Shotgunner venturing into the world of handguns, need help?

N

NE20quail

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Sorry another of "these" threads...Well, I have read around a whole bunch, posted some in the revolver forum, and now I am going to take a look into semi-auto land. I have a 1911 that was passed down to me, but I don't shoot it much. I would like something with lighter recoil to practice with (hence the questions about .38's, and now the 9mm). So here are my specifications:

1) 9mm
2) Compact (around 4" bbl for possible carry gun)
3) Consistant trigger pull (either all single action, or DAO)
4) $400-500 price range (preferable $400)--{ now everyone will say CZ and Ruger, I know}
5) Durable/reliable
6) More capacity than 8 rounds (the colt I have can hold that many)
7) ****small hands = need small grips (narrow)****
8) One more... Light weight (that is, lighter than a 1911, but something that will not be a comprimise for absorbing recoil)

Uses again: training, plinking, possible carry later on (gun will be kept stock for most part)

I am open for suggestions. I know everyone has to figure this stuff out on there own, but narrowing the selection would help. I have shot a CZ 75 PCR before. I liked it, but I would rather have a manual safety and have it be single action only. Suggestions on THIN grips will be heavily weighted.
 
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Kahr P9, 9mm, flat, night sights, TCO, but holds 8. It's my bug. Great gun.:D

However, remember, you should have no favorite weapon. As well, there are no "ideal" weapons. All platforms are trade-offs. Darn that double-edged sword anywho.
 
Check out the Walther P99. They have the QA which is similar to A Glock trigger(half cock), and they have a DAO also. Adjustable grips to customize fit, 4" bbl, can get standard cap mags (16 rnds) . Price is as low as 459, usually about 489. Good luck.
 
$400-$500 price range? Get TWO Kel-Tec P-11s... :cool:

Wait, you only need one. Meets all your specs and it's 10+1. After a while, you'll be semi-auto proficient so you'll be able to make informed decisions about where you want to go from the P-11, if anywhere.

If you buy a used one, your ownership will be essentially "free" because you'll be able to get out of it what you paid for it. However, newer (higher) serial numbers are better. They're currently in the 120xxx range.

People seem to either love them or hate them, but there are a few who are ambivalent.

It doesn't hurt them to dry-fire, so go through the drill before you buy.

Did I mention that they have a 100% lifetime warranty? Well, it's to the original purchaser according to the express terms, but KT honors the warranty for the current owner. Neat deal! :D
 
If you are an expert shotgunner recoil shoud be no problem for you.

I would shoot the .45 you own especially if it is a 1911 model, you will get used to the recoil in short order.

I would also look into getting a .22lr pistol for lots of no recoil cheap practice, ruger mark 2 kmk512 is highly recommended, you may even want to get a .22 conversion kit for the .45.
 
Recoil

Well, shotgun recoil is totally different. A push in the shoulder is way different than stabilizing a handgun that is pushing and having muzzle flip (more rist and forearm strength is required). There are other factors for getting something in 9mm listed too........cheaper to shoot, higher cap mags, etc. I like the idea of a .22 conversion for the 1911 and will probably get one down the line.

From that list in my excel sheet, the guns that are standing out are the H&K USP compact, Kahr P9, and Sig 239 (to me).
 
Well your requirements really narrow the field...CZ75 compact is what I would suggest. That or a Kahr.
 
9mm carry choices

I too am looking for possibly a 9mm purchase in the near future. The CZ is the second heaviest gun on the list 32 oz., next to the Ruger P94 at 33 oz. From the size/capacity basis only, the Glock 19/26, H&K USP9 Compact, Sig 239, Walther P99, and Khar are the most appealing (under 25 oz). The springfield Ultra compact also fits in the weight category and would go well with the 1911 I already have. At what weight does perceived recoil start to be greater? The kahr at 15 oz looks appealing, but will there be significantly more muzzle flip than its steel framed brother at 23 oz? To me the Kel-Tecs are a little too small for what I want and in my eyes a bit on the UGLY side :barf: .
 
Consider the Browning HP. Ergo's are great.

JLD has some made down in Argentina for very good price. 17 rnd mags are abundant and cheap.

They also have a detective model, don't know too much about it but might fit you carry concerns. Also see they have a detective conversion slide. Might buy a full size and get a shortened slide later when you decide to carry? Likely the folks over at fnhipower.com could tell you more. Yes.... that means they are WAY smarter than me.

Don't know about the weights of these guns, I'll let you look if you are interested.

HTH
 
This is very subjective and YMMV, but.....
I find that the recoil of a full size 1911 type .45 is much less snappy than my Kahr P9 Covert - or any 9mm that weighs less than 16 oz. It's a real pleasure to shoot heavier (weight) guns at the range, and I enjoy the mild recoil. Small 9mm's surprise some large handgun shooters when they first try them - not as mild as they thought. However, for constant carry and companionship, I want something under 16 oz. and not less than 9mm in caliber. Applying those criteria (if they fit for you) will help you narrow your choices pretty quickly.
 
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