Best Target pistol in 9mm

mollow · November 3, 2005, 11:41 AM

I'm going to purchase a target pistol in 9mm (for various reasons it must be 9mm) and I have it boiled down to a Kimber Custom target II, a Para-Ordnance Target and a Springfield Armory 9mm. Any thoughts? I will not be using it as a carry piece.

mete · November 3, 2005, 12:03 PM

Go all the way and get a SIG 210 !!

HighValleyRanch · November 3, 2005, 12:12 PM

Sig 210 or HK9s target, or SW 952! In that order.

Sig has been considered the top of the line by many

eerw · November 3, 2005, 12:17 PM

for a target 9mm..
the Sig210 and the Smith 952

otherwise custom build it..for tighter barrel fit, frame to slide fit, better trigger.

Jim Watson · November 3, 2005, 12:29 PM

S&W PPC 9
You will have to get it from a cop, S&W will not sell them to Americans because they do not have enough safties.

ClarkEMyers · November 3, 2005, 12:38 PM

If you mean bullseye then what rules? especially do you intend optical sights?

No question the Sig and others mentioned will have better accuracy and better triggers for bullseye. Some of the earlier iterations of the 952 may be available used at the lowest price for a 9mm target pistol.

What else do you expect to shoot currently or in the future? Any particular reason to stick with the 1911 frame style?

I might consider the Kimber as a starter with the intention of getting it or another gun upgraded if I had any intention of putting a Marvel top on a 1911 frame. That would be nice for a league or indoor gallery pistol use.

Hammerhead · November 3, 2005, 01:05 PM

The Sig P210 and the S&W 952 as mentioned would be the top of the line.
I went with a Springfield loaded target 9mm.
The trigger is fantastic after a break in of about 300 rounds. No firing pin safety helps a great deal.
The kimber will have some form of trigger safety.
I've been getting fantastic groups with my Springer and CCI Blazer ammo.
Winchester USA JHP's also shoot tiny little groups at 25 yards.
I did have to go to a 10 pound recoil spring from the stock 14 pounder to get 100% reliability.
Springfield now installs 9 pound springs.
They come with the new Metal Form Mags.

mollow · November 3, 2005, 01:05 PM

Yes, I should have been more clear. Mostly I will be interested in Combat Competition. I own a Walther P99 in 9mm and a PP in 32 acp. I was looking to reduce recoil and add barrel length, but without any compensators or other fancy modifications. It will probably never be more than a hobby for me.

Mike Mollow

Hammerhead · November 3, 2005, 03:51 PM

One more thing.
The nice thing about a 1911 pattern 9mm is they do have VERY low felt recoil in 9mm. They also have the fastest trigger reset, a low bore axis and terrific ergonomics for most shooters.
You can start out with a basic model and go from there. Hand fitted match barrels & bushings, trigger jobs, .38 super conversions, .22lr conversions, Arched or flat mainspring housings, grips, etc...
I just got back from the range (my definition of a nooner) and my little Springer behaved beautifully.
There is a reason almost all top Bianchi, Steel Challange etc... competitors use a 1911 in either 9mm or .38 super. They are fast and accurate.
They do demand a little more attention, but for a hobby gun, nothing tops them.
That said, My Sig P226st in .40 caliber is still my choice for protecting me and mine.

eerw · November 3, 2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Yes, I should have been more clear. Mostly I will be interested in Combat Competition. I own a Walther P99 in 9mm and a PP in 32 acp. I was looking to reduce recoil and add barrel length, but without any compensators or other fancy modifications. It will probably never be more than a hobby for me.

Mike Mollow

oh..now that is a whole nother answer..for USPSA/IDPA shooting...a 1911 in 9mm, a CZ 75/85/SP01, Glock 17/34, Beretta E2, Sig226ST, Smith 5906PC would all be good choices..

Jim Watson · November 3, 2005, 05:20 PM

Your Walther 99 is perfectly adequate for IDPA, USPSA/IPSC, or "combat" local match. Suggest you try it out before spending money on a new gun recommended by a bunch of strangers.

greeneggsnham · November 3, 2005, 05:42 PM

Does no one like the long slide Grock long slide? What about the HKP9S? I've got an HkP9S with olympic grips kit that I don't need.

Gixerman1000 · November 3, 2005, 06:11 PM

My 952-2 has been the smoothest shooting and most accurate 9mm that I own or have ever shot.

Eric Larsen · November 3, 2005, 09:30 PM

If you want one of the most accurate and easy to shoot guns made OOTB this is one of them.......

I agree about the 1911 9mm's....very very nice. But for less than 500$ my CZ SA's, all 3 of them Ive had, have all shot as well as my Kimbers and STI's did.

Shoot well.

JoeHatley · November 3, 2005, 09:33 PM

S&W 952 is a dandy for target shooting.

Joe

hksigwalther · November 3, 2005, 10:23 PM

SIG P210-5.

One day, one day......(looks off into distance).

kymasabe · November 3, 2005, 10:31 PM

My only choice would be the CZ Tactical Sport. All others pale by comparison.

CraZkid · November 3, 2005, 10:38 PM

I second the CZ, but go for one of the new SP-O1s for production. 18 rounds in the stick is always a plus. However if you want to shoot Limited, I would strongly recomend a .40 SW. A price point would be helpful as well as which division and sanction that you wish to shoot.

malachi · November 5, 2005, 02:42 AM

S&W PPC 9mm has been taking the prize at a lot the matches.

Samuel2001 · November 5, 2005, 02:52 AM

GIT A Glock 34!

joshua · November 5, 2005, 03:23 AM

Get a 1911 built from the ground up by a well known g-smith. For target purpose the Briley spherical bushing is a must combined with a quality 1911 barrel from BarSto, Ed Brown, Nowlin, EGW, Briley and Kart. 1911 is the best platform because of all the after market accessories offered for it. One great advantage of a 1911 is once the pistol start to lose accuracy due to wear it will be easy to build up again by just getting a new barrel installed. You can get a trigger that is in the 1.5 lb range, and the grips available for it are just endless from plain jane to fitted wood target grips. You want to scope it, then a visit a g-smith for tapping some holes on the frame and you can install a scope mount with the correct centering. Hard to beat a 1911. josh

ikiddp5 · November 5, 2005, 09:07 AM

A Sig 210 without doubt... A walther P-88 may suit your needs too...

larvatus · November 7, 2005, 07:46 AM

As explained in my article.

Handy · November 7, 2005, 07:59 AM

Michael,

Just reread your 210 article. I didn't see anything that really explains why a 210 would be better than a S&W 942 or PPC 9. All three are forged steel 9s with excellent accuracy and triggers.

plom · November 7, 2005, 09:31 AM

sig P210 no doubt! this pistol is the most accurate 9mm I've ever shot.

November 3, 2005, 11:41 AM	#1
mollow Member Join Date: November 3, 2005 Posts: 43	Best Target pistol in 9mm I'm going to purchase a target pistol in 9mm (for various reasons it must be 9mm) and I have it boiled down to a Kimber Custom target II, a Para-Ordnance Target and a Springfield Armory 9mm. Any thoughts? I will not be using it as a carry piece.

November 3, 2005, 12:12 PM	#3
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 1,884	Sig 210 or HK9s target, or SW 952! In that order. Sig has been considered the top of the line by many __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

November 3, 2005, 12:38 PM	#6
ClarkEMyers Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2004 Location: PacWest Posts: 455	Define target? Do you mean bullseye? If you mean bullseye then what rules? especially do you intend optical sights? No question the Sig and others mentioned will have better accuracy and better triggers for bullseye. Some of the earlier iterations of the 952 may be available used at the lowest price for a 9mm target pistol. What else do you expect to shoot currently or in the future? Any particular reason to stick with the 1911 frame style? I might consider the Kimber as a starter with the intention of getting it or another gun upgraded if I had any intention of putting a Marvel top on a 1911 frame. That would be nice for a league or indoor gallery pistol use.

November 3, 2005, 01:05 PM	#8
mollow Member Join Date: November 3, 2005 Posts: 43	reply to ClarkEMyers Yes, I should have been more clear. Mostly I will be interested in Combat Competition. I own a Walther P99 in 9mm and a PP in 32 acp. I was looking to reduce recoil and add barrel length, but without any compensators or other fancy modifications. It will probably never be more than a hobby for me. Mike Mollow

November 3, 2005, 09:30 PM	#14
Eric Larsen Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Bountiful....Ut. Posts: 3,226	If you want one of the most accurate and easy to shoot guns made OOTB this is one of them....... I agree about the 1911 9mm's....very very nice. But for less than 500$ my CZ SA's, all 3 of them Ive had, have all shot as well as my Kimbers and STI's did. Shoot well. __________________ If they dont know you have a gun.....then I did alright! If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice......Rush

November 3, 2005, 12:03 PM	#2
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 4,944	Go all the way and get a SIG 210 !!

November 3, 2005, 12:17 PM	#4
eerw Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2001 Posts: 395	for a target 9mm.. the Sig210 and the Smith 952 otherwise custom build it..for tighter barrel fit, frame to slide fit, better trigger.

November 3, 2005, 12:29 PM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 9,754	S&W PPC 9 You will have to get it from a cop, S&W will not sell them to Americans because they do not have enough safties.

