$500 9mm compact challenge

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silverlance

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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.

the catch: I'm only willing to spend about $500 before tax and CA dros fees. also, i'd like something with rails so i can mount a light to it. the p228 isn't going anywhere, and I like guns without rails too, but having a light makes the house HD much more effective imho. finally, no glocks. i'm enough of a klutz that i don't need one more klutz risk in my life.

so...

here's my lineup (add to this please with your own suggestions.. and where I might get it)

cz p-01, nib 9mm. $485 @ turner's store.
cpo sig p229 9mm. $499 @ ordnance outsellers (any info on the new guy?)
kel-tec: ?
walther: ?
s&w: ?
ruger: ?
bersa: ?
beretta: ?

ps: are there any revolvers with rails?
 
i'm enough of a klutz that i don't need one more klutz risk in my life.
Click to expand...

Then I will suggest the CPO SIG you cite in your post since you are already well aquainted with SIG P series' manual of arms. Additionally you state that one of the primary roles of the weapon will be home defense. In such a situation the anecdote that "you do not rise to the occasion, but revert to your lowest level of training" is very much applicable; again, familiarity is your friend here.
 
S&W makes an 8-shot .357 with a rail, but it's well out of your price range coming in just under a grand.

You should be able to find a Beretta 92 with a rail for under $500, though it will be used.
 
Here are a couple that should meet your needs.

S&W 69xx, 39xx or CS9 first two in the $275 to 375 range used and CS9 in the $450 range new
Kel-tec PF9 and P11 both in the $220 to 300 range - Subcompact

Hope this helps. :)
 
CDNN has

HK USP compact stainless w/ 4 mags, NEW!! for $499.:what: Variant 3, set for lefties but that can be changed. That's a great price.
 
I'll be "that guy" who just insists on introducing a BHP recommendation into any 9mm thread, regardless of stated preference.
My FM was $299, and is a workhorse, and actually looks pretty okay after switching the grips.
My Browning Practical with all the frills was $450 used, and with the exception of the finish, is just as good as the $299 version.
 
I would recommend a Walther P99, but you probably won't find a new one for under $500. The CZ P-01 would be my next choice, mine is a very nice pistol.
The Bersa Thunder 9 UC is my current favorite, but it does not have a rail.
 
You have a 228

You like the 228. You have trained with the 228. You know the controles on the 228. Get the 229. It is very close to what you know and are comfortable with. I have 2 and realy like them. 1 is still NIB! Shhh dont tell the GF. The other, a stainless w/nitesights is a real shooter. Accurate and reliable.

EDIT: I forgot to say- your 228 mags will work in the 229 also.
 
What about a Beretta PX4? I've never shot one, but I'm looking at picking one up in the next couple days. It's not very compact, but seems to conceal well. Worth a look.
 
Have you thought about a Springfield XD-9SC? I bought one a while back and love it. I'm in Kansas, not the PRK, but I paid $469+ tax = $500 on the nose here. Too bad you can't have HiCap mags there, because 15+1 feels nice, although you will have a longer grip with that mag. The 10rd mag still feels great in my hand. :) I should say that I've never tried to conceal it, so I don't know how well it works, but I've heard that it does well. Edit: Forgot to say that it has a rail, too.

I've heard nothing but good things about the CZs, and that's what I'm planning on getting in the future!
 
CZ-75 D PCR. Similar to the P-01 but without the light rail. I carry my PCR while my P228 sits in the safe. The PCR is more accurate, just as reliable, slimmer and carries more easily.
 
Try farting around with an XD.

For all intents and purposes of interaction, it's a Glock with a grip safety, though the manner of operation is entirely different.

I haven't shot myself with mine yet.
 
You have a 228

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You like the 228. You have trained with the 228. You know the controles on the 228. Get the 229. It is very close to what you know and are comfortable with. I have 2 and realy like them. 1 is still NIB! Shhh dont tell the GF. The other, a stainless w/nitesights is a real shooter. Accurate and reliable.

EDIT: I forgot to say- your 228 mags will work in the 229 also.
Click to expand...

+1. I'm a huge BHP fan, but I considered what was said in the post. Looking at his criteria, experience, and desire for klutz proofing, another SIG just makes sense in this situation.
 
uraarguy

That’s what I’m say’n. That’s why I love the USP, well one of the reasons. I learned to shoot a 1911, and that was pretty much the only handgun I shot from age 15 to 21. I was so used to the 1911 controls that the USP, while feeling quite different in the hand, was natural operations wise. First time, every time, I can switch back and forth between the USP and 1911 with out any of those “OK, what gun am I shooting again” moments. Which, for a carry or HD gun is very important.
 
I'll be the second guy that suggests you throw the Hi Power in as an option on any 9mm "what should I buy" thread.

But off the list you have posted, I'll pick the XD-9. Wait, that's not there either.
 
My list would be the following:

BHP FN or Used Browning version: Classic gun with great ergos.

CZ P01 or PCR: Great guns at great price. Triggers a rough out of the box but really sweeten up after 300 to 500 rounds.

Sig P225: If you can find one. Simply one of the best 9mm ever made. Slim single stack that fits the hand like a glove.

I would pass on the P229. Everyone will tell you that the p228 and p229 are the same gun but they are not. The P229s slide is machined stainless steel that just does not seem to balance as well. Plus the grips is slightly larger in my hands. They feel different and if you love the P228 as much as I do the P229 will not be the same.

Are you opposed to all polymers or just Glocks?
 
Walther P99 and S&W are out of your price range unless you look at S&W 908 & 910 value line models.

Ordnance Outsellers is a good place to deal with. He has new SigPro 2022's with night sights for $499. That's a good deal.

Ruger P95 is a terrific value, you should take a look at one. They're around $350 new.

But I think the Beretta PX4 would be a perfect choice. :D
 
SILVERLANCE,

I really, REALLY think you need to look at the Bersa Thunder 9mm. I bought a little Firestorm (by Bersa) in 40sw, a while back, and I liked it so much I bought a used Bersa Thunder 9mm. Hi cap 17 rounds. Pretty accurate, and the easiest take-down of any pistol I've seen. The only real down side is that magazines are damn expensive. (Although Pro-mag makes a low cap (10 rounds) that will work.) I think the Bersa will be the next CZ - if you know what I mean.

Another pistol to look at is the Taurus PT911. It has a fantastic trigger. DA/SA, exposed hammer - all the things I like in a semi-auto. A little too big for me as a CCW - but it might work for you. A great do it all gun - but not a Glock wannabe - so you can get them cheap.

Good luck,

- w
 
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