Selecting a good 9mm Range Shooter…

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Bushpilot

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I’m looking to purchase a 9mm pistol to casually target shoot with. With 9mm being the least expensive and most widely available center fire ammo, I want to find a very accurate pistol that I can afford to shoot frequently without reloading. Although I do reload, 9mm is still cheap enough (at least for the time being) not to bother with. The only 9mm handguns that I currently own are more “collector” type guns; a Luger, a P38 and a High Power. The High Power comes somewhat close to what I’m looking for but I don’t really want to put a lot of rounds through it. I also would like a better trigger pull than the HP has and good quality adjustable sights. I don’t care whether it’s DA/SA or just SA but I’m not looking for a “striker” fire gun. I don’t like the feel of “striker” triggers (although I must admit the Walther PPQ is pretty good for a striker gun). Since what I’m looking for is a target gun I also expect it to be as accurate as possible. Right now I’m leaning towards a CZ 75 based mostly on reputation. I’ve heard good things about the (Tanfoglio) EAA Witness. I’ve also considered a 9mm 1911 and that is still in the running but not sure which one. I don’t want the pistol I choose to require a bunch of custom work after I buy it. I’ve heard great things about the Sig 210 but that’s not within my price range. I’d like to keep the price down to $1000 or less as the whole point here is lots of inexpensive center-fire target practice. Is there anything else that I should be considering or other thoughts?? Thanks...
 
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One of the most accurate 9mms I have shot was a HK P7M8. While technically striker fired, it has a really nice single action trigger. Might have to shop around a bit to find one under $1000, or you could look for the older P7 PSP.
 
I'd get another Hi-Power or good clone. It's easy to improve the trigger if it's not acceptable.
They sell brand new ones for less than $1000 I think.
 
HK P7 series are very accurate and ready to go right out of the box.SIG P226s are accurate and nice shooter in SA mode.Glocks are way more accurate than most people think.I like the G34 or the older G17L,the triggers can be tuned somewhat and with proper ammo,accurate shooters.A good G17 is a nice informal blaster too.HK USP 9mm can be had used too,and again,used in SA mode,very accurate.
Got the bucks,go with SIG P210,X5,accurized 1911 in 9mm.
 
One of the most accurate 9mms I have shot was a HK P7M8. While technically striker fired, it has a really nice single action trigger. Might have to shop around a bit to find one under $1000, or you could look for the older P7 PSP.
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Finding a P7M8 under $1000 in any kind of shootable condition is impossible these days. Prices just keep climbing. A PSP is more like it, but even they are going up at a fast rate.

Having said that, as accurate as they are, I'm not sure they're great range pistols.
 
Certaindeaf said:
I'd get another Hi-Power or good clone. It's easy to improve the trigger if it's not acceptable.
They sell brand new ones for less than $1000 I think.
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ahh yup. A used HP or a Clone the FEG's and the Argentines are still out there about half the price of a Browning or even less.
FEG's in the 350.00 range and Argentines in the 400-500.00 range. With the exception of a Model 10 revolver I've never fired a better handgun.
 
CZ 75B would be a great choice,since you like the feel of a BHP.
Also the Beretta 92 is a great range gun. Both are still affordable
 
I'm not sure there is another 9mm that is more accurate than a good Hi-Power for $1,000 or less. It's an all steel gun, so it can take a lot of use too. The trigger on mine (about 1997 vintage) was pretty darn good right out of the box.

Other good range guns that will last a long time and have good accuracy:
CZ 75 or 85
S&W 5906 (a best buy choice and a personal favorite)

If plastic guns are an option, the H&K USP 9 mm is nice and the FNP-9 is also hammer fired.
 
Another vote for the Argentine FM clones. Very nice pistols, and affordable, too.

Some of the Hungarians have a beautiful glossy black finish; very sleek. (But if you go this route, be sure you get a true HP clone and not one the HP/S&W hybrid designs.)
 
That leaves me out because I have both a highpower and a couple of CZ pistols, but my favorite range gun is the Ruger SR9.
 
I'm not sure there is another 9mm that is more accurate than a good Hi-Power for $1,000 or less. It's an all steel gun, so it can take a lot of use too. The trigger on mine (about 1997 vintage) was pretty darn good right out of the box.
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I've had a similar experience. I bought my MK III BHP new in 1994. Nice, crisp trigger, with a clean break. It is a bit heavy due to the weight of the mainspring they use, but it is fine the way it is. It is my most accurate centerfire handgun. My CZ, and HK P7's are a close second though.

If you look a while you can usually pick up a used Hi Power for around $500 in excellent shape.
 
