[Wildbillz]

Hi All
If you were going to recomend a 9mm pistol to shoot a lot. What would it be? Range and tin can gun just for fun. I would like to stick with 9mm because I can load it cheap and fast. It would be nice if the pistol had mags there were cheap and avalible.

Thoughts?
Wild Bill

[kimbernut]

Browning High Power, Glock 17, Beretta 92 all would work well. Although the BHP is my choice I have shot all three and would enjoy any one of them.

[WC145]

I don't own any but it sounds like you're describing a Glock.

[gwnorth]

CZ 75B would also be a good choice for a high round count range/fun gun (I'd go with a stainless one, but that's pure preference).

[docnyt]

Wow that's a wide field there. I would add CZ75, SIG 226 (actually many other SIGs) and I'm sure a ton of others.

[thom1960]

Gotta get your hands on them to see which feels best to you. I sold a real nice High Power .40 and kept a Beretta 92 simply because the HP just didn't feel right. I've since moved on to 1911, but will never sell the 92 because it fits me well.

[CHEVELLE427]

Beretta 92 or the Taurus copy i have a 1980 Taurus and so far it is trouble free i don't shoot 9mm much anymore except in my camp 9 but my dad uses the Taurus as his leo carry gun in mayberry type town he lives in,

had a glock but he said it ---- so he took my 9mm

[armoredman]

CZ 75 SP01 for just a plain range gun, or the new Phantom, poly frame military issue pistol, if you want. I agree with an above poster, go find what fits you, then test fire on a rental range, work from there. Any of the good quality manufacturers would probably be just fine, as listed here.

[19-3Ben]

S&W 5906. You can get a good condition police surplus one for ~$300-325, and they are rock solid reliable, strong, durable, and accurate.

I'd put them up against any production pistol regardless of cost.

[BlayGlock]

It would be nice if the pistol had mags there were cheap and avalible

That would be a Glock. If just a range gun try a Glock 34 or 17.

Now my favorite 9mm handguns are my 1911s chambered in 9mm. Mags are only about $30 for good Wilson combat, and you get the nice triggers that are in 1911s.

[xphunter]

Glock 17

[Onward Allusion]

5906 or 5946 with the 659 at a close second. All solid stainless pistols that will out last a lifetime of a weekly range trips as long as you replace the small/tiny parts and springs.

[peter_mn]

Beretta 92fs. You can get dirt cheap magazines that will still be reliable; even during the Assault Weapons Ban you could still get them cheap. Parts will never be a problem in this lifetime or the next. I’ve seen the M9 pistols in the Army get treated like a rented mule and come out no worse for the wear. Even the people in the Army that only touch a gun once a year (doctors and lawyers) manage to shoot them OK.
Still try the Glock, Browning HPs and others to see what fits you.

[WaywardAce]

Ruger P series

[Sushigaijin]

Ruger p95, about $350 otd

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Glock 17. I know several people with 50k, 75k + rounds through them, without a problem. And you can replace all the little parts (everything not a barrel, frame or slide) for under $100 yourself, without gunsmithing.

[brabham78]

All are double stack, SA/DA, hammer fired, de-cockers, which makes for a much more interesting gun to handle and shoot, in my opinion. Listed in no particular order:


CZ 75 B (or BD): (a classic)

Beretta 92FS: (another classic)

Stoeger Cougar 8000F: (A Beretta Cougar, but with the Stoeger name on it, built on Beretta tooling. Price: $380 at some gun shops)

Ruger P95: Solid gun, reliable. One of the best range guns you'll find, and priced really good!

Taurus PT92: (Arguably Taurus' best pistol. Their version of the Beretta 92, but with an even better safety de-cocker arrangement than is on the Beretta)

[yeti]

WWII bring back P-38, you'll be the coolest kid on the block.

[ByAnyMeans]

If I wanted metal I would go Hi Power with a set of Hogue Wrap around grips and ditch the magazine safety.

Plastic I would go with a Glock 19 and put on a set of Talon grips.

[Onmilo]

H&K USP series handguns.
Designed from the beginning as a .40 S&W caliber handgun and beefed up accordingly.
When chambered for the 9mm cartridge they are actually overbuilt for the application and tend to last and last and last.

[Lucky Derby]

Browning Hi-Power or Sig P225. those two pistols fit MY hand better than any other. Of course your hand is different, so I would say try several and see what you like. Lots of good choices out there. Glock, Sig, HK, Beretta, S&W, and don't forget the 9mm 1911's.

[Welding Rod]

Berretta 92

[Gottahaveone]

I've got to throw my hat in the Beretta 92fs corner as well. I have put honest effort into it, and just can't wear it out. It fits my hand very well, mags are cheap and plentiful, it's accurate, and like the bunny it keeps going and going and going.......
Good luck with whatever you decide on.

[Jed Carter]

Glock G34 my choice, mags $19. H&K good pistol, lousy mag prices $39-$59. You could buy the Glock and 10 extra magazines for less than the price of the H&K. SIG P226 next on the list IME, then the CZ PCR, Mec-Gar mags are cheap for both. I use the G34 in USPSA matches or will until my next 1911 gets here in Sept. STI Custom shop 1911 in 9mm, 10rd Wilson Combat mags $32-$35.

[samurai]

M&P 9 fullsize

[jonmerritt]

I would also say Ruger P series. Darn things are flawless, no matter what ammo I run throught it. And accurate.

[jollyroger]

If you're loading your own 9mm, remember you can't use lead bullets in Glocks (polygonal rifling), so you have to factor in an aftermarket barrel if you reload cast lead bullets.

Different issues for high round-count guns. Most shooters who don't reload can't afford to get more than 5000 rounds through a gun in any reasonable period. Since you want to shoot & shoot, I'll pass along a few things I've been shown by our armorers on weapons we used to carry (Smith's 3rd & 4th gens, and Sig 225, 226, & 228's): On high round counts (25-30K) the aluminum frame Smith's tended to crack, sometimes the drawbars broke (connects trigger to sear) had this happen myself, but since then S&W redesigned the drawbar for more life.

Sigs faired better, but would also occasionally break the drawbar (different design-double drawbar- one for single, one for double action.)

Sig frames crack as well, usually along the frame rails. Armorers showed use a Sig 226 which had rails so cracked you could pinch them together at the muzzle end with the slide off. Also had one 226 where the left rail ripped clean off: suprisingly, the gun still fired reliably with the residual rail at the rear, but it was way off target. I was told the rails on the 225 were particularly susceptible to this.

If you're looking for longevity, I would suggest a couple considerations:

steel frames probably last longer than aluminum in high round counts

actions which put metal in tension (like traditional double action) are probably more prone to failure than those which only put metal in compression (traditional single action autos and striker-fired)

That being said, I would go with the hi-power, a Ruger P series (way over engineered = durable), or polymer gun.

FWIW, they will all break. Our 9mm guns may have taken more of a beating b/c we used Nato ball for practice: pretty hot stuff relatively speaking. We now carry .40 Glocks, and they break, too in different ways. Pins and springs mostly - so now they are PM'd with new springs and pins every few thousand rounds.

[gbw]

Look at the FNs, FNP or FNX.

[G27RR]

In order of my personal preference...
Sig P226
Springfield XD or XDM
HK USP
Smith & Wesson M&P

[Sport45]

The only 9mm I have left id a Sig P226. But for what you describe I recommend a Ruger. My KP94 was rock solid. Not pretty, but otherwise flawless.

I'd still have it but someone offered more than I paid...

[Wildbillz]

If you're loading your own 9mm, remember you can't use lead bullets in Glocks (polygonal rifling), so you have to factor in an aftermarket barrel if you reload cast lead bullets.

Different issues for high round-count guns. Most shooters who don't reload can't afford to get more than 5000 rounds through a gun in any reasonable period. Since you want to shoot & shoot, I'll pass along a few things I've been shown by our armorers on weapons we used to carry (Smith's 3rd & 4th gens, and Sig 225, 226, & 228's): On high round counts (25-30K) the aluminum frame Smith's tended to crack, sometimes the drawbars broke (connects trigger to sear) had this happen myself, but since then S&W redesigned the drawbar for more life.

Sigs faired better, but would also occasionally break the drawbar (different design-double drawbar- one for single, one for double action.)

Sig frames crack as well, usually along the frame rails. Armorers showed use a Sig 226 which had rails so cracked you could pinch them together at the muzzle end with the slide off. Also had one 226 where the left rail ripped clean off: suprisingly, the gun still fired reliably with the residual rail at the rear, but it was way off target. I was told the rails on the 225 were particularly susceptible to this.

If you're looking for longevity, I would suggest a couple considerations:

steel frames probably last longer than aluminum in high round counts

actions which put metal in tension (like traditional double action) are probably more prone to failure than those which only put metal in compression (traditional single action autos and striker-fired)

That being said, I would go with the hi-power, a Ruger P series (way over engineered = durable), or polymer gun.

