Looking for 9mm for less than 600 dollars - leaning towards a Glock

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Going to be hard finding a new one at full retail under $5.....but put yourself on the notification list from several of the larger online retailers and a special may pop up from time to time under that cap. In my neck of the woods, brand new G19s are to be found between $550 and $600- not sure if they go for a premium in CA.

Glock will sometimes offer factory-refurbished trade in specials as well which have full warranty support and may bring the price down a bit, but these usually sell out fast for obvious reasons.

Honestly, if you shoot one and it fits you well, the Glock 19 is one of the most popular and trusted law enforcement and self-defense guns of the last 3 decades with a near-mythical reputation for reliability and durability. If I found a "cosmetically challenged" used example that is mechancally sound, I would not hesitate to carry it and trust my life to it.

Just my 2c of course. Nothing wrong with holding out for new.

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This find a good used Glock 19 or 17. Like this one. $399 CA legal



https://aimsurplus.com/products/leo-trade-in-glock-17-gen-3-9mm-handgun_2

Are you sure that the Beretta APX and Ruger Security 9 are on the roster in California? Both are fairly new model pistols as far as the California roster is concerned. I don't live in California but I have always read that off roster pistols usually demand a hell of a premium in a legal private transfer. Be sure to follow the letter of the law in purchasing a firearm.


https://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search

sigarms228 said:

Are you sure that the Beretta APX is on the roster in California? It is a fairly new model pistol.

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A good point, but pay attention to the actual model designation.

The Beretta APX has been out for a few years. However, I believe it has been discontinued and replaced with the APX A1. It is an evolution of the APX. I think the original APX is probably a good gun, but despite the similarities and overlap with the APX A1, I would skip the original APX and get the APX A1 as that is the model Beretta, and the aftermarket, is most likely to support in the future.

Beretta APX A1 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/apx-striker-family/

Glock's are well known to be reliable guns. However, 10 round magazines for the G17/G19/G34 etc., models don't have a good reputation.

The key to the OP’s post is “Legal to buy in California.” Many of the suggestions made are great guns, but they’re not on the DOJ roster and therefore may only found on the used markets (if at all).

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search

Dont get me started on the “DOJ approved safe gun” roster BS, its a complete crock of beans and an end-run around the 2nd Amendment.

OP, of the limited choices you have, coupled with the budget limits you set, check the roster of pistols on the list that are available for purchase and go from there. Personally I’d say go with a Gen 3 Glock 19, as they are still on the roster. Look for a sale, or a used one, to stay close to that $500 cap.

Good luck, and stay safe.

Unfortunately CA is in a time capsule of handguns so we mostly have old stuff to choose from. Off roster in the state do command a premium. The local FFL relayed that it is an easy 10%+ depending what it is. A Glock 43X, S&W Shield and Springfiled XD will be in that lower price point the OP is looking for.

I'd suggest scouring the local range bulletin boards for FS guns to do a private party transfer. Better prices than a store and there is no 30 restriction as with DROS purchases. No sales tax to pay either so that saves $50 or so.

I have an older Smith & Wesson sigma 9mm that is not the SD VE, it is a SW9VE. It has never malfunctioned, ever in the time that I purchased it that was at least 12 years ago. It only cost me $200 in a face to face sale. Man said his wife wanted a 1911 and the trigger pull of this gun was too hard for her. It is a very heavy trigger, but I can use it, but it slows down deliberate firing with that trigger. Did shoot the head off a water moccasin with it last November here in FL.
It is possible that the newer Smith & Wesson SD VE has a better trigger.

PSA have new G19 Gen 3’s for $499. And they’re legal in CA.

A Glock will be the best bang for the buck and they’re superb pistols.

Ellen Ripley said:

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking for a semi-automatic 9mm pistol. My maximum budget is 500 dollars but I want to spend 400 or less. I haven't really looked at guns over 400.
The best I can find that are legal in California are the Ruger Security 9, SAR B6C, and Beretta APX.
The Smith & Wesson SD VE is very good. The Kel-Tec P11 is pretty good. The SCCY CPX-2 and Hi-Point C9 aren't that great in comparison.
Out of the Ruger, SAR, and Beretta, I prefer the Beretta, but it's also the most expensive. I'm looking for guns that have magazines with 9 or 10 rounds and all of these guns have versions with magazines with 9 or 10 rounds. Am I missing anything that's great? If not, which should I choose between the Ruger Security 9, SAR B6C, and Beretta APX?
TIA!

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if your limited to 10 rounds (we getting there too here in WA) why not go for a bigger bore. .40 SW, .45 ACP, 10mm, ??? .357 Sig

Ellen Ripley said:

I originally looked at all calibers of handguns.
Then I did research to see if I liked any caliber available more than 9mm, and I like 9mm the most.
Larger calibers are not always better in all aspects.

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your right, with modern bullets 9mm pass the min jelly test for penetration. But also with modern bullet design, .45acp is a 1 shot stopper.

if this is your 1st gun. 9mm is fine… you will eventually get a safe full of boring 9mm. Then one day, when you’re older, the VFW guys will hand you a Colt .45 ACP. You rack the smooth slide, push the thump safely on then off. Squeeze a 230 gn lead Wad cutter at 30 yard hitting the bullseye. Then you will see why Colt .45 acp won 2 WW’s!

MERICA

Welcome to the forum! I swear this isn’t a sexist or ageist thing, but as someone who foolishly plunked down good money for a great pistol as a gift, I can say what I find appealing is less than universal.

A couple points to consider vis-à-vis ergonomics: my now ex-wife could not operate the M&P 9c I bought for her. As is the case with all pistols, the shorter the barrel, the stouter the spring. Now she was far from frail or weak, but that spring was tough and the slide serrations too sharp for her fingers. Lesson learned, bought her an M&P 9L (5” long slide) to replace it.

Same with my father; transitioned from the Kahr 9mm CW9 I bought him to an S&W 9mm EZ at age 70. Last thing he wanted was a tough to charge compact.

I mention the above because I have no knowledge of your previous experience or handling of any of the above, or of your physical abilities. I am making an assumption of your gender based on name, so perhaps I am sexist, though I always encourage any new shooter to get to know various potential models before spending any money.

If I were to take a blind shot in the dark, the G19 Gen 3 would be my suggestion as well. I actually have an online friend in CA who recently rented one and loved it. Reliable, easy to shoot, and simple to care for. If internet purchases (with transfer to FFL) are allowable in CA I’d suggest finding a law enforcement trade in. https://aimsurplus.com/products/leo-trade-in-glock-17-gen-3-9mm-handgun_2 Now this one includes 1 17-round magazine which is not California legal, and states that the magazine cannot ship, but I think they can still sell you the pistol sans magazine.

I suggest an EZ-9. At 70 I have a hard time racking the slide of most of my 9 mm autos. I would suggest any Smith & Wesson M&P but the EZ-9 was the best for me.

I have owned at one time or another, the Smith and Wesson SD9VE, and the Ruger Security 9. They were both good pistols.

Glock, Ruger, Beretta - stick with one of those, especially the 1st one.
And this is cliché for a reason, "Friends don't let friends buy Taurus".

Welcome to THR. I personally don't own any of the ones on your list, but I would suggest you go to a gun shop and at least check out how each feels in hand and to manipulate, if permitted. Best would be to shoot a few rounds through the top contenders. Good luck, you'll get great advice here.

It's easy to get decent handguns for under $500. That's my absolute upper limit. Buying used helps. Some handguns, like Blackhawks and most service pistols, are difficult to wear out or break. Military surplus and police trade-in firearms were generally maintained well. Most of the police "surplus"/trade-ins that I've seen were not shot much. But I digress...

I have the SAR and a similar Ruger. I used to have the Beretta. They're all fine.

I've owned previous incarnations of the Taurus G3, also. All except my step-dad's first-generation PT111 have functioned fine, though their triggers are clunky.

I own three Glocks. I bought all three used. They work fine.

There are still G22 (full-sized 40 caliber) police turn-ins available. Mine was well-maintained. I spent $99 for a conversion barrel and $30 or something for a G17 magazine. Now the G22 is a G17 9mm whenever I want it to be.

I've owned two of these SAR pistols that are basically clones of a polymer compact CZ75. They have been excellent. They used to cost barely more than $200 and were a STEAL. This one is a very good shooter.

Word to the wise: when buying less expensive handguns like a Taurus or an SAR or an RIA, I'm always willing to pay a little extra (usually around $20) for a stainless steel slide. I've owned quite a few inexpensive handguns that have functioned correctly for decades, but their finish did not hold up well over time. A stainless slide eliminates that problem.

I own a police surplus/trade-in Smith & Wesson M&P, and so does my FiL. They're both very good pistols.

For range shooting and home defense, I personally would consider an inexpensive 1911 in 9mm, but that's just me.

Ellen Ripley said:

Thanks! I'll look at the Taurus G3.

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They list a 10 round version, which does not necessarily mean it's on CA's roster.

Ellen Ripley said:

...Then I did research to see if I liked any caliber available more than 9mm, and I like 9mm the most

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ALL cartridge calibers are a compromise in one way or another. For me, 9 mm is the optimum self defense concealed carry compromise. 9 mm perhaps the most common and widely available. 9 mm is more likely to expand properly after going through clothing than most other rounds. In war you don't care much if the bullet over-penetrates. But for self defense you are only trying to stop the assailant and NOT the innocent bystanders. 9 mm has better penetration than a 45ACP without over-penetrating. 9mm recoil is manageable, which allows for faster follow up shots. 9 mm allows for more rounds in the magazine. 9 mm pistols are just small enough and light enough to reasonably carry concealed. 9 mm is so popular that aftermarket parts are widely available for many for 9mm pistols.

Long before the pandemic and the 2020 riots, I used to have this recurring dream that the world was in chaos and that I could NOT find the correct caliber cartridges to fit ANY of my guns. 9 mm is likely to be one of the most plentiful rounds for quite some time to come.

If I was to open carry, 10 mm would be my choice.

Preferring 9mm over any cartridge is perfectly fine, and if somebody chooses a 9mm that's probably the right answer for them.

Alllen Bundy said:

... 9 mm is more likely to expand properly after going through clothing than most other rounds. In war you don't care much if the bullet over-penetrates. But for self defense you are only trying to stop the assailant and NOT the innocent bystanders. 9 mm has better penetration than a 45ACP without over-penetrating.

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However, I think you're just making stuff up.

Do you have a long list of civilian concealed carriers that have shot through an assailant and injured bystanders?

For instance, how about a recent example, take Kyle Rittenhouse, he got into a shootout on a busy street, during a riot. He was armed with a rifle, and was barely able to take time to aim, and most of his shots were taken off balance, yet the only people he shot were those that were trying to do him harm and those he aimed at. There were zero shoot through injuries - with a rifle.

If you want to argue shooting a little gun is harder than shooting a full size gun, and the chance of you missing your intended target and hitting an innocent bystander, because you chose a little gun, with a short sight radius, and an abbreviated grip that made accurate shooting more difficult than a full size gun, well those are some worthwhile points to consider.

Shoot through injuries to innocent bystanders by concealed carriers, with common handgun rounds is not something I'm terribly concerned with.

Okay, I’ll try and keep the mansplaining to a minimum. The law enforcement agency I retired from mandated Glock 19’s for all officers, regardless of gender.

We had good luck with them, and as an added bonus, they are easy to take apart for cleaning, no engineering degree necessary.

They are as reliable as anything out there, perhaps better than most. It’s important to have complete confidence that your firearm is going to shoot every time you require it, I did with my Glock.

Good luck with your search, and welcome to THR.

