extremely reliable, most are accurate, and they all have the potential to getting the best double/single action trigger pull with a Sig pistol specialist. You need to evaluate and detail your specific needs and go from there.
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36, see John 3:15-18)
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited October 12, 1999).]
I agree with Mikey about getting educated first. I shoot primarily with Glocks and Sigs. Both are good, as well as HK, Beretta, Ruger, Browning HP, etc., etc (I think you get the idea. A lot depends on what you want to do with it). Do you want it primarily for plinking, target shooting, home defense? Do you like single action, conventional double action, or double action only? Is cost a high or low priority (Rugers are cheaper than most others)? Is high capacity a big or small issue? Is an external manual safety a requirement for you? Answers to all these questions will help you decide.
I'm not trying to confuse, but there are a lot of variables. A good idea would be to find a local range where you can rent some different pistols and try them. At some point you will probably find one or two that just "feel right" in your hand. That should help you narrow the search. Do you have a knowledgeable friend that could go with you? He might be able to help, and answer any questions you might have as you shoot different guns. You really should make an attempt to try different guns to see what works best for you. Good luck with your search.
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Regards - AZFred
I'm not trying to confuse, but there are a lot of variables. A good idea would be to find a local range where you can rent some different pistols and try them. At some point you will probably find one or two that just "feel right" in your hand. That should help you narrow the search. Do you have a knowledgeable friend that could go with you? He might be able to help, and answer any questions you might have as you shoot different guns. You really should make an attempt to try different guns to see what works best for you. Good luck with your search.
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Regards - AZFred
Definitely TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Your handgun has to suit you, not your best friend, or your significant other. Make sure that the pistol fits your hand, you can grip it properly and still reach the trigger, and you can grip it securely enough to control recoil. Also, be sure that all controls are located within easy reach of the thumb or fingers. Other than that, it should have sights you can pick up quickly, a trigger you can manage, and a corrosion resistant finish. Finally, that model must have a reputation for reliability.
If you have friends who have different types of handguns, ask to try them. Another good approach would be going to a range that rents pistols, and try several, but bring along someone you trust who knows firearms. Too many gunshop employees have no knowledge of the products they're selling.
Good luch with your search, and stay safe
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"INCOMING FIRE HAS THE RIGHT-OF-WAY"
(Clint Smith)
If you have friends who have different types of handguns, ask to try them. Another good approach would be going to a range that rents pistols, and try several, but bring along someone you trust who knows firearms. Too many gunshop employees have no knowledge of the products they're selling.
Good luch with your search, and stay safe
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"INCOMING FIRE HAS THE RIGHT-OF-WAY"
(Clint Smith)
ditto... one of the BEST ways is to find a range that rents handguns. TRY out EVERY 9mm they have. Look over fit, feel, accuracy, cost, aesthetics, etc. and THEN make your decision.
(for instance I KNOW rugers are solid, accurate, reliable guns but to me they are butt-ugly and feel strange in my hand. Sigs fit my hand VERY well, but are very costly compared to other brands etc)
Shop around, try before you buy. Post a message for ppl in your area about a range that rents guns, or let you fingers do the walking and call up your local ranges.
OR make it a social event. GET ALL YOUR FRIENDS who have 9mms to go to the range and try theirs.
There are a NUMBER of inexpensive copies of Brownings and Smiths available on the market from FEG of Hungary. These are SOLIDLY made guns but finish is not as good as on american weapons. ( i have a hi-power copy) Still they shoot VERY well. Also don't hesitate to look at the surplus/used market. A helwan Brigader (egyptian beretta copy that holds 8 shots) is a FINE firearm.
It really does depend on WHAT you want the gun for, ie target, plinking, defense, etc. as to which 9mm suits you and there are SO many possibilities.
Do your homework and WHEN you make your choice, practice practice practice.
Dr.Rob
(for instance I KNOW rugers are solid, accurate, reliable guns but to me they are butt-ugly and feel strange in my hand. Sigs fit my hand VERY well, but are very costly compared to other brands etc)
Shop around, try before you buy. Post a message for ppl in your area about a range that rents guns, or let you fingers do the walking and call up your local ranges.
OR make it a social event. GET ALL YOUR FRIENDS who have 9mms to go to the range and try theirs.
