First gun purchase (9mm) - Need assistance - Thank you for your help.

[asdfw456]

I'm 23, live in the suburbs of Milwaukee and just last week had my first experience with a hand gun (have only fired .22 rifles before for pest control)

Anyway I went to the local shooting range (Fletchers in Waukeshau) and rented a Walther PPS 9mm (their selection of 9mms was fairly limited *the only 2 I had any interest in were the Walther PPS & Berretta 92FS*) Shot 100 rounds with some better then average ammo and had 3 shells that had difficulties ejecting.

So the only things I really know that I want from my first gun are (in order of biggest importance to least)

-9mm mandatory (so I can get better at shooting with out spending that much on ammo)

-4" barrel minimum (because I'd like this pistol to be as accurate as can be)

-Reliable, something that's military tested or otherwise, that'll go thru 1000 rounds like clock work.

-No compacts and nothing too overly bulky on the grip (because I want all my fingers to be able to fit on the grip, but at the same time I do have medium-small palms)

-Under $1500 new or used. (I realize there are plenty of just as good brands in the under $500 range, but don't mind paying a few extra hundred to get a gun i'll be happier with in the long run)


That's about all I can think of right now, i'm not to worried about disassemble/reassembly as I work with my hands all day doing some fairly tedious stuff but would prefer that I don't need some big bulky tool if at all possible.

As far as cleaning it, I will clean it as often as is recommended or needed so no need to automatically sign the new gun owner up for a glock or something because I'll do whats needed to keep her in good shape.


Just from my week long searching on the internet & Picking each of them up in store I really like the way the following guns feel.

-HK USP Tactical

-Beretta 92FS

-SigSaur P220
-SigSaur P226
-SigSaur P229

-Even a modified 1911 that was setup for 9mm felt great.


Thanks again for your help I really appreciate it, ever since I shot that first round i've been ittttching to buy something but don't' really have the gun-know how to make an educated purchase.

[carguychris]

Do you have any interest in striker-fired polymer-framed guns, or do you want to stick with metal-frame DA/SA or SAO designs? Your post implies the latter.

[pilpens]

If mainly for target/range use, then:
1. 1911 9mm --- STI Trojan, Kimber Custom Target II, STI Spartan, Dan Wesson --- Adjustable rear sight to allow for POA=POI. All steel for less felt recoil. Natural feeling controls. Consistent SA only trigger for best feel. Easy to replace grip and trigger for best trigger reach.

If mainly SD/HD use, then:
1. Sig P22x - reliable, accurate, simple controls. I would pick P220 9mm single stack, 229 or 228. I have a P6 (P225), 7 shot single stack. It is one of my CCW. A single stack may fit you better since you have small/med hands.
2. Walther P99 (SA/DA), PPQ (Glock Type Trigger) -- very good feeling triggers on a polymer pistol.

Keep in mind SA/DA is almost always a compromise when it comes to trigger reach. Either it is perfect DA/short SA or perfect SA/long DA.

[Eppie]

I also like 9mm pistols. My first one was a Glock 17, I have had a Beretta 92FS and a PX4, still have two 9mm 1911s and a PF9.

I like the 1911's for fun shooting at the range, both are hi cap (RIA and Para). They are great, but they occasionally have failures to extract. I have a G17, G19, G26 and G34, they are fun to shoot and a little boring because they never have a failure. I like both the 1911 and Glocks because they are easy to clean down to the firing pin. The Beretta's are great shooting guns, however I got rid them because getting to the firing pin and re-assembly was a nightmare. If you can't easily get to the firing pin and extractor it is only a matter of time until you start having problems (please let's not start "I never clean my gun...") Since I'm Italian I hate to say it but I wouldn't recommend them.

I'm currently thinking about getting a Sig just to learn more about them, but from what I've seen they have a little problem with the location and size of the slide lock. But I going to get one in the future just to satisfy my curiosity, if I don't like I'll just trade it away and take a little loss.

