[Spec ops Grunt]

Which would be better, a Berreta 93FS or an XD-9

Would be a range gun, and in a pinch, HD.

[Gatman]

I voted for the XD as I really didnt like the Beretta safety and the XD has no real manual safety. I also didnt much care for my experience with the Beretta. However everyones opinion is there own. I personally would have voted for an HK USP variant or a Sig 226/228/229 or possibly a Glock 17. But as someone else will soon ask "Where is the High Power?"

[Spec ops Grunt]

Can't believe I forgot other option.

If you would pick something else, vote for the one you like better and post your alternative.

[M92FS]

voted for Beretta 92FS :)

[marklbucla]

I voted for the 92FS, just because I think the first 9mm (Handgun) ought to be a full size, steel gun with a .22LR conversion kit available for it.

Personally, my vote for a first 9mm would be for a 1911. You're killing two "Firsts" with one stone. Plus, there's nothing sexier than a stainless 1911. Well, maybe one held by a hot girl at the range...in a...well, nevermind. :evil:

[Universal]

I voted for the 92FS but would suggest you take a look at the GLOCK 17 and SIG Sauer 226. All three are top noth 9mm combat handguns.

[JDGray]

I vote for the XD, dont over look the CZ75B

[D-Man]

I really liked the 92FS, and that was on my final list of models to buy, but ended up with a Baby Eagle 9MM.

But if you're comparing a Beretta to the XD-9 models, shouldn't you look at the PX-4? I was really impressed with the gun at the shop when I looked at it. It felt great in the hand, and the only reason I went with the Baby Eagle was due to the added heft of an all steel handgun. I couldn't shoot the PX-4, though from reports I've read, it sounds like the rotating barrel design does a good job at cutting recoil, so while a little smaller than the 92FS, it's performance might be the same.

[tc300mag1]

Out of those 2 the xd but in general a Glock 17

[kerank]

Glock 17 or 19 would be a good choice.

The XD is a good choice if it fits your hand better than the Glock... at the range. Beware that what "seems" to feel "right" in the store, isn't always better at the range. I had an XD9 (good gun), but sold it to get a Glock 19 (better gun, IMO). The XD seemed to feel better in the store, but the G19 is much better for me at the range, and the Glock finish is much superior. Either gun should be plenty reliable.

[Spec ops Grunt]

I've also got a replica Berreta 92 airsoft. So I know it fits my hand well.

[wardog]

Have you checked out the Beretta PX4 Storm?

[VPJack]

Was making the same decision about a year ago on the first 9mm. Looked at and shot every 9 that the local pusher had Glock, HK, Sig, Baretta, S&W, you get the idea. The one that finally came home with me? CZ 85 combat, loved the feel , it can be used as a SA or DA/SA, which is nice to someone who grew up on 1911's. The 85 series has full ambi controls, and its accuracy is easily the equal of my Kimber or Nighthawk, in my hands at least. Then there is that old coot Jeff Cooper who said that the CZ is the best 9mm pistol made, but that is just his opinion. The funny thing is I didn't know that till after I got mine, so it had no bearing on my decision at all. There are a lot of excellent 9's out there, take your time, shoot as many as you can. You will find one of them will just speak to you and say I'm the one, you can quit looking now.

Good luck with your search.

Jack (just my 2 cents and worth every penny)

[Stinkyshoe]

Glock 19--> The XD is also great, but the Glock is mechanically simpler and not difficult to work on with field grade tools( one punch ). The 19 is really better than the 17 (IMO) if you have meaty paws. The XD is a more ergonomic package initially, but what feels the best is what you shoot with the most.

Your criteria is a range gun, so I interpret that as a combat accurate gun and not a 'target' range gun. What ever you choose I am sure will be fine. Maybe try to shoot the different models first. This will likely rule one out right away. Then you just have to weigh the other options, plunk down some cash and you'll be in business! The 9mm is a great caliber...everyone needs one (or two )!

[Spec ops Grunt]

I'm leaning more and more to the GLOCK. Easy to clean, maintain, can take abuse, and it will outlive me unless I'm on top of a volcano.

[Black Majik]

There really isn't any criteria to make a good beginners gun vs. an experienced shooters gun. Get whatever your budget allows. A beginner can go for a SIG X5 if he/she wanted to and it'd still be a great gun to shoot and learn on.

Now that's outta the way, with the two you chose, they both are fantastic pistols, but I feel there are better choices out there.

For lets say around the $600 and under price mark, there is the CPO SIG P226, which I HIGHLY recommend. They are factory refurbished, and some of the ones I've seen still look new. Sometimes the factory also refinishes the slide on em', plus their usually the older models which are more desireable.

The CZ75, the P01 or any other 9mm model CZ's out there are very good and underrated also.

-----------------

I'd try not to go for the new Beretta pistols. If you absolutely must get the Beretta, look for a older model with all metal parts. Beretta started to put plastic parts in their pistols, most notably the guide rod. Some parts are plastic coated also. Some don't mind, but to me its just cost saving measures that I can't agree with.

The SA XD's are also fantastic pistols. Relatively cheap to own, but they're great quality pistols. Most notable complaint is the thin finish on the black versions. Most reports I've heard were positive: reliable, lightweight, and better pointability and ergo's than many polymer pistols out there.


Try a Glock, you might like it, you might not. Doesn't hurt to look at it. It falls in the $500'ish price range. The compact model fits me better, which would be the G19.