There are a NUMBER of inexpensive copies of Brownings and Smiths available on the market from FEG of Hungary. These are SOLIDLY made guns but finish is not as good as on american weapons. ( i have a hi-power copy) Still they shoot VERY well. Also don't hesitate to look at the surplus/used market. A helwan Brigader (egyptian beretta copy that holds 8 shots) is a FINE firearm.
It really does depend on WHAT you want the gun for, ie target, plinking, defense, etc. as to which 9mm suits you and there are SO many possibilities.
Do your homework and WHEN you make your choice, practice practice practice.
Dr.Rob
David,
I'm guessing here, but being new you probably want a 9mm that can do it all (target shooting, bedside gun and possibly personal carry), and even if you find one that fits your hand well(something that you must check), you'll wonder if it's a piece of junk that just so happens to have a nice grip, so you need more advice. So, here's my $0.02, stick to 9mm, I know you said that already but you could be swayed by the local gun store "listen here sonny" type into getting a .40 or a .45 (I was once, biiiig mistake). The Glock 19 is a great all rounder if you want to carry (CCW) it on your person, the slightly larger Glock 17 is the best bet if not, nice gun for target shooting too. With these guns however you must try out the trigger first and compare it to other traditional double action autos, the Glock trigger has a consistent pull length of around 0.5" for every shot. If this is not to your taste (and it wasn't to mine) my own personal recommendation is the Heckler & Koch USP9C (compact size) with a stainless steel slide and the safety/decocker option in traditional DA/SA, get the flat floorplated magazines if you can (you usually get one of each type with the gun) the angled floorplate design with a pinky rest is awful IMHO. This is a gun that won't let you down, if money is an issue don't go cheaper than a Ruger P95D as your "cheap" option. Finally, stick to standard pressure rounds for all uses, +P can be hard on the gun, can also land you in trouble with the law if you shoot someone with them even if it was fully justified, and are largely unnecessary anyways if you choose a good standard pressure hollow point. Good luck and happy shooting.
Regards
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Mike H
I'm guessing here, but being new you probably want a 9mm that can do it all (target shooting, bedside gun and possibly personal carry), and even if you find one that fits your hand well(something that you must check), you'll wonder if it's a piece of junk that just so happens to have a nice grip, so you need more advice. So, here's my $0.02, stick to 9mm, I know you said that already but you could be swayed by the local gun store "listen here sonny" type into getting a .40 or a .45 (I was once, biiiig mistake). The Glock 19 is a great all rounder if you want to carry (CCW) it on your person, the slightly larger Glock 17 is the best bet if not, nice gun for target shooting too. With these guns however you must try out the trigger first and compare it to other traditional double action autos, the Glock trigger has a consistent pull length of around 0.5" for every shot. If this is not to your taste (and it wasn't to mine) my own personal recommendation is the Heckler & Koch USP9C (compact size) with a stainless steel slide and the safety/decocker option in traditional DA/SA, get the flat floorplated magazines if you can (you usually get one of each type with the gun) the angled floorplate design with a pinky rest is awful IMHO. This is a gun that won't let you down, if money is an issue don't go cheaper than a Ruger P95D as your "cheap" option. Finally, stick to standard pressure rounds for all uses, +P can be hard on the gun, can also land you in trouble with the law if you shoot someone with them even if it was fully justified, and are largely unnecessary anyways if you choose a good standard pressure hollow point. Good luck and happy shooting.
Regards
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Mike H
Will Beararms
New member
Congratulations on choosing a great market! Please take a moment to review the following pearls of wisdom gained from experience which came from mistakes:
1. Find a full serivce gun range and try before you buy. Have the salesperson show you all apsects of the weapons you test drive from how they shoot to how they break down to how and when they should be cleaned.
2. You do get what you pay for. I assure if you opt for a budget line handgun, you'll be back in six months to trade it in for a better quality offering and then you'll end up spending much more in the long run.
3. Choose a weapon that will be easy to obtain holsters, magazines and spare parts. This is important now more than ever.
4. Strive for accuracy. A 9mm is most effective when it hits the mark. I prefer them due to their gentle recoil but you must be able to hit a vital area in a justifiable self-defense scenario.
5. Some suggestions: Any Glock,HK USP 9 & PM 7, Any Sig, Smith & Wesson 6906 and 3913 (avoid the 908,911 & Sigma),and the Beretta provided it is a 92FS (Avoid the 92F as they lack the engineeering changes mandated by the D.O.D.)or one of the models with the Brigadier Slide. Stay away from the Beretta Centurion since mags are seldom found on the shelves.