You really need two Hi-Powers anyway.. one to shoot the snot out of and the other to covet so it'll last your lifetime.
Just think.. you probably already have Hi-Power holsters and magazines galore so you'll actually save money!
 
9mm range gun

For what you describe I would look at a Tanfoligo Witness match, I have owned several in different calibers and in the $550.00 range I do not think anything else comes close.
All steel, S/A triggers and lots of round capacity. The CZ is very similar but will cost more and especially in a S\A trigger.
If you would enjoy a 1911 , check out Rock Island or the upgraded Rock Island put out by STI as a "Spartan" Also very nice to shoot, but back to half as many rounds.
I have owned both and enjoyed shooting them a lot.
I am also shooting my first striker gun in years, a Smith M&P Pro with Apex trigger and Comp kit installed.
Best Striker gun I have ever fired, but striker nonetheless.
YMMV

Chris
 
I’ve heard the HK P7’s were very accurate but I don’t know very much about them. I’m curious as to what it is about their design that makes them so. As bc1023 mentioned, they don’t “look” like they would be a great range pistol… Looks more like a "carry" type gun. I might have to bribe a friend of mine who has one into bringing it to the range some day. Either way, it's probably too pricey for what I’m looking for…

As far as the FEG High Power is concerned, I used to have one but would be hesitant to buy another. I sold the one I had because where the two piece barrel is joined together (chamber/lug to barrel) the solder or weld was incomplete and you could see day light through it from the middle of the barrel on up. Maybe I’ll keep my eyes open for either another used BHP with adjustable sights or a CZ.

You really need two Hi-Powers anyway.. one to shoot the snot out of and the other to covet so it'll last your lifetime.
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LOL I can't argue with that... I think everybody needs two High Powers… No wait, that will make the price go up…lol.

Thanks for all the replies so far…
 
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Get another Hi-Power and have Novak improve the trigger. Since you already have one, you already have a stash of magazines and other accessories.

I've had my "T" model since 1969 (Novak sights, trigger job and reliability package) and I've "shot the snot out of it" with tens of thousands or rounds down range. It's still my favorite handgun and still the most accurate.
 
Bushpilot said:
I’ve heard the HK P7’s were accurate but I don’t know very much about them. I’m curious as to what it is about their design that makes them so.
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The P7 uses a gas delayed blowback action with a fixed barrel. I'm sure the fixed barrel helps with accuracy as well as the smooth trigger and being really well built.
 
You really need to go to the range and rent as many as possible before making a decision. Just because a given pistol has a good reputation or it feels great while handling it at the LGS does not necessarily mean that you will shoot it well. For example, the HK P30 is very comfortable to me, but I shoot the Beretta 92fs much more accurately even though I do not find it very comfortable. However, I would not have known that if I had not rented the HK P30 (I own a 92fs).

That being said, the most accurate 9mm pistols for me are the CZ SP-01, Beretta 92fs, Sig p228, and Browning Hi power (though I agree the trigger really sucks).

Good luck in your search.

Cheers
 
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ku4hx said:
Get another Hi-Power and have Novak improve the trigger. Since you already have one, you already have a stash of magazines and other accessories.

I've had my "T" model since 1969 (Novak sights, trigger job and reliability package) and I've "shot the snot out of it" with tens of thousands or rounds down range. It's still my favorite handgun and still the most accurate.
Click to expand...
Only problem is you'll be waiting for about year to get your pistol back.
 
Ruger P95. An accurate and reliable pistol that won't break the bank.


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I love my HK P7M8

I had a blast recently, outshooting a bunch of guys with their Glocks and Springfield XDs.

A lot of quizzical looks from them at the little H&K

But they're expensive.

I got a Glock 17L for a range gun and I think it's great. Very long sight radius, still fairly light weight (for a longslide), and the mass out in front of the trigger makes it a very mild recoiling gun.

IMO, you'll need a trigger kit, they run between 40 and 75 bucks for a decent trigger kit.
 
1911

I am not 1 of those guys who thinks 1911 is the answer to everything but in this case it might be the right answer. Pick a good base gun that is in your price range. Who knows you might be happy with it right out of the box. If not you can always Accurize it later..
 
Another vote for the Hi-Power, it's a natural for on target accuracy and one of my favorite shooters. I have a blued 75th anniversary model that is also carried IWB in town. Since the OP already has magazines and accessories for the Hi-Power, it seems natural to get one with adjustable sights, if adjustable sights are really needed.

The knock on the Beretta M92 as I see it, is the decocker lever operates opposite from the Hi-Power/1911 slide safety lever.
 
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