Best 9mmsemi-auto pistol for under $600? - Page 2

IMightBeWrong · January 30, 2014, 06:05 PM

I forgot about CZ. I had a P-01 a few years ago and it's one of the only two pistols I've ever sold that I wish I never had. The other was a W. German P228. CZ makes a great pistol for the money and belongs in that same group I listed.

LockedBreech · January 30, 2014, 06:06 PM

The Beretta 92FS is about $540 on Bud's right now. That's $565 or after FFL transfer.

To me, that's a fantastic deal on one of the best guns out there.

doofus47 · January 30, 2014, 06:11 PM

Sr9c
Sig p6
Are two "cheap" 9s that I have been impressed by.

Xds9 has been good, but I need to fire it more to have a definite opinion

sigarms228 · January 30, 2014, 06:16 PM

Walther PPQ or Walther P99 AS.

Pilot · January 30, 2014, 07:23 PM

Range gun, home defense, concealed carry, etc. That's what we man by "best", as in best for what use?

If you're going to get a Beretta, get a 92FS. CZ's are top notch also, the 75B is probably the best to start if you're not going to carry it, although some do.

jreXD9 · January 30, 2014, 08:53 PM

Per your criteria in your post #10? CZ PCR D a very solid first without a doubt, followed by the XDm Compact 3.8 and then the S&W MP9c. I liked my MP9c, loved my XDm, but the PCR D takes my breath away every time I shoot it. It's the only gun that I shoot better than the Rami. I've had a PX4 Storm Subcompact. Good gun, but it ain't a CZ PCR D!

silverstang23 · January 30, 2014, 08:55 PM

Glock 19. Not the most ergonomic but they work every time. And if you get some extra coin you can get a trigger job and it will be a nice firearm

IMightBeWrong · January 30, 2014, 09:04 PM

^ With the newer US made Glock 19s, I would not say they still work every time. YMMV. I'm not a fan of getting hit in the face with brass, nor am I a fan of weak brass ejection. The newer pistols that DON'T hit me in the face with brass, tend to have weak ejection instead. I haven't found very many of them from the newer manufacturing that perform like the older Gen 3 imports. this includes having owned a Glock 17, 19, and 26, all Gen 4 within the last few years plus shooting others.

silverstang23 · January 30, 2014, 09:08 PM

^ I haven't seen much evidence that there is any difference in reliability between the us and Austrian glocks. I have personally shot in excess of 1,000 rounds through my buddies Smyrna 19.4 and never had a single issue. Never had the ejection hit my glasses either. Compared to the springfield, I would take an American glock every day of the week purely and the basis of reliability.

Side note, I bought a 23 two months ago and it is an import

IMightBeWrong · January 30, 2014, 09:33 PM

I would take the Glock over the XD American or not as well.

But 2 out of 3 of mine hit me in the face with brass. Out of those two, one was my 26 which needed the new ejector. The new ejector then left it dribbling the casings out rather than ejecting them far. I wasn't getting hit in the face anymore simply because they would land on my wrist and fall to the ground. The third one was the 19 and it came with the new ejector, had weak ejection, and malfunctioned twice out of the box shooting 115gr WWB. Off it went.

My first 2 Glocks were Austrian made, Gen 3 26 and 23. Both were outstanding and had zero issues of any kind, ever.

Just my personal experience.

tahunua001 · January 30, 2014, 09:41 PM

that price is way too steep for a PX4. that gun can be had brand new for closer to $450. for $550 you could shop around and find a springfield XDM on clearance somewhere. that is what I would recommend as the best under $600. 19 round magazines, very accurate, very easy to shoot, and very reliable. now don't get be wrong the PX4 is a good gun, it's just good in a different way from the XDM.

Goodguy14 · January 30, 2014, 10:51 PM

"that price is way too steep for a PX4. that gun can be had brand new for closer to $450. for $550 you could shop around and find a springfield XDM on clearance somewhere. that is what I would recommend as the best under $600. 19 round magazines, very accurate, very easy to shoot, and very reliable. now don't get be wrong the PX4 is a good gun, it's just good in a different way from the XDM."

Thanks for your advice. But what you also have to take into consideration.... I'm in Orange County CA.. You're in Idaho... Everything is more expensive here. Going price for px4 in store is $550.. You can get a great deal at $525ish if you're lucky and shop around. With the XDM a bit more than that.
I have checked out the XDM. I honestly liked the PX4 better...

Worc · January 30, 2014, 10:51 PM

There are a lot of good models out there in your price range. In addition to the Beretta PX-4, take a look at the following models. FNH's FNS or FNX, Sig's P250 or SP2022, Steyr's M-A1 or L-A1, Walther PPQ's or P99 AS.

