[garrettwc]

So of the three pistols listed which is the best all purpose model?

I want a gun that will work for training classes, gun games, and carry.

Which one do you think is best for all of these roles and why?

[WonderNine]

Beretta 92. Most reliable (IMO) because of the open top slide design. Also it was designed so that it could be loaded direct to the chamber, making it at least a one shot gun if the mag (s) you have fails.

Nicer gun overall than the Glock and has a longer barrel than the Sig. I really don't think anybody should "start out" with a Glock with its goofy trigger, terrible ergonomics (IMO), and lack of manual safety.

If you decide to go with a Beretta though, on new models look out for plastic parts.

[9x19]

Glock.......Perfection!

:neener:

[hansolo]

Beretta: it's Italian for "perfection"

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Well, it seems the Glock is falling out of favor, but the Sig has no champion:confused:

[WonderNine]

but the Sig has no champion

Don't worry, they'll show up pretty quick. :D

[dsk]

IMO the best isn't on the list: the Glock 19. I see little use for the full-size Glocks, or any full-sized 9mm for that matter (unless it's a Browning Hi-Power!).

[10-Ring]

Make mine an Italian 92fs ;)

[ROAshooter]

OH no..you left out the best of them all...the mighty BROWNING HP!!!!!

[WonderNine]

OH no..you left out the best of them all...the mighty BROWNING HP!!!!!

True, he did, but I wanted to entertain his poll by only referring to his choices.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

I voted Glock 17, though my favorite 9mm is the Sig P226.

Reasons:
Training - toss up between all three.
Gun Games - I'm not a gamer, but I do pose with my G35.
Carry - I don't carry, but when I'm within the confines of my very own home, it's easier to jab a Glock down my belt than the others.

Jim

[Bren]

You have them in the best order already. :D

[Gordon]

I was shooting my Browning HP the other day and I just don't get it BOTH the 92 & the 17 are better in most ways, from feeding (little bitty port tends to hold shells in breech) , to loading magazine (do I need a hydraulic press to get in the 13th round?) accuracy, not quit as good from the 3 stock guns tested, Glock 17 being significantly better grouper.. The Glock 17 never seems to fail,at least my 1989 version (and I'm not a big plastic pistol fan) . All around I think the Glock 17 wins, I'm biased I just don't like Sigs(except 210s).Berretas are ok for a generic crunchenticker. :cool:

[Ala Dan]

All are excellent; but the SIG P226 stands alone,
at the top! :uhoh: :D

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

[Black Majik]

Ack! You put the block, err... glock up there! (Heh, I'm suppose to say that, I'm a 1911 guy :neener: )


Just' kiddin' of course, the glock is a good gun, but I shot them side by side when I was deciding a 9mm and the Sig 226 (to me) felt a bunch better. More respnsive trigger, didn't feel like shooting a brick, and looks better too ;)

Sig. P226

[chaim]

While none of your options would be my first choice, out of what you listed I'd have to go with the Beretta, but mainly because it is the only one on your list that I forsee myself buying in the next year or two.

SIGs, well, I go through phases. Sometimes I like them, other times, well to be polite I'll just say they don't do it for me.

Glock. I really have been trying for some time now to like them, but I can't. I hate the trigger and they just don't impress me generally. Sure, they have a reputation for reliability, but most decent autos do now. I probably will get one eventually, but it will be a more compact model. I really don't see the point of the 17. The 19 is smaller so it is more concealable and thus more suitable for a CCW gun, yet it is big enough for range use.

Berettas, they are reliable, they are modern classics (so are SIGs, I can't see anyone calling a Glock a classic with a straight face), they are beautiful, well made, etc. etc.

Now if you had an open field, one 9mm for every use a 9mm may be needed for (carry, training, games), I think a mid sized 9mm is the way to go. It is a little smaller for carry yet big enough for comfortable range use.

