9mm range gun

[Captain33036]

Hi Everyone

I have everything I really need. Have SD, HD and CC covered, but....am thinking about a 9mm range gun. Something fun, accurate and appealling. 9mm for cost sake.

My ideal would be a SIG P229. I always liked SIGs and have had a 239 and 226.

I want an all metal arm that is very comfortable in my hands. I am an average guy and enjoy SIG's and 1911's. My two favorite guns have been a SIG 225 (which I unfortunately passed on a while ago...UG) and a Kimber Ultra .45, which I presently have. So, I am thinking that a 229 might fit me like a glove, as the 225 did (which I ..>UG!!!...passed on some time ago).

I also had a Kimber Pro Carry 9mm 1911. Liked it, had it a while....want something different.

I never shot well with a Beretta. Weird. 92 or Cougar. I think it is the geometry of the trigger.

The main issue is that SIG are damn pricey. I am on the hunt for a well priced one (want one on the newer side and with a rail)...so that is not easy.

SO..... thought you folks might be able to help me think of a back up selection.

I am not looking for a big range gun. The CZ SP-01 is probably out (it is also very heavy at 40oz). And....would like a rail...just for fun and for trying different things...so a CZ-75 is probably out.

SO:

Mid to regular sized
All metal....but....if there is a good case for it...can compromise on this
High quality
Fits nicely in my hand, fun to shoot
Very accurate.
Rails...to try different optic solutions and other accessories.
$700 or less

Any comments or suggestions, would be appreciated.

Thanks

John

 

[Pilot]

Browning Hi Power
CZ-75B, CZ-75 SA, CZ-85B or 85 Combat
1911 in 9MM, preferably Colt or STI if you can find one

No rails, but for a range gun, I don't know if that is really necessary. However, out of all you mention the SP-01 is one of the best.

 

[Quick Shot xMLx]

The polymer version of the SP-01 costs around $500, has rails, and weighs a lot less than the all metal SP-01.

 

[CZ57]

^ +1

 

[Bozwell]

Any particular reason you think 40oz is too heavy for a range gun? The only reason I can conceive of to go with a light-weight gun is if you're going to carry it on a regular basis. As a general matter though, a heavier gun will be a better choice for a range gun, as they're softer shooting and will let you get back on target more easily.

In any event, if the SP-01 is too heavy, CZ makes the P-01 which is an aluminum framed gun with a rail.

 

[Captain33036]

Weight is not too big a deal for me, but if I want my girlfriend to try it....that will be quite heavy for her. But...probably not a good idea to make a selection based on someone else's needs.

Polymer version of the SP-01 might be interesting. In my experience, however, polymer rails do not hold up well at all.

I would like a rail simply because it is a convenient way to try some accessories out. Since the gun is not needed for SD or HD (though it could fill in), it could serve as a test bed gun.

I am surprised no one has mentioned the XDm or M&P Pro. Or the FNP-9. Have heard some things about these...but still not convinced they have triggers that would be good range gun triggers or the accuracy I am looking for.

J

 

[wally]

9mm 1911. Sweet shooting range toy. RIA 9mm "Tactical" won't break the bank, or the STI "Spartan" for about 55% more, which is basically the same gun with better sights and trigger parts. Not that there is anything wrong with the RIA trigger or sights, but you can do better if you are willing to pay a good bit more to do so. I'd rather put the extra money towards a case and a half of steel cased ammo for more at the range fun!

Approaching 4000 rounds through my RIA 9mm, no problems since the first couple of hundred where I had a few failures to go fully into battery.

My wife is 5'1" 110 lbs and loves shooting the 9mm RIA, its crisp trigger and recoil soaking steel frame weight makes it the only 9mm she really has fun with.

 

[sigarms228]

Since you like SIGs check out the SIG SP2022. Yes it has a poly frame but it is a great gun including for range use. SIG accuracy and quality in a poly frame with a great trigger out of the box.

There are also lots of great used or CPO P226s, P229s, and sometimes a P228 if you look around.

