My brother needs advice: best 9mm brands $300-450(ish)?

I think a "third generation" S&W police trade-in (Model 5906, etc.) in good condition might be your best bet. Very reliable, well-made pistols that can be found in good condition for $300.00 or less.

A third generation Glock 17 or 19 police trade in. Get a top line used gun rather than but econo junk that's marketed as "just as good" but cheaper.

Would you look for an "econo doctor" to perform life-threatening surgery?

People buy a gun to save their life. Get a good, dependable gun . . . and sleep well at night.

if you are picky, you can sometimes get a good deal. i got a brand new springfield XD 9mm for 440 dollars with all the goodies (holster, 2 16 rnd mags and reloader) at a gun show a few weeks ago.

I know where there are some choice tutone 75Bs for $359...

Without a doubt, a CZ. New or used you won't be sorry. Best bang for the buck out there.

Plenty of decent choices out there in your price range or just a little higher. I suggest you first narrow down what you are looking for:

Steel, Alloy or Polymer frame?

Double Stack or single stack?

Compact or Full Size?

Once you narrow down these preferences, it should be esasier to pick a gun.

Rellascout -- CZs - Where?

I got a used PT911 (no, not the PT1911) and it has treated me exceedingly well. Also a very underrated pistol.

Although to be honest he really can't go wrong with any of the big names. Until his tastes have crystalized there's little to do other than point to the big names and says "Go!"

ReadyontheRight said:

Rellascout -- CZs - Where?

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I'm also interested.

They were at Dan's Ammo. I believe his is sold out. With surplus deals like these you have to move fast.

Hubby has a an Springfield XD .45 and I have XD 9mm. Mine was $420ish, and I really do love it We've never had a problem.

CZ P07 without a doubt. Should be $450 new. A no frills gun that is reliable and accurate.

easyg said:

Check out the Ruger SR9c.

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+1 on the SR9c.

9mm Choices

Totally agree with RancidSumo! Cannot beat the Value of a SW+MP 9mm. 4.25 inch Barrel, 17rd Mag, Excellent Shooter, I have had Zero Failures of any kind!

The Best to All!

Frank

Ruger SR9/SR9c or CZ-75

Two of the best handguns I've shot.

Taurus's PT-111 Mil. Pro, 24/7, or PT92 models are all good guns. The FNP is also nice.

Taurus's PT-111 Mil. Pro, 24/7, or PT92 models are all good guns. The FNP is also nice

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I can speak from personal experience that the PT-1911 and the 24/7 are not that great. My 24/7 was very lube sensitive as in if it wasn't lubed, it wouldn't run. The PT-1911 in my experience runs like any low end 1911. In other words, it malfunctions. Not all the time but enough to make me leery of it.

The Ruger P95 can be found for under $300. For a little more you can get an SR9. Glocks, XDs, and M&Ps are all good options if he is ok with a used firearm.

I have two different 9mm pistols: a CZ75B and Ruger P95. Each with 16/15 round capacity. Bought Ruger new for $360 and CZ75 used for $400. Both of these guns are very accurate and very reliable. I have to say that the CZ is very comfortable to shoot. Check out the Best9mm pistol website. Just google best9mm and you will find it. There are 25 pistols on there that wold fit the price range of $300-400. Hope this helps. Also have to say that Bersa makes a quality handgun. I own a Bersa 380 and I have not had any problems with it at all. I have not shot their 9mm but hear great things about them on the web.

+1 for the FNP-9
Great gun at that price point

My buddy just bought a Sigma for $300 new, and it is a pretty decent gun to shoot. It's really just a knockoff glock, but it has a very comfortable grip and was accurate enough. For a budget gun I'd say it's a good place to start.

Just ordered the 9mm S&W 5906 from CDNN $299.95 (Pg 21 of catalog) and it may be here tomorrow. These are a police trade in rated good to very good. No hand pick just grab and ship. Have another friend that will order one tomorrow. Will let you know what we think.

The Springfield XD service guns are just slightly over $400 and they're really amazing guns, they'll work well, are extremely durable, not to mention they have a fully supported chamber...something that glock can't boast. No problems shooting reloads through them.

And they rust too.

Cokeman said:

And they rust too.

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If you're talking about the XD Service models there's an amazing new invention, maybe you've heard of it? Its called oil, tuns out that it helps prevent pistols from rusting, also the finish issues on the new ones have been resolved...so unless you're going to go back in time and buy an NIB XD Service prior to 2006 it shouldn't be a problem.