My main choices (in no paticular order):
-BHP, sure it is technically a full size, but they are quite compact and thin. IWB they should be fine.
-CZ 75 Compact, or better, the alloy P01/PCR
-SIG 239
-Beretta 92 Compact
-Kahr T9 (the new, bigger Kahr)
-Kahr P9 (one of the few small guns that is truely comfortable and accurate enough for a main range gun)
-S&W 908 (value series), 910 (value series), or 39**
-Taurus PT911
-if you must consider a Glock, the Glock 19

[chaim]

While none of your options would be my first choice, out of what you listed I'd have to go with the Beretta, but mainly because it is the only one on your list that I forsee myself buying in the next year or two.

SIGs, well, I go through phases. Sometimes I like them, other times, well to be polite I'll just say they don't do it for me.

Glock. I really have been trying for some time now to like them, but I can't. I hate the trigger and they just don't impress me generally. Sure, they have a reputation for reliability, but most decent autos do now. I probably will get one eventually, but it will be a more compact model. I really don't see the point of the 17. The 19 is smaller so it is more concealable and thus more suitable for a CCW gun, yet it is big enough for range use.

Berettas, they are reliable, they are modern classics (so are SIGs, I can't see anyone calling a Glock a classic with a straight face), they are beautiful, well made, etc. etc.

Now if you had an open field, one 9mm for every use a 9mm may be needed for (carry, training, games), I think a mid sized 9mm is the way to go. It is a little smaller for carry yet big enough for comfortable range use.

My main choices (in no paticular order):
-BHP, sure it is technically a full size, but they are quite compact and thin. IWB they should be fine.
-CZ 75 Compact or better the alloy P01/PCR
-SIG 239
-Beretta 92 Compact
-Kahr T9 (the new, bigger Kahr)
-Kahr P9 (one of the few small guns that is truely comfortable and accurate enough for a main range gun)
-S&W 908 (value series), 910 (value series), or 39**
-Taurus PT911
-if you must consider a Glock, the Glock 19

[WonderNine]

I was shooting my Browning HP the other day and I just don't get it BOTH the 92 & the 17 are better in most ways, from feeding (little bitty port tends to hold shells in breech) , to loading magazine (do I need a hydraulic press to get in the 13th round?)

Your HP is jamming? That's a new one on me. I refer to HP's as the autoloading revolver. Of all the HP owners on this board you almost never hear of that.

I don't see why you're having a problem loading the 13th round, in HP magazines you can almost fit a 14th round in there. It's very easy for me. They are very similiar to Beretta mags and the Beretta mags were actually designed based on HP mags.

[garrettwc]

IMO the best isn't on the list: the Glock 19. I see little use for the full-size Glocks, or any full-sized 9mm for that matter (unless it's a Browning Hi-Power!).
OH no..you left out the best of them all...the mighty BROWNING HP!!!!!

OK, these two comments tell me I have left out some important details. There is a method to my madness.

I have decided to make all my purchases for the coming year ammo and training. All the other guns are going to stay in the safe so I can focus on improving.

I am an experienced 1911 shooter. So why the 9MM then? Easy. I can shoot twice as much, and I have never bought into the whole 9 vs. 45 thing.

Why these three guns?

They have good reputations and should hold up to 10K+ rounds in a year.
They are legal for SSP and Production divisions, giving me the most opportunities to compete in my area.
They are popular enough that you can get parts/repairs anywhere.
They have compact counterparts (G19, P228, 92Compact) that could be adopted later on, but are still concealable now with good holster.

I love the BHP and the G19 too, and they are an option for later. But aren't the right tool for the job right now IMO.

Does this help?

[PCRCCW]

Sorry, I cant vote...you left out a very likely candidate.........CZ75.

Shoot well.........

[HankB]

I was shooting my Browning HP the other day and I just don't get it BOTH the 92 & the 17 are better in most ways, Hmmm . . . I have both a BHP and a G17 . . . sights, pointability, trigger, comfort and concealaibity (in IWB holster), accuracy, and reliability (no "limp wrist syndrome") are all better in the BHP than the Glock. Which "most ways" are you referring to? :confused:

[jdrobins]

I voted for the 229, although I think you left out the CZ75, and your arguements about compact counterparts include the PCR/P-01 for CZ, I really think your missing a great gun!

