9mm: Taking The Plunge

[Bozwell]

If you don't mind a used firearm, I recently picked up a P228 from Widener's reloading supply. It arrived with some pretty minor holster wear but functions flawlessly. I ran 100 rounds through it last weekend shooting a mix of paper/steel and didn't have a single issue. I plan to redo the springs in it and the night sights are pretty weak these days, but all in all I consider it a great deal for $450.

 

[kayak-man]

I have the Ruger SR9. The one with the "Duck-Hunt" trigger. My understanding is that there are two "generations" of SR9s. The first are the ones with a round magazine release, followed by the ones with the "D" shaped mag-release. I hear that the trigger on the Gen1 is not as smooth as the ones on the Gen2*. Please correct me if any of that is wrong.

A week ago, I did the math, and I figure my SR9 has somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 rounds through it. The gun has never malfunctioned. Not once. I shoot the falling plate matches with it once a week at my local range, and I carry it all most every day, OWB, and it conceals quite nicely under a jacket. The trigger pull, though not as good as the newer ones, is not bad at all. I took my local ranges Personal Defense Levels 1&2 with it, and when I have the opportunity, I'll use it in L3, and at Gunsite.

The gun shoots accurately. I personally don't shoot groups very well, but if I do my part, I can get all my rounds inside the A/B zone of an IPSC/USPSA target at 20 yards. I mostly shoot steel plates, so my accuracy on paper isn't all that fantastic, but that's my shortcoming, not the guns.

I feel like this gun holds its own with Glocks, Sigs, 1911s, and Berretas in competition.

*- Please forgive me using the GLOCK "Gen1, Gen2" terminology in reference to a Ruger.

...But I DO SO LOVE my SR9c!!

Preach it, Brother!

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[Quoheleth]

Since you have a Witness, I would say any of the CZs - 75, 85, P01, etc. - would be a good and familiar platform.

The SR9/9c would also be an excellent choice.

The XD(m) is getting a lot of press time in NRA mags. Might be worth looking at, but it is significantly more than the Ruger and somewhat more than the CZ.

Q

 

[mdauben]

I have been eyeing up some glocks (unsure of exact model though yet), but am definitely open to more suggestions if anyone may have any for me to keep an eye out for.

Its hard to beat Glock for reliability and value and if you are comfortable with their "safe action" and they fit your hand, there's really no reason to look any further. For an all around carry gun, I like the mid-sized Glock 19.

There are lots of choices though, if anything about the Glock doesn't meet your personal needs. Sig, Kahr, CZ, S&W, and Ruger all make good semiautos in 9mm.

I have tiny hands so fit has to be right.

If you do have problems with the grips on the double-stack guns from most manufacterers, you could take a look at Kahr's single-stack 9mm's.

Stoeger Cougar in 9mm.

I've heard good things about the Cougar, but for me the slide mounted saftey is a deal killer. I just don't like them. If you are just looking for a range gun, it probably does not matter, but if you want to use it for SD it can be an issue.

 

[cocojo]

S&W SD9 I bought one and love this gun. Look up the spec's it's a ton of gun for the money.

 

[moto_stevo]

I read through this whole thread. I saw one mention af the s$w 59xx series.'my first pistol was a S&W 915. Its a budget model 59xx series.... Fixed sights no bling. It's been a tac driver for over 20 years. Most I have seen sell for around $300. Mine has never malfunctioned.... My free $.02

 

[Lerk]

Well definitely have some feedback for you guys from my visit to the shop today, however it is quite disappointing. I tried out the SR9, grip feels too skinny for me, feels like the gun wants to shank off to one side. Tried out the Cougar, control locations didn't feel nice at all on that one. Went through a few glocks, mainly 17 and 19 and a few compacts, again didn't find one I liked. That's all I found there, so still a few suggestions on the table but I'll have to look harder for them. Although I did hear that my local shop is getting a "good" deal on Rock Island 1911's in 9mm and they also include another caliber barrel (can't remember what though) and for around $400 for all of it, so as much as a purist as I am with 1911's, I may swing for that.

 

[kayak-man]

I've heard some good things about the Rock Island guns, so those might be a pretty good option for you, especially if you like the 1911 platform. With the RIA, I'd recommend getting the tactical model, it has better sights and an beavertail safety, but if you like the G.I. guns, there's nothing wrong with those.

Another option I thought I'd just throw out there is Ruger does make a Blackhawk in .357 with a 9mm cylinder. I don't know what you think about the single action revolvers, but if your primary goal is to find something to reload for, this might be an interesting avenue to explore.

Sorry so many of the ones you looked at didn't feel right to you I know what its like to get all excited about a gun, then you pick it up and the grip just feels wrong.

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[Lerk]

Anyone know what glocks in 9mm came with the same generation frame as a G22? Held a G22 .40 S&W (2006 serial #) today and liked the feel of it very much and was hoping that there was a similar model in 9mm. I tried looking it up but one source says that it was a 1st gen frame but it looks and feels just like a 3rd gen, so I'm a little confused. I'm thinking that it is indeed a 3rd gen frame on it due to the 2006 serial and the info I found was just outdated.

 

[Wanderling]

What exactly was the felt difference ? Anyway, I believe G22 has the same frame as G17. Gen 1 Glocks didn't have finger grooves. Gen 3 did. Not sure about Gen 2. Gen 4 have changeable backstraps. With no backstrap the grip feels a bit smaller than Gen 3. Can it be that G17 that you tried was a Gen 4 and G22 a Gen 3 or 2 ?

 

[kayak-man]

Glock info thread:

http://www.seattleguns.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=12561

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson