[Marko Kloos]

Now that I've owned and shot at least one example of each brand listed, I recently tried to figure out my favorite of the new major brand polymer-framed pistols on the market.

Of all those guns, I was actually most impressed with...the SIGpro series. The Walther P99 would be a very close second, but there's something about that SIGpro that makes me want to get another one to replace the SIGpro 2340 that I traded in a fit of insanity. It had the beefiest frame rails and the best trigger of all the plastic guns I've owned, and it was even downright good-looking for something made out of recycled yogurt cups. (I know, I know, different plastics...)


Anyway, I was kind of surprised at my own preference...until now, I would have said that the P99 was my favorite, but the SIGpro felt more solid in the hand.

What's your favorite new breed plastic gun?

[jerryd]

I carry a glock 19c in hot weather cause i sweat like a pig, couldnt stand to see my 1911s corroded.

[WhoKnowsWho]

The top four are the four favorites. But I voted for the USP, 'cause I am weird like that...

[Dave T]

My suspicion is the following isn't what you ment by "new breed" but since it is in fact a newly introduced model I'm going to reply.

The Wilson KZ-45 is my hands down favorite gun for carry and shooting. It has the shooting characteristics of the 1911 with the weight savings and durability of the more "modern" plastic offerings. It is to me the best of both worlds. In fact, I have been so impressed with mine (over 3500 rounds so far) that I've ordered the Compact version as a daily carry gun. The full size tends to print once in a while if I'm not careful.

I've owned all the Glocks except the 357 SIG versions (still have several) and a Kel-Tec, plus have handled and shot most of the others in my CCW classes. The Wilson KZ-45 is head and shoulders above all of them for me.

[Sean Smith]

SV Infinity or STI 2011 series. :D

[Zundfolge]

Steyr

I love my M40 and would love to pick up an S40 (and an M357)

[glockten]

What do you think?:)

[Ian11]

My favorite polymer pistols are still Glocks. But I am very impressed with the SIGPro's. I agree with you, the SIGPro's have great frame rails and the trigger is the closest to an all steel gun; compared to Glock, Walther, H&K, and SA XD. I shoot a rental (.40 S&W) quite often at my local range because of its excellent performance.

Like CZ's, Makarov's and revolvers in general the SIGPros' deserve a much wider following .

[Dr.Rob]

Out of those I've only fired a Glock, and it was a pretty nice pistol in 9mm. The trigger is the safety thing still bugs me though.

The 'customizeable' grip on the Walther is a damn good idea. If I was looking for a new 9mm, I would give the walther a serious look.

[gbelleh]

I shoot the USP series better than any other plastic gun I've fired.

[10-Ring]

I prefer the HK USP & USPc! :D

[9x19]

I've owned or shot the Kahr, Kel-Tecs, Ruger, Springfield, H&K, Walther, SigPro, and Glock.

The Glock is still my favorite, but I also like the Kel-Tecs, the Rugers and the Walther P22, but not the P99.

[Ala Dan]

I voted for the H&K's*; cuz there controls resemble that
of a P-series "Classic" SIG-Sauer!:D :uhoh:

*Denotes Variant #1 models.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[anapex]

I've shot a USPc and own a P99, all the others I've really only just handled. After atleast handling most I still prefer my P99, the fit and feel it has for me works perfectly. Which I guess is why I bought it instead of any of the others ;)

[agony]

Toss up between the HK USP and the sig pro 2340.

[Island Beretta]

It will be difficult for me to say 'favourite' as I have found that a lot of creative concept and QA have gone into polymer pistols. Not saying this was not the case with steel/aluminium/paper/cloth pistols.

The polymer gun that I have been most impressed with is the Ruger P95DC- very accurate, reliable and tough gun,just like the USP but a better value for money..it is a shame that Ruger never put out a compact model-maybe it could have taken on the USPc and G19.

I am also impressed with the 9000s balance, feel and smooth, round shape even though the slide is wide..never fired one though. I hear it is more accurate than the G26, again don't know.. I am very impressed with the Glock's rapid fire ability-that plus its weight and mag. capacity gives it a huge plus in my books-I however question its reliability relative to the 92fs and USP.

