Thinking of getting a 9mm

geophysicishooter said:

... I suppose it's about the same as the S&W glock knock-off that I had a while back (hated it, btw.. there's a world of difference, imo, from it and an actual glock) and I didn't find cc'ing it to be very... covert, let's say...

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Nope, the S&W Sigma (which is what it sounds like you had) is more comparable to the Glock 17. The G19 is smaller than either, with the G26 smaller still. I find the G19 the best compromise for CCW, but many carry the G17 while others (incl. some in this thread) greatly prefer the little G26.

Just FYI, from top to bottom, G17L, G34, G17, G19, G26 (all 9mm):

You could always cheap it and go Kel-Tec, if you want slim and cheap accessories, too.

Hi Power. Best feeling semi auto I have held. Either a real Browning or a good clone. Was shooting mine alongside a 45 this weekend. It reminded me how much I like the caliber and the platform. Accurate, and quick to get back on target. I like my FEG so much, it became my carry gun.

Browning Hi Power. Ergonomically the best feeling 9mm around. They're reliable, accurate, and time tested.

Plus it can be carried cocked and locked, my preferred method.

Good luck and enjoy what you do end up buying.

Keep us posted (of course we'll expect a range report !

If the main purpose of getting a 9mm is because it's cheap to shoot for plinking; then there are plenty of options. If you need something to carry; what's wrong with the 45's and 40's that you have now? Do you plan on bursting our a box of 45acp every night while you're carrying the 45??? If so, you might want to consider moving. Ask some police officers, and you'll find that they "Qualify" with their weapon 1 or 2 times a year. Many don't shoot much more than that. For hobby, you have lots of options. In other words, you don't have to shoot your carry gun every month. You're not going to forget how to shoot it. And your gun isn't going to forget how to go bang. And anyone that says you have to practice with your carry gun, would probably tell you that you're "Suppose" to practice with the same ammo that you carry.

Truth is; even shooting a 22LR pistol will keep your muscle memory and aiming accurate and trained. Save your money and go get a decent 22LR pistol. You can get some really nice ones for $200-$400. And for $20, you can shoot 500 rounds. That $2 for a box of 50.

Lets say; for whatever reason; you don't want to shoot a 22 just for plinking and to stay proficient. Let's say you want something "More Realistic". OK, I'll buy that. But why does it have to be something that you all of a sudden are going to replace your trusty pistol that you use now that is in 45acp? You want to save money; be able to have fun; to practice; etc.... Ok, you want a 9mm. Go out and get yourself a HighPoint 9mm for $150 brand new. It has a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Shoot the crap out of it and have a lot of fun. Why do you need another gun for carry? There's nothing wrong with your 45 or 40. The answer isn't that you need to carry what you're practicing with.

Me personally; I'd spend $200 on a 22LR; and then go out and shoot 500 rounds for $20. Keep the 45/40 for carry/defense. And if you're hell bent on a more "Realistic" caliber, then get the Highpoint 9mm.

look at these from CZ-
http://www.impactguns.com/store/806703911861.html
http://www.impactguns.com/store/806703011905.html
http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-p01/
you can get Crimson Trace lasergrips with all of these compact pistols.
affordable and pretty.
oh and not to mention they have been known to have the best ergenomics of any compact pistol, THAT is what has made CZ more famous than anything
and they are accurate. and affordable.
only downside? prepare to spend a nice chunk of your arm and leg on magazines.

Check this site out as well
http://www.best9mm.com/
http://www.best9mm.com/compact9mm.html

Aah...the 9mm epiphany. It truly is the most practical handgun round. Obtain one and reap the benefits. I highly suggest the Glock 19 as the best all around sized Glock. I own all three sizes, each has it's own use.

geophysicishooter said:

... Question: is the frame geometry of the g26 similar enough to the g36 that I'd be able to use my existing g36 holster for both? that might influence the process...

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The G36 is one of the few Glocks that I haven't owned, so I can't speak from experience on that... BUT, I'm prety sure I recall reading about folks who use the same holster for both the G19 and the G36. Hopefully someone with both can confirm or deny this.

a nice .22 pistol is something that I don't actually have... that's something I'll have to consider.

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Honestly, if you want a range toy, and not a CC pistol, go with a .22 that mimics your carry choice's controls.
There are approximately 23,874,698 threads on "what .22 pistol?", so all the pros/cons of every model ever made should be available through search.

There is not a PPS model with a decocker switch, that I am aware of. As far as I know, the only variations are 9mm and fo-tay ... all the firing mechanisms are the same (unlike the P99)
The striker is pre-cocked, with some further cocking action accomplished with the trigger, and a reasonable trigger pull.
If you pull up the PPS manual (available HERE)
... ...Go ahead, I'll wait while you open it up ... ...
you can see the striker mechanism on page 28, in fig 28.1, right behind/under lube point #4, there is a cruciform piece that pulls the striker back ... it mates up with the bit on the rear of the slide in fig 28.2 (right forward of the spring you can see in the cutout, which is, of course, the striker spring)
The striker is pre-cocked every time the slide moves rearward on the frame ~1/2", that cruciform bar (slightly better view in fig 13.1 & 13.2) pulls the striker back a bit and then drops out of the way, releasing the striker and firing.

So, the bottom line is that the action is not quite "double-action only", but not "single-action" either, hence the "pre-cocked striker fire" name, which makes sense only if you look at the internals.
The end result is a medium-weight trigger that after some break-in is very smooth and comfortable, with a good reset length for follow-up shots. It is NOT a target/match trigger, and it was never meant to be, but it IS a great SD pistol, and still more accurate than most shooters.

Oh, I figured out the "decocker" bit ... the PPS has a detachable backstrap that doubles as an interlock to disable the gun, much like a magazine interlock ... pulling the backstrap will decock the gun, but as there is no way to pre-cock the striker other than moving the slide, de-cocked carry is not a very wise option. The backstrap disabling device is for storage or shipping, and of dubious value otherwise ... I figured out which backstrap was comfortable and haven't removed it since, for disassembly I simply dry-fire like a Glock take-down, rather than pulling the BS.
I see no real improvement over removing the slide or barrel from the gun, so I leave it alone, but ignore any worries about dropping/breaking the backstrap during a reload, I tried to pop it out with a mag, and it took serious effort and actually looking at the mechanism ... it is not a concern during a reload.

For the money- i would go with glock or beretta

GEO,

Since you limited your budget to $500.00, I look at:

1. GLOCK 19. This is my favorite model of GLOCK. It is light, compact and easy to conceal, yet large enough for good control. It is also reliable as an anvil. I can buy them for less at the police supply, but you can still get them for under $500.00 if you shop arround.

2. BERETTA 92. For a shooter, the 92 is hard to beat. Very accurate and reliable, but as hard to conceal as it is accurate. Still, for a shooter, you can get factory demo guns for under $400.00. I just bought a 92d Compact with nite sites for $375.00.

3. STOEGER Cougar 8000. These are also dead reliable, accurate and I see them in stores for $369.00, brand new. Negative is that they are not as easy to carry or conceal as a GLOCK 19. You can also use the BERETTA 8000 magazines in them, since they are the same exact gun, but now made in TURKEY by a BERETTA owned company.

4. SMITH & WESSON Sigma. They are selling them for $329.00 here in TAMPA, FL with a $50.00 mail in rebate coupon knocking the price to $279.00. They are not pretty and many people have complained about the trigger. When I shoot it, I found the trigger was good enough and the gun worked fine. As a shooter, I would say it is the best buy for the money.

5. WALTHER PPS. Is a fantantic little gun, but pricey. I like them a lot, but have not bought one for the $700.00 + price. I really like the WALTHER P-99, but it is expensive as well.

6. AVOID, REPEAT AVOID THE SIG 225. It is a very accurate little pistol and fairly compact (about the same size as the GLOCK 19) at a great price for a SIG. The problem is that the only hollow point ammo that seems to work in it is the nearly unobtainable GECO BAT ammo.

Good luck with your choice.

Jim

I've done the same thing as well. I'd suggest you get a 9 mm that is closest in make and model to your carry pistol. I'd also suggest you put on the same sights. My two cents on your first 9 mm.

Xd shoot one and you will see why. If not get a glock used ones are abundant.

Glock!

Another point in the favor of the PPS, if you want an even cheaper trainer the P22 has a similar control layout and size, plus if you let it run dirty and load up cheapo ammo (remington for mine), you get the MalfTrainer P22000 (patent pending) ... but with good ammo (Mine likes CCI and Federal 550 bulk) and regular cleaning you have a nice plinker
Both sides of the P22 will make your shooting better, and practice with the mag release lever is nice.