[WTM]

Looking to purchase a new 9mm. I consider the following as candidates Ruger 95D, Steyr Compact S series, and SW P99. Anyone have experience with comparing any of these? The SW P99 would give me a similar grip to my P22 but it is the most expensive. The Steyr is a mystery to me I've never seen one just talked to the gunshop owner who can get them at a very good price $299 + ship and 10% profit. The Ruger well it isn't pretty but my experience with Rugers, revolvers and .22autos, is that they are reliable and well built. Glock is not being considered at this time. I owned a Glock 22 and never liked the trigger. That is one concern that I have with the Steyr in that, as I understand it, the trigger is very similar to a Glock trigger. A Taurus 24/7 is another unknown in that none are available in my area. Small town, smaller choices, next gun show is Sept. This pistol is not for CCW just a bedside, car, and take to the range gun.
Terry

[Darkside852003]

The Steyr trigger is a lot like the Glock, and I could not get used to the sights so I sold it. I had the M series in .357sig by the way. The SW gets my vote.

Jeff

[McNutt]

I've shot all three and would probably get the Ruger. I liked the SW99 a lot too though. I did not enjoy shooting the Steyr. This is all personal preference though and I don't know of any problems with any of them.

[seed]

I've read fantastic things about the Steyr. You might want to run a search on this and other sites to see what I am talking about. The trigger is similar to the Glock in that it is 5.5 pounds and has a quick reset. But if I remember correctly, it does not have that spongy feeling, like Glocks do in the first stage of pull. Unfortunately, I cannot get one because I am a second-class citizen of the great state of California. But I did manage to get an XD -- something you might consider. I like it a lot, but did get it refinished early on at Mac's, because of the complaints I read about the original finish. Anyway, I never could understand how people felt comfortable with the all-polymer rails of the P-95 and still can't, even though the rear rails of the XD are also polymer. As for the SW99, I have heard that the P99 is a better choice in the minds of most. One difference is that the P99 has a Tennifer treated slide, while the SW99 is stainless.

seed.

[Zundfolge]

You really can't go wrong with any of those three.


However I have both a Steyr M40 and an S40 so I'll tell you what I think of the Steyr.


The trigger, while "Glock-like" is much nicer then a Glock (less spongy ... shorter and lighter). For a "Safe Action" type pistol, I think it has the nicest trigger (although I haven't shot a Springfield XD ... and I don't know if the S&W is as nice as the Walther P99).

The Steyr is built to tighter tolerances then the Glock, and the ergonomics are IMHO better (but then again my hands are not your hands so YMMV).

Right now the Steyrs are priced in such a way that they are a better deal then either the Ruger or the S&W but I expect in a year or so that will change.

The disadvantage to the Steyrs is that since they are not as popular as the Ruger or S&W you will have to hunt harder for accessories, and gunsmiths will be less likely to be comfortable working on one (but any Glock certified gunsmith should have no problem once he opens it up).

[WTM]

Thanks for the comments. Terry

[mikemck]

The Steyr's are tough guns indeed.
I have put over 1,000 rounds through my M9, and it still looks brand new. It does not even have the usual smilies on the barrel.
It's also very accurate and quite comfortable. At $279, they can't be beat.

[Haycreek]

For your purpose, I would only consider the Ruger. Check out the new 45 caliber, the 345 !:)

[WTM]

Haycreek, the .45 is a nice round. I carried a GI .45 for 7 yrs, but that was another life. Terry

[nero45acp]

I've had a Steyr M9 for almost 2 years. It has been 100% reliable and I've been very happy with it. The large triangular front sight, good ergonomics, low bore axis, and short reset trigger make it a very good pistol for accurate, rapid shooting. Sorry, no experience with the smaller S series.



nero

[nero45acp]

sorry double post

[rde]

I have no experience with the 99 series.

I am about to trade out my Stery M9 (tomorrow probably). The Steyr is definately well made, accurate, and reliable. Certainly one of the best values available on the market and easily worth more than the going price. Unfortunately for me I have small bony hands. Combined with the deep recess on the grip the recoil taps the big/first knuckle of my grip thumb with enough irritation that it makes me flinch. This is not a Stery design or function problem. This is an individual "interface" problem for me which did not become apparent until after I could actually fire it. (Those that do have facilities where you can actually try something out before buying something have a huge advantage and if available I can't recommend it enough).

Ruger is an excellent choice in my humble opinion. I have a Stainless P95 that has never failed me. Ever. I just don't think you can go wrong with a Ruger.

