Full size 9mm under $800?

I would second (or whatever number we're at) the Walther PPQ

Great gun and with your budget you could go for the 5 inch if you wanted

I liked it more than the FNX-9.

H&K VP9 or a Beretta 92 w/ wilson combat parts would be my choices since you arent a big glock or M&P fan

-Matt S.

Had a P229 stainless elite and loved it, but it was very have and too thick feeling. Might have been worse with the thick rosewood grips it came with, but it was a gorgeous gun.

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I think you answered your own question.

Try a SIG P226. I love them so much I have two and run them with the Mecgar flush fit 18 round magazines.

A standard P226/P229 or one with the E2 grips will feel much thinner than the rosewood grips. I have the SIG aluminum grips on one of my P226s and they are great as are the Hogue G10 grips.

I second the recommendations for the Walther PPQ and the HK VP9 also. The new SIG P320 is also getting rave reviews.

My son has a CZ SP01 that I have fired quite a few times. Nice gun but it did not do it for me either and I prefer my P226 far more and shoot it better.

P226 with SIG aluminum grips and Mecgar 18 round magazine.




P229 with Hogue G10 grips.

Olympus said:

I may have to spend some time fondling. The ones on my radar will be the P226 and P229 without the wood grips, the VP9, the PPQ, and the G19 just because so many people seem to recommend it and I there is a great amount of aftermarket parts

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I have not shot the Walther PPQ.

I have had a chance to shoot the HK VP9. Not a bad gun by any means, but I liked the Sig Sauer P320 and liked it quite a bit better.

Actually, I think I like the FNH FNS-9 better than the HK VP9. But I would take any of the above over a Glock. They just don't point naturally for me or feel good in my hand.

I'll second the P226. I just acquired one from a Pawn Shop. I doubt if a mag was ever fired from it. I paid $599. Love this pistol. I also have the Ruger SR9c and the Glock 19.

that P226 above with the aluminum grips is frickin gorgeous

Walther PPQ
CZ P-09
Bersa Thunder HC9 Pro

Sig P226 or P229 or M11A1 is my answer.
My P226 has been a great shooter for me. I had an issue with the trigger bar spring but so far after some range trips it has been reliable. The P229 and M11A1 are excellent too. If you have the money, get a Sig. You won't regret it.
PS. The Sig P226 .40 S&W +2 magazine by Mec-Gar holds 21 rounds of 9mm and feeds them perfectly in a M11A1 or later gen P229 9mm. Cost is about $28.00.

Sounds like it's time for a M&P pro 5" or PPQ 5"...


I picked a CZ p-09 when I wanted a full sized accurate 9, and last week picked up a CZ 75 that I for some reason can shoot like a champ.

Maybe a better question is what handguns do you currently have that you do like?

CZ75B is a great value for a full size 9mm pistol. It is a little thinner than my 92FS. Shoots great.

I may have to spend some time fondling. The ones on my radar will be the P226 and P229 without the wood grips, the VP9, the PPQ, and the G19 just because so many people seem to recommend it and I there is a great amount of aftermarket parts

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You can get a decent Sig P228 for under $500.00, mine has a terrific DA/SA trigger. I like the VP9 and the PPQ M2, particularly the 5" barrel model, and (IMHO) the G17 is a better range gun than the G19.

I forgot to include that I already had the (CZ) SP01. It was alright. I didn't seem to shoot it as well as I expected though.

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IMHO, the CZ 75/85 variants are the best 9mm firearms for the money.

Add a few more dollars and get a SPHINX.

Add a few more dollars and get a SPHINX.

http://www.sphinxarms.com/index.php/about-us

It would be hard to top the HK VP9 if CCW is not a concern. The trigger is fantastic (maybe not to a 1911 guy but compared to a Glock it's amazing). The gun is a fantastic shooter and very easy to shoot well. The grip has three removable panels (Left, Right and Backstrap) and three different sizes for each giving you unmatched ability to tailor it to your hand. Plus it can routinely be found for $600 new.

I'm an HK guy so I'll also recommend the USPf9. SA trigger is okay and can be made much better (DA sucks though). With the factory Match Trigger option it's about as good as a plastic gun gets. The USP is one of the few guns that's rated for unlimited +P+ ammo, too. A bit big for CCW although I do sometimes carry it. The downsides are that the rail isn't standard (you need an inexpensive adapter to run most lights) and there are no removable panels for the grip. But you can add a magwell to it (the Jet Funnel kit) and run 18 round mags.

Beretta 92 sig226 or maybe a cz in that order

Olympus said:

I've had several P6s and loved them. Just need more capacity and more affordable aftermarket mags.


I've never owned a 226, only the 229 Stainless Elite. I think it felt thicker because it had the rosewood grips which are thicker than their plastic and G10 grips.

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Olympus, you have plenty of Sigs, have you tried the P320?

Ruger SR 9?

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I fired one and was impressed. Stainless upper with fantastic polyelastic lower. Once I got over seeing the little plunger striker in the rear poking out at me, I enjoyed shooting it. It was oddly accurate but not aesthetically appealing(IMO).