I want a 9mm for leisure shooting, help me choose

[CNobbe]

19 or 2011. Preferably 2011.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Was the one you tried a surplus military model or the commercial type?

It was an original Swiss P210

The list of steel 9mm semi autos optimized for a good day at the range, is actually rather short, considering this is actually what most gun enthusiasts use their guns for, 99% of the time.

If I was going down the 210 path, I'd seriously look at one produced by Bruce Gray.



My philosophy on fun guns, as it is with .22lr pistols and rifles, is that I'll spend more on them because I'll shoot them more

 

[Walkalong]

I think if I was looking for a “fun” 9mm I would go with a single stack 1911. I have short hands, so singles fit me well and the sa triggers is great to shoot.

I fully agree.

 

[KodeFore]

If its in your budget, I vote for a new P210 standard-
View attachment 1047022
Not really optimized for any one role, but capable of doing target, carry, or nightstand if necessary. I cant say enough about how smooth these guns are, best factory trigger Ive EVER tried!

It is a single stack, and they are also making a compact "carry model" now too.

best shooting 9mm it's worth the cost if you can manage it

 

[Riomouse911]

There are so many good choices it’s tough to narrow them all down to a few. But, for a fantastic range toy that can double duty as an effective defense gun a Springfield Ronin would be a great gun in 9mm. This is a steel/aluminum alloy gun, if a slightly heavier all-steel gun is wanted the Kimber StainlessTarget II is another solid choice.

Of my somewhat diverse 9mm pistol cadre these two are two of my newest guns… and they are so accurate, pleasant and fun to shoot they quickly became two of my favorite ones, too.

(Top target is three full magazines at 12 yds., two-hand standing with WWB 124 gr FMJ. The bottom one is two full magazines, 10 yds., same ammo )



Stay safe.

 

[DTL]

I routinely spend a lot of time with my full-size Springfield 9mm Range Officer Target model. My .45 cal 4.25" Ronin just isn't as much fun as I get older, so today it's getting traded in for a 4.25" Ronin in 9mm. First one I've seen locally in ages, and lucky to have seen in in the case leaving the range last week.

 

[P5 Guy]

This is my range fun 9mm.S&W 639, eight round magazine means you will not tear thru a box of ammo too fast. The all stainless steel construction equals mild recoil and easy clean up, A plus for me is the slimmer frame of the single stack fits in my hand perfectly.

 

[thunderbyrd]

i also have a springfield ronin in 9mm, 5". it is a pure pleasure to shoot and very accurate. it's the most just fun firearm i've ever owned.

 

[jstert]

9mm recreational handgun? ruger blackhawk convertible 357/38/9 single action revolver. utterly reliable. easy to reload. no mags to worry about. eats anything. no stovepipes or fte. excellent manufacturer’s warranty. easy to fieldstrip. no worries about racking the slide as one ages. anyone can quickly become accustomed to its manual of arms. uniquely american.

 

[P89DCSS]

I believe the full size Ronins are forged steel frames. 9mm 1911 full size with steel frames are very mild so everyone can enjoy them.

Strength is a core element of the Ronin line, with all models offered featuring forged steel slide, hammer-forged barrels and forged frames. The steel slide features a beautiful hot salt bluing finish that contrasts nicely against the forged stainless steel frame of the 5″ model and the forged alloy frame of the 4.25″ and EMP model, the latter of which features a satin aluminum Cerakote® finish.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I bought my first 9mm about 12 years ago , a Star BM, and have bought several since then.


I really like the M&Ps


When I bought the 2.0, I went with the 5” model because, it’s strictly a range toy.


The last 9mm I bought was the Sig M18 because, it looks good next to my M17.


I have a few other 9mm pistols, some for duty and some for fun. I do enjoy shooting the VP9 very much.


Don’t go cheap on your purchase just because it will be a range toy. Get something nice since you plan to shoot it a lot.

 

[Saluki91]

With 9mm more affordable and available right now and primers still not I'm interested in getting a dedicated 9mm for leisure shooting. By this I mean I'm not looking to buy a 9mm to carry, shoot competitions with, or for home defense, its focus is on recreation.

That said if it did shoot well I could transition it into a carry role, but that's not the intention currently.

Here's what I've been thinking of:

Ruger P89- DA/SA, metal frame, strong design, Ruger's first centerfire semi auto

Beretta or Taurus 92- DA/SA, nice trigger, proven, popular

Springfield XD-E 4.5"- DA/SA, slim, light

1911- slim, popular

Single stack pistols have a special bonus because they're slimmer, they would interest me.

My $.02 (worth what you paid)... "Leisure Shooting" = Every facet is enjoyable.
1 - Don't discount aesthetics. You will enjoy shooting what you enjoy looking at, and you will enjoy gazing at it when you aren't shooting.
2 - Don't discount ergonomics. You will enjoy shooting what feels good in your hands, and points naturally.
3 - A good trigger is a whole lot more fun than a mediocre one.
4 - "Cool Factor" is important... Does historical significance mean something to you, or does newer = better?
If I was in your position - looking for a pistol for leisure shooting - my list would include a Springfield SA-35, and any number of 9mm 1911s. The Smith and Wesson 986 with a 5in barrel would be a dark horse.

 

[Sistema1927]

@GunnyUSMC , "several since". Understatement of the year. Guessing that you have "just a few" AR15's as well.

 

[d2wing]

H&K VP9. You'll thank me every time you shoot it.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

@GunnyUSMC , "several since". Understatement of the year. Guessing that you have "just a few" AR15's as well.

I only have about 20 different 9mm’s and just a few more AR’s then that. That’s normal, right?

 

[starling]

H&K VP9. You'll thank me every time you shoot it.

deffinitly one of the better strikers out there.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Based on the OP's choice list. I'd say go with a 1911 or xd-e 4.5.

The 1911 first because, well it's a 1911. I have a couple and even the low end models (ATI) shoot well. Plus they have a good weight which makes them really easy to shoor fast and accurate. The second choice would be the XD-E in 4.5. It is hammer fired, holds a similar capacity to the 1911, and had a good pedigree.

As others have posted recommendations outside of the list in the OP, I would recommend the XDM- elite in 5.25. it's of the same manufacturer the OP was considering, is truly ambidextrous, with adjustable sights, excellent weight, and super accurate/reliable.

GL
CH

 

[Lo-Profile]

Have a bunch of 9mm guns.
My favorite is a Dan Wesson Guardian 4.25" bobtail. Would make a great carry gun as well if you're do inclined.
Some of my other favorites.
Sig Sauer P229 SAS
Sig Sauer P226
Rock Island CCO 1911 ( very hard to find, sweet carry gun as well. )
Gen 3 Glock 19
Ruger SR9e .... Great gun for the price
Sig Sauer SP2022, great underrated Sig Sauer

 

[skfullen]

I have Berettas in full-size and compact. There are the softest shooting 9mm I've ever fired.

But, when it comes to carry, it's a G19 or G26.

Gotta choose between range and carry. When I travel, I carry the Glock and keep the Beretta and Beretta Carbine in the backseat. And for a house gun and range gun? Beretta, all day long.

 

[Sistema1927]

I only have about 20 different 9mm’s and just a few more AR’s then that. That’s normal, right?

When I grow up, I want to be just like you.

 

[starling]

I have Berettas in full-size and compact. There are the softest shooting 9mm I've ever fired.

But, when it comes to carry, it's a G19 or G26.

Gotta choose between range and carry. When I travel, I carry the Glock and keep the Beretta and Beretta Carbine in the backseat. And for a house gun and range gun? Beretta, all day long.

Shouldnt you have something with a little more range than a 9mm carbine for East Texas? Maybe East Texas is not as open as I remember as a kid. I would think you would at least go 223 down there.

 

[JmacD]

If I was after what you’re describing (good choices btw) I’m an old soul, and for the giggles of it, I’d be looking at Springfields sa35/ hi power adaptation. Just cuz. Lol. That said, I haven’t shot one.

 

[Spats McGee]

For leisure shooting, 1911 or BHP (or clone).

 

[Nature Boy]

I only have about 20 different 9mm’s and just a few more AR’s then that. That’s normal, right?

Perfectly normal

Those Star BMs are pretty sweet, aren’t they? I’m fighting the urge not to pick up another one

 

[Mosin Bubba]

If it's just a range pistol, I would focus on having a full size grip and a great trigger. A 9mm 1911 would be my first choice, and a CZ-75 would be my #2.