If you go used you might find something from HK or Sig models like the 226,228,229 within you budget.

Goodguy14 · January 30, 2014, 10:54 PM

Cool thanks worc... I am looking new only because this is my first.

This is all great information though. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Mosin44az · January 30, 2014, 11:07 PM

You can go crazy with all the choices in 9mm. One key is the type of trigger you want, whether you want DA/SA with the long first DA trigger pull (like the Beretta Px4) or whether you prefer the same trigger stroke every time, like you get with most of the striker-fired ones (Glock, XD, M & P, etc.).

If you like the Px4, that is an excellent choice. I would just make certain it fits your hand, i.e. you can easily put the end pad of your trigger finger across the trigger without stretching. I had a Px4 .40 that I ultimately sold because my hands weren't long enough to do that. But it functioned perfectly and was very comfortable to shoot, otherwise well made.

I have a Glock 19 now, and also recommend that one, mine has been great and is very easy to shoot fast and well. You have to make sure the trigger is protected from accidental contact when you carry a Glock, because of the lack of an extra safety and its short trigger pull. But many hard-sided holsters are available.

Beretta 92s are excellent but have really fat grips and a really long trigger reach. I can recommend Springfield XDs, and know that the XDms and Smith M & Ps also have a great reputation, as do CZ 75s.

In my experience, Smith & Wesson and Ruger have the best service, and I have heard Springfield is great too.

But don't go too crazy. Just find something you like and make sure it has had good mention here, and you will be good. Lots of good 9mms out there.

SHE3PDOG · January 30, 2014, 11:13 PM

If you're looking at hammer fired, it is hard to go wrong with the Beretta 92/M9 or the CZ 75. If you want to go striker fired, any 9mm Glock (17, 19, 26, 34) would serve you well depending on what size you want. These are just suggestions though, try out a bunch of stuff to find out what fits you best before buying.

Goodguy14 · January 30, 2014, 11:22 PM

Thanks mosin44az. I won't be carrying.. As the only way the get your CCW in SoCal is to know someone.. Or at least know someone who knows someone lol...

Cirdan · January 30, 2014, 11:43 PM

Love my PX4 in 9mm, and don't think you could go wrong with that.

I also have a Glock. Shoots almost as well as the PX4, but the Berettta looks and feels better.

dontcatchmany · January 31, 2014, 10:23 AM

About a year ago I purchased a new Bersa Thunder 9 UC Pro for around 425. 13 round mag.

I have been more than pleasantly surprised as it is a great shooter and with about 1000 rounds through it, not a burp.....that caused me to get a 45 in that model......you can feed em both anything and they ask for more.

Both are great pistols, IMHO. They seem to not have the following of other pistols, but I believe they are greatly over looked.

**Spats McGee** · January 31, 2014, 10:27 AM

1) As others have noted, "best" can really only be defined within the context of "intended purpose."

2) Get thee to a range and rent some guns!

3) In the Under $600 category, there are a TON of good 9mm guns. Well, there are around here. Your mileage in CA may differ.

Good luck!

mrdaputer · January 31, 2014, 11:06 AM

All the suggestions are good ones. I would suggest you feel up the ones you like and if possible shoot the ones you can and which one feels the best. That is the "best" gun.

Quentin2 · January 31, 2014, 12:38 PM

My choice is a compact Gen 4 Glock. In 9mm that's the G19 however I went with its 40S&W twin, the G23 and a 40-9mm conversion barrel to shoot both calibers.

The G19 is hard to beat but it boils down to what's right for you and to find out you must handle as many of the pistols mentioned in this thread and fire the ones that feel good, if you can.

BTW, I'm not sure if you can easily get a Gen 4 Glock in CA but new Gen 3s can be found. The main difference is three grip sizes in the Gen 4 using pin on back straps.

Jayhawkhuntclub · January 31, 2014, 01:08 PM

I don't think you can beat an M&P in either full size or compact. They are what Glock should have evolved into, but didn't, IMHO.

Goodguy14 · January 31, 2014, 01:40 PM

Great info guys.. This will be helpful for me and a lot of other new gun owners.. I appreciate the knowledge

sigp226wgerman · January 31, 2014, 10:20 PM

Glock 19 Gen 4 is what you seek

January 30, 2014, 06:05 PM	#26
IMightBeWrong Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 814	I forgot about CZ. I had a P-01 a few years ago and it's one of the only two pistols I've ever sold that I wish I never had. The other was a W. German P228. CZ makes a great pistol for the money and belongs in that same group I listed. __________________ "Intelligence is nothing more than discussing things with others. Limitless wisdom comes of this." - 山本常朝

January 30, 2014, 06:06 PM	#27
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	The Beretta 92FS is about $540 on Bud's right now. That's $565 or after FFL transfer. To me, that's a fantastic deal on one of the best guns out there. __________________ 16 Pistols, 5 Rifles, 1 Shotgun, no time to shoot them

January 30, 2014, 06:11 PM	#28
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	Sr9c Sig p6 Are two "cheap" 9s that I have been impressed by. Xds9 has been good, but I need to fire it more to have a definite opinion __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.