Good luck (Get the CPO SIG) :D

[C-grunt]

I voted for the XD. I own one and love it. Its accurate, reliable, and a lot cheaper than the Berreta. I like the 92 but I think a gun, two 16 rd mags, a holster, and a lockable hard case for $450 is hard to beat.

[Monkeybear]

CZ 75 B

[FireBreather01]

Any CZ!!!

[Jkwas]

I voted beretta, but if you like the looks, find yourself a taurus pt92. The same for all practical purposes, and then you can use some of the money you saved to get what you really want after you've figured out what you like and what you don't. If it was me, I'd get a pt92 and a pt111 millenium pro for about the price of what the beretta will cost you and have both types of guns you are looking for! But that's me. Most people will say I work for taurus, but I have had good luck with their product. And I buy new, not someone else's problem child. :D

[denfoote]

Mine was a Ruger P95.
It's a good solid weapon that won't break the bank to buy.
If trying to conceal the (not so) little bugger is not an option, then I would get it over the other two above mentioned pistols!! Besides, if you spend less for the gun, just think of how much more ammo you will be able to buy!!! :evil:

[Spec ops Grunt]

Which one is eaiser to dissasimble/reasimble and clean.

[strambo]

Definitely a Glock 17, Sig P226, CZ75, Beretta 92, Springfield XD, HK USP or Browning Hi Power.:D Seriously, all the above are great guns, it just comes down to what features you like best based on personal preference and price/availability.

[albanian]

I voted for the Beretta. See my thread about these two pistols that I just wrote.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=183973

[SirPorl]

Some folks might suggest the Taurus clone of the beretta. Minor fit and finish difference and the safety is on the frame for the taurus. Should be a tad lower in price too.

just a thought
SirPorl

[stevelyn]

Out of your choices, I voted for the XD-9. I'm not a fan of Beretta handguns.....nothing wrong with them, I just don't care for them. Beretta makes better shotguns than they do handguns.

Don't overlook the Glock 17 or the king of 9mms, the Browning Hi-Power.

[GoBrush]

I voted for the Beretta.

If you choose the XD it is a very fine gun with features that Glock didnt even dream of.

Doesnt look like your poll is helping much it is pretty much a dead heat.

Good Luck

[larry starling]

I voted for the XD had a early hs2000 model and was a great shooter..:p

[Ala Dan]

Both are great guns, but for me the XD's are much easier too shoot
accurately~!:uhoh: :D

[tegu]

I personally have no experience and would like to try the XD, but I do own a 92FS and can tell you from experience, this gun never jams! I clean it regularly, but even after 500 rounds at the range, it wont jam or misfire. This is the handgun that I had always wished for. My father has a Kimber Eclipse and that is a nice handgun as well, but I have seen it jam.

In short there are a lot of fine handguns out there, but from experience, I will go with reliability over looks or feel anyday. The 92FS does feel right, it fits the hand just right and you have to love the exposed barrel on the top :)

[mosttoyswins]

Sig P226

Most accurate, well balanced 9mm I have ever shot (and I have shot A LOT of different full size 9's).

I have mine in my nightstand to protect my family.

[Zhuge1]

Glock 19 or 17......the XD will feel better in the hand at first, but the glock wins for its other attributes.

I also think the XD mags are more prone to misfeeds, however that is just my own experience.

[Hazzard]

I voted XD-9. I don't own one (mine's an XD-45), but a buddy I shoot with has a service and a tactical. Very nice. I also own a Taurus PT-92 and highly recommend them.

But if you want a low-cost 9mm, check out the FNP-9. They are light, accurate, reliable, and just a lot of fun. Love the trigger on mine.

[Panthera Tigris]

I voted for the 92FS because it has a safety and I don't like guns that don't have standard safeties.

[10-Ring]

I've got 20,000+ rounds through my Beretta 92s' (a fs & a Centurion). Great guns all around
A couple years ago, I put several hundred rounds through a rental XD. I almost bought one...until it broke!

[Hazzard]

10-ring. How did it break? Not being skeptical here, just wondering.

[possum]

I voted xd, because i love them but i am sure everyone knows that by now. The berreta 92 is to big for my hands, and i can't shoot them comfortably. i am not much of a da/sa guy either, so that has a big afffect, on my not liking them at all.

[cookekdjr]

I think they are both excellent guns, but I would rather have the beretta. Can't go wrong with either gun, though. If you do go with the XD, get the stainless. Rust has been its only issue.
-David

[s&w 24]

after seeing no less than 3 berreta 92 9mm's with cracked slides and berreta informing the owners that they wouldn't fix them because the pistol had passed it's service life(50,000) I won't use a 92 or 96 for serious work.

[Glockfan.45]

Beretta, the time tested, battle proven classic.

[..]

Neither, Glock 19.

[sas]

Have a berreta and Glock 9mm's. No experience with the XD but want one in 45. If your like the rest of us it sounds like a first and second purchase etc.. Personnel prefrence if you get to handle them both and get their feel and check their function and features. Xd seems to be the price leader.

[GroovedG19]

Go for the smooth Beretta 92FS.:cool:

[Ichiro]

I think the CZ line of pistols are worth looking at, as are the Sigs.

[f4t9r]

XD9 between the 2
My choice would be the best 9mm out there (my opinion) SIG P226

[greenflash107]

I voted Beretta. Have not shot the XD yet, but have eyeballed a couple of them lately. I know they are suppose to be great pistols, but I just do not like the look or feel of them.