FWIW, they will all break. Our 9mm guns may have taken more of a beating b/c we used Nato ball for practice: pretty hot stuff relatively speaking. We now carry .40 Glocks, and they break, too in different ways. Pins and springs mostly - so now they are PM'd with new springs and pins every few thousand rounds.
Thanks for the info JollyRoger. I was sort of shying away from the Glocks due to the lead and reloading issue. Are the Lone Wolf Replacement barrels any good? The other option I have found that I sort of like is the S&W 59. Its a police turn in gun and is less then $400. I have never warmed up to the Rugers but I will give them a look.

Thanks to All
WB

[greyling22]

I've got a glock with a lone wolf barrel, it's worked fine and been as accurate as the factory barrel. I've shot the cz, HP, HK, Ruger P, spingfield xd and handled the rest. I'm not an expert, but I can tell you my impressions.

HK, Ruger I don't remember much, though I do believe at least some of the HK guns and polygonal rifling too. more recently I have tried the ruger p95 in 45. it was big and clunky with a long but smooth pull. shot fine. The SR9 is sleeker, but it had some issues at launch that turned me off it. M&P had the worst trigger I've ever pulled. (I like the single action pull on a tuned smith revolver, so there is my baseline for a good pull). I have no experience with sig.

I liked the CZ-75 guns. expecially the SA version. I like the xd better than the glock, but it's ugly as sin. IMHO. I really really wanted to love the hi-power. and I liked it fine, but I didn't love it. my glock had less felt recoil and the HP is just so expensive.

I've got an EAA elite match on the way to me right now. if I like it the glock will go away.
I also liked the STI gp6. pretty good trigger, felt good in the hand. I also think a 1911 in 9mm (maybe the sti spartan) would be a good gun.

[19-3Ben]

The other option I have found that I sort of like is the S&W 59.

the model 59 is good. Will do well with FMJ (which is probably what you'll mostly be shooting anyway). It is a first gen S&W though, so don't expect it to feed HPs reliably. Some do, some don't.

My recommendation is still with the 5906 if you like the 59 series.

BTW- here are 59's for under $300. LINK (http://www.summitgunbroker.com/9mm_59_series.html)

[carbuncle]

Beretta 92 and S&W 5906 both fit the bill for me. Fun guns, reasonably priced on the used market and plentiful mags for both.

[Runningman]

Hard to go wrong with a Glock 34. Reliable, Magazines are fairly cheap, parts are cheap and easy to get. Plus they are so easy to work on, a caveman can do it.

[jimmyraythomason]

Another vote for a Ruger P series. My preferrence is the P89DC.

[triplebike]

All are double stack, SA/DA, hammer fired, de-cockers, which makes for a much more interesting gun to handle and shoot, in my opinion. Listed in no particular order:


CZ 75 B (or BD): (a classic)

Beretta 92FS: (another classic)

Stoeger Cougar 8000F: (A Beretta Cougar, but with the Stoeger name on it, built on Beretta tooling. Price: $380 at some gun shops)

Ruger P95: Solid gun, reliable. One of the best range guns you'll find, and priced really good!

Taurus PT92: (Arguably Taurus' best pistol. Their version of the Beretta 92, but with an even better safety de-cocker arrangement than is on the Beretta)


I think this post pretty much nails it! (but need to add the S&W's 5906 & the like) Any of the above will fill your needs perfectly. Pick the one that fits you the best.

[Shawn Dodson]

Glock 19.

[Regen]

I use a full sized HK USP9 for this.

[zxcvbob]

Browning (or Argentina FM) Hi-Power, or Beretta 92. There are probably others; I'd also see what Ruger and CZ have to offer.

[gyvel]

Buy a Hi-Point; Everyone that owns one says they shoot at least 3,000,000 rounds before something breaks.:neener:

[zxcvbob]

Buy a Hi-Point; Everyone that owns one says they shoot at least 3,000,000 rounds before something breaks.That's not a bad suggestion. HiPoints have... character. :rolleyes: Folks that own them seem to like them, and if it breaks you are only out $150 assuming you can't get it fixed.

[Dobe]

If you are gong to reload, get somethng without a polygonal barrel.

[DFW1911]

Great recommendations so far. I'm also with the Ruger P Series folks. Not only are they accurate, reliable, and tough, they are not too much $$$.

With the money you save on the purchase price of the pistol, you can buy a whole bunch of 9mm rounds.

Have fun!

