[JoeMal]

Hey THR. My cousin is looking to get a 9mm and wants to stay around/under $400. This will be his first handgun. Any recommendations on new guns? He isn't really looking to buy used.

So far he's looked at (All prices from Buds):

S&W SW9VE $344
Beretta PX4 Storm $459
Ruger SR9 $398
Ruger P95 $321

Any other notable firearms in the price-range mentioned? Anyone have experience shooting any of these? Thanks in advance

[Racinbob]

I'm a big Smith fan but I would say either the P95 or SR9 would be the best choices on the list. I love my SR9. A bit of a gritty trigger at first but it smoothed out nice. A friends P95 doesn't seem to want to smooth out. The Sigma is a love/hate type of pistol it seems. The biggest complaint I hear is the heavy trigger. No clue on the Beretta.

[JoeMal]

Thanks for the quick reply. He really likes the SR9 over the rest.

Can you comment on the durability/quality of the SR9? Specifically, the finish of the slide?

[docnyt]

For just a bit more you can get a CZ75. Even better if you can get one used.

[Carter]

I have an SR9C in stainless steel and that gun is amazing. It has a great trigger pull, great accuracy, magazine safety can be taken out with no ill effects, and will take the full size mags. That said, its full sized counterpart now have the same trigger (earlier models were pretty bad trigger wise), which make it an excellent firearm as well. The SR9 is also slim, making it easy to carry. Some people don't like this, but I do, it is a striker with a safety. If you like it use it, if not don't use it.

[STL73]

Taurus 709 Slim. Bought one for 380 with the stainless slide NIB. So far 300 rounds with no hiccups.

[stchman]

I recently got rid of a Sigma (felt really cheap and the trigger pretty much sucked ).

I own an SR9 and I really like it. I have put over 1000 rounds through it and have not had any problems whatsoever. The mag disconnect is easily removed in under 2 minutes and there are numerous videos on YouTube showing how to do it.

I also have a P95 and like it very much. It is not nearly as sexy as the SR9, but it is a competent pistol for the money.

I have heard great things about the PX4 Storm and it can be had from Bud's for $459 shipped.

All in all the SR9 is definitely the best value of the bunch and probably as good a pistol as the PX4. The SR9 has a polished stainless slide with no finish to worry about.

[Guns and more]

I'd consider one of the Euro police trade in's. Get a lightly used Sig 225 or 226 and have a $100 left over for ammo and range time.
When is the last time you heard of a shootout in Switzerland?

[joehxx]

I just bought a Eaa EZ9 9mm for $360. A clone of a Sig 226.

[ProCarryNAustin]

You can also join GSSF http://gssfonline.com/ and you can purchase a new Glock for just a little over $400.

[Mudinyeri]

Joe, you don't mention the intended use for the gun but Jet Guns has several Springfield XD9's in the $400 ballpark: http://www.jetguns.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=xd9

If he's looking for a concealed carry gun, consider the Kahr CW9. Jet Guns has them for $400 even: http://www.jetguns.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=cw9

Shipping is included in the Jet Guns prices but he'll have to pay a FFL transfer fee.

I own three Springfields and two Kahrs. All five are excellent guns for the money.

[Ben86]

The ruger sr9 sounds like the best out of those 4. I'd get him to check out the sig pro 2022 also, which can be had for about $400 easily.

http://sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=33&productid=121

[Hanzo581]

I just bought an SR9c and I think it is fantastic for the $399 price I paid. The compact model comes with a 17 round mag with grip extension so I would go with that instead of the full size SR9.

[JoeMal]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.

Joe, you don't mention the intended use for the gunStrictly range and HD use

You can also join GSSF http://gssfonline.com/ and you can purchase a new Glock for just a little over $400. Thanks I didn't know that. He's so-so about Glocks but I will mention that to him.

I'd get him to check out the sig pro 2022 alsoWill do!

Once again, thanks everyone. I'm sure he'll end up getting the SR9 with all the great responses here.

[oasis618]

I second checking out the Sig Pro 2022 and also the CZ P-07.

[triplebike]

Hey THR. My cousin is looking to get a 9mm and wants to stay around/under $400. This will be his first handgun. Any recommendations on new guns? He isn't really looking to buy used.

So far he's looked at (All prices from Buds):

S&W SW9VE $344
Beretta PX4 Storm $459
Ruger SR9 $398
Ruger P95 $321

Any other notable firearms in the price-range mentioned? Anyone have experience shooting any of these? Thanks in advance
Stoeger Cougar! Best value out there right now. $369 NIB. Check it out, it will be VERY hard to find anything negative about the Cougar.

http://hueysgunsight.blogspot.com/2008/05/stoeger-cougar-8000-9mm-beretta-on.html

[JoeMal]

Thanks folks for mentioning the Sig Pro 2022. I was totally unaware of this model...

