[Toast13]

I got into shooting and hunting with shotgun and rifles about 2 years ago and have been loving it ever since. I am just going to start getting into hangun shooting but I have no idea of what guns are good or not. Lots of freinds have recommended that I start off with a 9mm of some sort. If you have any sugesstions on what kinds in any price range, please let me know.

[cookekdjr]

You will see alot of "best 9mm" threads if you run the search feature. But folks are always added new insights here as well.
I'd recommend looking at the following manufacturers:

1. CZ
2. SIG
3. Glock
4. Springfield (XD series)
5. HK

Remember to look at used as well as new (especially when looking at HK & SIG, unless you've got alot of spare $$$ lying around.
Good luck,

David

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

The most popular new 9mm's out there are. Used are quite a bit less.

Ruger, Taurus, CZ (Czeska Zbrojovka) in the $400-$600 range

Glock, Kahr, Springfield, Beretta, S&W in the $500-$700 range

H&K, SIG in the $650-$1000 range.

[Rugerlvr]

I really like my Ruger P89. But then my handle tells you more about that.

[MrTuffPaws]

If you are looking for a SAO, then go for a XD. DA/SA, 24/7 Pro.

[VTKFJoe]

I really like my Glock 19. If you have no aversion to polymer it is a great gun.

If you are looking for CCW, go with a Kahr. P9/PM9 or K9/MK9 all great guns.

I also really liked my S&W 3914.

[ShootingEnthusiatist]

+1 for the Glock 19. It's comfortable to carry, easy to maintain, and a joy to shoot. Just my 2 cents.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

+1 to the G19, for it's as simple and generically "good" as it gets.

[david_the_greek]

if looking along the polymer striker fired line then I would go with the xd if I were you. Good gun for money plus they have thus far proven themselves worthy. If funds are available my favorite 9mm is the browning Highpower. My cz though is an excellent gun and has never failed to fire or had any problems and had a less hurtful sticker price. If you want quality without too high a price get a cz (my pcr is great plus the .22 conversion fits it). sigs are great and they are tacticool but a bit more expensive. No experience with glocks so can't talk there (but many claim them to be inferior to the XD now, again not my opinion just what I've been told)

[Universal]

In my opinion the top three 9mm pistols are the GLOCK 17, the SIG Sauer 226 and the Beretta 92FS.

If you like smaller handguns, the GLOCK 19 and the SIG Sauer 229 are great as well.

I also like the Smith & Wesson 910.

The Ruger P89 or P95 are also good guns and can be found fairly cheap.

[Black Majik]

For a simple, easy to use design... its hard to beat a Glock 19.

My favorite platform, however, is the SIG line. The full size P226 fits me the best.

Others to check out are Beretta 92FS, CZ75B, HK P2000 / USP, Walther P99, Springfield Armory XD9.

Good luck.

[Lou629]

I've had a BHP 9mm for nearly 2 decades now without a single problem to report. Dependable, reliable, accurate, no recoil, decent mag. capacity & made of steel not plastic. It's going for right around $700 new in my area these days, and start at about 450 and up for a decent used one.
For a lesser dent in your wallet you might want to consider the Beretta 92FS which i also have, though nowhere near as long as my BHP. This piece is basically the same overall weight & size as the Browning. It is a tad bigger and a hair heavier, but if one fits your hand well then either one will, and the weight difference is barely worth a mention. It's very accurate, and all that good stuff, etc, etc, as above. This one prices out between $450 & $500 locally for a new one, used i'm not sure.

Good luck & enjoy whatever you pick.

[TOADMAN]

Glock 19 or Glock 26....

[browningguy]

Under $400 -
EAA Witness
CZ 75 (if you shop around)
FN High Power from CDNN (if they still have any)

Over $400 -
Browning High Power

But I prefer carrying cocked and locked so I generally stay away from the DAO/Safe Action/Etc pistols.

Other opinions may vary, but I don't care.

[10-Ring]

There are way too many choices on the market today and way to many opinions on "the best one!"
Go rent a few...shoot alot of rounds theough each...and then decide. Tough to know the best for you if you haven't handled them yet!
Good luck on your quest!

[The Grand Inquisitor]

If you're on a budget, get a STEYR M-9.

If you have a little more to spend, get a Steyr M9A1.


Steyr makes the finest 9mm autoloader on the market today. Once you use the trapezoidal sights, you'll never go back to the old, drab, glock style sights.

[MCgunner]

My number one suggestion is to start with a .22 and a good medium frame 4" .38/.357 revolver. The .22 is for developing marksmanship skills cheap (and you'll never outgrow an accurate, reliable .22, trust me) and the .38/.357 is for serious use as well as marksmanship and self defense training.

