[anapex]

I've been looking lately to buy a full sized 9mm to replace my Taurus PT-111, I've been looking at the usual Glock 17, Hi Powers, and 92FS'. Are there any good ones I'm missing? And what would your suggestions be for one?

[Nineisfine]

The CZ75 or CZ85 models would certainly be worth looking at.

[mr. e]

You cannot say that you've checked all reasonable candidates until you've seen/shot the CZ75. It's a surprisingly accurate, sturdy, reliable, attractive and economical full size 9mm that has more than a few advocates on this site.

Just start counting the number of "Amen" replies after this post.
(CZ brothers and sisters! Gimme those Amens, and I'll take Nineisfine's post as one even though he posted while I was putting mine together.)

[Quintin Likely]

Sig P226 or an H&K USP/USP-C; the P2000 *should* be stateside soon as well.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Yes, the Beretta 92FS -- it's a classic must have. Once I have collected all the Berettas I want -- I have two and counting...I'd go for the Glock 19, 26, and 17. In that order....:D

[SanduneCC]

Beretta 92FS if you're a collector. G17 if you're a shooter.

[boofus]

Hehe if you're into oddball guns you could get one of those weird lookin IMI Baraks. The FN FNP-9 might be good too. Haven't heard much about these handguns. :confused:

[Mastrogiacomo]

We'll I shoot the Hell out of my Berettas -- no problems by the way either. I'd say a 1911 if you're a collector -- a Beretta if you're serious about owning a quality gun that's as classic as Coke and Pepsi and baseball....

A Glock if you just want a good gun and don't have any concern about looks.:cool:

[Scarface]

My Son owns a CZ 75 that's a tack driver. At his insistence, I bought a CZ P01. When we took it to the range, he picked it up out of the box and at 10 yards emptied a 10 round clip into a pattern the size of a walnut.

I recommend the CZ strongly.

Good shooting.:D

[Wild Bill]

Just start counting the number of "Amen" replies after this post.
Wife's gun is a BRNO CZ-85. Can't say enough good about it. Great choice FWIW.

Add two Amens here

[Marko Kloos]

I traded a SIG P226 and a Glock 17 for my CZ-75BD and PCR. The CZ-75 pistols are highly reliable, ergonomic, accurate, solidly built, and reasonably priced.

[SouthpawShootr]

Some of my favorites (no particular order):

H&K USP
Sig 226 (or 229, SigPro, if you prefer)
Smith & Wesson 5906
Walther P99

[digex]

I'm a big fan of Taurus 9mm's. Great prices and great quality. I also love my Beretta 96 brigadier in .40 s&w.

[SouthpawShootr]

Oh, forgot to mention. If you end up with the Beretta, get one with a dovetailed front sight (like the Brigadier models). Costs a little more, but you'll be happier in the end.

[chaim]

In a full-size 9mm you are missing a few you should check out (if you haven't already):

-As already mentioned you should take a look at the CZ 75/85. My 75B is very accurate, well made with good fit and finish and it has been nearly 100% reliable.

-If you like the Beretta design check out the Taurus PT92 as well. A bit cheaper (and thus with slightly worse fit and finish) but still high quality (I don't think I've ever heard from any owners who weren't pleased). I strongly prefer the frame mounted safety of the Taurus to the Beretta's slide mounted safety- I think it is quicker to reach a frame mounted safety. In addition, it also allows you to carry/store your gun in whatever your prefered manner is- it can be kept in condition one ("cocked and locked"), it can be used as a decocker and put in safe with the hammer decocked or you can decock the gun and keep it ready to go with the safety off.

-At your price range (if you are looking at Berettas, BHPs and Glock 17s) you should check out some SIGs as well.

-Some mention the S&W autos. They seem to have good reps so look and see what you think (for me I like their smaller autos better).

[CZ-100]

The CZ Gods are smileing on you....:what:

[cool45auto]

I agree with what Mas said about Berettas!:D

[akanotken]

Also, if you like plastic the P99 and the xd9's come to mind. The XD9 has a good source of affordable hi-cap mags (the 10 rnd 40 cal mag's work)

[Sir Galahad]

The Baby Eagle is a LOT of gun for the price. Polygonal barrel. And high-caps are not hard to find. Mine is very accurate and never a problem.

[Prodigalshooter]

I also would say CZ, I love mine, but if I could do it again, I'd spend a few more bucks and get the 85 Combat. It's got a few more features for not much extra cash. A BHP would be next on my list (it is on my list!). I have a Sig 239, nice gun, but not full size.
Full size= CZ or BHP

[Boats]

My next 9mm is probably an XD-9 Bi-tone. $429 OTD. Full cap mags at $23.00 per. SIG dovetail nightsights. Lifetime warranty. Why wait for the mag ban to die?

[Rich357]

One of my favorite 9mm pistols is the Glock 17. The Glock 34 is also outstanding. Another favorite is the SIG P226. It maybe not "full sized" but the Walther P99 is really growing on me.

The Glock 17 or G34 can be very accurate if you dryfire and get used to the trigger. If you squeeze it like a DA trigger you will get better results.

Good luck,
Rich

[Big Mike]

CZ or Beretta.

[modifiedbrowning]

If you want the best, most accurate full size 9mm, you have to check out a Walther P88. It is expensive, but it is an amazing pistol.

[Rob96]

In 9mm I really don't think you can beat the G19. It's labeled as a compact , but has a full sized 4" barrel. Handles well.

[Jeff Timm]

What do you mean by "full size?"

The advantage to the 9mm is it's small round size. It's a .38 Special class cartridge in a package half the size.

If you are a US Shooter new guns are limited to 10 rd magazines, at least through the end of the year, there is little to be gained by exceeding 7" x 5" package.

I've been looking at 9mm pistols, a single column compact seems to be the best balanced weapon.

The US Army wrote up criteria for a new sidearm, after 35 years of research, and bought the big Beretta. I suspect they have regretted this choice ever since. In the 1970s the old FRG police forces got together and held a competition for new pistols in 9x19 NATO. The big winner was the SIG 225, just recently discontinued. Other guns including the SIG 239 have filled the niche.

Geoff
Who is looking at compact 9s. I just famfired (50 rounds informal range work) a Glock 26. Not bad, chunky with a short grip I could only get two fingers on. 6.3" x 4.2"

[denfoote]

Walther P99, P5, P38 and Ruger P95 come to mind!!

[Berg01]

Sig P220 9mm, CZ 85 Combat, BHP; If you don't mind spending the big bucks, the Smith & Wesson PC952 is awesome but pricey (over $1,000.00)

[Pilot]

Since no one has mentioned CZ yet I will. Try a CZ-75, 85 or PCR and you will love it.

Oh, OK.....Amen.

If you have a few more bucks the Browining Hi Power would be a great choice also.

[Mikel]

Can't go wrong with a Sig.

[anapex]

Thanks guys, getting a lot of good suggestions to think about. One question though, Of the 4 shops I frequent none sell any CZs so does anyone know of a CZ dealer in the Baltimore area?

[Skunkabilly]

If you get the Beretta, there's a fellow by the name of Ernest Langdon...you will NOT be sorry.

[10-Ring]

I have 2 fullsize 9mm's & recommend them both to those that ask...I have been totally satisfied w/ my 92fs & my USP 9 ;)

[CZ 75 BD]

:cool:

[sig970]

Another vote for the Beretta

[ojibweindian]

CZ-75.

Oh, and AMEN!

[Handy]

A new 9 round Sig 220 9mm for $469.

http://www.southernohiogun.com/new_hand.html

If hicap mags aren't the issue, this is the best bang for the buck.

[Russ]

If you like single action, get a Hi Power. If you like double action, go with a CZ-75 or better yet, a CZ-85. You can have a 75 here for $340 and the 85 in Nickel or Polished Blue for about $445. They are worth every cent.

I bought an 85 about a year ago and it is a tack driver. Excellent trigger pull and a real delight to shoot. Alot of people have never heard of CZ's. Their $700 Sigs and Beretta's won't out shoot it.

CZ as well as a BHP are solid steel so if weight is a big deal then you may want to rethink it.

One huge if not the dominant reason the Military went for the Beretta is that they got them for $150 apeice.

[Smurfslayer]

Holy cow, in all this time I don't think I've seen so many CZ endorsements in one thread...

There have been a lot of good suggestions herein. This comment made me think back...

"Beretta 92FS if you're a collector. G17 if you're a shooter."

to last week when a dealer/instructor acquaintance was discussing with another glockophile ...
#1: I broke my trigger reset spring tonight
#2: Really, how many rounds?
#1: just under 10 thousand
#2: Mine broke there too, then again at 12 thousand. Were you able to keep shooting?
#1: yeah, i just had to reset the trigger manually
#2: at <insert range name I forgot here> mine wouldn't reset & I had to stop shooting.
<snipped>

me: How often does this happen?
#2: not very often
me: this has to be the 2 dozenth time I've heard this...
#2: they're a wear item..
me: wow. My 92FS has 18 thousand rounds through it without changing a part other than the night sites...

I don't have a CZ, but I do have 2 Witness 45 CZ clones, does that qualify me for the cult ;) ? One thing that is really nice about both is the almost total lack of 'trigger slack' in either DA or SA. Reset is also pretty darn good.

I haven't shot the P99, but have been quite impressed with the incredibly short & positive trigger reset.

The Glocks I've shot have been accurate, and had good reset, albeit long. the trigger pull is 'different' from DA/SA guns and takes some getting used to.

The Berettas I have & have shot are all reliable, quality pieces, and are also accurate. The trigger isn't as good as the CZ - a little heavier, much more slack & the reset isn't as short.

Sig 226's I've shot have the heaviest DA pull of any pistol I've seen. I've shot other sigs with much lighter pull, but every one with the patented Sig "King Kong" DA system(tm) was a 226... That said, each one was reliable and very accurate. There was trigger slack on par with the Beretta & HK USP, reset about the same, maybe just a little worse than the Beretta...maybe.

HK USP - probably the most expensive. Very accurate, very reliable and durable. trigger is not as light as the Witnesses I have, but is (was stock) lighter than the Beretta. Reset was just a hair better than the Beretta, not as good as the Witnesses by any stretch <I put in the match trigger w/ adjustable trigger stop>. The match kit improved the USP trigger pull weight, but IMO really degraded the reset, so I reverted back to the stock trigger return spring, which restored it.

Someone previously reccomended www.langdontactical.com for custom work on the Beretta. I wholeheartedly agree, without a doubt the best DA/SA guns I've shot...

HTH

[Island Beretta]

If you want a classic, rugged and debugged TDA, get the 92fs; its sidekick the Cougar ain't too bad either; Plenty after market parts and accessories available also at a reasonable price!!! I give the Beretta the edge over the CZ based on these points.

If you are more the 'latest in the market' type go for the XD, it has everything going for it except being debugged (maybe it has no bugs.. time will tell!!)


Maybe the HK USP if you like it..

After these 3 you need look no further..unless you have special needs!!
;)

[George Hill]

"Beretta 92FS if you're a collector. G17 if you're a shooter."
:rolleyes:

Believe me when I say the 92FS is a shooter. Very much so.

However another good option is the Springfield XD.

Sigs are already mentioned... good.

Now the only question is which one fits you the best and feels the best in your hands. This is a personal issue and one you can get opinions on unless you have a twin brother with the same hands as you.
Try before you buy.

[WingZero]

Glock 17, Sig P226, or Walther P99...
You might find something nice from ruger, but the above three (in my opinion) are the best bets.

[Hakan]

One more CZ...make it 75B and in Totone if possible :)

I thought a pic. would help to describe it better :)


http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=326369

[bad_dad_brad]

Many opinions. Here are mine.

Try the Glock 17 or 19 depending on size. Consider the Kahr K9 smaller, or if you want something really small, the Kahr MK9. The Glock G26, although a great pistol, size wise, is beat out by the Kahr MK9.

I have a G17, a G19, and a MK9. All choices researched, all 9X19, and I feel comfortable with all three. All shoot +P ammo no problems.

My opinion is that DA, DAO, or SA pistols with safeties and de-cockers are too complicated for the average person.

Glocks and Kahrs are striker fired pistols with triggers very similar to DAO revolvers. Especially the Kahr. I disdane complications when shooting. Pulling the trigger is all I want to think about.

Just my two cents.

[JMag]

I like Berettas, Glocks, and Walthers in 9mm. I LOVE my Sig! A Classic Sig? Nope, a SigPro 2009! Seriously underappreciated semiauto. Mine is a tackdriver with an awesome trigger in DA and SA. It's hard to beat the price, too! (well under $550 if you look around w/night sights). Good luck!

[DonGlock26]

F.Y.I.- Sig appears to have lightened up their triggers in newer Sigs. They went from 12-15lbs to 9-10lbs. It's a big improvement. You can get lighter mainsprings from wolff springs.

[aircarver]

Did anyone mention CZ yet ?.... :D

....and un... AMEN !! :D

[jacketch]

CZ - a best buy
Browning HP - a classic hi-cap
Sig - superb quality and design

[12 Volt Man]

I just wanted to add my AMEN to what my brothers in the cult of CZ have said already :D

And a very close second place........Take a look at the XD9. I like mine almost as much as my CZs. Shoot both of them if you can and get what suits you best.

[Sox]

HK USP fullsize, light recoil, accurate, rapid reset, can be carried cocked and locked, furthermore, the action can be cycled and the gun loaded unloaded all with the safety ON! That is a nice feature.

[faustulus]

I have most of the guns you are looking at, as I suspect many on this board do.
92 FS - is a great gun, I like mine, but don't shoot it as much as many of the others.
Hi Power - as one Highroader put it 'best platform for firing the 9mm cartridge' can't say I disagree
CZ 75 - I have the SA version I use in competition, the ergonomics cannot be beat. probably the best gun for the money of any pistol on the market.
Sig 226 - I love my sig, if I carry a DA the Sig is the one I go with.
G17 - good gun, but the grip angle is different from pretty much everyother gun on the market. Some love it some hate it, I am in the latter catagory.

If I wanted to start somewhere it would be with the CZ I like my Hi Power best, but for the price I would begin with the 75

[goon]

CZ!!
CZ!!
CZ!!
I have one and I want another. Mine is dead accurate and 100% reliable with all the ammo I have tried in it.

[RNS]

I researched for over a year before I bought my first semi.

CZ-75BD, All steel and fit my hand just right. Can't carry in Ohio but I carry all day long on my property and hardly know it's there.

Paid all of $399.00 for it and that's a little high compared to what others have said they paid. Came with a 15 and a 10 round mag too.

Rich

[Bren]

I like the CZ, and BHP for "shooter" high cap 9mm's. The CZ 22 kadet kit is the best of the non 1911 type pistols.

[George Hill]

Welcome to the High Road, Bren. Like the sig line.

Where are people getting the idea that the Beretta 92 isn't a shooter? That is exactly why I got mine! Because it is such a sweet shooter.
Is it because the Beretta us a beautiful example of firearms art? Because its so well made and smooth you would hate that anything should happen to it your powers would diminish? You would risk no hurt to your precious?

The Beretta is an excellent shooter with accuracy and reliability on par with any other top end gun. The only downside that it has is in taking full advantage of it's "Full Sized Duty Automatic" class.
It's like a new Ford Crown Vic police cruiser... big and potent, but handles supprisingly well.

[mr. e]

George,

You've hit the nail right between the eyes. I'm a big guy with bigger than average hands. Even so, I don't care for the Beretta (or the SIG P226 for that matter) simply because the grip feels too large in my hands. (I also prefer cars smaller than the Crown Victoria.)

I traded my Beretta for a Hi Power because I'm more comfortable with its (and the CZ's) grip size. I know that they're all great shooters, and the fact that I've chosen differently than others stems from my personal preference, not any deficiency of the pistols.

Fortunately, there are plenty of choices in the 9mm market.

[Obiwan]

It really comes down to action type

If you like levers and buttons and 2 different pulls, the Sigs/HK/CZ are fine

The Berreta (IMHO) are too big and the DA triggers are not great.

If...on the other hand...you are like me and dislike levers/buttons/da/sa pulls...

Look no further than the G17/G19...depending on your hand dimensions

[Ian11]

There really are too many excellent choices in this category. I really like the BHP, Beretta 92 FS, Glock 17, and the CZ-75. They all have something to offer and I enjoy shooting them. And I agree take a look at the SIGPro's they are vastly unerrated guns.

But I prefer my SIG P226 over the others by a very wide margin. More accurate than the others, superb grip, excellent DA/SA trigger, handsome looks, and that world famous SIG quality. Only drawback is the finish on a gun costing that much. And possibly the fact my P226 has convinced me to get more SIGs. Although that hasn't been a bad thing for me.:p :o

If DA/SA isn't your thing BHP or Glock 17 of course!!

[Logistar]

I also own a Taurus PT-111. I "replaced" mine with a Beretta 92FS Vertec.

If you liked the grip of the PT-111, then I doubt that you will like the full size grips on the Sigs and the Berettas. In the end, I chose the Beretta Vertec. The only thing I see wrong witrh the Vertec is that you will most likely need to switch out the hammer spring for a lighter one.

Other than that, it is a nice, accurate, reliable gun. The biggest complaint I have heard is that the accessory rail makes it ugly. After my experiece the other night, I will soon have a light on that rail! I am glad the Vertec gives me the option.

I am not knocking Sigs or any other guns. (I had intended to buy a Sig.) In the end, it was the "feel" (and the desire for hi-cap magazines) that led me to choose the Beretta.

- you didn't say WHY you were replacing the Taurus with a FULL-SIZE gun but if it is for carry, I would advise against it. = I was intending on doing that but find that I much prefer the Taurus for daily carry, while keeping the Beretta handy for "special situations". (Taurus conceals a LOT better!)

Logistar

[Michael_2112]

I would strongly suggest the CZ 75 or 85. Certainly worth every penny. Watch out though because you will probably end up owning more then one. Just like the 1911....they tend to get lonely and need some company.


Amen!

~Michael

[Mastrogiacomo]

Get the classic Beretta 92FS. :D Then pick up the Glock...:cool:

[Browns Fan]

Another amen for CZ! I bought mine in Germany 13 yrs ago NIB for $237. Great gun for the money.


Question: Why are you getting rid of the Taurus PT-111?

[HankB]

If you already found the Hi Power, why are you still looking? ;)

[Brian Williams]

Love the BHP
Want a S&W 39-2
Hate CZ cause the Tang hits the back of my hand worse than the 1911 hammer bite
Beretta ????? I do not like the open barrel
Glock Ugly but works gotta G19
1911 in 9mm Could be great if you like the 1911
SIG just cause Ala Dan says so....


What I really like for 9mm is the 9X32 in a S&W mod 13 3" or a Mod 27

For a Compact I love my S&W 940

[Selfdfenz]

Many good suggestions, but going with a CZ IS a great idea because they are great guns and they are also CZexy!

Did I mention they are great guns.
S-

[caz223]

Money no object:
1. H&K USP or custom 1911
2. SIG (Pick one, they're all good.) 220, 225, 226, 2009, 229, 228.
3. BHP or beretta

Excellent guns on a budget
1. CZ (75b, P01, PCR.) The real thing.
2. BHP clones/CZ clones like FEG, baby eagle, Jericho 941, witness etc.
I really recommend steel framed full size 9mm choices, but you may not like the weight. (CZ 75b, beretta, CZ75 clones, Beagle, Jericho, BHP + clones.)
In some ways the budget choices are better than the money no object ones.

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther