Best current production 9mm

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Its the stupid finger grooves.. :)
19 is the one glock I hate more than any other due to the placement of the grooves
I own a Glock 19 (Gen 2) but I'm not a fan. Blocky, bad grip angle. Later generations with the finger groves are even worse IMO.
I haven't shot a Glock in years (thank goodness) because the grip angle was an instant turn-off for me. I had never thought much about the finger grooves before, but I recently bought some wrap-around grips with finger grooves for my CZ 75B, and hated them... my fingers didn't line up with the grooves. I'm guessing that was another factor in the Glock being a bad ergonomic fit for me, as well.
 
I am reading this, I just have work, also small guns are kinda a negative for me as I have long fingers.
 
I can't tell you what the "best" is, but I can tell you my favorites:
  • SIG P320 in the Carry or Compact configuration
  • SIG P239 with a +1 mag extension
  • Springfield Range Officer in 9mm
 
I am reading this, I just have work, also small guns are kinda a negative for me as I have long fingers.
Well, this is why I suggested a methodology not a model. I knew there was more information to be had.
 
I am reading this, I just have work, also small guns are kinda a negative for me as I have long fingers.
Let me increase my push for the CZ 75 series, then. I've seen a lot of reviews comparing the CZ, Beretta and Sig (generally considered 3 of the best), and one of the few complaints about the CZ was the longer DA reach. With long fingers, that's less likely. Regarding the Beretta 92 series, the thickness of the grip comes into question, which again would be less likely with long fingers. I personally prefer my CZ slightly over my Beretta... either would be fine.

If you have a big hand, then a best/only pistol would be, just my opinion, a fullsize doublestack with a metal frame. Easier and more enjoyable to shoot. I would opt toward a known manufacturer and established model, not a clone or newer gun. Less likely to ever need a warranty (I haven't ever needed one), because the kinks are worked out. If you do need it and/or work, it should be easier to work with the big brands, and there will be plenty of parts available also.

Not mentioned and not sure if it's a factor or not; metal guns are being phased out by the market. Polymer is cheaper to make, and the carry crowd prefers the lighter weight. If you have any consideration of keeping the gun a long time and it becomes an heirloom of sorts, there's a lot more chance that a metal framed gun will be more unique and memorable, because "they don't make them like they used to". I like photography, and like firearms, most cameras are now a lot of plastic. I've picked up a couple fully mechanical film cameras (they still work and they're neat), and quality of build is a premium... nobody is bidding on 60 yr old plastic bodies. Just something to consider.
 
"Best" usually brings up a lot of fan boy recommendations and ignores methodology. We have no idea what "best" means when there aren't any tasks, conditions, or standards to examine and then test to see which conform.

Is the G19 a good pistol, yes. Is it the "best"? Nobody says much about what it is better at - compared to another gun which might be. Glocks, of course,are everywhere. Nice for the SEALS if found but doesn't make it a great gun, if anything it makes it a commodity gun. OK at everything but no excellence in any one category. It's not the most power carrying cartridge, it's adequate. It has no safety to take off, which can and does lead to Glock leg, and no mag disconnect which can and does lead to the weapon being used against it's owner when taken away. SEAL's can and do get on the losing side of things. They are not immune or possess super powers.

Sights, average, it won't do well past 50m. Grip - double stacks are thick and Glocks are a take and leave kind of thing, you deal with it. Consider that a lot of SEALS are NOT supersized McHeros with all American backgrounds. The 19 has neither the longest barrel for the maximum dwell time for the most power, nor the shortest barrel for the most concealability or lightest weight.

Basically the 19 is a bunch of compromise none of which are deal killers but certainly not the best in any one category.

I'll suggest two firearms that can compete well: In CCW, the Kahr CW9, in a duty gun, the S&W 5903. Double stack DA/SA, and the SEALS did use a single stack version with silencer in Vietnam. The 3Gen S&W's are still current production under contract out of Houghton ME and overruns are sold off thru Cabelas and LEO vendors. They pop up with surprising regularity to this day.

Methodology has a lot to do with it, when someone asks for the "best" and doesn't say when how and where it will be used then the question really has no way of being answered. Kudos who red flagged that and saw things becoming an echo chamber of backslapping Glock fanboys.
 
Tirod pretty much summed it up. Glocks are inexpensive and popular. I train LE with them and with a agency price of $365 each for model 17s, it is simple to explain why agencies buy them. They work fine for what they are but certainly not the best when it comes to accuracy or safety. In that price range for a personal 9mm, I would much prefer a 1911, a used Sig or something similar. YMMV
 
If we're at the point of just shouting out the names of guns that we happen to like, I'll say

Glock 17L !!!
 
Well, here is the text from the OP:
Oolong said: ↑
if I were to per say be buying a 9mm for less than $700 what gun would you, the responder suggest and what price point would you say it's worth?
Honestly, that price should get you most brands new, and if you accept used, should get you about anything.

OP said he doesn't care for compacts, and we were able to squeeze out of him that he has long fingers.

Used in acceptable shape, you really could go down to the $400 and below range, and use the rest to get a case of practice ammo, and a goodly supply of SD ammo.
Sub-$400 I have bought a CZ 75, Beretta 92FS, and a cosmetically challenged but accurate Sig P226. Under $300, I have a S&W 915. I've bought plenty of others at that range, including a HP clone and a CZ 99 at right at $200.., but I wouldn't chose those over the first 4 I listed.