 

[armoredman]

In my experience, poly seems to hold up quite well, as evidenced by the G-rocks in service today - the ones at my last job held up well to 11+ years of continuous service. As for the CZ poly, like this,



Well, it seems to be holding up quite well after over a year of use. It is dead nuts reliable, and accurate, seen here is the very first target i ever shot with mine,



A nice group with a cast lead reload,



And same load at 50 yards, taped is two hand standing, untaped is two hand braced. Windage mistake is all me.



At Buds for $520, http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...989/Handguns/CZ+USA/CZ SP01 PHANTOM 9mm 18RD/

Also the P-01 would fit your bill, aluminum frame, rail, and fun to shoot,



That's all the wear mine has with over 7 years of every day, and I mean every single day carry.

Hope that helps a bit, have fun with whatever you select, sir!

 

[guyfromohio]

You named them. I really think the CZ75b fits your needs for that job on that budget.

 

[Captain33036]

Gentlemen,

Thank you of the many recommendations. The CZ P-01 looks very interesting. Hard to keep all the models in your head. That one seems a very close match in size and weight to the Sig 229. Has a rail. Seems a handsome side arm. How is the accuracy compared to the SP-01 phantom?

I will have to do some research on these.

Would welcome more comments on the other guns mentioned.

Thanks
J

 

[CZ57]

If striker fire is not an exclusion than I wholeheartedly recommend the XDm. I have the .45 version and rate it as the top polymer pistol out there all things considered. Interchangeable back-straps and match grade barrel. 20 rounds in 9mm, 16 in .40 S&W and 13 in the .45! Then there are the 3.8 Compacts as well that have full mag capability and short round capability for CC.

 

[Bozwell]

I think you overestimate how much 40oz weighs. My mom is a pretty petite lady and has put 10 rounds into a clover leaf at 10 yards with my SP-01 Shadow custom (outshot me that day, haha). Unless it's your girlfriend's carry gun, I really wouldn't worry about the weight.

 

[armoredman]

The P-01 has a significantly shorter barrel than the Phantom, and is not as accurate, in my hands, as my Phantom, but it will certainly do for me.

I had to dig up some target pics, seems many got deleted for space as I started shooting the Phantom more and more. Here's a few.

Nice group atop evidence of not so nice groups.



25 yards, and all groups shot two hand standing,



Not a target pistol, but it will certainly hold its own as a combat pistol.

 

[needmorecowbell]

the CZ'S are hard to beat. If solely for range use I'd get the SP01 or the P01 if really concerned about weight. Let me throw another option out there too though a bit off the wall. I was at my LGS a week ago and they had gotten in some new Canik55 models that are CZ clones made in Turkey, which is known to make good quality guns and respected in the industry to my knowledge. They're just now starting to get imported into the U.S. I think. I handled the C100 which is just like the P01 but with manual safety instead of decocker. That's a plus to me. Anyways, they were going for $350, so if your budget is around $700, you could get one similar to the P01 + one like the SP01 and then you and your girlfriend are happy. Or, just get 1 and save a bunch of money. If your interested here is the link to my LGS (GunEnvy). Ask for Jonathan. http://www.gunenvystore.com/index.php?main_page=contact_us&zenid=76e2ae7329bc6adb64edff75d134a3f1

 

[Serenity]

I would put the weight further down on the list of priorities, as well. I have a P226 and I love that weight that keeps it smooth and brings it back down for the next shot. It has been my experience with first-time shooting that her neck, back and brain will tire out before her arms.

 

[DFW1911]

As others have said, I recommend trying a BHP or CZ-75. Find a local range that rents them and put them through the paces.

I think you'll find both are outstanding pistols...and, arguably, two of the most natural pointers on the market, esp. (with all due respect) to the 229 platform.

As an added bonus, you'll be able to spend the $ you save by purchasing one of the aforementioned on ammo, which is helpful in a pistol .

Anyway you go, have fun and enjoy what you buy...or sell it immediately!

Take care and stay safe,
DFW1911

 

[memphisjim]

gen 3 glock 17L plenty out there
glock 6 inch barrel
or get a sig 226 x-6 2grand
id rather type than read i hope this is useful

 

[Pilot]

am surprised no one has mentioned the XDm or M&P Pro.

