9mm handgun suggestions

[Rizyan]

I’m looking for a 9mm firearm for home defense, CCW and occasional shooting at the range.

I’d like to keep it under $500, but ultimately want a quality firearm that will last. I prefer a full-size but I am concerned about comfort with CCW. Suggestions?

Ps- I've only owned a Walther p22 before.

[Charles Christensen]

I have a Ruger LC9 on order - $350 out the door. I have not fired one yet but have read many opinions and watched You Tube videos about it. It is a compact gun and light weight. It is not what I would call a full-house combat weapon but it should be easy to conceal without being so small that it is hard to handle or control.

[graehaven]

Glock 19 - carryable and great for home ($499 or so) 10+1

Keltec PF9 - (under $300) - small, light, easy to conceal, holds 7+1

[todd51]

Rixyan, there are good numerous choices out there and many great pistols that fit your requirements. I suggest you find a gun shop/shooting range that will let you rent and fire some of the pistols that "feel good" to you. I have three 9mm pistols, a S&W 5906, a S&W 669, but the one I would go to first is a Glock 19. A friend swears buy his Sig 226 while another likes his Ruger SR9 so you can see personal preference plays a big part in the decision. I have two good friends that also have selected the Glock 19 as their primary pistol. Here are a couple pictures of a recent get together of three old farts and their Glock 19's.

[Tom]

The CZ-75 and SIG 226 have gotten my vote. Others like the Glocks, HKs and others.

[Lanrezac]

(deleted)

[Telcotech]

I like the Beretta 92FS and its little brother the 92FS Compact. I own a compact and is a great gun in my opinion, 13 + 1 capacity and can be a CCW and great at the range also. Not a better looking 9mm out there IMO, and built to last a lifetime. If you can find one, they usually run $450 & up, and I think Bud's has one new in the box.....but don't know the price. Lots of choices out there, good luck in your search..

[savage170]

I like every one of these but for everyday carry I still reach for the old Ruger P95 reasonably priced it has never failed to go bang and if it should ever be needed it won't break my heart if it sets in a police evidence room for awhile. Plus it was my first 9mm

[Rizyan]

Thank you for the feedback.

After talking with a co-worker yesterday, I'm leaning towards the Ruger SR9. I'm just trying to decide if i want the full or compact. I'm probably going to go check them out at Academy today.

[todd51]

Rizyan, I don't know for a fact but I have heard from several sources that the trigger pull is much better on the SR9C than it is on the SR9. Try them if you can before you take the plunge. One of the Old Guys has an SR9 and he likes every thing about it but the trigger pull. It is heavy with some creep but it is improving as more rounds go through the gun.

[Old Guy]

You initially stated that you are looking for a home defense/range gun. You will be better served by a full size gun for those purposes. If you are considering some sort of concealed carry then the compacts come into play. Having said that there are many fine weapons to choose from.

What I like may not fit your hand the same, etc., so I will refrain from pushing my opinion on brands. You need to determine whether you like striker fired or hammer fired guns. There are pro's and con's to each but both are excellent choices.

You have to know whether you want a magazine safety or not (gun will not fire if magazine is inadvertently dropped which does happen). There are ways to disable this function but I do not want to explain my modifying a gun in court after I have had the unfortunate call to discharge it at someone. You have to make sure that the gun fits your hand.

If you cannot reach the trigger without rotating your hand when the gun is placed properly in the web of your hand, then the gun does not fit you well and you probably will not shoot it as good as you should.

You have to determine whether you want a double action only, a single action only, or a DA/SA action. Double action may point you to a revolver as the best choice instead of a semiautomatic. Some guns even offer a "strike two" capability in case you find a hard primer and hear a click instead of a bang. For some people this is the preferred choice before having to do the tap rack drill.

Then there is the steel vs. polymer process and you probably will get more back and forth on this than anything. A heavier steel gun tends to be more easy on the hand as the more mass usually absorbs more energy than do the lighter polymers. I have both kinds and like them both for what they are. If you are going to do a lot of range shooting, you may find that steel is more comfortable. For home defense, you probably are only looking at a few shots having to be taken so it is not an issue. Only you can determine this by shooting. If you have a range that rents guns, go shoot some of your choices and see what you like better. Pursue your option and practice with it often (even dry firing which is less expensive and works on your motor skills) and enjoy!!

Oh yea, there are no perfect guns. All brands have issues from time to time so when you purchase your new gun make sure that the customer service has a good reputation. I personally do look at warranties as to me these mean something. I am not fond of spending a lot of my money for a 1 year warranty. But that is me.

[Oneida Steve]

The Ruger is a good choice.

[armoredman]

Buds has them for a few bucks over $500, http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...%209mm%2018RD/
Best 9mm I have ever fired, and I qualified Expert and Distinguished Expert for 10 years with Glocks.

[Brass Tacks]

Originally Posted by Oneida Steve

The Ruger is a good choice.

and it's made in the USA. I got the wife a Ruger P95 for Christmas and it's working great. It's a little on the big side but not too big. It also allows SA. I paid $331. She's fired 200 rounds so far without a hiccup.

[todd51]

Dang, that CZ is a good looking pistol.

[CampingJosh]

Originally Posted by todd51

Dang, that CZ is a good looking pistol.

If you think CZs look good, you need to shoot one.

Realistically, I think the CZ P07 is the best fit for the OP's intended uses. It's not quite full size, it's lightweight, and it's a still a 16+1 9mm (or 12+1 in .40).

I don't have one of those, but my experience with CZ has left me without even the slightest hesitation to buy anything they put out. Simply put, their quality is top notch.

[DidI]

This is a which 9mm thread but can I hear some debate of 9 mm vs .40 S&W?

[cpttango30]

Smith m&p 9. I got to put hands on all the top ccw pistols at shot and I would either go with the m&p or the glock.

[1969SS396]

Ruger SR9.

Love mine.

[CampingJosh]

Originally Posted by DidI

This is a which 9mm thread but can I hear some debate of 9 mm vs .40 S&W?

http://thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=59016

http://theboxotruth.com/docs/buickot3.htm

Or you could start a new thread about this.

[rustyfugger]

I still hold fovor on my 1st 9, the Ruger P85. Eats everything and has never jammed. Next is the Walther P9QA. Not hte cheapest, but another very reliable hand gun.

[permafrost]

Apropo of nothing, but man! That CZ SP-01 Phantom is really eye catching!
I vote for the S&W 5906 Todd mentioned earlier. Somewhat heavy for carry, but built like a tank. It will last many lifetimes with minimal care. And, as police trade-ins ,the price is excellent at the moment. ($299.00 at CDNN) I do carry mine occasionally in a Desantis Sof-Tuck at the 4.00 position and it rides well. I'm a pretty big guy so it doesn't print at all under a jacket.

[hoodedmonk]

Originally Posted by todd51

Dang, that CZ is a good looking pistol.

quoted for truth!

[armoredman]

Well, thank you - means the ol' photography skills ain't gone yet. It shoots even better than it looks.



I agree, for the price limit listed, the P-07 might be a very good czoice, good solid pistol.



If you do, this holster from High Noon is an eczellent choice.

[permafrost]

Photographic skills?!!
Hell man, i thought you lifted that first pic off the CZ website! Excellent layout!