The Sigpro has a very businesslike look and is also well-balanced. The Walther promises much but I think the jury is still out on whether it has delivered.

[Skunkabilly]

Only owned the USP out of the bunch (two of them) and sold them both as I liked my Beretta and P7 better....things can get heavy though :)

[Schuey2002]

Glocks, but I'm not one to frown on (well, at least not lately, :rolleyes: ) any well crafted Austrian/German/Swiss pol-eeee-mire handgun. ;)

[Charley]

I've got plenty of time on the SIG Pro and Glock, but my recent purchase of a .40 cal Springfield XD Service pistol has really changed my whole latitude on the issue. I absolutely worship this gun.

[P95Carry]

No need to ask me!! :)

Surprised such a small % tho for the Rugers ..... but then they are indeed butt ugly and probably a tad too chunky for many. :)

Suits me fine!

[Charley]

Yeah, I looked at the Ruger for all of two seconds. No offense, but the thing looks like a wad of cookie dough shaped into the vague shape of a gun. I absolutely love Ruger's small-caliber rifles, and I was kinda put off that their pistol felt absolutely cumbersome in my hand. But if that's what you like, then more power to you. It isn't like you're buying a Taurus ;)

[Island Beretta]

Charley,

How does the XD compare in size, trigger reset and handling relative to the Glock 19/23? Think it could be competitive in IPSC or IDPA? Does it conceal easily?

[Gary A]

P95Carry said, "Surprised such a small % tho for the Rugers ..... but then they are indeed butt ugly and probably a tad too chunky for many.
Suits me fine!"

I'm not surprised at the small percentage but agree it oughtta be higher. Anyway, the question is "favorite" and not "best" so I also voted for the P95. I ain't gonna claim it's the "best" (though it ranks pretty high, IMO) but it is definitely my favorite overall. Might not rank No. 1 on many points but very high on most points, IMO. I don't even think it's ugly and it feels better in my hand than some other pistols which if I mentioned their names would require donning flame-retardant clothing. I'm totally impressed with the Isoplast frame. Magic stuff.

[Charley]

Island, I hesitate to compare apples to oranges. I don't have any time on the Glock 23, and it really isn't fair to compare the Glock 19 (which I've used extensively) to the XD40, but I'll say that the XD40 is probably the cushiest 40 I've fired in terms of recoil. It's got a little bit more weight than the Glock 19, or more comparatively, a S&W Sigma. I like this, because it really makes for a good recoil buffer. Not to mention the classic 11 degree grip making it fit my hand perfectly

The trigger pull seems to be longer on the XD40, but I'd really need to fire one after the other to say for sure.

As for concealability, it wouldn't be my first choice, no. It seems to have more height on it than most pistols, though I hear the XD9-sub is very suited to the task.

Competition shooting...rrrrr, touchy subject. The XD is getting the whole bastard child treatment like Glock did when it came out. It currently is classified as single action, whereas Glock got their toes in the door in DA competition as a technicality. Hopefully, the rules will be amended, as XD's trigger doesn't really fit any previous definitions.

[faustulus]

STI 2011 :)

[Skunkabilly]

forgot to add, the KZ45 was a beautifully built pistol, I just didn't like the ergonomics. But great concept, great gun, I just couldn't shoot it good...kind of a shame, but it happens.

[New_comer]

My preferences:

1. HK USP
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2. P-99
3. Glock
4. Sig
5. XD

The last 4 in any order... :D

[Correia]

Other: Polymer Kimber.

[caz223]

Fave is USPc .45 two-tone.
Then the sig 2340 two-tone.
After that, any hammer-fired, polymer-framed, decock-equipped, medium size and weight pistol that takes double-stack steel bodied mags, and has a reputation for reliability. (I don't think there are any more than the two I mentioned, other than new models of the same companies like the 2000 from h&k, etc.)

[CWL]

You left out the Wilson Combat KZ-45.

If you have the hands for it, it is a premier combat pistol combining current technologies with the tried & true M1911 design. Who can argue against polymer+kevlar+stainless steel?