[MachIVshooter]

Tell him to check out the used market. S&W 3rd gens are still about the best deal going, specifically the 5906. They can be had as low as $300, and will last a lifetime.

http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/0/01/S%26W5906LateModel.jpg/450px-S%26W5906LateModel.jpg

[valorius]

The mag disconnect is easily removed in under 2 minutes and there are numerous videos on YouTube showing how to do it.
If, for some reason beyond comprehension, you want to open yourself up to prosecutorial accusations/antics if there is ever an accident, and defeat the factory designed safety mechanisms of your pistol.

[cougarman]

I got a Stouger Cougar in December new for less than 375.

[FatPants]

My local shop sells new P95's for $299.99.

[Birdmang]

Get a Stoegar Cougar.

[1SOW]

Because it's his first handgun, don't let "just" the price decide what he buys.

Get out to the pawn shops, gun shows and ranges; so he can pick up, hold and maybe pull the trigger on the guns from your list, and maybe a few more.

If he finds one that 'feels' good and the nib price is too high, check pawn shops and other resources in your area for the used price. Also check on reliability like you're doing now.

Most people that buy guns aren't shooters, that is they don't shoot many rounds/yr.

With effort, he can find a 'like new' gun with low mileage that puts a grin on his face.

1st. Find the gun that works for him

[UrbanCombat45]

Ruger p89

[bgrav321]

Another vote for the Sig SP2022. Been seeing them for $400 new at Academy Sports. I couldn't be happier with mine. It just feels better in the hand than any other pistol I've tried. (Kimbers, Smiths, Glocks, Berettas...etc)

[basicblur]

Got 2 of the SP2022s myself-main thing to watch for is grip size, as it's borderline being too big for a lot of folks hands.

Might also check into various XD9s in the essentials package-cheaper and none of the not quite ready for primetime accessories-my main CCW is an XDSC9

I see some good prices on Rugers at the shop, but I've never warmed up to 'em (other than my LCP).

Might help if folks knew his intended role for the gun (future CC, range only, etc).

[invictus82]

I own and like the Smith, but agree that he could do better for the same price. Especially if he's not a big fan of Glocks, as the Smith SW9VE employs a similar system to glock pistols. I think I would go with a Stoeger Cougar if he can find one. Amazingly accurate little pistol, very comfortable, solid build, and very reliable. If no local shops have one he might be able to find one at a gunshow or order one online.

[Squidbert]

Another vote for the Sig SP2022. I don't have one, but it's a bargain and it's on my short list of guns to buy next!

[labhound]

Another vote for the Stoeger Cougar. $419 to $449 for 9mm up to .45ACP. Best buy going.

[Ben86]

Another vote for the Sig SP2022. I don't have one, but it's a bargain and it's on my short list of guns to buy next!

You and me both, it will complete my home defense handgun trinity.

[Zerodefect]

Save up a little more and get a M&P or Glock 19 or 17.

[TriTone]

If he likes the SR9, I'm sure he'll be happy with it. I like my little SR9c. It's fun to shoot, accurate, and easy to carry.

[MikePaiN]

I got turned on to the Taurus PT809 (http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=602&category=Pistol&breadcrumbseries=&search=809)....They look to be a great pistol, owners love then and the 809 seems to be an excellent value. It is hard to find a bad thing said about the guns...Now that I got the 1911 I was looking for, I'm in need of a hicap 9mm, this Taurus is the right gun at the right price

[ChCx2744]

For about 50 dollars more, he could get a Glock 17. Nobody can go wrong with a Glock 17!

[searcher451]

Southern Ohio Gun is selling the Walther P99 for $399, and you won't find a better deal on a quality handgun.

[Jackal1]

I would say the Ruger SR9C. It has a better trigger than the rest of the SR9 lineup and has a lot of features. It is rugged and reliable according to many reports. Supposedly Ruger will be installing the same trigger on the rest of the SR9 lineup as well, but I don't think that has happened yet.

[atomd]

If, for some reason beyond comprehension, you want to open yourself up to prosecutorial accusations/antics if there is ever an accident, and defeat the factory designed safety mechanisms of your pistol.

And if the black helicopters activate their "mag disconnect removal scanner" as they fly above your house, you will definitely be apprehended and sent to the prison planet.

[dogsoldier0513]

A local dealer has S&W Sigmas for $249 NIB....plus the coupon for a $50 rebate or (2) FREE mags.

[BlueNoteExpress]

Southern Ohio Gun is selling the Walther P99 for $399, and you won't find a better deal on a quality handgun.

Link?