Mostly out of Cabin Fever I bought two "Inexpensive" 9"s this Winter. A S&W SD9VE and a Taurus G3. The S&W trigger was too heavy for my taste so I installed a Apex trigger kit for about $30.00. Other than that both guns are stock. Both are utterly reliable and accurate. I used both FMJ and 115 Grain Hollow Points to test them out and I'm very pleased with both guns. Even with the Apex kit addition both guns should be in your price range. The S&W came with two magazines, the Taurus with three. All were fifteen round ones. Just my two cents, but I am pleased with both.

JTQ said:

I think you're just making stuff up.

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Every ballistic test that I have seen of a 45ACP going through heavy clothing has shown poor expansion and over-penetration. Whereas, I have seen many ballistics tests where the 9 mm went through clothing and still had substantial expansion and did NOT over-penetrate.

JTQ said:

Do you have a long list of civilian concealed carriers that have shot through an assailant and injured bystanders?

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I don't need any list. All that I need to know is that the bullet can over-penetrate and that is enough to disqualify it for self defense.

JTQ said:

For instance, how about a recent example, take Kyle Rittenhouse, he got into a shootout on a busy street, during a riot. He was armed with a rifle, and was barely able to take time to aim, and most of his shots were taken off balance, yet the only people he shot were those that were trying to do him harm and those he aimed at. There were zero shoot through injuries - with a rifle.

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And what is your point? There wasn't anyone directly behind the people that he shot. How many of those bullets were actually recovered from the people that he shot? And the .223/5.56 supposedly has a tendency to tumble when it hits the target. So over-penetration, not so much. But in this discussion we are talking about pistol rounds traveling at a much lower velocity than rifle rounds. I also doubt that Kyle did much aiming. At those distances it was more likely to be point and shoot. Kyle also missed twice.

JTQ said:

If you want to argue shooting a little gun is harder than shooting a full size gun, and the chance of you missing your intended target and hitting an innocent bystander, because you chose a little gun, with a short sight radius, and an abbreviated grip that made accurate shooting more difficult than a full size gun, well those are some worthwhile points to consider.

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Agreed. But a person needs to know the limitations and take their shots accordingly. At the distances that most self defense situations occur a concealed carry size gun will be accurate enough.

JTQ said:

Shoot through injuries to innocent bystanders by concealed carriers, with common handgun rounds is not something I'm terribly concerned with.

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You should be. If you have a short barreled pistol you need to be especially careful about your self defense cartridge selection.

Mark_Mark said:

your right, with modern bullets 9mm pass the min jelly test for penetration. But also with modern bullet design, .45acp is a 1 shot stopper.

if this is your 1st gun. 9mm is fine… you will eventually get a safe full of boring 9mm. Then one day, when you’re older, the VFW guys will hand you a Colt .45 ACP. You rack the smooth slide, push the thump safely on then off. Squeeze a 230 gn lead Wad cutter at 30 yard hitting the bullseye. Then you will see why Colt .45 acp won 2 WW’s!

MERICA

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Not the right place for a caliber war, but the 45 ACP, 9mm, 40, and similarly classed rounds, none of these can be counted on being fight stoppers without hitting something important such as putting a hole through the brain. A 12 ga with buckshot center of mass hit is about the best you can do short of explosive bullets in the .45 for a quick one shot stop.
9x19mm is about the best compromise relative to recoil, magazine capacity and ability to put your foe on the ground.

why Colt .45 acp won 2 WW’s!

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Pistols did not win or lose WWII. Submachineguns were more important, and the 9x19 and 7.62x25 Tokarev are both better submachinegun rounds than the .45 acp.

barnetmill said:

Not the right place for a caliber war, but the 45 ACP, 9mm, 40, and similarly classed rounds, none of these can be counted on being fight stoppers without hitting something important such as putting a hole through the brain. A 12 ga with buckshot center of mass hit is about the best you can do short of explosive bullets in the .45 for a quick one shot stop.
9x19mm is about the best compromise relative to recoil, magazine capacity and ability to put your foe on the ground.

Pistols did not win or lose WWII. Submachineguns were more important, and the 9x19 and 7.62x25 Tokarev are both better submachinegun rounds than the .45 acp.

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I guess, if your not AMERICAN!

.45 becomes they don’t make a .46!