However, if you must go with a 9mm, the Ruger P series is number one with me. It's reliable, accurate, and affordable. The CZs sound great, but I have no experience with them. They're in the same price range as the Ruger and people seem to like 'em. I can tell ya, though, you can't go wrong with a Ruger. If you wanna carry it, consider the P95. It's a little lighter and a little more compact than the P89. I have an older P85 that's a good 'en and traded a P95 that was a good gun, just wanted something else. I have a P90 in .45 ACP I'll never let go. :D And, if it matters to you, Rugers are American guns, American owned and built. I say that because it doesn't really matter to me. I'd own Rugers if they were chicom.

[PX15]

One of these... (With the KT P32 for b/u) :D

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5196.jpg

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

[kmrcstintn]

I am a person that is hard to please, so I used to buy, sell, and trade alot...here's what I've learned:

1) Rugers; several p89's and currently a p95; not the prettiest or the most refined; rugged, reliable, combat accurate, sounds a little loose but works fine, ergonomics are descent, inexpensive and gets the job done ($250 used to @$400 new)

2) CZs; several 75b's and a 75bd; an overlooked gem; awesome quality, rugged, combat accurate, can be fussy with shorter hollowpoint loads, great ergonomics, vastly used throughout the world in its original and clone copy forms ($250 used to @$400 new)

3) Glocks; several 17's and 19's; the current polymer favorite in the U.S.; rugged, reliable, combat accurate, ergonomics take some getting used to due to grip angle, constant trigger, vastly used the world over and not going away anytime soon ($350 used to @$600 new)

4) Berettas; several 92's; my favorite semiauto platform; awesome quality, rugged, reliable, combat accurate, good ergonomics, vastly used throughout the world in its original and licensed copy forms ($375 hard used to $650 new)

5) Walther p-1; this is the mechanism and design that the Beretta 92 is based on; rugged, combat accurate, fussy with shorter hollowpoint loads, a bit outdated but a solid design and a fun shooter ($250-350 used surplus)

6) Sig Sauer; a p239; I had problems with the grip being too small and the magazines not holding the slide open when empty and this is very rare given the high quality, ruggedness, reliability, and combat accuracy that the majority of Sigs offer; they are very expensive and have a good track record ($450 hard used to over $800 new)

7) Keltec P-11; a diamond in the rough; early models were plagued but quality control is much better; a defensive pistol to carry alot and shoot enough to stay good with it; it does the job when needed; reliable, combat accurate, not the greatest comfort level, not designed for extended range use ($150 used to $275 new)

I am very fond of the Beretta; it is not cheap; the Taurus version sacrifices some fit and finish but offers a good safety/decocker system that is easy to manipulate; I rather have the Beretta;

I currently own a Ruger due to cost (I had a job loss and had to sell off the collection; I am slowly rebuilding it and money is tight); a Ruger p89 was my first 9mm semiauto and I enjoyed it alot; out of the brands and models that I have owned, my favorites are Beretta 92, Ruger p89, and the Ruger p95; :D

I listed alot because I have bought alot; the "repeat" winner is the Beretta followed by Ruger; these work for me but might not be for you; :scrutiny:

[riverdog]

Here's another vote for the Glock G-17 and G-19. My brother swears by Beretta. But some folks hate the Glock safe-action trigger and I dislike DA/SA. How can any of us tell you what to buy, even if we know what's best? :rolleyes:

There are so many good 9MM pistols out there, you owe it to yourself to go to a range that rents guns and try out all the high quality 9MM pistols that are in your price range. After a while you'll gravitate to one or two and you should put a bunch of rounds downrange and let the gun choose you. Glock, Beretta, Sig, Ruger, Springfield XD, CZ, Browning HP, Walther, et al -- have fun.

[freedom and guns]

try a smith and wesson M and P? They are available in 9mm and various other calibers. They also fit most peoples hands better. Maybe you can rent one.http://gunblast.com/SW_MP.htm Or try smithandwesson.com Test drive a sig or buy a taurus. Or buy Jeff Quin's Glock 19 since I cannot (NYS pistol descrimination.):banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :cuss: :cuss: :cuss:

[rabrog]

I'd definitely look at a Beretta -- either a 92 series or the new PX4. I love my 92 series -- it shoots anything I put in the magazine and fits my hands great (however, if you have small hands it may not fit as well). I hear good things about the PX4 from people who have shot them, and, it has interchangeable grips so it should be less of an issue for fitting people's hands.