In conclusion, if I was buying my first 9mm or could only have one, I would go with a Glock 17. You can spend more but you won't get a better gun.

[power5]

Next time at your LGS pick up a CZ75. They are lovely to hold. One is on my list as future purchase. Probably a PCR to be exact. Will go nicely with my 92FS which I also love to shoot. Both are heavy hunks of metal. For $1500 you can get just about any gun you want. Or you can get 2. A range/target gun, and a SD/HD gun. In that case I would get a CZ75 and a SigPro 2022.

[BoogieMan]

Sounds like your on the right track. IMO if the weight of a metal frame gun is not an issue than its the way to go. I have a Beretta 96 (40 cal version of the 92) and I just bought a Kimber Target II in 9mm. Both are fantastic guns that I love to shoot. Beretta has 2500+ rds with 0 problems and I bought it second hand. The Kimber was just acquired and only has 150 rds through it, doesnt like hollow points so far. Both guns are very accurate with an edge going to the Kimber. For the money I would by a Beretta 92 in a heartbeat. IMO the only reason to ever buy a polymer gun is for carry purposes.
Put your hands on the CZ75, B92, and a 1911/9. See what fits you best and buy it. You cant go wrong with any one of the 3. If your willing to spend a few extra bucks check out a Browning High Power, there is a lotta love out there for them and no one can deny the quality or accuracy.
The only problem you are going to face is finding 9mm's. In my area (S. NJ) the choices are limited. Long lines at every gun store I have been to.

[MP9]

is this for CC , home defense, shooting range, competition?

there are many options/good options..

walther ppq is very very nice.. one of the best trigger out the box( for a stricker-fired gun)..
HK USP
M&P
Sigs (I havent read so much about them over internet)
and glock.. but the latest are having trouble, gen 3 and gen 4 (in 9mm).. so not sure it is a good option right now.

the ppq and m&p usually feel very comfortable in the hand and you can change the backstrap,as well as the HK usp.

you dont have to go with the more expensive... just pick one and practice a lot...it doesnt worth having a expensive gun but then no knowing how to shoot well...unless it is for collection or "to show" a expensive gun..

if you want to carry it, a compact/light might be better.

if you want it for competition, then one with some good aftermarket for accessories...

if it is for home defense/range something like the 92fs is not a problem..


good luck

[RT]

Glock 17 or 19, Smith and Wesson M&P, Hk P30, FNP/ FNX/ FNS.

[dayman]

For $1500 I'd get a walther ppq, a good holster, and 2000rounds of 9mm. In looking about for my own 9mm, I found that I liked the ppq more than anything in the same price range, and more than a lot of things far more expensive.
If you want something with a steel frame and DA/SA you can't go wrong with either a sig p229/6 or a Beretta 92

[JonathanZ]

I can't speak for any other gun on your list, but I own a P226 9mm and absolutely love the gun. It blows my Glock away when it comes to shooting. Its pretty large and heavy for carry which is why I also have a Glock. I've put about $1,000 into buying the gun, 2 holsters, Truglo TFO night sights, Hogue panel grips, and some extra mags for a total of 6. Well worth it.

[Mike38]

I really like the 9mm. It’s enough for self defense, just enough, and it’s a great range caliber as it won’t break the bank. Here’s my experiences with 9mm handguns, limited as it may be. My first was a Glock 17. I thought I had it all covered. So since it was lonely, I bought a Glock 19 for a companion. I then got into serious competitive shooting, and quickly realized a Glock wasn’t going to cut it. So I bought a Beretta 92FS. Sold both of the Glocks with in a month because I knew I’d never shoot them again. Even with the large grip on the 92FS and my mid to small sized hands, it was a great fit. I don’t miss those Glocks one bit. I did a bit of accurizing work to the Beretta, and with in one summer, made the rank of Master in Combat Pistol. I really enjoy that Beretta, as I’m sure you can tell. I shot a friend’s CZ 75, about 50 rounds or so. If I ever decide to get another 9mm, it will probably be a CZ or maybe a Beretta 92A1. Hope this helps. Be safe!