Typical gun store pusher recommendations. along with Glock because that's what they stock and make money on. Not bad guns, but there may be a better fit, and value for you out there. Lots of good options in this thread to consider. The polymer rail worry is a non-issue as they have steel inserts for the steel rails to run on. You're not running metal on plastic.

I'm not a big polymer fan in general because I just don't like the feel, but that CZ SP-01 Phantom looks like a really nice gun, and I trust Armordeman's opinion.

 

[Captain33036]

Great replies, I appreciate al the input.

Still thinking SIG. The 2022 looks very interesting, especially for the price. Looks to be one of the less expensive options. And you still get the sig trigger and ergonomics. Said to be sig accurate. The controls on it look a little funky to me though....wish they just kept it the same as the P series.

CZ sp-01 phantom is a consideration.

Weight is not an issue for me, I shoot mostly full sized 1911's. My girlfriend is definitely weight sensitive though. She is very new to shooting and not sure she likes it yet.

I have tried polymer guns. Glocks. M&P. Nothing wrong with them, but never warmed up to them. Tried putting something on a glock rail....if flexed....was not impressed.

Still considering used or CPO Sigs. Have seen some for under 600. I could just reorient my thinking to a Sig 226....and find plenty of used ones, if I chose not to go with a rail.

The old beat up frankensig 226 I had was a pretty amazing shooter. The 225 I looked at felt as though it was a custom fit glove for my hand. The balance was perfect.

If plastic, I think HK's are very good...but again....we are into big money.

The FNP9 is supposed to be good....I looked at one...felt good in my hands...but it seems to get mixed reports on accuracy and trigger.

 

[roaddog28]

The S&W 5906 is a great range toy and can be had at a sweet deal while they last.

+1 on a 5906. If you like Sigs then you should like a S&W 3rd generation pistol. They are as accurate, as reliable and as durable. And they are also more affordable than Sigs. I have a 5903 and love it. I think the 3rd generation semi-autos are the best kept secret.
Regards,
Howard

 

[sigarms228]

Still considering used or CPO Sigs. Have seen some for under 600. I could just reorient my thinking to a Sig 226....and find plenty of used ones, if I chose not to go with a rail.

Sounds like SIG is what you really want based on your past experiences and I agree. You can find CPO/used within your budget with or without rail.

I bought this 1996 German proofed P226 from my local gun store for $500 with original case, manual, and factory test target and it was around 98% condition and looked to have a couple boxes ammo through it at the most. What a fantastic trigger too. If you can find a nice used P228 then that is another fantastic pistol.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Check out the Bersa Thunder 9.
www.bersa.com

 

[Bozwell]

I'll drop it after this but if she's new to shooting, a heavier gun would likely be preferred. A polymer such as the CZ Phantom does recoil more than the heavier Shadow or other all-steel SP-01. I had a friend who thought for sure that weight was a major issue and bought a gun based in part on weight, only to find that they don't like the snappyness of the lightweight guns and now that 9mm sees very little range time. In short, lifting 40oz isn't going to turn someone off from shooting - but shooting something with a snappy recoil may. Outside of extreme examples, shaving off weight is only a consideration for carry guns.

 

[Captain33036]

Well.... now thinking it may be between a FNX-9 and a used SIG, either 229 or 226.

FNX-9's can be had for $550 new. I am not a big fan of polymer, but I know that there are many in use with professionals in the military, state, local and federal agencies.

The FNX seems to have ergonomics semilar to a 1911. That might be a training advantage for me.

Accuracy and reliability are said to be very good to excellent. Not sure...really need to investigate this further...but if "SIG" accurate....that would be fine with me.

Trigger is said to be as good or better than a SIG, especially in DA.

Still..... The slide to frame fit does not seem to be as tight as it is on a sig or some other guns, to me.

So....sp-01 is still in the running... I do like the slide fit.

But....A Sig still seems to be the top choice...

Would be great to hear from anyone who has experience with FNX or FNP 9's

Appreciate all

best

John