6. Finally, I will offer this biased opinion. I have always believed that Sig-Sauers were the finest out-of-the-box autos made. I still think they are among the finest. I have always like the simplicity and toughness of the Glock but I could not and still can't hit the broad side of a barn with one. Recently, I had the chance to do some extensive shooting with the Beretta 92FS. It is the most accurate 9mm I have ever handled and even though the double-action trigger pull was a little rough. I consistently hit the center of the bull's eye at fifteen yards even in the double-action mode! I'm not saying it is the most accurate pistol in the world but I am saying after 28 years of shooting, I am more accurate with the 92 FS than any other auto I have ever utilized.
Good Luck and Safe Shooting -- Will Beararms
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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
1. Find a full serivce gun range and try before you buy. Have the salesperson show you all apsects of the weapons you test drive from how they shoot to how they break down to how and when they should be cleaned.
2. You do get what you pay for. I assure if you opt for a budget line handgun, you'll be back in six months to trade it in for a better quality offering and then you'll end up spending much more in the long run.
3. Choose a weapon that will be easy to obtain holsters, magazines and spare parts. This is important now more than ever.
4. Strive for accuracy. A 9mm is most effective when it hits the mark. I prefer them due to their gentle recoil but you must be able to hit a vital area in a justifiable self-defense scenario.
5. Some suggestions: Any Glock,HK USP 9 & PM 7, Any Sig, Smith & Wesson 6906 and 3913 (avoid the 908,911 & Sigma),and the Beretta provided it is a 92FS (Avoid the 92F as they lack the engineeering changes mandated by the D.O.D.)or one of the models with the Brigadier Slide. Stay away from the Beretta Centurion since mags are seldom found on the shelves.
6. Finally, I will offer this biased opinion. I have always believed that Sig-Sauers were the finest out-of-the-box autos made. I still think they are among the finest. I have always like the simplicity and toughness of the Glock but I could not and still can't hit the broad side of a barn with one. Recently, I had the chance to do some extensive shooting with the Beretta 92FS. It is the most accurate 9mm I have ever handled and even though the double-action trigger pull was a little rough. I consistently hit the center of the bull's eye at fifteen yards even in the double-action mode! I'm not saying it is the most accurate pistol in the world but I am saying after 28 years of shooting, I am more accurate with the 92 FS than any other auto I have ever utilized.
Good Luck and Safe Shooting -- Will Beararms
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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
I own a Ruger P-89. I have been very pleased with it in every way. It is sufficiently accurate, supper strong and has never ever jammed in 800 rounds. The Ruger P series is also very affordable. The newer P-95 may be the way to go. It is slightly smaller, lighter and less expensive than the older P-89. It has a polymer frame that seems a little more comfortable than the p-89. I have seen new ones sell as for as low as $258 with the blue finish.
There are many excellent 9mm pistols on the market. If a range in your area rents pistols I'd suggest shooting as many as you can until you find a design that works well for you.
I prefer the HK USP Full Size and Glock 17 because I find that full size guns are easy to shoot accurately. If you want something smaller, HK makes a USP Compact and Glock makes the 19(compact)and 26(subcompact). Though smaller, they're still very accurate. The HK USPs and the new style Glock 17s and 19s have accessory rails to which you can attach a tactical light. That may or may not be important to you but it adds to the versatility of the pistol. All my pistols from HK and Glock are very accurate and have been 100% reliable.
Also check out the all the great offerings from Sig, Beretta and Browning. Consider the various controls and their placement on the gun when you're out shopping (trigger pull, decocker, safety/no safety). Controls that feel intuitive to me may not feel right to you.
I prefer the HK USP Full Size and Glock 17 because I find that full size guns are easy to shoot accurately. If you want something smaller, HK makes a USP Compact and Glock makes the 19(compact)and 26(subcompact). Though smaller, they're still very accurate. The HK USPs and the new style Glock 17s and 19s have accessory rails to which you can attach a tactical light. That may or may not be important to you but it adds to the versatility of the pistol. All my pistols from HK and Glock are very accurate and have been 100% reliable.
Also check out the all the great offerings from Sig, Beretta and Browning. Consider the various controls and their placement on the gun when you're out shopping (trigger pull, decocker, safety/no safety). Controls that feel intuitive to me may not feel right to you.
buy a FEG PJK-9HP, Hungarian made Browning
Hi-Power clone, I'll sell ya one for $200,
plus $25 and shipping to your FFL, simple gun and all Browning parts interchange EXCEPT
sights,gun comes with rubber grips and 2 13
round mags, gun is pre-ban and came with 13 rd mags, give me a e-mail.. :}
Hi-Power clone, I'll sell ya one for $200,
plus $25 and shipping to your FFL, simple gun and all Browning parts interchange EXCEPT
sights,gun comes with rubber grips and 2 13
round mags, gun is pre-ban and came with 13 rd mags, give me a e-mail.. :}
I agree with Mike H. HK is very reliable, durable, accurate, low recoil. Flexible operating system allows to carry it cocked and locked or use a decocker, so you practically have DA and almost 1911 in one gun. Of couse if you could you should try different guns, but my first choice would be HK 9C.
Zentao
Zentao
Paul Revere
New member
Yes, there are many, many choices out there. I've always said buying guns is allot like buying fishing tackle. If you buy great tackle, it'll last you a life time and always perform well.
The problem with guns is the difference in price from the bottom to the top (let's say $280 on the low end, and $1,500 on the high end). Additionally, you want to absolutely have 100% confidence in your choice, in its reliability and shootability. I haven't found too many guns on the low end of the scale (besides the Ruger P89) that I'd trust my life to. On the opposite side of the spectrum, do you really want to spend $1,500 on a match grade weapon? Would you even consider carrying around such a piece? Save that one to impress your buddies at the range.
Having shot many many different firearms over the years, I can honestly say that my hands down favorite is the Glock. For less than $500 you will have one of the best firearms man has ever conceived. It is not only easy to maintain and shoot, but it breaks down so easy and it can hold a heck of alot of ammo (using any of the high cap factory mags). The sights are wonderful and the trigger pull is exceptional. It conceals well, and is fairly lightweight.
You can always buy an H&K or a Sig for $750+, but you will always want the Glock in your hand when the stuff hits the fan.
The problem with guns is the difference in price from the bottom to the top (let's say $280 on the low end, and $1,500 on the high end). Additionally, you want to absolutely have 100% confidence in your choice, in its reliability and shootability. I haven't found too many guns on the low end of the scale (besides the Ruger P89) that I'd trust my life to. On the opposite side of the spectrum, do you really want to spend $1,500 on a match grade weapon? Would you even consider carrying around such a piece? Save that one to impress your buddies at the range.
Having shot many many different firearms over the years, I can honestly say that my hands down favorite is the Glock. For less than $500 you will have one of the best firearms man has ever conceived. It is not only easy to maintain and shoot, but it breaks down so easy and it can hold a heck of alot of ammo (using any of the high cap factory mags). The sights are wonderful and the trigger pull is exceptional. It conceals well, and is fairly lightweight.
You can always buy an H&K or a Sig for $750+, but you will always want the Glock in your hand when the stuff hits the fan.
Lots of good advice here but it all seems to be hightly subjective to personal taste. I would hate to tell anyone that "if the SHTF you will only want this gun" - that's just pride in their own choice .
I'll suggest 2 rules to follow:
1) stay with a major manufacturer like HK, Sig, Glock, Baretta, Walther (etc.) - and you can't go wrong.
2) Do NOT buy a specific gun until you have fired one for yourself.
The choice in a handgun, well ANY gun, is indeed a very personal choice. **YOU** should ultimately decide what is "best for you" based on what you have learned about the different brands and how it feels to you when shooting it.
Good Shooting.
CMOS
.I'll suggest 2 rules to follow:
1) stay with a major manufacturer like HK, Sig, Glock, Baretta, Walther (etc.) - and you can't go wrong.
2) Do NOT buy a specific gun until you have fired one for yourself.
The choice in a handgun, well ANY gun, is indeed a very personal choice. **YOU** should ultimately decide what is "best for you" based on what you have learned about the different brands and how it feels to you when shooting it.
Good Shooting.
CMOS
Not that the P7 is a bad gun, but I read an interesting Beretta book about the XM9 trials for the US service 9mm selection, where it was noted that the P7 had the worst corrosion problem and the second highest rate for stoppages. The worst, notably, was the Beretta, by one round over the HK.
Obviously, Beretta corrected the problem. No mention about what HK did to enhance reliability.
Obviously, Beretta corrected the problem. No mention about what HK did to enhance reliability.
James Montes
New member
Check SIG models out at there web site "www.sigarms.com" then go and test for yourself, P225,P226,P228,P239 all great 9mms!
I am primarily a .45 shooter but you can not beat the cost of 9MM ammo... And it is a good choice for a first gun... The 225 is my first choice because it is usually alot cheaper (in price only!) than the other models, P239 and P228 are worth a look...
I have the P239 in .40SW/.357SIG it is my favorite conceal carry gun, My FAV SIG however is the P220 .45ACP COMBAT PISTOL.
Other Suggestions are the BROWNING HI POWER 9MM every bit as good as the SIGs, the HK P7M8 was mentioned by others not a bad 9mm. But very $$$ as much as $1K... Also I don't think it is a good choice for someones first pistol... Mostly because of very unique "squeeze cocker" operation that is like no other pistol. I would keep it "universal" for now. The HK P7M8 is for an experienced pistolero... Just my opinion...
Though GLOCKS have their qualities I "hate" the triggers on them, and I cannot shoot really tight groups with this gun...
Should not have to worry about how "tough" your gun is in a "civilian real world environment." Can it handle a trip to the range? Can you carry it every were a CIVY goes? i.e. grocery store, mall, movies, dinner etc, etc, (legally of course!!!)
As much as some of my peers like to "pretend" You will probably never have to do a 3 mile ocean swim with it... Jump out of airplanes into combat zone with it or any other harsh extreme...
SIGs, HK, Glock, all can withstand the daily rigors of the 20th century man...
HAPPY HUNTING...
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SURE SHOT
I am primarily a .45 shooter but you can not beat the cost of 9MM ammo... And it is a good choice for a first gun... The 225 is my first choice because it is usually alot cheaper (in price only!) than the other models, P239 and P228 are worth a look...
I have the P239 in .40SW/.357SIG it is my favorite conceal carry gun, My FAV SIG however is the P220 .45ACP COMBAT PISTOL.
Other Suggestions are the BROWNING HI POWER 9MM every bit as good as the SIGs, the HK P7M8 was mentioned by others not a bad 9mm. But very $$$ as much as $1K... Also I don't think it is a good choice for someones first pistol... Mostly because of very unique "squeeze cocker" operation that is like no other pistol. I would keep it "universal" for now. The HK P7M8 is for an experienced pistolero... Just my opinion...
Though GLOCKS have their qualities I "hate" the triggers on them, and I cannot shoot really tight groups with this gun...
Should not have to worry about how "tough" your gun is in a "civilian real world environment." Can it handle a trip to the range? Can you carry it every were a CIVY goes? i.e. grocery store, mall, movies, dinner etc, etc, (legally of course!!!)
As much as some of my peers like to "pretend" You will probably never have to do a 3 mile ocean swim with it... Jump out of airplanes into combat zone with it or any other harsh extreme...
SIGs, HK, Glock, all can withstand the daily rigors of the 20th century man...
HAPPY HUNTING...
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SURE SHOT
Sean in FL
Inactive
My choices in order are
Glock 17
Sig P226
Ruger P89
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Guns don't kill people, people kill people !
Glock 17
Sig P226
Ruger P89
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Guns don't kill people, people kill people !
Greetings; After getting educated a little
bit, decide whether you want a single or
double action 9m/m? Then, it is time to
find a local range that rent's guns for
you to try out. Try to shoot as many make's
and model's as you can. In my opinion, the
Sig's are the best. I am very fortunate
enough to own four 9m/m's. They are, in
no particular order: 1) Browning Hi-Power
Practical, 2) Beretta 92FS Centurion, 3)
Sig-Sauer P226 (two-tone w/factory Siglite
night sight's), 4) Sig-Sauer P228. So, the
choice's are many; good luck in choosing
the right one !!!
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Ala Dan
bit, decide whether you want a single or
double action 9m/m? Then, it is time to
find a local range that rent's guns for
you to try out. Try to shoot as many make's
and model's as you can. In my opinion, the
Sig's are the best. I am very fortunate
enough to own four 9m/m's. They are, in
no particular order: 1) Browning Hi-Power
Practical, 2) Beretta 92FS Centurion, 3)
Sig-Sauer P226 (two-tone w/factory Siglite
night sight's), 4) Sig-Sauer P228. So, the
choice's are many; good luck in choosing
the right one !!!
------------------
Ala Dan
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