[Broom Rider]

If you want accuracy try a S&W 952, for fun a Browning Hi Power, other great guns are Sigs and HK's.

[CAnnoneer]

I have Ruger KP89 and Taurus PT92AFS. Love them both.

[grimjaw]

There are alot of good 9mm handguns out there. I suggest trying to find a range that has a good rental selection. A warning though. Once you go Browning, you never go back.

jmm

http://www.grimjaw.net/mig/albums/theboomgoesthere/1595.jpg

[Longbow]

Glock 34.

[jaycee]

For my part any CZ
excelllent value ,utterly reliable and plenty accurate.

My CZ85 combat has over 2000 rounds through it since new,
this was a mix of everything , Winchester bulk whitebox, Magtec, ..etc

Not one... misfire, FTF , FTE.
It's still much more accurate than I am .

The trigger was a little gritty at first but it has worked in nicely with use.

[Ruger451]

When I was looking for my 9mm, the best advice I received (right here on this forum I might add) was to really think about what you want out of the pistol. As others have also pointed out, there are DAO/Safe Action nines like the Glock or the Springfield XD, and then there are the SA/DA models like the Beretta 92FS, which is what I went with. Are you looking for conceilability, sheer reliability, or aesthetic beauty? (Not that one necessarily precludes the others) Also, do you want steel or polymer? Answer these questions and you will be much farther along in the decision making process to choosing your 9mm.

Lastly, again, as others have said, wrap your hands around and try as many as you can. You can feel which ones are right or wrong for you by giving them a test drive at your local range, providing they rent. Even getting one into your hands can sometimes be enough to know whether or not you will like a particular model. I don't prefer Glocks for this exact reason. But that's me. Go find out what works for you.

[armoredman]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PCRPO13.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PCRPO1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/choiceschoices.jpg

I may be a little biased towards CZ...but they have always worked perfectly for me.:cool:

[Ala Dan]

but, from my experiences I will only list MY top three; in NO particular order:

Smith & Wesson model 39-2, Smith & Wesson model 6906, and the world
class SIG-SAUER/SIGARMS P228~!:D

[Zen21Tao]

You are goint to get a lot of people saying I own (or have researched or a friend owns, etc) X and it is a great gun. The truth is that there are alot of great gun makers today and just about anything you buy will be of the highest quality.

With that said, my personal recommendation would be for you to visit some gunstores and handle as many different handguns as you can and see what feels the best to you. Then visit some local ranges that rent some hanguns to tryout and see what you prefer in the areas of feel, recoil, acceptable accuracy and features (safeties, decockers, etc.). Ultimately go with what feels best too you.

[innerpiece9]

get a Taurus......

[shooter429]

After decades of experience, I have a few favorites too. They will suit most shooters well. I agree that handling several brands and sizes is a must. Shooting them is also highly desireable. Though I have always just spent my money and taken my chances. Sometimes I got a gem and others a POS.

Decide what size gun you want. If you are just doing casual target shooting and home defense, a larger gun might be good because they tend to be easier to shoot well. On the other hand, if you think you might want to carry concealed, I would look and mid-size or compact sizes.

Decide what finish you want. If you carry IWB a lot, SS will handle more sweat and neglect than bluing, but it is rather easy to spot unless painted black. Guns like the Glocks use proprietary dark finishes that are supposed to be very durable, however, I have seen them wear through. Proper cleaning and oiling will prevent most problems though. So another question might be "will I clean and oil my gun regularly?" I would highly recomend it, but not everybody does so. You know yourself, so be honest in your assessment.

Decide on an action type. You will find DA, SA and different proprietary trigger systems like "Safe Action" Basically DA takes a long heavy trigger stroke. SA is much lighter and shorter, but some feel, less safe. Glocks Sigs (DAK) and Springfields split the difference. I prefer those, but carry all three types.

Decide on sights. Standard or tritium and adjustable or fixed. I like Tritium, fixed.

Anyway, to make this short, here are a few of my favorites, which tend to be medium sized, reliable, affordable and easy to shoot well. Click the links to go to the websights for each.

Glock 19
http://www.glock.com/te_g19.htm

Sig 229 DAK http://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=8&productid=119

Springfield XD9
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-service.shtml

Hope this helps

Shooter429

[Medusa]

+1 on CZ-s, for full size&metal something from CZ 75 series, for polymer and a CZ 110 would be perfect. I'm moving in to get one of those 110-s. Love from first sight.

[gopguy]

It also depends on what you want it for. Is it going to be a house gun or do you intend to carry it? The models mentioned are nice, in general. Many have compact and subcompact variants. I suggest you pick a few of the good quality models and find a range near you that rents gun so you can try a few out before spending your hard earned green backs on something you may not like.