January 30, 2014, 07:23 PM	#30
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	Range gun, home defense, concealed carry, etc. That's what we man by "best", as in best for what use? If you're going to get a Beretta, get a 92FS. CZ's are top notch also, the 75B is probably the best to start if you're not going to carry it, although some do. __________________ Pilot

January 30, 2014, 08:53 PM	#31
jreXD9 Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 404	Per your criteria in your post #10? CZ PCR D a very solid first without a doubt, followed by the XDm Compact 3.8 and then the S&W MP9c. I liked my MP9c, loved my XDm, but the PCR D takes my breath away every time I shoot it. It's the only gun that I shoot better than the Rami. I've had a PX4 Storm Subcompact. Good gun, but it ain't a CZ PCR D! __________________ Don't go ninjin' nobody don't need ninjin'.

January 30, 2014, 06:16 PM	#29
sigarms228 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2011 Posts: 1,768	Walther PPQ or Walther P99 AS.

January 30, 2014, 08:55 PM	#32
silverstang23 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2013 Posts: 180	Glock 19. Not the most ergonomic but they work every time. And if you get some extra coin you can get a trigger job and it will be a nice firearm

January 30, 2014, 09:04 PM	#33
IMightBeWrong Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 814	^ With the newer US made Glock 19s, I would not say they still work every time. YMMV. I'm not a fan of getting hit in the face with brass, nor am I a fan of weak brass ejection. The newer pistols that DON'T hit me in the face with brass, tend to have weak ejection instead. I haven't found very many of them from the newer manufacturing that perform like the older Gen 3 imports. this includes having owned a Glock 17, 19, and 26, all Gen 4 within the last few years plus shooting others. __________________ "Intelligence is nothing more than discussing things with others. Limitless wisdom comes of this." - 山本常朝

January 30, 2014, 09:08 PM	#34
silverstang23 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2013 Posts: 180	^ I haven't seen much evidence that there is any difference in reliability between the us and Austrian glocks. I have personally shot in excess of 1,000 rounds through my buddies Smyrna 19.4 and never had a single issue. Never had the ejection hit my glasses either. Compared to the springfield, I would take an American glock every day of the week purely and the basis of reliability. Side note, I bought a 23 two months ago and it is an import Last edited by silverstang23; January 30, 2014 at 09:34 PM.

January 30, 2014, 09:33 PM	#35
IMightBeWrong Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 814	I would take the Glock over the XD American or not as well. But 2 out of 3 of mine hit me in the face with brass. Out of those two, one was my 26 which needed the new ejector. The new ejector then left it dribbling the casings out rather than ejecting them far. I wasn't getting hit in the face anymore simply because they would land on my wrist and fall to the ground. The third one was the 19 and it came with the new ejector, had weak ejection, and malfunctioned twice out of the box shooting 115gr WWB. Off it went. My first 2 Glocks were Austrian made, Gen 3 26 and 23. Both were outstanding and had zero issues of any kind, ever. Just my personal experience. __________________ "Intelligence is nothing more than discussing things with others. Limitless wisdom comes of this." - 山本常朝

January 30, 2014, 09:41 PM	#36
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	that price is way too steep for a PX4. that gun can be had brand new for closer to $450. for $550 you could shop around and find a springfield XDM on clearance somewhere. that is what I would recommend as the best under $600. 19 round magazines, very accurate, very easy to shoot, and very reliable. now don't get be wrong the PX4 is a good gun, it's just good in a different way from the XDM. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

January 30, 2014, 10:51 PM	#37
Goodguy14 Member Join Date: January 28, 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 49	"that price is way too steep for a PX4. that gun can be had brand new for closer to $450. for $550 you could shop around and find a springfield XDM on clearance somewhere. that is what I would recommend as the best under $600. 19 round magazines, very accurate, very easy to shoot, and very reliable. now don't get be wrong the PX4 is a good gun, it's just good in a different way from the XDM." Thanks for your advice. But what you also have to take into consideration.... I'm in Orange County CA.. You're in Idaho... Everything is more expensive here. Going price for px4 in store is $550.. You can get a great deal at $525ish if you're lucky and shop around. With the XDM a bit more than that. I have checked out the XDM. I honestly liked the PX4 better...

January 30, 2014, 10:51 PM	#38
Worc Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 641	There are a lot of good models out there in your price range. In addition to the Beretta PX-4, take a look at the following models. FNH's FNS or FNX, Sig's P250 or SP2022, Steyr's M-A1 or L-A1, Walther PPQ's or P99 AS. If you go used you might find something from HK or Sig models like the 226,228,229 within you budget.

January 30, 2014, 10:54 PM	#39
Goodguy14 Member Join Date: January 28, 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 49	Cool thanks worc... I am looking new only because this is my first. This is all great information though. Thanks for all the help everyone!

January 30, 2014, 11:07 PM	#40
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	You can go crazy with all the choices in 9mm. One key is the type of trigger you want, whether you want DA/SA with the long first DA trigger pull (like the Beretta Px4) or whether you prefer the same trigger stroke every time, like you get with most of the striker-fired ones (Glock, XD, M & P, etc.). If you like the Px4, that is an excellent choice. I would just make certain it fits your hand, i.e. you can easily put the end pad of your trigger finger across the trigger without stretching. I had a Px4 .40 that I ultimately sold because my hands weren't long enough to do that. But it functioned perfectly and was very comfortable to shoot, otherwise well made. I have a Glock 19 now, and also recommend that one, mine has been great and is very easy to shoot fast and well. You have to make sure the trigger is protected from accidental contact when you carry a Glock, because of the lack of an extra safety and its short trigger pull. But many hard-sided holsters are available. Beretta 92s are excellent but have really fat grips and a really long trigger reach. I can recommend Springfield XDs, and know that the XDms and Smith M & Ps also have a great reputation, as do CZ 75s. In my experience, Smith & Wesson and Ruger have the best service, and I have heard Springfield is great too. But don't go too crazy. Just find something you like and make sure it has had good mention here, and you will be good. Lots of good 9mms out there.

January 30, 2014, 11:13 PM	#41
SHE3PDOG Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 988	If you're looking at hammer fired, it is hard to go wrong with the Beretta 92/M9 or the CZ 75. If you want to go striker fired, any 9mm Glock (17, 19, 26, 34) would serve you well depending on what size you want. These are just suggestions though, try out a bunch of stuff to find out what fits you best before buying. __________________ Semper Fi Marine, NRA member, SAF Defender's Club member, and constitutionally protected keeper and bearer of firearms

January 30, 2014, 11:22 PM	#42
Goodguy14 Member Join Date: January 28, 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 49	Thanks mosin44az. I won't be carrying.. As the only way the get your CCW in SoCal is to know someone.. Or at least know someone who knows someone lol...

January 30, 2014, 11:43 PM	#43
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	Love my PX4 in 9mm, and don't think you could go wrong with that. I also have a Glock. Shoots almost as well as the PX4, but the Berettta looks and feels better.

January 31, 2014, 10:23 AM	#44
dontcatchmany Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2010 Posts: 460	About a year ago I purchased a new Bersa Thunder 9 UC Pro for around 425. 13 round mag. I have been more than pleasantly surprised as it is a great shooter and with about 1000 rounds through it, not a burp.....that caused me to get a 45 in that model......you can feed em both anything and they ask for more. Both are great pistols, IMHO. They seem to not have the following of other pistols, but I believe they are greatly over looked.

January 31, 2014, 10:27 AM	#45
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	1) As others have noted, "best" can really only be defined within the context of "intended purpose." 2) Get thee to a range and rent some guns! 3) In the Under $600 category, there are a TON of good 9mm guns. Well, there are around here. Your mileage in CA may differ. Good luck! __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

January 31, 2014, 11:06 AM	#46
mrdaputer Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2013 Posts: 493	All the suggestions are good ones. I would suggest you feel up the ones you like and if possible shoot the ones you can and which one feels the best. That is the "best" gun.

January 31, 2014, 12:38 PM	#47
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	My choice is a compact Gen 4 Glock. In 9mm that's the G19 however I went with its 40S&W twin, the G23 and a 40-9mm conversion barrel to shoot both calibers. The G19 is hard to beat but it boils down to what's right for you and to find out you must handle as many of the pistols mentioned in this thread and fire the ones that feel good, if you can. BTW, I'm not sure if you can easily get a Gen 4 Glock in CA but new Gen 3s can be found. The main difference is three grip sizes in the Gen 4 using pin on back straps.

January 31, 2014, 01:08 PM	#48
Jayhawkhuntclub Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2007 Posts: 581	I don't think you can beat an M&P in either full size or compact. They are what Glock should have evolved into, but didn't, IMHO.

January 31, 2014, 01:40 PM	#49
Goodguy14 Member Join Date: January 28, 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 49	Great info guys.. This will be helpful for me and a lot of other new gun owners.. I appreciate the knowledge

January 31, 2014, 10:20 PM	#50
sigp226wgerman Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2013 Location: NC Posts: 159	Glock 19 Gen 4 is what you seek