[mcd_sports]

I'm a handgun newbie as well, but out of the guns that I have shot (which include the Beretta 92fs, Glock 17, and Glock 19) I'm in love with the M&P. Just felt right, shot well, and looked smart. Plus it has interchangeable palm swells, so you can get it to fit your hand size.

[WVsig]

Custom Browning Hi Power would be and is my first choice.... there is nothing better for me than the orginal wonder 9mm.

Get yourself a LNIB MKIII and send it to someone like Don Williams....

Browning Hi-Power Tactical Package: $882.50 he can do everything to need to make a stock BHP sing.

Includes: Novak Sights Front And Rear
Tritium Night Sight Inserts
Trigger Job
Commander-Type Hammer
Reliability Package
Stipple Front & Rear Gripstraps
Bevel Mag Well
Smooth-out package
Refinish & Sight In


Wild West Guns worked on the one below for me. I used a 1972 BHP for a base gun. I had them install a C&S commander hammer, sear, wide safety, wide trigger and Novak Night sights. He cleaned up the action and it is one sweet shooter. I also put a nice pair of Spegel presentation grips on it.

[Stressfire]

Beretta 92FS gets my vote for sure, mine has been nothing but flawless with every ammo; rain, sleet, snow, sun, and being just plain filthy

The only downsides from my personal view are a couple of plastic parts that I would prefer to be metal - guide rod & trigger - but these can be easily replaced. Range from $550-650 depending on area.

BHP would be a very close second with my only objection being that it is a bit pricier. $750+ give or take

[manta49]

My thoughts.

Affordability cz 75.
Accuracy cz 75.
Reliability cz 75.
Ease of disassembly cz 75.
In the cz 75 spo1 mag cap 19 rds.

Probably the best steel hi cap 9mm available.

[WVsig]

My thoughts.

Affordability cz 75.
Accuracy cz 75.
Reliability cz 75.
Ease of disassembly cz 75.
In the cz 75 spo1 mag cap 19 rds.

Probably the best steel hi cap 9mm available.

I completely disagree with you on the ease of disassembly. Have you ever had to take a CZ75 all the way down to the frame? The trigger is overly complicated compared to all most any other combat 9mm I can think of.

If you don't mind some camming in your trigger... which every single CZ 75B will have as a result of its design. It is more pronounced on some examples than others but it is always there.

CZs are good guns but IMHO they need to go to a smith to be in the same class as many other 9mm right out of the box.

[WVsig]

Browning Hi-Power: For under $1500 you can get one stock send it to a good smith like Action Works, Novak, Wild West Guns etc... and they will turn it into a one of a kind wonder 9mm.

Sig P226 Great gun which will out shoot most people. Bigger in the grip than than the BHP but a world class 9mm. I perfer the older non-railed W. German guns. Consider sending it off to Gray Guns to get smoothed out.

Sig P228/P229 I cut my teeth on this one. It is a bit of a tweener not a full sized gun not a compact but right in the middle which makes it a dream to carry, accurate soft shooter. I prefer the balance on the P228. Many people prefer the stainless slide of the P229. IMHO a lot has to do with which one you started with. Again consider Gray Guns for custom work.

1911 in 9mm: For the cash you are willing to pay you will not find a better trigger than a properly tuned 1911.

Custom CZ75B Have Angus of CZ Customs or Cajun Gun Works slick one up for you. The 75B is a diamond in the rough and with the right world will make a world class pistol. Cajun gun works has a trigger kit which will reduce the long trigger reach to the DA pull on the CZ.

HK P30 This is a nice gun. I personally think the DA stroke is too heavy on the stock pistols but that can be fixed. The grip is adjustable and one of the modules should fit your hands. Gray Guns and lots of other smiths work on HKs so you can refine this one too but your starting price point will be higher than my other recommendations.

In the end it all comes down to what you shoot best. The only way you can determine that is to go shoot some guns. Often a gun will pick you as much as you pick the gun.

[RC20]

If you want a pure range gun then the 1911s can't be beat for a nice trigger.

Of the group you listed, I have fired the HK P30 9mm (not USP)

As WVsig said, the DA trigger is a bit heavy but not a show stopper.
You can also shoot the gun SA and negate that (I do when I am shooting to test load).

What I absolutely love about it is the grip (and all the HKs I tired were the same, great grips all).

Price is just a bit North of mid range ($800 or so with some shopping but also comes with an extra magazine).

Trigger reset is a mite long, but easy to adjust to for range work.

Its also an accurate gun.

[manta49]

Quote. I completely disagree with you on the ease of disassembly. Have you ever had to take a CZ75 all the way down to the frame? The trigger is overly complicated compared to all most any other combat 9mm I can think of.

I was talking about normal field striping for cleaning ect. I have never had to take mine down any further.

[WVsig]

Quote. I completely disagree with you on the ease of disassembly. Have you ever had to take a CZ75 all the way down to the frame? The trigger is overly complicated compared to all most any other combat 9mm I can think of.

I was talking about normal field striping for cleaning ect. I have never had to take mine down any further.

I figured I am not knocking CZs they are good guns which can be tweaked into great guns. When you detail strip a CZ down to the frame is when you really see the complexity of the trigger mech.

The 75B does not fit my hand well but I like the PCR, PO1 and the 75 Compact a lot. They have a much shorter length to trigger for the DA mode. I have tried to shoe horn myself into a CZ 75 many times and will more than likely do it again with a Cajun Gun Works short reach trigger one of these days....

[TailGator]

I like your reasoning in choosing the 9 mm. That is my most frequent recommendation for first pistols, for exactly the reasons you have cited.

I carry a Glock 26 ("Baby Glock" in 9 mm) every day. I like the Glock for its simplicity and reliability. I also have a 92FS, and it is a much more refined pistol, with elegant good looks, silky smoothness in all of its operations, and excellent accuracy and reliability right out of the box. Although some people conceal the 92FS, it's size and weight are not for me in that role. At the range and for home defense, though, it is hard to beat.

My daughter just got a Beretta PX4 Compact. We have only been to the range with it once (thread here: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488140), but I was extremely impressed with the pistol. Be award that the full sized and compact versions have a rotating barrel system that makes them very soft on recoil, while the subcompact version does not have the rotating barrel.

[Therealkoop]

If you want combat accuracy and reliability, then any proven modern striker fired gun is going to be your best bet IMO. More reliable anyway than DA/SA for certain.

Glock, M&P, XDM, (and others), pick your poison.

My thoughts.

Affordability cz 75.
Accuracy cz 75.
Reliability cz 75.
Ease of disassembly cz 75.
In the cz 75 spo1 mag cap 19 rds.

Probably the best steel hi cap 9mm available

I also have to disagree with this. Trading one kool-aid for another, the glock beats it in every aspect, save for accuracy (and thats arguable). Much cheaper, cheaper and more plentiful aftermarket, more reliable, and a much much more simple operation. Simplicity = reliability.

I know you said steel framed but frame material is quite irrelevent.

[WVsig]

If you want combat accuracy and reliability, then any proven modern striker fired gun is going to be your best bet IMO. More reliable anyway than DA/SA for certain.

In what way is a striker more reliable than a DA/SA hammer fired gun. Please explain...

[Coltman 77]

Take a look at an HK P30 while you're shopping asdfw456.

IMO one of the finest production handguns on the planet today.

Good luck.

[TailGator]

In what way is a striker more reliable than a DA/SA hammer fired gun. Please explain.

Wondering about that one myself. And while you're at it, please explain how they are more accurate, as well.