$500 9mm compact challenge

[David N]

RELIABLE, COMPACT

I paid $200 for my Kel-Tec P11. This is on the high side for a used one but it was mint, I don't know if it had been fired when I got it. I feel it is a reliable and compact 9mmL. The factory MecGar mag only holds 10 rounds, but you can buy a S&W mag that fits and holds 12, as well as mag extenders. And it fits in my jeans pocket.

 

[silverlance]

hm

lots of votes for czp01 (pcr isnt available around here)
lotsa votes for bhp
p229 for finger memory

best dweals being mentioned:

p229 tutone from ordnance w/ night sights for 669
hk usp lefty for 500 (how hard is it to change to righty)
SIG P2022 (dont know much about this gun other than its sig pro 2 and polymer frame)
czpo1 @ 485$

thinking, thinking..

 

[holycrikey]

I would +1 a P99, but I'm biased, and it's outta your price range unless you go used.

So, I shall +1 the CZ P01. Great compact frame, decent grips. Internal rails, very very accurate. I have yet to find a CZ that isn't a damn well made gun and accurate to boot.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

My p228 just gouged its own slide and frame rails on something (probably a piece of brass or jacket?). As much as I have come to love this little gun, and gotten good with it, it's time to get a successor.

So, what is the probelm with the p228? Does it no longer function?

Can the damage be repaired by SIG? (That might cost less than a new gun, if it can be repaired.)

Have you talked with SIG?

Sounds like you've got, at least for you, an almost ideal gun. Why change?

There are used 228s available, too.

 

[lepmik]

+1 P-01.

I love the ergonomics of mine, and it's very accurate. 400+ rounds of cheap FMJ (and some JHP thrown in) through it with zero malfunctions. Also, it's something different than the usual Glock, Sig, XD, etc. Handles +p without problems. It meets all of your requirements.

Problems I have with it: the trigger certainly isn't match quality, but it's suitable for it's intended purpose (duty pistol). Also, it's harder to clean then some pistols for a couple reasons: 1. the poly finish won't take kindly to brake cleaners 2. it's difficult (I won't even try) to detail strip d/t being a decocker model Additionally, it can be tough to find extra mags for the gun.



Looks like I listed more negatives than positives, but for me, the positives far outshine the negatives.

 

[meef]

No sight rail.... but - the FN Hi-Power SFS goes for around $450 at CDNN. Got one, love it!

Or for a Real bargain With sight rails, the Taurus 24/7.

My $.02.

 

[Woody_in_MN]

I second meef. I have a Taurus 24/7 DAO - but oh what a nice trigger for a dao. And much more accurate than you would expect.

- w

 

[Soybomb]

I'd look at the P99 compact. Its available in a trigger style similar to sig's (they call it AS - antistress), is tennifer treated, and has a rail. A while back they were about $450, now it might be a bit harder to find one under $500, but if you look you might be able to do it. Their identical cousin the smith and wesson sw99 compact should be available for under $500.

 

[evan price]

Fix your SIG. Or get another SIG. That way the mags & parts can be interchanged. Nice to have all the parts you'll ever need ina drawer!

Otherwise, for $500, you can pretty much choose your poison. Glocks or Springer XD's are all under $500 as long as you stay away from lasers or duotone options. Maybe a Taurus Millenium Pro?
Go to a range that rents guns and shoot a bunch or them. Make up your own mind. Pretty much anything in the $300-$500 range is a good gun.

 

[SnakeEater]

I strongly recommend an XD45 Tactical. 14rds of .45, light rail, great grip and easy operating system make it hard to beat.

 

[MCgunner]

The PF9 Kel Tec isn't on the market, yet. It's more of a pocket 9, anyway, a subcompact. I'm not really sure WHY the rail, but I guess I won't hold that against it. Should be a nice gun for a danged nice price. If it's as accurate and reliable as my P11, it'll be a fine carry piece.

 

[albanian]

Kahr K-9 for a true compact. I don't consider SIG 229 to be a compact gun but if you do, then there are LOTS of choices. Almost everything is a compact if the SIG 229 is a compact to you. Beretta Vertec or Centurion is a good gun.

