Looking to buy my first 9mm pistol. It will be my one and only 9mm. Hopefully, I will want to keep it permanently. My carry gun is a j-frame snubbie , so no big deal there (but if it could serve as a back-up carry, that would be cool). What nine would you pick, if you could have only one. Budget around $500. Abit more or less ok. Springfield XD? Glock? BHP? Sig 226? Kahr? CZ? I live near saltwater and might bring it on the boat sometimes. Help me pick one keeper nine! Thanks.
Only One Nine
- Thread starter TRIDENT
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10-Ring
Member
I like the XD 9. Didn't think much of it until I shot it. I was impressed w/ accuracy & reliability! Oh, & the value 
I second the XD-9. I have the standard 4" Service Model in Bi-Tone finish (stainless slide) and LOVE it. Fits my hand so well - and is a pleasure to shoot. Very well-made. The new 3" sub-compact is nice too and reportedly shoots very well - practically as accurate as the 4".
Go here for more info (if you haven't already):
www.hs2000talk.com
Go here for more info (if you haven't already):
www.hs2000talk.com
H
Handy
Guest
If you want a good bet for something to keep, consider a gun that isn't just flavor of the week. I prefer steel guns, like the BHP, but it's hard to knock the Sig Classics for anything. Sig people are DIE HARD. Both of those guns have alot of history and alot of satisfied users.
In terms of corrosion, no gun is corrosion proof. Salt will attack stainless even and no gunspring has more than a light resistance to rust. Obviously, some guns will handle salt spray better, but I would treat all of them like the gun is made of cast iron.
If you're looking for value, here's a link to a 9 round Sig 220 in 9mm for less than $500:
http://www.southernohiogun.com/new_hand.html
In terms of corrosion, no gun is corrosion proof. Salt will attack stainless even and no gunspring has more than a light resistance to rust. Obviously, some guns will handle salt spray better, but I would treat all of them like the gun is made of cast iron.
If you're looking for value, here's a link to a 9 round Sig 220 in 9mm for less than $500:
http://www.southernohiogun.com/new_hand.html
How about a P99? My particular P99 is chambered in .40 (and .357 sig, thanks to Ken Lunde and Bar Sto), but I absolutely love it and I know a lot of 9mm P99 owners who are just as pleased as I am.
I have heard a lot of good things about the XD-9, though. I'm considering getting one myself.
I have heard a lot of good things about the XD-9, though. I'm considering getting one myself.
MacPelto
Member
For use on a boat, Glock. Otherwise, Hi-Power (Browning, not a clone.)
Edited to add: I see that they've moved this to autoloaders, but I don't see why you couldn't get one of the .357/9mm Ruger Blackhawks.
Edited to add: I see that they've moved this to autoloaders, but I don't see why you couldn't get one of the .357/9mm Ruger Blackhawks.
ACP230
Member
I've got three 9mms.
My first was a Browning HP made in Argentina. It would be the last one I'd get rid of.
My vote goes to the BHP.
My first was a Browning HP made in Argentina. It would be the last one I'd get rid of.
My vote goes to the BHP.
GrandmasterB
Member
Another vote for the Hi Power. It is easy to carry and conceal IWB because the slide is very slim compared to Glocks, Sigs, HK's, etc.
D_Burchfield
Member
Mu vote is for the BHP P35 or a quality clone of same. My only 9mm is a FEG PJK-9HP. It is dependable, accurate and is a proven design.
Regards,
Doug
Regards,
Doug
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
A number of good ones - - -
My preferences:
Browning HP is king of them all in my opinion.
Any quality clone, preferably the FM - - -
* *choke * *gasp * * Glock, either 19 or 17 As MacPelto mentions, this would be a good choice for salt water use. Hard to get 'em to rust, and if they do, so what? They still work, and you're just trading one kind of ug - -, uh, unattractive for another.
For a DA gun, the CZ75.
The SiG is nice, but doesn't fit my hand well and the barrel axis seems to set too high.
All the above are high quality and will meet a need for a heavy duty 9mm pistol.
Most of the really small pieces are sort of specialized.
Best,
Johnny
My preferences:
Browning HP is king of them all in my opinion.
Any quality clone, preferably the FM - - -
* *choke * *gasp * * Glock, either 19 or 17 As MacPelto mentions, this would be a good choice for salt water use. Hard to get 'em to rust, and if they do, so what? They still work, and you're just trading one kind of ug - -, uh, unattractive for another.
For a DA gun, the CZ75.
The SiG is nice, but doesn't fit my hand well and the barrel axis seems to set too high.
All the above are high quality and will meet a need for a heavy duty 9mm pistol.
Most of the really small pieces are sort of specialized.
Best,
Johnny
I would not trade my Glock 34 for any other nine. I'm sure I will buy others, but the 34 is my favorite.
I shot ~1500 rounds this weekend in a two day shooting school, and did not have a single malfunction. I was even hitting a steel target every shot at 50 yards. I had not previously had a chance to shoot at that distance, and it was a blast. I simply love this gun.
I shot ~1500 rounds this weekend in a two day shooting school, and did not have a single malfunction. I was even hitting a steel target every shot at 50 yards. I had not previously had a chance to shoot at that distance, and it was a blast. I simply love this gun.
DDGator
Member
Not a great choice for concealed carry, but I will NEVER sell my CZ-75 -- it works too well and shoots too well.
I hadnt shot the CZ for several range trips. This last time I decided to put a few rounds through it and fell in love again -- not much is smoother or more comfortable or more accurate than my CZ-75.
I hadnt shot the CZ for several range trips. This last time I decided to put a few rounds through it and fell in love again -- not much is smoother or more comfortable or more accurate than my CZ-75.
If there can be only one 9 mm in your collection, then I'd pick a Browning HiPower. It fits most hands. It is slim enough to be carried IWB. It handles recoil very well. In other words, it is good for many purposes.
The other nine's mentioned are good as well, but if I can choose only one, then function, versitility, style, and history give it to the HiPower.
The other nine's mentioned are good as well, but if I can choose only one, then function, versitility, style, and history give it to the HiPower.
aerod1
Member
You didn't mention Ruger so I will.
Jim Hall
Jim Hall
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's TRIDENT & other member's-
Most everyone on this forum will tell you that I'm a die-
hard SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series fan! And guess what?
They are correct.
With that said, our choices are
narrowed to just two competitor's: the P226 and the P228.
Its probably six of one; and a half-dozen of the other?
The P226 is a full size combat auto, available in 9m/m
Parabellum; while the P228 (M11 military designation)
is a compact version, only available in 9m/m.
Personally, I like both and have owned both at the same
time. However, I recently sold the P226 in favor of the
P228; as it suited my needs in the long run. Both are
rock-solid reliable, have outstanding accuracy, and
are built with craftsmanship in mind. Either would be
considered a real winner!
Living near a salt water environment, I think I would
have the slide of either hard chromed; as most
folk's agree that a SIG'S finish is its downside! At any
rate, I love my fully stock West German made and
assembled SIG-Sauer P228; a product produced in
1990*.
*FootNote- the P228 wasn't even introduced until
1989; and I may have one of the first ones brought
to the U.S. of A.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Most everyone on this forum will tell you that I'm a die-
hard SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series fan! And guess what?
They are correct.
With that said, our choices arenarrowed to just two competitor's: the P226 and the P228.
Its probably six of one; and a half-dozen of the other?
The P226 is a full size combat auto, available in 9m/m
Parabellum; while the P228 (M11 military designation)
is a compact version, only available in 9m/m.
Personally, I like both and have owned both at the same
time. However, I recently sold the P226 in favor of the
P228; as it suited my needs in the long run. Both are
rock-solid reliable, have outstanding accuracy, and
are built with craftsmanship in mind. Either would be
considered a real winner!
Living near a salt water environment, I think I would
have the slide of either hard chromed; as most
folk's agree that a SIG'S finish is its downside! At any
rate, I love my fully stock West German made and
assembled SIG-Sauer P228; a product produced in
1990*.
*FootNote- the P228 wasn't even introduced until
1989; and I may have one of the first ones brought
to the U.S. of A.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Destructo6
Member
Definately the SIG P226. If I could only have one pistol of any kind, this would be it.
BerettaNut92
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2002
- Messages
- 9,723
Depends, how big are you?
benewton
Member
I'd go with the SIG, in whatever flavor, but, since you can normally get the .40 version, why bother with the 9mm?
cslinger
Member
Another die hard SIG-O-HOLIC reporting in.
Used SIG 228. Get one with a beat up finish, police trade in or what not. Save a couple of hundred bucks up and have it hard chromed or NP3d or whatever the uber finish of the month is.
You can't go wrong with a SIG, 226, 228 are your best choices. The 229 doesn't balance as well as the 228 in 9mm.
I would think you could find a beat up 228 in the $450 neighborhood.
If this is really going to be an abuse boat gun, get a RUGER P95. Inexpensive, reliable to a fault, stainless on polymer, cheap full capacity magazines. You could have the gun NIB for say $360 and pick up a couple of full capacity mags for say $70 and still have room for a box or two of Hydrashoks left over.
Chris
Used SIG 228. Get one with a beat up finish, police trade in or what not. Save a couple of hundred bucks up and have it hard chromed or NP3d or whatever the uber finish of the month is.
You can't go wrong with a SIG, 226, 228 are your best choices. The 229 doesn't balance as well as the 228 in 9mm.
I would think you could find a beat up 228 in the $450 neighborhood.
If this is really going to be an abuse boat gun, get a RUGER P95. Inexpensive, reliable to a fault, stainless on polymer, cheap full capacity magazines. You could have the gun NIB for say $360 and pick up a couple of full capacity mags for say $70 and still have room for a box or two of Hydrashoks left over.
Chris
More Info:
This nine is not going to be strictly a boat gun beater. I take care of my weapons. I live on an island, and breathe humid salty air every day, so do my guns. On the boat, I would keep it stashed in a case, in a waterproof bag most of the time. I am 6'2 and 225 and 31 years old. I have most of my handgun experience with my mil-spec Springfield 1911 and Ruger Mark III. Both have been excellent for me. Want another accurate, reliable workhorse... More bang than the .22 and less $$$ than the .45 to shoot. May carry it sometimes while leaving the .38 Smith with my wife... Thanks for all the great info and opinions. I will be buying in about four weeks. Keep em coming....
This nine is not going to be strictly a boat gun beater. I take care of my weapons. I live on an island, and breathe humid salty air every day, so do my guns. On the boat, I would keep it stashed in a case, in a waterproof bag most of the time. I am 6'2 and 225 and 31 years old. I have most of my handgun experience with my mil-spec Springfield 1911 and Ruger Mark III. Both have been excellent for me. Want another accurate, reliable workhorse... More bang than the .22 and less $$$ than the .45 to shoot. May carry it sometimes while leaving the .38 Smith with my wife... Thanks for all the great info and opinions. I will be buying in about four weeks. Keep em coming....
SoDFW Jason
Member
Ditto the XD. Great pistols.
A Browning Hi Power with the factory Silver Chrome finish sounds perfect. I noticed they are now mkaing them with the fixed sights instead of the Millet adjustables now. My local shop has them for $599.
The CZ-75B or PCR in the polycoat finish would be my next choice.
The CZ-75B or PCR in the polycoat finish would be my next choice.
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
In my prior response - - -
- - -I completely left out the Ruger 9mms. Sorry, because this series is indeed a practical and heavy-duty sidearm. Almost indestructible, in fact, especially in stainless. I don't personally care too much for 'em, simply because they are so very thick and heavy for a modestly-powered piece, and I've never been able to warm up to the type. That fact certainly shouldn't take them out of the running for many people, and especially for certain uses, though.
I've zero experience with the XD. I understand it can be had for a lot less money then the Glocks. Is this true?
Best,
Johnny
- - -I completely left out the Ruger 9mms. Sorry, because this series is indeed a practical and heavy-duty sidearm. Almost indestructible, in fact, especially in stainless. I don't personally care too much for 'em, simply because they are so very thick and heavy for a modestly-powered piece, and I've never been able to warm up to the type. That fact certainly shouldn't take them out of the running for many people, and especially for certain uses, though.
I've zero experience with the XD. I understand it can be had for a lot less money then the Glocks. Is this true?
Best,
Johnny
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