I don't know if I can shoot the 1.5" @25 yards guarantee, but I'm close enough with any off the shelf ammo.

Sure beats Glock, Kel-Tec and fits better than HK USP.

[denfoote]

DARK SIDE!!! :neener: :D

[CZ52GUY]

Hello,

I own G22, SigPro 2009, and P95DC...just fired my nephew's XD-40 last weekend (added to my list). I like them all. Have Hogue Handalls on the Glock & Ruger, otherwise, pretty vanilla (G22 is a Gen' 1).

I voted for the SigPro 2009 because I actually like the big grip and mine has night sites and LDI light. All things being equal, I probably shoot the P95DC the best of the 3 although I'm improving with both Glock and SigPro. The more I shoot, the more I think that maybe it's the shooter, not the launcher (assuming a baseline threshhold of launcher capability and reliability).

Overall favorite of any autoloader? Gotta' be my CZ-75B, because in spite of my sentiments above, it seems to shoot better than I do...

CZ52'

[Flashpoint]

I'd have to vote for the Steyr. I don't understand why most people don't seem to know anything about them. It really seems to be a unique gun and very well made, I think a lot of people are missing out, oh well.

[Jeff]

USP


I've only shot two plastic, center-fire handguns-- the Glock and the USP, which I own. The USP is a superior handgun in basically every category.

The rest of the guns, I don't know.

[38Mike]

Have owned Kahr P9, Ruger P95, and Glock 19. Favorite? a toss up; I liked them all...:cool:

[Schuey2002]

Welcome to THR, CZ52GUY ! :cool:

[Mike Irwin]

I voted Other.

And by other, I actually mean "none of the above."

I'm just not sold on the polymer handguns yet.

Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist...

[Leibster]

XD. Definitely.

I've had af total of over 19,000 rounds through two different XD9s, without any jams. It's grip angle is the same as a 1911, it's trigger is better than a Glock.

--Leibster

[dleong]

What??? No votes for the CZ 100? But they make good doorstops...

Just kidding! Even though I voted for the XD (as an owner of a very fine XD-40 Tactical), I also have a 40S&W CZ 100 that I have modified extensively and enjoy shooting tremendously. Hernia-inducing DAO trigger aside, it is built like a tank and surprisingly accurate for its dimensions.

DL

[Handgun]

Of the available choices I like the P-99 and Glock but I also like the Steyr M/S series pistols very much. It would be difficult for me to pick a favorite among the three.

[RON in PA]

Ruger KP95 and KP97, utter reliability.

[NapAttack]

There's no "none" category.

Plastic is fine for toys and tupperware. Plastic in a 1911 is obscene!!!

[jacketch]

I voted other since my only 'polymer' handgun is a Daisy Powerline 1200 co2 BB gun. My real handguns are metal:D (although a P99 in .45 might finally convince me otherwise).

[Grampa]

I have the Glock 23, Ruger P95, Kel-Tec P-11 Kel-Tec P-32. You did say favorite, right? Like the one I grab when I head to the range most?

The Ruger.

[CZ-100]

What??? No votes for the CZ 100? But they make good doorstops...

Just kidding! Even though I voted for the XD (as an owner of a very fine XD-40 Tactical), I also have a 40S&W CZ 100 that I have modified extensively and enjoy shooting tremendously. Hernia-inducing DAO trigger aside, it is built like a tank and surprisingly accurate for its dimensions.

I also have a CZ-100 in the 9mm flavor, so I have to vote for it, Cause it's the only polymer pistol I own. :eek: While the triger does take some getting used to, once you do it is not bad.

[Silver Bullet]

... and the best trigger of all the plastic guns I've owned
Better than the Kahr P9 ? Or does the P9 come into the category of guns you've shot but not owned ?

[CZ52GUY]

Need to add G23, picked up used this weekend...Gen3 w/NS & Rail:
95% or better in original tupperware box
2 - 10rd Flushfit G23 mag's
2 - 15rd Full Capacity G22 NDF mag's (function flawlessly while protruding about 3/4 of an inch).