Jim

[garrettwc]

OK, for those of you that insist the Cee-Zed should be a write in candidate, does it fit these two criteria I specified?

They are legal for SSP and Production divisions, giving me the most opportunities to compete in my area.
They are popular enough that you can get parts/repairs anywhere.

[Gordon]

Ok , my HP was made in 73, and if you can those sights good I guess you have Novaks. I don't 'point' a pistol I AIM a pistol with concentration on the front sight. Yeah I know my old hp wasn't designed for hp amm ya di dah. The gun is slim and would conceal better than a Glock or 92 I'll concede that. The trigger is on a par with my Glock 17, and the Glock isn't really single action. My mag doesn't drop free, I guess I can easily remedy that, but then I'd have to get a Wolfe Trigger spring so trigger does.nt swing in the breeze. And what is this BS about 'polishing front of magazine'??If we go modifying triggers then we can put in a 3.5# connector in the glock 17. I think Glock 17's are better than any other glocks and I have rental ranges to back up my belief. The HP has a trigger reset I can feel when it fires and I find it disconcerting for me. Certainly the HP is PRETTY, but to me so is a 1900Browning! If I went to war with a 9mm(shudder) on my hip make it a Glock 17.:neener:

[Sean Smith]

They are legal for SSP and Production divisions, giving me the most opportunities to compete in my area.
They are popular enough that you can get parts/repairs anywhere.

The CZ-75B is actually a pretty good choice based on those critera. CZ USA provides excellent support, and the design is popular worldwide.

The CZ-75B is legal for both SSP (hammer down DA first shot) and ESP (cocked & locked SA first shot) in IDPA, and Production class in USPSA (hammer down DA first shot).

http://www.idpa.com/rulebook5-2-01/Rulebook.pdf

http://www.uspsa.org/rules/Rules14_2001.pdf

[FireInTheHole]

I own a 92fs and a G22... That said, in 9mm I prefer the 92fs to the Glock platform for all purpose pistol. Safeties and decockers work wonderfully in a world run by politicians and lawyers...:rolleyes:


I'm surprised nobody brought up the renowned SHTF scenario... If it is The End Of The World As We Know It I'd take a G17 over the beretta any day. safeties have no place in such scenarios doncha know! But ofcourse some argue that having a pistol that matches GI for the US military would offset this and......


LOL. :D
Buy all three. You wont be dissapointed by either.

[garrettwc]

Sean, thanks for the clarification on the rules. I thought it was only allowed in ESP and Limited 10 because it was C&L capable. One of those errornet myths I guess.

The CZ-75B is actually a pretty good choice based on those critera. CZ USA provides excellent support, and the design is popular worldwide.


I have heard that, but my concern was what if you were checking things out the night before and found something amiss like a recoil spring or mag or something. Would you be able to run to the local Gun-Mart at the last minute and pick up what you need?

I see the user serviceable parts for the three I listed, even at Galyan's. Can't remember seeing anything for CZs though.

Am I over thinking this part of it?

[Baron Holbach4]

I own Glocks, Sigs, and Berettas. The Glocks serve more as
target pistols; so do the Sigs. The Berettas are great
all-around pistols because they are so versatile and can fill
almost any niche -- from the novice to the experienced shooter.
In my opinion, the Glocks and Sigs have better triggers. However,
the Berettas offer ambidextrous, manual safeties, something
neither Glocks nor Sigs have. Aesthetically, the Italian-made
92FS, and its variations, is the most appealing to the eye.
It is a work of art. Beretta semiautomatics are to pistols as
Harley Davidsons are to motorcycles. Both are the
perfect blending of art and function.

[Blackhawk]

I chose Beretta by a process of elimination. The main consideration was that you're going to use it for training. Presuming you're going to have people shooting it that have never fired a handgun, and my blood froze at the thought of them holding a loaded Glock.

The most conventional guns they're likely to encounter are more like the Beretta than not.

Being the oldest continuously operating company in the world has also helped make "Beretta" a very familiar name. Nobody's going to be asking "what's a Beretta?"

None of the three are among my top choices, but the training use was the one that decided it as far as I'm concerned.

[dhoomonyou]

Although I have a G26.
Had a Beretta 92 FS, SOLD IT.
I had problems with the mag release (back TWICE to Beretta for service), Its also a BIG gun if you want to carry it.

[Dorrin79]

Browning High-Power...

given the choices, probably the Sig, but I prefer the HP by a long shot

[BamBam-31]

What dsk said.

[cidirkona]

Jennings 9.

If by "multi-purpose" you mean tack-hammer, bottle opener, paperweight and shiney rock, it works great - as far as the actual shooting capabilities... you might want to stick with "paper weight" -- or make that "hazardous paper weight."

-Colin

[garrettwc]

The main consideration was that you're going to use it for training. Presuming you're going to have people shooting it that have never fired a handgun, and my blood froze at the thought of them holding a loaded Glock.

Let me clarify this for Blackhawk and anyone else.

I will be the student. Not the instructor. When I say training I mean I am going to take classes next year and want it for that.

[berto]

Of the three,the Glock.


But no HP:uhoh: :cuss:

[Blackhawk]

I will be the student. Not the instructor. When I say training I mean I am going to take classes next year and want it for that.In that case, the Glock. (But I already voted for the Beretta.)

[peashooter]

Glock rymes with Block and Sig sounds like something you would buy in a deli. Beretta 92FS well, now your talkin'. Smooth as silk action, sexy Italian lines and reliable as my BMW. :evil:

[Mastrogiacomo]

Beretta 92 -- surprised? :D The Glock 19 and 26 would get second and third....

[Safety First]

What ? No Sig P239 to vote on, it's the most versatile 9mm I know, but then again, it's the only one I know :D :D

[Stevie-Ray]

All things considered, I take Glock. But I'd opt for a 19.

[jaysouth]

At one time or another I have owned all three. The practical difference is quite small.

The glock possesses no more nor fewer safties than the Sig or for that matter a Smith and Wesson Revolver. New recruits, properly taught basic gun safety have no greater problems that those of another era handling revolvers. Seems like most of the LEO NDs are from older officers who should know better(Metro DC has had TWO firearms instructors shoot some part of their anatomy with a Glock.) The only addtional safety convention that I observe with a Glock is to be a bit more careful re-holstering it. With the Sig or Beretta(or revolver) I can safely reholster with gun without conscious thought by holding the hammer down with the thumb. If the hammer moves under your thumb, there is a problem that requires one to quickly freeze and take a good look at what is obstructing the re-holstering. With the glock, I stop what I am doing, look down at the holster and watch the reholstering process. Buying hi-cap mags is brutal.

The Beretta is a good gun. I cannot discern that it is larger, blockier, or heavier in CCW than the other two, after an hour or two carrying. Hi-cap mags can be had cheaply. I have seen experienced shooter do amazing things with 92s at IDPA matches.

The SIG is indeed a fine gun. In 9MM, the high bore axis does produce a tiny bit more muzzle flip than the glock, but is no big deal.(not so with the .40). Hi-cap mags are relatively cheap.

That said, I carry a glock 19 on a daily basis and play on the weekends with a Mark Graham tuned BHP and a SA loaded stainless 1911 in 9mm. Some day I will get lucky and get a Les Baer PII in 9mm to go with my PII in .45. I also have a Smith 5903 that keeps up with any other handgun that I have ever owned. It has been as reliable and accurate as any other service grade firearm that I have ever owned or shot. They can be had cheaply from police trade-ins and hi-cap mags are cheap. If you want a seriously sturdy handgun that your granson will still be shooting, look a a used 5906.

Were I only allowed to own one handgun it would be a Glock 19 or a tuned Smith 39xx variant.

In the end, the best gun made is the one that fits your hand, you shoot well and is reliable.

[Dr.Rob]

As a 1911 shooter, I'd expect you to pick a High power over anything else.

I was really impressed with the Sig 226.

[ChuckB]

Beretta 92. Period. Of course it's a matter of personal preference... and this person feels VERY comfortable with my Italian Stallion!

Chuck

[ChCx2744]

Beretta 92FS/G