[billybob44]

CZ 75B would also be a good choice for a high round count range/fun gun (I'd go with a stainless one, but that's pure preference).
gw, that was EXACTLY my choice--Stainless to boot!!

[e2cTrainer]

I personally like the S&W M&P series for the ergonomics and no question they last, go for the Pro series if you can in 9mm and you wont be let down

http://www.policemag.com/Channel/Weapons/News/2009/04/02/Smith-Wesson-M-P-Pistol-Reaches-Goal-Of-50-000-Rounds-in-Endurance-Test.aspx

[e2cTrainer]

That M&P 9 went over 50,000 rounds

During the testing process, which has been documented by Green at pistol-training.com, the M&P received limited maintenance during the testing period.

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Glock...Glock....Glock....Not to sound like an ahole. But what is the extreme fascination with these guns. I personally dont like them. However I do want to know what the big following is all about. Now for my answer, Ruger P95. I love all mine and once you get used to its trigger pull you can shoot anything!

[TonyT]

In m odestly priced 9 mm semi auto pistols I would consider the following:
Metal Framed: CZ-75B or CZ-75SA (single action)
Polymer Framed: S&W99, S&W M&P9 or Glock 17
I personally prefer the ergonomics of the CZ-75 and S&W 99 or S&W M&P lines.

[Mudinyeri]

The two 9mm's that I've owned over the years that I love to shoot are my Beretta 92FS and my XDm9. Both are smooth as butter and an absolute pleasure to shoot.

[searcher451]

My two favorite range pistols ever just happen to be 9mm: a Walther P5, and a Walther P99. You can't beat 'em for consistency, reliability, accuracy, dependability, or performance, IMO. I've tried a great many pistols from a great many manufacturers over the years, and I always come back to these two.

[Mossberg15]

I would go with a glock 17 it shoots really good if you ask me

[S&W-Keeper]

Glock 19, everybody needs one.

[oldbear]

It's been years since I have owned a 9 M/M, or any autoloader, but one of the few guns' I regret selling was my High Power. They have become pricey yet if the quality has been maintained they are well worth the investment.

[jon86]

Another vote for glock 17 here.

[hemiram]

I've had a Beretta 92 for a couple years that looks pretty much indestructible, and I recently got a couple of new ones that should outlast me easily, a S&W 5906, in great shape, and a Tanfoglio older Witness with the "Mossad" name on it instead. Both of these are all steel guns and the Mossad gun always gets laughs from people when they see it.

[rm86]

I'm suprises no one has mentioned the HK P30. I haven't personally shot one but held one the other day and the grip felt absolutely amazing, it just melted right into my hand. You should definitely at least hold one in a gun shop and check it out. Does anyone here have any experience with one I'd love to hear it.

[clang]

All steel - go for a S&W 5906 for stainless or Browning HiPower for class. CZ ain't bad either.

Most the new polymer guns (Glock, M&P, XD, FN, etc.) will also do a good job.

If I could only own one 9mm range gun, it would be my 5906. If the gun has to do carry duty, you might want to look for something lighter.

[conkmwc]

CZ-75B. Mine has seen 5,000 rounds and works like a champ. I tried several other 9mms before I held the CZ, but once I did the ergos made it clear it was made for me.

[Ledgehammer]

My glock 19 shoots so good - it's 100% on reliability so far and I have around 1000 rounds down range. I'm sure the 17 would be even better for a range gun. I shot my buddies beretta 92 and loved it also. I need one of those now. So my vote is either glock or Beretta. As always have fun dude.

[GreySmoke2]

Look for a good used S&W 5906. They are way over engineered and will outlast you. Replace springs as needed but it's made to last. Good shooter too.

[atomd]

I say most modern well made 9mms from a reputable company will be reliable and last through many many times their cost in ammo with minimal maintenance....so just get the one that feels the best to you. And even then, some have lifetime warranties which will keep it in service indefinitely. Lots of people on here will nitpick stuff to death (myself included) and say one brand stinks and another is great....but really it's harder to actually go wrong than it is to just go with your gut and get something that fits you. Sometimes even the best company will put out a few lemons. You'll know it when you pick it up and check it out. Good luck

[jonboynumba1]

Tons of good nines out there cheap used, Glock,Beretta,S&W's,sig pro,Springfield Armory XD, 1911 in 9mm, Browning HP or clone ect

FWIW I just aquired a Sig Pro 2022 in 9mm almost new cond. in box with night sights and 2 15 rounds mags for what a used Gen. 3 GLOCK would sell for! I almost bought one years ago in .40...this one is all German made (3 matching numbers with the nicer finish) I LOVE this gun! The first DA/SA trigger I've liked since 92

[TexasBill]

FNP-9 comes with three magazines and is an incredibly sweet-shooting gun. Another very nice pistol is the Beretta PX4 Storm. Beretta just reduced the list price to $499.00 but most stores have existing inventory at the old price. Bud's has them new for $459.00.