November 3, 2005, 01:05 PM	#7
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,203	The Sig P210 and the S&W 952 as mentioned would be the top of the line. I went with a Springfield loaded target 9mm. The trigger is fantastic after a break in of about 300 rounds. No firing pin safety helps a great deal. The kimber will have some form of trigger safety. I've been getting fantastic groups with my Springer and CCI Blazer ammo. Winchester USA JHP's also shoot tiny little groups at 25 yards. I did have to go to a 10 pound recoil spring from the stock 14 pounder to get 100% reliability. Springfield now installs 9 pound springs. They come with the new Metal Form Mags.

November 3, 2005, 03:51 PM	#9
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,203	One more thing. The nice thing about a 1911 pattern 9mm is they do have VERY low felt recoil in 9mm. They also have the fastest trigger reset, a low bore axis and terrific ergonomics for most shooters. You can start out with a basic model and go from there. Hand fitted match barrels & bushings, trigger jobs, .38 super conversions, .22lr conversions, Arched or flat mainspring housings, grips, etc... I just got back from the range (my definition of a nooner) and my little Springer behaved beautifully. There is a reason almost all top Bianchi, Steel Challange etc... competitors use a 1911 in either 9mm or .38 super. They are fast and accurate. They do demand a little more attention, but for a hobby gun, nothing tops them. That said, My Sig P226st in .40 caliber is still my choice for protecting me and mine.

November 3, 2005, 05:20 PM	#11
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 9,754	Your Walther 99 is perfectly adequate for IDPA, USPSA/IPSC, or "combat" local match. Suggest you try it out before spending money on a new gun recommended by a bunch of strangers.

November 3, 2005, 05:42 PM	#12
greeneggsnham Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Posts: 85	Does no one like the long slide Grock long slide? What about the HKP9S? I've got an HkP9S with olympic grips kit that I don't need.

November 3, 2005, 06:11 PM	#13
Gixerman1000 Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2005 Location: Eastern USA Posts: 338	My 952-2 has been the smoothest shooting and most accurate 9mm that I own or have ever shot.

November 3, 2005, 09:33 PM	#15
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	S&W 952 is a dandy for target shooting. Joe __________________ Go NRA

November 3, 2005, 10:23 PM	#16
hksigwalther Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 1998 Location: NE OH, USA Posts: 3,199	SIG P210-5. One day, one day......(looks off into distance). __________________ - Ron V.

November 3, 2005, 10:31 PM	#17
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: Northern by birth, Southern by choice. Posts: 1,704	Cz !!! My only choice would be the CZ Tactical Sport. All others pale by comparison. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

November 3, 2005, 10:38 PM	#18
CraZkid Junior member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 435	I second the CZ, but go for one of the new SP-O1s for production. 18 rounds in the stick is always a plus. However if you want to shoot Limited, I would strongly recomend a .40 SW. A price point would be helpful as well as which division and sanction that you wish to shoot.

November 5, 2005, 02:42 AM	#19
malachi Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 296	S&W PPC 9mm has been taking the prize at a lot the matches.

November 5, 2005, 02:52 AM	#20
Samuel2001 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2001 Posts: 838	GIT A Glock 34! __________________ .45 ACP Because no matter how you try to rationalize it, 9mm is still for women and pansies. Build a bridge, and...GET OVER IT!

November 5, 2005, 03:23 AM	#21
joshua Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2004 Location: norCal Posts: 2,161	Get a 1911 built from the ground up by a well known g-smith. For target purpose the Briley spherical bushing is a must combined with a quality 1911 barrel from BarSto, Ed Brown, Nowlin, EGW, Briley and Kart. 1911 is the best platform because of all the after market accessories offered for it. One great advantage of a 1911 is once the pistol start to lose accuracy due to wear it will be easy to build up again by just getting a new barrel installed. You can get a trigger that is in the 1.5 lb range, and the grips available for it are just endless from plain jane to fitted wood target grips. You want to scope it, then a visit a g-smith for tapping some holes on the frame and you can install a scope mount with the correct centering. Hard to beat a 1911. josh

November 5, 2005, 09:07 AM	#22
ikiddp5 Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2005 Posts: 156	A Sig 210 without doubt... A walther P-88 may suit your needs too...

November 7, 2005, 07:46 AM	#23
larvatus Junior member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 925	Sig P210 As explained in my article.

November 7, 2005, 07:59 AM	#24
Handy Junior member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Posts: 8,785	Michael, Just reread your 210 article. I didn't see anything that really explains why a 210 would be better than a S&W 942 or PPC 9. All three are forged steel 9s with excellent accuracy and triggers.

November 7, 2005, 09:31 AM	#25
plom Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 582	sig P210 no doubt! this pistol is the most accurate 9mm I've ever shot. __________________ DUX BELLORUM