New 9mm search advice.

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Centurian22

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Hello all,

I'm starting research into a new 9mm handgun. It will technically be my Wife's, but it will be used by both of us and carried primarily by me as she doesn't feel ready to carry yet. Now before everyone unloads on the "let her pick it" train, I plan to. I just need an idea of where to start and what to handle at the LGS. My wife doesn't have the attention span to just start pointing at and picking up half the guns in the case.

Desired specifications: preferably 9mm but not going to rule out other options. My wife is 5' 9", strong, and has had no trouble dealing with recoil thus far but has only shot 'up to' a 9mm so far. She doesn't like 'small guns' and requires a 'full size' grip that will accommodate all three supporting fingers. She MIGHT consider something along the lines of a sub compact with an extended grip but doubtfull. The absolute MUST HAVE in her book is a manual safety. High capacity 15+ rounds preferable but not required. Lastly price: we are trying to stay under $600, the lower the better within reasonable quality limitations.

So far I plan to look into a Taurus 24/7 and a Beretta PX4 storm, any input on these would be appreciated.

I want a Springfield XD9, she liked the feel of them and how they shoot but the lack of a manual safety is holding her back.

Thanks all!!!
 
CZ 75C, S&W M&P9 w/manual safety, are just a couple I would own. Actually owned a CZ 75D PCR, but you want a manual safety. Go rent some at a local range, se what you/she likes.
 
Unfortunately there are no ranges / shops that rent anywhere in my area, potentially none anywhere in my state (Maine). Though one LGS is in the process of building an on site range, just doesn't help me anytime soon.

Thanks for the recommendations so far I'll be looking into them.
 
You said you want to eventually carry. You are aware a full size gun doesn't conceal we'll right? If you plan to conceal I would go smaller and lighter.

Kahr cw9 - more of a full size grip but thin enuf to conceal
M&P shield
Bersa 9 for cc

All of these are great options.
 
1) Ruger SR9c
2) CZ 75 Compact
3) Beretta PX4 Compact

You could also look at the CZ P-01 which is a DA/SA design with a decocker instead of a frame mounted safety. It's the same size as the CZ 75 Compact. The Beretta might be the softest shooting of the three in that it uses a rotating barrel system which by the way it operates reduces recoil somewhat. The CZ might also feel like it has less recoil because it has a steel frame and weighs a bit more than the other two. The Ruger is the lightest gun, weighing in at 23.4 ounces. The Beretta is next at 27.3 ounces and the CZ is 32 ounces.
 
Forget anything with a DA/SA trigger system. This includes the Beretta, Sig, CZ and others.

The M&P and XD are both available with a thumb safety. The M&P has 3 sizes of grip inserts she should try at the store.
 
The M&P and XD are both available with a thumb safety. The M&P has 3 sizes of grip inserts she should try at the store.

The M&P compact 9 has 12 rnd mags and the mags w/ the pinky extension will allow all fingers to be supported. It would be somewhat easier to conceal than the M&P full size if that is a concern.
 
The M&P compact 9 has 12 rnd mags and the mags w/ the pinky extension will allow all fingers to be supported. It would be somewhat easier to conceal than the M&P full size if that is a concern.

Not really. The 12 rd mag makes the butt is nearly as long as the standard size. It's not difficult to conceal the full size M&P
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by climbnjump

The M&P compact 9 has 12 rnd mags and the mags w/ the pinky extension will allow all fingers to be supported. It would be somewhat easier to conceal than the M&P full size if that is a concern.

Not really. The 12 rd mag makes the butt is nearly as long as the standard size. It's not difficult to conceal the full size M&P
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Um, notice I mentioned "somewhat easier" to conceal. The barrel/slide of the compact version is still smaller than the FS model. I have and do carry both the compact and FS versions, so I do know the difference and for me, the compact is "somewhat easier" to conceal.

Your (not you're - see how I worked that in there?) mileage may vary. :)
 
I have a Ruger SR9 and Beretta PX4 (full size). Both are excellent guns. The Beretta is one of the smoothest and softest recoiling 9mms I've ever shot. My wife is 5'3" and has no trouble handling the Ruger either. Can't go wrong with either.
 
CZ 75b, it meets all your criteria and the women in my family like it. Bonus is the availability of the Kadet conversion kit . I use my Kadet upper a lot, being able to practice with cheap ammo in your full size, full weight, same controls, same trigger weapon is a real plus. Time to switch uppers ... ~15 sec..

8120577651_9df7098544.jpg
 
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