$575 OTD.

Still prefer the Sig2009 so far (like the trigger better) as favorite polymer pistol, but the G23 is a nice shooter.

Best Wishes,

CZ52'

[sturmruger]

This poll really made me think. I was a little bummed, but I had to pick the "other" Column. I love my Steyr handguns.

[Berg01]

HK USP 9c, w/ match trigger is excellent; the USP Expert is awesome !

[modifiedbrowning]

P99 all the way!

[stevelyn]

The One. The Only. The Original.

Glock

[Poohgyrr]

Ohhhh, favorite POLYMER pistol.... The Dark Side gets it. Specifically, the G23 (old slim favorite) or G30 (new chunkier favorite). But then, I haven't fired any other plastic toy guns. Just the real he man Glock polymers. ;)....

It's a good thing you didn't ask me to pick just one revolver, or I'd be real confused ;).....

[HBK]

Walther P-99, best gun out there. Soooooo underrated by the "average" shooter, too.

[litework]

My vote is for the XD. I like Glock, and I think they offer so many models, you'd be hard pressed to find a model that didn't suit you. I currently own a Glock 20 and Glock 23, but the XD feels better to me.

[duckfoot]

USP .45 is a super tool, in my hands at least. It's more gun that I could ever need.

It's not marketing hype I'm spouting because I shoot my stock Colt 1991a1 better than the usp but, can't stuff 12 rounds into the colt.

[tomkatz]

sigpro ;)

[Futo Inu]

Of those, the XD and Sigpro. Steyr M second in value probably. Walther second or close third. The XD and Sigpro both will be incredible values if the full-cap mag ban sunsets next year (as will the others, but particularly these). Glocks and HKs have the unfair advantage of having available fullcaps. If this uneven playing field is leveled next year, the winners will emerge as one of the others that out-Glocked the Glock, IMO. XD, SigPro, Walther, Steyr are the most interesting to me.

In any event, I too consider the Wilson KZ-45 compact to be my version of the "ultimate" carry pistol, however. 9+1 of .45, Wilson quality, slim as a single stack 1911 - what's not to like (besides the price)? Others are great guns, but too big for my hands and my tastes for concealed carry. Glocks point too high.

If we're not talking carry guns, then the analysis changes. For sheer firepower, for say a duty gun, truck gun, or field carry, I still think the Glock 20 is unbeatable. With +2s on fullcaps, you have 17+1 of 10mm - egad man! :)

And, if we're talking pocket guns, rather than primary carry, then Kel-Tec is the shiz, specifically my new P3AT!

Also, IF I could only have ONE HANDGUN for all purposes, it would be the HK USP .45 full-sized - to me, it doesn't fill any one niche perfectly, but is probably the best choice for a one-gun-for-all-things. The KZ-45 Wilson full-sized would probably be second place in this category.

Good points about STI, CZ, Kimber, etc. - more choices than shown on the list are there. And as always, friends don't let friends buy Rugers. :puke:

[m.i.sanders]

I had to go for the XD. I've owned or shot Rugers, Glocks, and the Kel-tec P32, and the XD just fits me better than the rest of them. Glocks are ok, but they're not much smaller than a Ruger, and the Kel-tec is almost too little.

[Dave Markowitz]

1. XD9. It fits me much better than the Glocks.
2. Ruger P-95 or P-97. Totally reliable and the feel has grown on me.

[jercamp45]

I have owned a Glock 30 and Ruger P-97; have shot quite a few more Glocks and several USP's. Nothing wrong with these handguns, but I will stick to my 1911's for serious stuff.
Been looking for a 'pocket pistol' for back up and extreme concealment for many years that was light and more powerful than my Chief's Special and have found the Kahr PM9!!! Tried alot of others, the G26/27 was too chunky, the little .45's are too big, the 380..? Forgetaboutit!
So, the Kahr is my next purchase and my favorite on the polymer breed!
Then, I start getting more 1911's!!!!
Jercamp45

[Island Beretta]

The XDs have really grown in popularity..they are well liked!! :cool: