Cheap fun 9mm for the range?

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David007

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I have a Ruger Mark III (.22lr).
I bought that because bullets are cheap ($19 for a brick of 500).

Now i want to move to the next size up, which is 9mm. (Box of 50 is $10.50 @ Walmart)

1) I saw a new Taurus PT24/7 Pro for $335 + FFL/shipping.
It has a rail, so i can also add a cheap $20 laser later for more fun.

but $375 (including FFL/shipping) is kinda steep for a range plinker?

2) I was also looking at the Keltec P11. At first the 10 round mag turned me off. I dont like reloading often. Then i saw 12round mags (at same size??). Plus Smith and Wesson 59 series mags (15round) are compatible.

But buying the extra mags will add to the cost.


What do you think?

Other Suggestions for a cheap fun 9mm range plinker?
 
Would you consider buying a used gun? There are some amazing deals for police trade in guns out there. Buds has a pile of them (Glock 17) around the $400 mark.

I'd also encourage you to look at the EAA Witness/CZ 75 and Taurus PT92, both around the $400 mark new.
 
I would not consider a Kel Tec P11 a range gun. P11's are good, inexpensive, small, concealable firearms. But they do not make good range guns. They fall more in the realm of carry a lot shoot a little guns. I would suggest a Ruger P-95 you can get the blued ones new for right around $300. I am sure someone else will be along with more suggestions.
 
I would not consider a Kel Tec P11 a range gun. P11's are good, inexpensive, small, concealable firearms. But they do not make good range guns.

All correct.

Look for used or look for surplus, failing that you'll just have to get out and actually handle the lower-price models and figure out what you like. Every handgun is a compromise, you're going to sacrifice something to get a cheap plinker, I think my lowest-cost 9mm is a German police surplus Walther P.1, it is large, has a heel release, and takes 8x mags ... but it has a nice trigger and good ergonomics, I picked it up for a bit over $300 if I remember right. Chances are that's not the gun for you, I'm just tossing out an example.
 
If you're moving up to 9mm for the first time, get a full size gun, preferably one with some weight to it.
Maybe a used Beretta? Very nice easy shooting guns.
Used CZ 75 or 85?
Better a used quality gun than a cheap new one IMO.
 
Would you consider buying a used gun? There are some amazing deals for police trade in guns out there. Buds has a pile of them (Glock 17) around the $400 mark.

I'd also encourage you to look at the EAA Witness/CZ 75 and Taurus PT92, both around the $400 mark new.

A used G17 would fit the bill....that is if it fits you.
 
the sigma is cheap. 300 plus 50 dollar rebate. as for fun...depends on what kind of trigger you are used to. i enjoy shooting mine, but as you can see in other threads some do not.
 
used Beretta 92s are just fun guns to shoot at the range. Like has been said, quality used guns are better than cheapy new ones.
 
The KT P-11 is not a range gun. Recoil is very manageable but is still on the snappy side. Also, it is not made for tens of thousands of rounds.

A used S&W 59XX series is a good range toy that will eat anything - even steel cased ammo without a hiccup and will last tens of thousands of rounds. I have a S&W 5946 that I devote to the range and it eats a diet of Silver Bear ammo and has about 20 2nd tier (Eagle brand) mags dedicated to it for the range. You can find 3rd Gen S&W semis all over for under $300 with some prices below $250. Range quality mags can be had for $10 each. SD/HD quality mags can be had for $20. I just picked up a bunch of new OEM S&W 59XX SS mags for $20 a piece.

I would steer away from the Taurus' semi-autos (even as range toys) except for the PT92 but that's just me.


David007

Cheap fun 9mm for the range?
<SNIP>
1) I saw a new Taurus PT24/7 Pro for $335 + FFL/shipping.
It has a rail, so i can also add a cheap $20 laser later for more fun.

but $375 (including FFL/shipping) is kinda steep for a range plinker?

2) I was also looking at the Keltec P11. At first the 10 round mag turned me off. I dont like reloading often. Then i saw 12round mags (at same size??). Plus Smith and Wesson 59 series mags (15round) are compatible.

But buying the extra mags will add to the cost.
 
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Taurus PT92 new or used would be a good one.

Some reports of quality issues, but they are generally deemed good.

Possibly a PT911, though that's getting more into a home defense.

I saw a HK USP 9mm the other day for $669 (used) and firm according to the owner. Not keen the trigger, but would be a range gun. If it sits a while, can dicker, its sat for a month. Get it down to $499-$550 range and likely a good one.
 
Po2hammer: +1

IMHO, I would recommend 4" bbl as the minimum for a range gun

I also agree with others that a used medium priced range gun is a better buy than the cheap new guns. If you're lucky you can also get some deals like X-tra mags or other good equipment that comes with it.
 
I humbly suggest you eliminate the word 'cheap' from your thought process. I/we understand what you are 'aiming' for but lower cost semi-auto would have been a better way to describe it....

doesn't matter what you pay for this 'new' 9mm... if it doesn't function well at the range then it will not be fun.

simple suggestion... Ruger P95 or P89 used or new will do exactly what you want. Stick with the brand you already like.
 
Other Suggestions for a cheap fun 9mm range plinker?

Box of 9mm = $10.50
Borrowing a friend's 9mm = free
Enjoying the day at the range on someone else's equipment = priceless
:D:D:D

In all seriousness, used S&W 5900 series or used Glock would fit your bill nicely. to be honest, bottom dollar for GOOD cheap 9mm's is somewhere in the 300's (depends on many factors). although, I've seen used 5900's go for mid 200's before...
 
Get a used G17. When you have some more money saved up get a few 30 round mags. Cheap, fun and you won't have to reload often.:D
 
thedriver101
<SNIP>
In all seriousness, used S&W 5900 series or used Glock would fit your bill nicely. to be honest, bottom dollar for GOOD cheap 9mm's is somewhere in the 300's (depends on many factors). although, I've seen used 5900's go for mid 200's before...



http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=205140880
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=204885881
http://www.summitgunbroker.com/5904.html
http://www.summitgunbroker.com/59.html

Even the 1st Generation 59 is good for the range and then some. Just gotta remember that there's no firing pin block.

 
Cheap is not an option in centerfired ammo IMHO...

Your 19 dollar for 500 is a good example:evil:

9mm is about as cheap as it will get now though, there are a lot of good buys out there just have to keep alert and on the look out, this is the season when selling is just as high as buying:(

Good hunting:)
 
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