New 9mm, suggestions?

[LooseGrouper]

Explaining DA vs SA vs DA only...

Sorry if someone beat me to this but...

Assuming that we are starting with a loaded semiautomatic pistol (a round in the chamber), here's what the nomenclature means:

SA = each shot requires only a short, usually light trigger pull. The hammer must be in the fully cocked position to fire the first shot, and is cocked after each shot by the action of the slide. These are typically carried "cocked and locked," i.e. hammer cocked, saftey on, one in the chamber. Examples include Browning Hi-Power, 1911s, etc. The Ruger .22 pistols are single actions with hammers that are inside the mechanism, and thus to not allow manual cocking/uncocking.

DA (aka "traditional DA" or "DA/SA) = first shot requires a long, usually heavier (DA revolver-style) trigger pull. Each shot after that requires only a light, short pull like that of the SA semiautos described above. Hammer is cocked on the first shot by the trigger, and after each shot by the action of the slide. These type of pistols are usually carried with one in the chamber and the hammer down. Typically there is a decocking mechanism that allows the hammer to be safely lowered either after shooting, or after loading the first round into the chamber. Examples include Beretta 92F, Sig 225, 3rd Gen S&Ws, and tons of others.

DA only = each shot requires a relatively long, heavy trigger pull. "Traditional DA" models like those listed above often have DA-only variations on which the hammers will not stay in the cocked position. They usally don't have hammer spurs. Designs such as Glock, Springfield XD, and Kahr are usually lumped into this category even though their mechanism is slighted different (striker fired instead of a hammer) because the result is the same: each shot requires a relatively long, relatively heavy trigger pull (emphasis on the "relative" for striker fired guns).

NOTE: I hope this doesn't cofuse the issue, but as I understand it, guns like glocks and XDs have trigger resets that don't require the trigger to go all the way back to start for the second/third/fourth/etc shots. Let's just say the DA only guns go back to "safe" mode when you completely release the trigger.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

LG

 

[Surefire]

Despite the Browning Hi-Power's great reputation, I have one nit-pick about the design, the trigger pull is about the worst I've ever felt in a single action pistol. The pull feels so heavy and inconsistent, that any advantage of being a short stroke is nullifed, IMO. I'd get trigger work done if I were going the BHP route.

I think in the end you are best off renting several of the mentioned guns out, and seeing which one fits you best.

 

[ArmedAmerican]

"Above and beyond, I recommend the Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro. I have one in stainless. Top Quality pistol! today mine hit about 2,200 rds. since I bought it last November. Zero Malfunctions, 100% reliable, and quite easy handeling!" --innerpiece9

Yup. That's my carry gun. I previously carried a 5-shot Rossi 38 special. The PT111 is better in every way, and the "double-action only" feels so natural to me, after owning nothing but DA revolvers in the handgun department. The new line of 24/7 pistols are also excellent if you want something bigger. "2005 American Rifleman Handgun of the Year"-- and the current article on Taurus in NRA's America's First Freedom magazine.

 

[DocHolliday]

Innerpiece9 and ArmedAmerican - ditto.

I have to give a tally to the PT-111 by Taurus. You should be able to pick one up for under $350 new and about $280 used. Tampa Bay area prices there, but you shouldn't see much different across the Fruited Plain.

The Taurus is a great gun to shoot and I've had Zero problems with it. It easily tucks into an Uncle Mikes IWB holster and off we go! The takedown and re-up is pretty smooth and with their lifetime warranty, you should be set for a long time.

If you have "room" for a larger pistol, you may want to check out the 24/7. I have one in a 40-cal, and love it! That one is a part of the Home Security System, but shouldn't be too tricky to carry.

 

[Medusa]

Another vote to CZ, they have such a nice variety and great reputation. Besides, they do look nice, I love my CZ 75B.

That is an advertising poster, of course.

They are so nice I am considering getting new gun, CZ 97B - .45ACP cal. I surely would like a SA Milspec 1911, parkerized, but they don't sell any 1911 in the area.

 

[neil minor]

Here in North Georgia, one can purchase a new PT111 (blue) for about $299, used about $250. 3.25" barrel. Has a manual safety. I'm not positive about this, but I thought I saw a picture of a new one which had a pic rail. Good pistol for the price. Very concealable. I have a Galco IWB holster for mine.

 

[Rumble]

I have the PT111 (Millennium Pro) and the PT145 (also the Pro model). I don't know if the new PT111's have a rail (the .45 does), nor do I know that a rail is really all that useful. But they are solid guns. Neither of mine have malfunctioned in any way; they are accurate for such short barrels, and they are inexpensive.

 

[fritz1]

I'd vote for the CZ or Hi power I prefer the double action single action

 

[NVMM]

Have you taken a look at a Beretta PX4 Strom?

It always looks like CDNN is a good place to buy used Sigs.

 

[huntershooter]

9 mm:

My preference is for single action autoloaders. The P-35/Browning High Power is affordable, accurate and reliable out of the box.

 

[brickboy240]

Pistols I would look at:

Taurus PT92 (affordable, reliable and lifetime warranty..proven design)

CZ-75 (skip the other models - the 75 is the best CZ)

Pre owned Sig 226 or 228 from CDNN (utterly reliable and very accurate)

Springfield XD-9 (reliable, inexpensive and lifetime warranty)

- Brickboy240

 

[albanian]

Hey, if you liked the Ruger that you shot, that is as good a gun as any to buy. There is nothing wrong with Ruger handguns. They work and they are well built and reliable. They are also inexpensive but that doesn't mean they are cheaply made.

If my life was one on the line, I would not have a problem with a Ruger. Ruger, S&W and Beretta Autos are the only autos that I have owned that I have never had a malfunction with. I have had malfunctions with Glock, SIG, Walther, Taurus, Springfield Armory, Kahr, and more but never Ruger, S&W or Beretta.

I probably have more rounds through Berettas and I prefer them to any other but that is my personal preference.

 

[.38special]

I went to the range/shop yesterday, and browsed around. I have narrowed it down between Ruger and Taurus. I also went to a gun show this weekend, where there were TONS of taurus' for sale. Next show there is, I hope to purchase something.

 

[Taurus44]

I can't believe this thread is almost a full two pages long and nobody has mentioned the Springfield XD! I own two of them and wouldn't give them up for anything... Except maybe one of the new XD-45s

 

[.38special]

I am pretty set on this http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_495/products_id/31310
or this http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=92SS&category=Pistol

Arent they pretty similar guns? Besides the Stainless of coures. They have all them same specs.

Now, I think I pretty much under stand the DA/SA so, on the gun, the first round trigger pull will be more ressistant than all the rest?

 

[BullfrogKen]

the first round trigger pull will be more ressistant than all the rest?

Yep, and the single action pull for all those other shots will feel less crisp than a single action pull on a single action only pistol, like a 1911, Hi-Power, or a single action only revolver. Actually, the single action pull on a double action revolver is pretty damn good . . .

The SA pull will have slack you'll need to take up before the trigger actually engages anything internally that starts releasing the hammer. This difference of DA to SA is a reason many prefer single action only semi-automatics.

 

[Ruger451]

.38Special,

As to the DA/DA vs. DAO question: Yes. With a DA/SA (like the Taurus PT92) trigger, the first shot (if not pre-cocked by your thumb) is long and a little heavy, and then subsequent shots are lighter and shorter. If you decock the pistol after taking a shot, it will revert the trigger back to Double Action, and the trigger pull will again be longer and heavier. Once you try it out, it will all become crystal clear anyhow.

As for the Taurus PT92, I myself struggled with this decision for awhile, and I ended up going with the Beretta 92FS Inox (stainless). IMO, the stainless finish on the Beretta in superior. If you can, take a close look at a stainless Taurus in a shop before (if) you decide to buy one. I did this and it changed my mind.

However, if I was to go with the blued model, I would have chosen the Taurus. In all honesty they both function wonderfully and the Taurus is much cheaper, so why not. I also happen to prefer the Taurus' decocker, as it allows you to decock the gun without setting on the safety, which the Beretta does not. I think they call it a "three-point safety" or something like that, and it allows you to carry the gun "cocked and locked" which is kinda nice. Take a look at this site for a good review of the Taurus PT92.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/TaurusPT92.htm

Really the best advice I can give (as I myself found to be true) is to try them out for yourself. If you can go to a range and rent one, or just handle one at a shop. You'll make the right decision and you will be glad that you found the gun that suits you best on your own.

best of luck,
Chris

 

[duncan]

Wow, using a child as a bullet-proof vest!

Shouldn't the children and the wife be in a safe room away from any possible armed conflict?

And if your back is against the wall, I think a home defense shotgun with slugs should end any fights.

 

[duncan]

Looking for an acucrate and reliable 9mm handgun?

Glock 17 or Glock 19
Browning Hi Power
Springfiled Armory Loaded 9mm 1911
Springfield XD
CZ 75
EAA Witness Series
Ruger - you already like the brand and they seem to work for you.

Taurus? There is mixed feedback on the Taurus semi-auto's. I've seen a couple come in for gunsmith repairs. Their revolvers are nice SW clones though.

Lots of great recommendations.

Rent several at the range and let you hand and your targets tell you whihc one to pick.

Me - for home defense and CCW - Glocks and HKP7s work great in 9mm. Simple to fix, durable, deadly accurate, and they have proven themselves in battle and on the streets and in anti-terrorist operations in Germany.

Safeties and guns???? That's your brain and training that is your safety.

Based on your selection of Ruger in the past, why not step up to an 9mm EAA Witness in polymer?

The 10mm crowd really liked their Witnesses and if they can make a good 10mm semi-auto - 9mm is a snap!

http://www.gunweek.com/2003/feature1001.html

 

[Lonestar.45]

I love it when the original poster says "no Glocks", and every other post is recommending a Glock.

If I were to get another 9mm, it'd be a Beretta 92FS. I sold mine back in '93 and regretted it ever since. A friend rented one at the range the other day and I put a magazine through it. I shot it much much better than any of my other guns (and this was a beat up rental). Super easy to shoot, accurate, durable, and you can get parts/mags by the bucket load just about anywhere.

 

[duncan]

I love it when the original poster says "no Glocks", and every other post is recommending a Glock.

Many fear the black polymer - but it's the number one law enforcement pistol - of all time.

If I were to get another 9mm, it'd be a Beretta 92FS. I sold mine back in '93 and regretted it ever since. A friend rented one at the range the other day and I put a magazine through it. I shot it much much better than any of my other guns (and this was a beat up rental). Super easy to shoot, accurate, durable, and you can get parts/mags by the bucket load just about anywhere.

Ask our guys in the military about those Beretta's. Drop it in the sand - useless. Don't get the slide problem fixed - any someone can snatch the slide right off. Not really that durable.

 

[.38special]

I love it when the original poster says "no Glocks", and every other post is recommending a Glock.

Yeah, most people don't read the whole thread, just the tilte

Anyways, I am sorry but I have 1 last question of actions,

On a SA semi, like a taurus, how does that work, do you cock it maually the first time, then all the trigger pulls are crisp?

 

[AndyC]

On a single-action semi, the slide moves back and cocks the hammer each time you shoot, so all shots are single-action eg. 1911a1 pistols.

On a double-action semi (like the CZ75), the first shot can be fired single-action (hammer cocked) or double-action (hammer down) - the hammer is again cocked by the movement of the slide rearwards when the pistol is fired (of course, the hammer can be lowered after each shot and the pistol shot in DA mode again for that initial shot).

Some pistols are DA-only as in some models of S&W, Ruger, etc, and all shots have a longer DA trigger-pull.

I won't even go into describing the actions of the tupperware-guns

 

[.38special]

Ok, so if you were mainly targer shooting like me, no carrying, I would probably benefit more from SA right?

 

[Ruger451]

Yes

If you are primarily shooting at the range, a single action trigger gives you the lightest pull possible which makes your shots a little more accurate because you don't have to work as hard to keep on target. For me, DA/SA is the way to go, like the Beretta or Taurus 92's. You can still fire the first shot from DA if you had to, emergencies and whatnot, but for target practice, the SA trigger is the best.