If you like metal, I would go find and shoot a CZ 75, Beretta 92, Sig P22x, and a 3rd Gen S&W. Those, in my opinion, are the 4 best metal 9mms at that range, and parts should be available for all. Shoot them all, and narrow down from there. Some people love each, some don't. Only you can decide which fits you best.

I don't go for plastic, and in this case it isn't a criticism, it's an admission that I don't know which ones are 'best'. I would assume Glock, the Sig 320, the S&W M&P, and the XD would be at or near the top, but that's from the outside looking in.
 
Okay, I'll depart from the Glock consensus to plug my new CZ P07. Once I got it dialed in with 147 HPs it's starting to grow on me. (~$450 retail). Comes with adjustable backstraps to fit most hands.

M
 
I'll still say Glock 17/19. It seems to be the pistol that everyone in this thread is comparing to. No problems here with grip angle or finger grooves. Put on some nice night sights and the accuracy is just fine for me.

When I bought my used Glock 19 I won a contest at my range for accuracy. Ten shots a 21 feet two handed, ten shots at 21 feet one handed with dominate hand, ten shots 21 feet weak hand, ten shots at 50 feet both hands and ten with dominate hand. I had not fired the gun previous to buying it. All this with the stock Glock plastic sights.

There were about 25 people that completed the contest. This was good enough for me.
 
I'll still say Glock 17/19. It seems to be the pistol that everyone in this thread is comparing to.
Mostly because it's the most common handgun on the market. I've hated mine since I bought it. The impulse purchase happened because it was dirt cheap at less than half of its blue book value. I was about to flip it for profit, forgot about it, took it to a range months later and was shocked that the first two full magazines printed a ~3" group at 25m/27yd in semi-rapid fire. All this with trigger pull that would be acceptable for a staple gun and my eyes with a best-before -date somewhere in the nineties.

Yes, it works, its much more accurate than the awful trigger pull would ever suggest, aftermarket support is huge and it's one of the easiest guns to handle safely by a novice. I don't want to like it at all but it's just too darn good at being a no-frills pistol. I secretly wish I had never bought one. Except that I got a bunch of magazines and a holster for it shortly after I realized that I have no choice but to hate it intentionally.
 
In that price range, For pocket carry Sig P938 because it is well built and accurate, for IWB or OWB carry Walter PPS M2 because it is not ammo picky, is very accurate, completely reliable and a soft shooter, for duty/home defense Sig P320, Walther PPQ M2 or the H&K VP9 (Note the VP9 has the European style mag release) because they are accurate, reliable and have larger magazines. I carry a Sig P225 A1, but they are a little over the budget and a Ruger LCP II as a bug. I also like and have owned many Glocks and they are very reliable, but I prefer the above and have replaced them. The Glock 19 and 26 were my favorite 9s.
 
if I were to per say be buying a 9mm for less than $700 what gun would you, the responder suggest and what price point would you say it's worth?

Add to the question purpose, features that you like, and desired structural components.. then get a better answer. And the good news is that there are a LOT of good choices!!!
 
jjones45 wrote:
I agree for $200 the pt 111 is a great option and you probably can't beat it in that price range, but the op said under $700 which can get you much better quality and options.

Yes, the OP did in fact ask for the BEST pistol under $700. And for the reasons stated, I recommended what I happen to believe is the overall BEST choice based on the various criteria as I weighed them. Also, it is unarguably within the OP's $700 budget. And unlike many other 9mm pistols, it's price point would leave the OP with a lot of money to buy after-market sights, ammunition, components or even some back-up pistols.
 
If I had to list my top 9mm pistols my list would go Glock, SIG P226, CZ75, Browning Hi-Power, and then maybe the Luger for historical significance.
For current production, I'd list the Glock, CZ 75, Sig P226 and Beretta 92, and put the Hi Power for historical significance. All are classics that have many branches.
 
Yes, the OP did in fact ask for the BEST pistol under $700. And for the reasons stated, I recommended what I happen to believe is the overall BEST choice based on the various criteria as I weighed them. Also, it is unarguably within the OP's $700 budget. And unlike many other 9mm pistols, it's price point would leave the OP with a lot of money to buy after-market sights, ammunition, components or even some back-up pistols.
I understand your logic, I really do. But a pt111 that cost $200 is nowhere near the same quality of let's say a Cz p01 that cost about $550. The pt111 would be #1 in the category of best budget guns in my opinion. The op (in my opinion) is not really looking for a budget gun with money left over to spend on ammo, accessories, or training. He's looking for the best 9mm $700 can buy. I'm sorry but I don't think the pt111 is the best 9mm $700 can get you. There is literally so many great 9mm handguns $700 can get you these days. Even the Ruger American or m&p 9 (1st gen) can be had for around $400. I have a Taurus handgun and appreciate the value of it, but it's not on the same level as let's say a glock, p320, Cz 75, ruger American, M&p, fnx/s, Hk vp9/p2000, sig 2022, sr9, ppq, p99, p07/9, beretta 92/px4, etc....., all of which can be had for around $500 or less if you shop around. This is just my opinion and I respect yours, I just see it a little differently
 
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