Which 9mm to purchase???

J

JRiggs

New member
I really need a full size 9mm pistol for general range use, home defense, and possible duty use. I have a source for SIG 226 Pre-Ban mags, so I'm leaning in that direction.

Aside from the 226, what are some other suggestions? I need durability, reliability, and accuracy. I should also add, I'm not real big into Glocks, there great guns, but just not for me. Thanks!
 
Glock 17 or 19.... oops!

The Sig 226 is a fine choice, and if that's what you want, then by all means, buy it. ;)

Are these 226 "prebans" you speak of police trade-in handguns?
 
Nothing wrong with the SIG, but don't count out the Browning Hi-Power or one of it's many clones. High cap magazines can be found in abundance and at reasonable prices.

I would definitely check one out.
 
CZ-75 might be something to look at, but the mag issue is very important.

It would just irk me to death to have a full size 9mm with 10 round mags. It would irk me even more if I paid $500 for a pistol then had to shell out 3-$400 for 4 mags for it. Ala no G-17 for the Duck. If your "source" can get you 4-5 or more full cap 226's mags for a decent price AND the 226 feels good to you I think it would be a mistake to pass on it.

You could also just get the mags and trade or sell them for the hi-caps of any brand you like. Of course mags from some "sources" are uhmm.... not as sellable or tradeable as others ;)
 
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Without doubt.....Browning.

I have had them all. Still have the Browning and Beretta. I sold a Browning thinking it was old fashioned. Got another 5-6 years ago and it will hit multiple targets faster than any other I have shot. Also it is a tack driver. I ....did....have a trigger job done on it. I don't like the stock BHP trigger but once that is overcome, nothing else will improve on it.
So get the Browning. You can get another later if you wish, but I will bet that you will still prefer the feel and reliability of the BHP.

John Moses Lavan
 
The P226 would be an excellent choice, and even more so if you can get your hands on some standard-capacity magazines at a reasonable cost.

My standard question, though: What have you tried at the range?

There are many, many great options available in full-size 9mm's. You already ruled out Glocks (which are my personal favorite, but it's definitely a personal thing with handguns), but any of the offerings from Sig, HK, Ruger, CZ, or the BHP are pistols I wouldn't hesitate to own.

Since you're talking about a pistol for home defense, I'd suggest a trip to the range for a shooting session to try out as many of these as possible. They all feel very different, and I think an obvious choice for your personal tastes will rise to the surface.

Good luck!
 
The SIG Sauer P226 was my first 9mm pistol. I have others, but the P226 is my favorite.

If you're just looking for alternatives, check out the Walther P99.
 
If you have a range that rents pistols thats obviously the way to go. I really envy you guys who can go out and rent a gun to try it out first.

Around my parts not one rental range in the area, could not even find a glock 30 within a 150 mile radius to even see if it fit my hand or not. Lot's of people around here stuck ordering a gun (at a really inflated price) take it out of the box and sell it at a masssive loss almost immediatly because it's not what they wanted. Of course you can get some good deals like that.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I've basically tried or owned all the major brands at one point. I became burned out and basically sold off everything but my hunting guns. I really like the look and feel of SIGS. I would love to have a Glock 17 but refuse to pay for the standard cap mags, and will not settle for 10 rounders. Thats why Glock is out.

How are the latest production Berettas'? It seems I remember reading that they cheapened them up a bit nowdays. What I wouldnt give to have my old 92fs again! Thanks for the help.
 
SIGs are great guns. I have a compact P239, and it is 100% reliable. However, for a full size 9mm, I would go with a Beretta 92FS. I have one in Inox and the thing is amazing. It is reliable and goes "bang" every time the trigger is pulled. Mine is a tack driver, and will hit anything you aim it at. We were taking out tennis balls from 10 yards with it the other day. Also, they are a very attractive looking handgun. You can't go wrong with a Beretta.

JR
 
The Sig is a great handgun and if you have a source of reasonably priced pre ban mags..go for it! It's hard to fault the weapon.

Just make sure your mags are factory and not crappy aftermarket ones that you are getting. Things should be just fine.

You don't want a Glock, but something you might want to consider is weight. The polymer pistols can make a big difference when you are packing a weapon around plus OC Spray, ASP baton, Radio, Knife/Leatherman, Keys, Handcuffs 1 to 2 pairs, 2 extra high cap mags, Cell Phone or Pager, Glove pouch, and whatever assorted goodies you have to hang on your duty belt. Not only do ya have to wear all that stuff all day long, but you are going to have to chase folks down with all that crap on ya...

Another plus for Polymers, they don't show nicks and dents as bad and they don't immediately have to be cleaned after getting soaked in a rainshower or after you get home from duty.

So polymer pistols do have a slight advantage whether it be HK's, Glocks, Walthers or other polymer weapons.


Good Shooting
RED
 
Like the man said, Glock 17 or 19, I hate double action semiautos.
Jeff Cooper was right they are an ingenious solution to a nonexistant problem...

7th
 
What "possible duty use" would you be using it for that you wouldn't be able get postban magazines with a departmantal letter?
 
Blades,

Many officers are not allowed to retain LEO mags when leaving duty. This may be a concern if the pistol is to be "equipped" fully after leaving the force. I cannot speak for JRiggs, but this would be my concern first and foremost. Additionally, some of my LE associates have done exactly the same thing for their own Glocks. LE issued mags for duty, but privately purchased pre-bans for personal protection.

JRiggs,

I echo those who say shoot the P226 first, as you should any contenders in filling the purposes you mention. Many find the P226 grips too large/wide. Firing the pistol is the best way to know if it is for you.

There are too many other choices out there for you to potentially make and that is a wonderful thing.

I am biased toward the P226, owning more than one of them. Along that line, I leave you with your dillema.:)
 
Baldes67, Jager1 summed it up perfectly. I'm about to get out of the Military, and the Local P.D. I'm looking at does not allow one to use the LE mags for personal use. In fact, they are quite strict about it. I know a guy who stocked up on 226 prebans, and he told me he'd give me a deal. I've owned SIG 225's and 228's, so Im familiar with the manual of arms with these weapons. Also because of my USAF background, Im familiar with the Beretta M-9 as well. Decisions!
 
Sig because of the mags

You have a handle on mags and the 226 is a good shooting gun. If the mags are factory or MecGar they are fine. MecGar makes their mags anyway.

The other choices mentioned are not dogs, btw.
 
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