[gearbox]

The two things that matter the most: that it "fit" you, and that it be reliable.
My HK USP Compact 9mm is the most reliable handgun I've encountered and certainly is heads, shoulders, and beltline above my SIG P220ST and S&W 1911 in terms of reliability. It's not the easiest for me to shoot well, but it's very accurate to boot.

Put a lot of guns into your hands and shoot as many as possible. Chances are the best gun to fit your hands will meet the reliability requirements if it says HK, SIG, CZ, Ruger, Walther, Springfield Armory, Glock, Kahr, Browning, FN, Smith and Wesson, Beretta, Steyr, Taurus, IMI/Magnum Research, Star, Kel-Tec, etc..

Just stay away from Hi Point, Lorcin, Raven, Jennings, and other low-dollar pot metal guns.

Once you've chosen a gun, ask here what people think about it. For instance, Someone might suggest that you need a reversable magazine release, light rail, or that you should choose a DAO gun. There are a myriad of configurations.

Of course, I'm making certain assumptions: that you would be using it for the range and for home defense duty. Requirements change depending on usage: HD guns benefit from night sights, range guns benefit from high-contrast sights; House guns are better fullsize, small guns are often preferred for concealed carry.

[Matt King]

Both the Sig p226, and the Glock 17 are very reliable, accurate and fun to shoot guns. Either will serve you well.



Happy shooting. :)

[amprecon]

Not that you know me or anyone else on this board and should take anything we have to say to heart. But I've been through many handguns and now own a SA 1911A1 G.I., a Glock 21 and two Glock 19's FWIW.

[Dr_2_B]

Glock 19

[fisi]

i'm not a big 9mm fan but i picked a used sig 226 two-tone last year from cdnn for $320, just to have a 9MM. no hiccups and very user friendly........

[Pilot]

Browning Hi Power is a must have. If not a CZ-75 variant is a close second.

[Justin R]

http://www.grimjaw.net/mig/albums/theboomgoesthere/1595.jpg




What brand grips are those? Thay look awesome




G19 or a Browning Hi Power, you cant go wrong

[grimjaw]

Justin R, those are Ajax polymer grips, scrubbed down with a kitchen scouring pad to take the shine off of them. The fit isn't perfect but it doesn't show up in the picture. Midway had a sale on them once, and I picked them up for not very much compared to real ivory grips.

jmm

[BHPshooter]

Once you go Browning, you never go back.

This man knows what he's talking about. HPs are more addictive than heroin, chocolate, and the history channel combined. :D

http://www.hunt101.com/img/336165.jpg

Wes

[dam8]

after shooting numerous 9's. I have continually compared all 9mm carrys to the HK p7. trying to find somthing a bit lighter, better and cheaper. Nothing comes close to the safety, trigger,quality and size. As everyone is different personal results will be different. But for me $ isn't the most important thing , quality and my life are.

[evan price]

For the longest time I carried a Glock 19, and I just bought a 4" Springfield XD9 (HS2000 Croatian) and have to say they are favorable over my G19/G17's, and I was impressed. However my CCW choice has remained the Sig P239 9mm, DA/SA with decocker. Why? It fits my hand so well, the size is about Just Right for use and concealability, and instead of DAO/DAK, mine is DA/SA with a decocker and Sig's hammer drawback safety, so I carry with a live round in chamber, decocked, and can draw and fire immediately without fear of accidental discharge, or an exposed cocked hammer (like the HP or 1911 type pistols use). It's what I am used to. Sort of a best-of-both-worlds split between my striker fired polymer pistols and the traditional 1911's.

Plus Sigs just feel so nice in your hand and the trigger is smooth as butter.

[kansas45]

My ruger P89 is a pretty good pistol & shoot's well. I have a XD9mm Tactical on order & can't wait for it to get here. When it does, I'll let you know how it preform's. I have a XD45ACP Tactical that I really like.

[lugee]

+1 for the CZ or the sig

[xd9fan]

nuff said

[dispatch]

I own and have shot several 9mm's. There is no equal in reliabilty, regardless of price. More accurate than most of us shooters. Easy to field strip and maintain. Shoots anything of the proper caliber you feed it. Total lifetime warranty (seldom needed). If I could keep only two hanguns the P95 is one- the P90 is the other.

[Black Snowman]

Ditto on 10-Ring's suggestion. Rent some guns. Borrow from friends, etc. . . Trigger time will tell you what you want. I've tried a lot of differant guns and the CZs are my favorites but I also like Glock and lately I've been getting into revolvers more.