Cheap but reliable 9mm platform?

An Inexpensive, Reliable 9mm? Does it exist?

  • Don't bother buying a 9mm under $400, save up and get something nicer

    Votes: 17 7.0%

  • A 9mm is okay for plinking, but not for competition or CCW

    Votes: 1 0.4%

  • There are definitely reliable, inexpensive 9mm platforms

    Votes: 225 92.2%

  • Don't get 9mm, there are better inexpensive options in other calibers

    Votes: 1 0.4%
  • Total voters
    244
  • Poll closed .
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If your ok with used try to find a police trade in Glock. If you want new I'd go with the Stoeger Cougar. I bought one cause I always loved the beretta and it turned out to be a great pistol.
 
shhooooot
you can buy a used hi-point or even a ring of fire gun
I'd go with the Hi-Point as they DO have a lifetime warranty and a reputation for reliability.
 
You should be able to track down a Ruger P-series in 9mm pretty cheap.

The P85, P89, P93, and P94 have aluminum frames, while the P95 has a plastic frame.
 
I have 2 excellent pistols that fit in this category, a Kahr CW9 ($410) and a S&W SD9 ($390). Both have been totally reliable and shoot great. I also had the Bersa UC pro 9 and it was also perfect in function and accurate.
 
For $400 I have found slightly used.
Glock 27
Walther PPS
Walther P99c
CZ 75P-01
NIB Stoeger 8000
All better IMO than saving for a new more expensive gun.
 
I purchased a used P 89 about 3 weeks ago for $275.00 in the stainless version. I am a big guy, and really like the larger grip. I have been highly impressed with this ole' gun thus far. Good luck in your search.
 
I don't own 9mm of any sort, but if I wanted one, I'd get a Glock 19. They are cheap and probably as reliable as a pistol can be.
 
Originally Posted by The Sarge View Post
Under $400 9mm
Stoeger Cougar (Beretta) 8000 A++
Bersa UC 9mm A++
Ruger P95 A
Kel Tec P-11 B
Kel Tec PF9 C
Click to expand...

I agree with Otomik, but I'd rate both the Kel-Tecs as B. If I were in your position, I'd probably get the Stoeger. In fact, I'm not in your position, and I'd still like to get me a Stoeger.
 
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IMHO - save a little more and get a CZ 75B. You should be able to get one for $450-$475. It is all steel and the most accurate 9mm out there. Do some research and you'll see how well thought of they are. It can be used for target work, home protection, and competition.
Click to expand...

I bought one of these new about three years ago and paid about $550. If it's not the best 9mm handgun out there it's certainly in the top three. Extremely shootable. Extremely accurate. Feels like it's molded to your hand. Perfect choice for IDPA. I have carried mine some. It rides comfortably in a Crossbreed or Comp-tac holster. Also available in a compact version which has a shorter barrel to make carry a little easier.

I'm also partial to the classic Sigs. Summit Gun Broker is a good place to shop for a Sig.
 
bought a g26 NIB $475. at the local gun shop down the block

tax, tag, title $509. out the door

if you buy online you sometimes have to add shipping, always a transfer fee, and of course the BG check, and *maybe* some sort of local tax

so figuring into the OP question save-up another $75 bucks and get a Block G26, you will not have any remorse or feelings of disappointment over buying it and the kool aid tastes great !!
 
Not really *under* $400, but it's usually pretty close if you shop around:

Glock 17/19 (best price I've found is around $450, maybe I'm not looking hard enough)

Thing shoots ok, conceals very well imho. Personally don't like the trigger (but this coming from a 1911 guy), so you may or may not enjoy it. Boring reliability is a plus though.

Don't forget, mags and parts are a dime a dozen for Glocks also. Not that you'd need spare parts anyways...
 
Stoeger Cougar without hesitation. Built tough. Reliable. Digests any 9mm I feed it. Easy to disassemble/reassemble. ALL for under $400!

Carp
 
S&W Sigma VE is under $300 and is very reliable. Trigger is definitely not match grade but is servicable. If you are coming from a 1911 the Sigma trigger is really bad, but if coming from a stock DA revolver its not so bad, just a bit heavy.
 
Let's assume you buy a 9mm for exactly $400 OTD...

How much do you intend to shoot? Cheap 9mm ball ammo is about 22 cents per round and .45 ACP is about 33 cents per round. So, if you shoot 9mm, this saves approximately 11 cents per round.

You'd have to shoot 3636 rounds to break even on your gun purchase. Are you planning on shooting more than this much? Some people do and some don't. The point is, if this is all about saving money then there's the math.:)

ETA: If this is more about WANTING a 9mm then I'd hesitate recommending that you buy now or wait. I'd have trouble with that decision too. But... what I'd buy is only $100 higher than your budget. If I was deciding for myself I'd save that $100 extra and buy the $500 gun.
 
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$9.80... takes a bit to learn how to aim, but there are zero documented instances of fail to feed, whisper quiet operation, and it fires the whole cartridge which increases efficiency by some huge impressive percentage.
 
Were it me, I'd look for a decent Walther P-38. I've only shot one of them, but it was very accurate and tons of fun to shoot. Given the thin barrel, I think it would carry concealed very nicely as a bonus. Not long ago I saw some for sale at one of the usual suspects' online stores (sorry, I didn't make note of it) at a very nice price, IIRC around $300.
 
Ruger P95. Inexpensive, durable, reliable service automatic; very high bang for buck value. I like the stainless with decocker version best.
 
Another vote for the ruger P95...built to last.

Heard good things about the sig 250 and CZ Duty as well.
 
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