I have both pistols and think very highly of them. Each now has a couple thousand rounds through it with no problems.

Don't forget the Stoeger Cougar; it's the old Beretta Cougar but made at Beretta's factory in Turkey. They usually sell for less than $400.00 and have been very well reviewed.

[valorius]

I don't own any but it sounds like you're describing a Glock.
The OP didn't say he wanted to "shoot himself." ;)

[CamaroLovr]

5906 is my vote too. I know a guy that put 18,000 rounds apiece through 2 last year and hasn't had a single misfire out of either. Thats what sold me on it and mine has had several thousand including several hundred of hollow points and not a hiccup. Check out Mec-Gars 17 round mags for some hi cap fun.

[Allentown]

Any Sig 9mm

Any CZ85 (or possibly 75)

Any Beretta 92

My brother loves his S&W 5906

Some say a Glock 17 is good for that also.

Another of my brothers has this 1911 style Para-ordinace LDA P18 9mm thats a TACK DRIVER..

[mohunter55]

i bought a glock 19 to just shoot and shoot, but i recently acquired a glock 22 in 40 s&w and its so much more comfortable than the 19, that i wish i would of bought a glock 17. A 17 is now at the top of my list, probably one of the gen 4's.

[Purgatory]

Any Glock 9mm except the 26 would be ideal for your purposes. 26 would do it just fine too, but no reason for a sub-compact without a full grip if it's just for shootin the crap out of it at the range or wherever.

Any full gripped XD's would fit the bill as well.

Any other 9 would be fine, but these two particularly would shoot and shoot while calling for the least amount of maintenance.

[JoeMal]

Glock...the answer to these questions is always Glock

[Pilot]

CZ-75B
Browning Hi Power
HK P7
HK USP/P2000/P30
Sig P226/228
Glock 17/19
1911 in 9MM
P-08 Luger (mine is an absolute work horse)

[STL73]

Sig Pro 2022. Great gun right out of the box. If you live in the South, you can get them at Academy regularly for about 500. Mags are not cheap, but the ammo is still reasonable.

[breacher]

What time is it? Glock

How's the weather? Glock

I have a G19 but I carry a Steyr. For about $250-270 after rebate from S&W the Sigmas from Buds are a good deal. Just gotta pull out a couple of extra springs and the trigger is half way decent.

[Squidbert]

I've shot a number of striker and hammer operated firearms over the years. As far as those chambered in 9mm are concerned, my personal favorites have been:

Sig SP2022 (VERY inexpensive, comes w/ night sights, can be had for ~$450, sometimes less)
Sig P226/P229 (if you have a few hundred more and prefer a non polymer frame)
Smith Wesson M&P
Springfield XD/XDm

Of the previously mentioned, I think I shoot my M&P9c and the Sig Pro 2022 the best - they just worked for me really really well. My first gun was an XD-9 and they're great! All listed are comfortable for extended sessions and very reliable IMO. The only caveat I can think of is the factory trigger on the M&P is horrible. After installing an Apex Tactical sear (~$40 and 10 min of work) it's a totally different gun - in a good way!

I was also VERY impressed with the 2022. It's "cheap" in price, but feels great in hand, is easy to shoot and is very accurate. It's one of the few polymer framed Sig's and a good few hundred less than its brothers, but it left me thoroughly impressed. I shot it better than I do my own P229.

Edit: Add the Sig P228 to the list. I haven't shot one, but I understand many to consider it to be one of the best balanced 9mm pistols out there. Again, a little more expensive and in line with the prices of a P226 or P229.

[pvthouse]

Glock 17. I have a 21 with a little over 1k rounds downrange.....not a single failure and I have cleaned it (maybe) three times. Kinda says it all when the m9 I've been issued can't even go a full mag without a ftf or an fte with cleaning befor and after qual. Just for what its worth man

[azyogi]

My S&W model 59 has thousands of rounds no problems. Another 9 of mine that is trouble free is a Zastava [TT-33] Tokarevs in 9mm are a very cheap underrated guns that are built like a Tank.