Best 9mm for under $1500

[nero45acp]

I am looking for a new 9mm and would appreciate any opinions/suggestions for the best 9mm under $1500. By best I mean the most accurate and reliable 9mm range/target pistol. I already have two 1911's in 9mm (Kimber & Dan Wesson), so I was thinking of something different, perhaps a S&W 952 (though I wouldn't completely rule-out another 1911 9mm). I have small hands so I would prefer a pistol that fits smaller hands well. TIA.





nero45acp

 

[Ankeny]

"Best" is subjective. For target/range work a Sig 210 would work nicely. For range/target/practical shooting something on the order of Matt Burkett's cross competitor would be pretty cool.

 

[techrestore]

Star BM

May I suggest a Star BM:

I appreciate the history of the gun, which was a spanish government model until NATO standardized the calibers. There are many BMS out there and get this- the price is just $150 or less!! -

The accuracy:
These are super accurate guns: which can be backed up by the 'government issue' element.

Parts:
There are 'enough' parts out there to be in business for a while. Just search for 'star bm parts' and you will see.

Customers:
There are many happy customers, including myself that have purchased this gun for $200 or less.

Suggestion:
Make sure that you see the gun in person, I have heard too many that are dissapointed becuase it has rust/pitting etc. I purhchased mine in person for $159 -

Good luck -

 

[Preacherman]

I agree that the SIG P210 (click for details) is the Rolls-Royce of 9mm. target pistols.

However, you might battle to find one in your price range. For example, on Gunbroker, this one is listed for just over $2,000, while this one is $1,869.00. There are cheaper ones available - search Gunbroker with "SIG P210" to view them.

Another very fine 9mm. target pistol is the S&W 952, produced by the Performance Center. This one is available on Gunbroker for $1,129.00.

I've shot one, and found it to be very accurate - certainly up to the SIG P210 level, at least in my hands. It may not be the Rolls-Royce of 9mm. target pistols, but it's at least at a Bentley level!

I think either one of these pistols will give you the range/target pistol you're looking for.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

$1500 will get you darn near any production model offered----lots of choices out there with that kind of money.

 

[BigG]

The SIG P210, while nice, gives hammer bite to most people. I would suggest trying out the S&W Model 952. I have the old 38 Special version and it neither bites and is accurate as a laser beam. YMMV

 

[BHPshooter]

The Sig P210 is a tough one to beat. I've never held one though. You said you have smaller hands -- have you looked at a Browning Hi Power?

Wes

 

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Since you still haven't said what you'll be using it for . . . . . . I'll go the opposite route:

*ultimate CCW? --> P7M8
*Sexy, high quality and reliable? --> P226st
*Accuracy, quality, & won't break your wallet? --> CZ P-01

How's that?

 

[George Hill]

SIG P210... and if it bites you... wear gloves.

 

[nero45acp]

I appreciate all of your replies and suggestions. I would be using this pistol strictly for informal/non-competition target shooting. I use short barrel revolvers for carry/self-defense (mostly because of their easy manual of arms in a emergency/panic situation).
I had a SIG 226ST and thought it was a very well made, reliable, accurate pistol but the trigger reach was a little long for my short fingers, so I traded it for a Kimber Stainless Target II 9mm that is the equal of the 226ST in accuracy, but not reliability (doesn't like Winchester white box value pack).
I have thought about a CZ-75B, but again thought the trigger reach in double action was a little long for my stubby fingers. I also considered a Hi-Power, fit my hand well, but the trigger was much inferior to my 1911's. Thought about the P7M8, but I'm a little concerned about the pistol becoming uncomfortably hot after about 200 rds in a hour. I'm familiar with the SIG 210 and it's excellent reputation, but I can't justify over $1500 for a non-competition, range gun. I wish Ed Brown's 1911 9mm was $1500 or less, but wishes and a buck will only get you a cup of joe. I have been leaning towards the S&W 952, I like the looks of it and the weight (over 40 oz unloaded) but I've never had the opportunity to handle or shoot one. How is the trigger? Does it fit small hands well? How are the sights? How is it's reliability and accuracy? How difficult is it to breakdown, clean, and reassemble? Thanks again.



nero45acp

 

[Dr.Rob]

For that you could but TWO FN Hi-Powers.

 

[Ala Dan]

Maybe not the "best", but three that I certainly prefer are:

1) West German SIG-SAUER P228
2) West German SIG-SAUER P226
3) Smith & Wesson model 39-2

Any of these can be had for less than 1K~

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[tetchaje1]

SIG P210

It has history, accuracy, reliability, and has sex appeal (i.e. chicks dig 'em ).