 

[GRP]

The CZ P01 does not have a safety. So you decock it and all it takes is a double action trigger pull. Get the Glock with an 8.5 trigger.

 

[Pilot]

The CZ P01 does not have a safety. So you decock it and all it takes is a double action trigger pull. Get the Glock with an 8.5 trigger.

So you trade a long double action trigger pull of the CZ for a shorter, funky, trigger pul that relies on a little tab in the trigger to be depressed that has more of a likelyhood of catching on something when holstered.

The CZ P01 and PCR have just as many safeties as a double action revolver which many consider the safest handgun.

 

[Black Snowman]

CDNN has police trade-ins of the 226 with night sights for $399. I know you can pick up ones from SIGs referb program which carry the new gun warranty. Also, first try winning the awesome Blackwater edition before you shell out the money.

I'm actually a big CZ fan but I'm a bigger fan of the same manual of arms. Every autopistol I have is capable of C&L for that reason except for the 1st one I bought, which is why I'm recommending the SIGs even though I don't like their sights and I can't say I was really happy with my results shooting the 220. Definately fine weapons, but they just don't work for me in their stock trim.

 

[GRP]

So you trade a long double action trigger pull of the CZ for a shorter, funky, trigger pul that relies on a little tab in the trigger to be depressed that has more of a likelyhood of catching on something when holstered

.

Don't get me wrong I love CZ75 guns. What I'm saying is the Glock is no more unsafe than the CZ. The Glock trigger is fairly long at least on the first shot. The short reset allows for quick short pulls on follow-up shots. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard when reholstering. Glocks are the most carred pistol by civilians and LE. On packing.org survey over 80% carried Glocks. See what the experts say
http://www.triad-tactical.com/equipment.htm

 

[crazed_ss]

I got a XD-9 at Turners in CA a couple months back. It was 459 + tax + DROS. It came out to a little bit over $500. I have been extremely satifisied with my purchase. Gun is safe, reliable and shoots very accurately. IMO, this is one of the best "bang for the buck" pistols on the market.

 

[tantrix]

Best bang for the buck is gonna be a Glock. If you can't find any good prices on new ones in your area, BUY A USED ONE. Glocks are some of the best handguns to buy used, because they have very little things to inspect for problems and even if you do find a problem, it's usually very minor and cost no more than a few bucks to fix. I scored a used 3rd Gen G19 for $350 and the only thing I had to do to it was replace the guide rod because it was chipped. Cost me a measly $5. I now have a G19 that looks practically brand new. I stand by that recommendation, look for a used Glock and you will have a damn fine piece for a good price.

A good place to start is looking at the firearms for sale sections of TheHighRoad, Glocktalk, and The Firing Line. Lots of great deals there. Good luck, and I hope you find what you're looking for.

 

[pablo45]

Since you seem like a da/sa kind of guy who likes the 9mm with a great rail system. Check out the Beretta px4 storm. What an awesome looking gun. I am in the market right now for one. They have everything that you are looking for. It even has a partner the Beretta cx4 storm rifle with a rail on it for the lights and lasers. The cool thing is that they are in your price range and the magazines on the cx4 are 17 rounds. I know the cx4 is interchangeable with the 92fs magazines. They are great guns.Good luck!

 

[cxm]

S&W 6906

There are a lot of police trade in S&W 6906s around for less than $300.

All have the S&W lifetime warranty. I bought a couple and they are all great shooters and very reliable. Mags are cheap too.

FWIW

Chuck

 

[sgt127]

$500 9mm compact challenge

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My p228 just gouged its own slide and frame rails on something (probably a piece of brass or jacket?). As much as I have come to love this little gun, and gotten good with it, it's time to get a successor.

Be honest...is this an excuse to get a new gun or is there something really wrong with your Sig? I'm OK with either one, and have used the same excuse many times , but, I can't imagine a scratch on the frame rail affecting the reliability of the gun one iota.