Would also recommend considering the Springfield XD series. I have the XD-357 Sig and am quite pleased with it. Have even ordered a 9mm conversion barrel for it to see how well that works.

Would also recommend considering 3 Makarovs: or : 1 Bersa and 1 Makarov.

I'd better stop because if I keep going I am likely to talk MYSELF into buying even more firearms.

[Flashpoint]

I have shot 3 different models of Glocks and I would have to say I like the trigger on my Steyr M40 much better, It's more of a short crisp pull, snap, bang.

If the Ruger fits you hand, points ok for you, and the trigger doesn't bother you then I would say go for it. The trigger never bothered me, and my hands are big enough that I can hold the gun, but they point too low for me to just be able to point shoot them.

I have played with the SW some because I was wanting to get anouther 9mm. It pointed good enough, and though the trigger was a little odd for striker fired, it wasn't bad. The SW would have to be my second choice over the Steyr. To me the Steyr is just as good a gun if not better for $200 less and I like the consistant trigger better. If I was going to get something with a trigger like the SW I would go for a Sig P228 or P239.

The XD are not bad guns, the trigger seems good it's just that there is too much gun above my grip for my taste.

I'll end saying that the Steyr is one well built, tough gun at a great price. Also I think the site are great, easy and quick to line up, I just wish they made some in a night site.

[Rebel Gunman HK]

If you can get by the trigger, the Steyr is the way to go.

[mrapathy2000]

Steyr

The Steyr trigger is a lot like the Glock, and I could not get used to the sights so I sold it. I had the M series in .357sig by the way. The SW gets my vote.

Jeff

oh no those horrible horrible trapazoidal sights:rolleyes:

god forbit you get the 3 dot night sights or express sights to replace them if you dont like.

the steyr pistol first came with 8 lbs trigger. year after its release they ditched that and dropped it 3-4 lbs.

also the steyr has an adapter so you can use weaver/picatinny accessories. cost $50.
can get metal guide rod if you prefer.

for the price steyr's are nice. I was going to go with Springfield XD till I found the steyr.

ruger I kinda liked but the whole thing on normal capacity mags just kinda ticked me off.
SW99. had I seen one availible in my area could of gotten my interest. the trigger interest me.

try the trigger on the SW99 to see if you like it. its triple action of sorts. people either hate it or love it. the steyr trigger does get bit better from when its brand new, steyr has nice low bore axis.

Taurus I would avoid. dont believe the pt24/7 is out yet. looks nice I will admit but question is will it be more reliable than the pt millenium's. known for problems.

[denfoote]

I'm with Haycreek.
The Ruger is your best bet!!
Mine's been stone cold reliable for all of the 5 years I have owned it!!
It even digests those awfull lacquer covered wolves!!

[mattf7184]

About the Steyr sights, like anything you need to get used to it. For me the Trap type sights are the FASTEST target aquisitioning sight. They are a little harder to use for precision work at further distances, but for a combat sight that picks up targets fast, it works like advertised.

[hartzpad]

Unfortunately for me I have small bony hands. Combined with the deep recess on the grip the recoil taps the big/first knuckle of my grip thumb with enough irritation that it makes me flinch.


I had the same problem with my new M9, until I put a Hogue Handall slip on grip on it, and that cured the problem completely. No more hurt knuckles and it made the grip just about perfect for my large hands. I am more accurate with my Steyr M9 than any other pistol I have shot. In fact, I was almost more accurate with it yesterday than shooting my Beretta NEOS .22lr pistol, that is how accurate it is. I just points so naturally, I love it.

[WTM]

Again, thanks for all the comparisons and advice on the Ruger, the Steyr,and the SW. Also, the suggestion about the Mak and the Bersa. I own a Mak and love it. Considered the Bersa but was really wanting a 9 mm. The Bersa 9mm's grip is a bit too large. I will probably go with the Ruger since I can get one for $345 OTD, locally they are readily available, the local smith is Ruger qualified, and I'm familiar with Ruger quality from my revolver and .22 pistol. The Steyr will cost me $355 + tax in the local market, would have to be special order prepaid without my having opportunity to hold and check out grip, trigger, or those interesting sights.

Very good impression of the board as a first-time user although not a newbie to firearms. Thanks, Terry

[mrapathy2000]

bersa grip to big so your going with a ruger :what:

does the store have a S&W sigma. basicly what the grip is like though on steyr its smaller.

[WTM]

mrapathy2000, I'll recheck those grips today but I'm pretty certain the Bersa 9mm had a grip that didn't allow me to get a proper grip. The Bersa .380 grip fits my hand. The Ruger 95D polymer grip feels a bit narrower and shorter. The aluminum framed Rugers seemed to have same fat feeling as the Bersa 9mm. Locally, a Bersa 9mm costs about $45 more than the Ruger. If the grip on the Ruger doesn't feel right I may wait awhile and see if I can locate a Steyr or save my $$ until I can get the SW or the Springfield XD.

[WTM]

Went looking for guns at lunch and was able to locate the Springfield XD and hold it. It was a nice feel and comfortable in the hand. I re-examined the Ruger 95D and still found it to be acceptable and the Bersa felt "fat." Went back to the shop where I generally trade and asked the owner to get me some prices. We'll see where it goes from here. Again thanks for all the ideas and especially the Springfield suggestion. Terry

[BevrFevr]

Before you go buy that Ruger try this test. WITH AN UNLOADED RUGER!

find a small target like object across the room 15 feet at most. Pick up the Ruger, and as fast as you can, get a good sight picture on the target.

If you have to take any time to manipulate the gun around to find the front sight you are like most people I have take this test.

For me and most others(not all) the Ruger is not really a natural pointer.

On A good gun like the Steyr and the P99 the sights will be perfectly aligned instantly. Even better get yourself a CZ.

food for thought. -bevr

[rde]

Steyr and Glocks fail this test for me I have found. End up pointing high. Guess that's what happens when you start out with a traditional grip angle...as opposed that started out with a glock grip angle.

[Flashpoint]

Steyr and Glocks fail this test for me I have found. End up pointing high. Guess that's what happens when you start out with a traditional grip angle...as opposed that started out with a glock grip angle.

What do you call "traditional"? The Steyr points dead on for me and so do 1911s. Rugers point real low.

[ckyllo]

I have a XD-40, M40 and P95 they are all reliable and have never had a problem with any of them. M40 did get a rubber grip on it and improved the way I shoot it. get a gun that fits your hand, its like gloves you know when you have the right size. next check for natural point, grip gun, focus on target, close eyes, raise gun and open eyes. closest to the target is the winner. better yet check some local ranges and rent a couple of them to see what you shoot the best. shoot at least a full box through each gun for a full test.

[WTM]

Got the prices from the dealer yesterday. A difference of only $100 between the Ruger and the Springfield XD led me to decide to wait a bit save the $$ and purchase the Springfield XD 9mm service model. I still like Ruger and they are very popular in my area with civilians and LEOs, but the Springfield just seems to appeal to me more than the Ruger, the SW, or the Steyr. I expect to have the Springfield in about 60 days, so I'll get back to this topic then. I really appreciate all the discussion it helped with my decision. There may still be room for a Ruger after the Springfield. As my wife indicates the WTM is for "Wants To Many." Can one really want to many guns??? :D

[BevrFevr]

Flashpoint,

Rugers point way low for me too.

I wanted a cz40 real bad but when I picked one up it pointed low and to the left. I passed.

My cz75b is the most natural pointing gun I have ever held. Second goes to the BHP. Followed by Smiths and 1911's depending on sights.

Most of the mighty SIGS do not point perfectly natural for me either but they are close.

I have a friend with a Ruger .45 he is real proud of because it is so darn reliable but take him to the range and he'll put almost every shot in the dirt in front of the target. That is not the guns fault of course but you know what I mean.

-bevr

[rde]

Traditional is actually the wrong word. The angle of the grip on the Steyr and Glocks are more pronounced than on a wide variety of other hand guns (such as the 1911, BHP, 92FS, etc.). Since I started out with a lesser angled grip (pre-glock) my body mechanics/muscle memory kicks in and resulting me pointing a Steyr or Glock high. Can train out of this easily enough but I have no reason to. Also adjustments can be made by sight variations...but again..I have no reason to.

The choices discussed here have all been very good. I don't think someone could go wrong with any of them. They (we) have to choose which is a better fit for them (us) as an individual. :)

[sturmruger]

I also like the Steyr. I wouldn't say that the Glock and Steyr trigger pull are not even in the same league. The Glock trigger feels spongy or springy. While the Styer pull is more defined and consise. I think the Glock guns are excellant guns, but I have never liked their triggers.

You can tell by my name that I also like Ruger handguns. One thing you have to keep in mind when purchasing a Ruger 9mm is they are not good for small hands. It is a large frame gun that it built like a tank.

I hope some of that helps.