 

[PO2Hammer]

The SIG P210 is exellent, but new ones are well over 2 grand. The S&W 952 is another exellent choice. I have a HK USP Elite 9mm 6". It is the most accurate self loader I've ever shot. I've only givin it one serious bench test, at 25 yards, it shot 1-1/2 inches with Win white box 115 fmj. The double action trigger is not the best, not like a SIG P226, but single action is very good. I shoot informal tagets out to 50 yards and the HK does better than my P226, which is saying something. My Colt Python 6" Elite rules the range however, out shooting any auto, probably because of its weight and superior trigger. For serious target work consider the Python. I bought mine about a year ago (new model) and the trigger is a thing of beauty. No learning curve with the Python. If you are definately buying an auto, A used P210 would be my first suggestion because it's a single stack and a real classic.

 

[cratz2]

I like the 952... A LOT! And for very little coin, a CZ75B SA (single action) is very nice... much nicer than the $400 price would suggest. That and a trip to Evolution Gunworks for some sprucin' up might be a good way to go.

If I didn't have any 9mms, an STI Trojan in 9mm would be very high at the top of my list.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

SIG 210!

No questions, the finest 9mm made. Try to find a used one and spend the whole 1500 to get the best you can afford!

 

[PCRCCW]

You could build something seriously nice if you wanted too. Start with a CZ SA 9mm or a BHP and have it worked over.

I had around 1K$ into this one if I figure my time.

I see SemiCustom BHP on FNHiPower.com on occasion for around what your talking about and on GunsAmerica also.

IMO, its your best bet........Shoot well.

 

[MyRoad]

Here's my experience from my search for the ultimate 9mm: I got a Browning HP, and had Novak's do trigger work on it (amongst other things), total investment - about $1,200. I bought a Beretta 92 Vertec and had Ernest Langdon (LTT) do a "level two" Speedbump trigger job, total investment - about $800. Of the two, I'd take the Vertec any day of the week. If you have small hands, check it out, it's designed for people with small hands (I actually had a longer trigger fitted to mine). Lot's of people would tell you that they love BHP's so much that if the could only have one gun, that would be it. I'd try one before you take that leap if you have the opportunity.

Others, let's see, I have a P7M8. It is hands down the most accurate 9mm I've ever fired (I have not fired a P210 or a SW952, just to be fair). But as a target gun, it may not be the best choice. I have an STI Trojan 5 9mm, which at first I didn't really like, but has become one of my favorites. The STI is a full-size steel 1911 frame, so with the light recoil of 9mm ammo, it's really nice to shoot, but mine has under 1k rounds through it, so I can't say yet if it's occasional feed issues will work out or not. As far as a good every-day shooter, you can still get new SIG P225's, I love mine, a great single stack 9mm with all the qualities of a SIG. Depending on how small your hands are, you might find the P239 really fun to shoot too.

Just as a side note, all the guns I mention I own. Currently, the one's I'm most likely to grab for an afternoon at the range are the STI, the Beretta, and the SIG P225.

A SW952 probably would have been my next purchase, but winds of change shifted and I went full-bore into searching for the ultimate carry gun...

 

[goon]

SIG P-225.
It is a SIG and it is a single stack.
What else do you need?
You could spend the rest on ammo, mags, and well, ammo.
Unless you need a pretty range queen gun.
Also, my brother has a Springfield 1911...
My experience with new Springfields has been less than satisfactory but I have tried to get that one off of him a few times.
It is a single stack, very reliable and deadly accurate despite being fairly loose.
I know that neither of these reaches the $1500 mark, but why go that high if you don't have to?
More leftover money = more shooting or more guns.

 

[robctwo]

I have the Sig 226 Stainless Stock. Cost $1,200 plus another $200 for four factory 15 round mags. It is the full size Sig so may be a little large for you. I have small hands as well and am able to run it well. The double action pull may lead me to try for the short trigger.

These guns are factory tuned. Match barrell. Real nice.

Robctwo

 

[bigjim]

Yeah...... I have to second the HK P7M8. RSR Wholesale has them for 1170 dollars, a few extra mags and a nice Del Fatti Holster and you are set for 1500!

 

[NMGlocker]

Walther P88
accurate, classy

 

[George Hill]

Isn't 1500 the going rate for a Beretta Billenium(SP?)? That fancy 92 type gun with the polished nickle finish, custom checkering and frame mounted safety? That would be one SWEET 92. I've not even touched one, but suspect that it would be able to contend with the other suggestions here.

 

[Sven]

Save for the 210. Then let me shoot it, please.

 

[denfoote]

Buy yourself a Ruger P95 and a WHOLE lot of ammo!!!