Best current production 9mm

[wally]

I've had a chance to fire a RIA 1911 in 9mm.
WOW - what a great gun.
Recoil was VERY soft & it hit where I was aiming.

For a range gun, its absolutely my favorite.

But for carry and/or SD, other than being on the heavy side by modern standards, there can be issues with the short 9mm rounds in the long mags required to fit the 1911 frame. "Proper" or "good" magazines purport to solve the problems, but my shooting 10's of thousands of rounds through my 9mm RIA Tactical using about every brand of magazine available, I'd attest none will be quite as reliable as Glock or M&P 9mm magazines. I'd grab it in a pinch without hesitation, but given time to choose I'd go with my M&P (I just don't shoot Glocks very well compared to about everything else), the higher capacity doesn't hurt either, although RIA also makes makes a nice double stack 9mm 1911 -- basically a Para P18 clone, but pretty much the mag issues remain the same.

 

[GBExpat]

if I were to per say be buying a 9mm for less than $700 what gun would you, the responder suggest and what price point would you say it's worth?

The best 9x19 handgun that *I* have ever come across is the G19 Gen4.

I think that they usually run a bit over $500.

 

[WestKentucky]

Take your pick of the EAA witness lineup. I would pick the limited but it's usually slightly over the 700 mark.

 

[wally]

Take your pick of the EAA witness lineup. I would pick the limited but it's usually slightly over the 700 mark.

The Elite Match is almost as good and should be under his limit, but the Witness are double stack "large" frame .45ACP/10mm designs and have the same magazine issues as I've mentioned with the RIA (or other) 9mm 1911 pistols. EAA's poor customer service also makes it hard for me to recommend them, Tanfoglio (the actual manufacturer) needs to find a better importer IMHO. There have been a lot of variations in the 9mm/.40S&W Witness mags and followers over the years, and none fully solve the problems for all the minor variations of the pistols out there and EAA customer support is not going to help. Although if its only going to be a range gun, these are worth considering.

In all honesty, based on my experience ( I have the Witness steel frame and complete set of 9mm, .40S&W, .38Super, . 45ACP and 10mm uppers) I'd only recommend the Witness in the steel framed .45ACP variations -- these use the same mags as the CZ97B.

 

[mjsdwash]

I should note one of the reasons people love the cz is it can be thinner than a 1911. Pachmayr wood grips put the widest part at 1.20 inches

 

[Rinspeed]

What is the pistol supposed to be best at? Carry? Range toy?

Best at being a pistol, not picking on you but, why do so many <edited> people ask goofy questions on every thread like this. Best is best, the question is always asked in the general direction that it's the best all around pistol. They were made for shooting so your opinion is rather easy to answer . If he would have asked what is the best 9mm for concealed carry it would be different but he obviously didn't. Rant over, carry on.

 

[tarosean]

Best is best, the question is always asked in the general direction that it's the best all around pistol.

"Best is best" dont come with a budget and It damn sure ain't going to be a run of the mill production pistol.
So really the question is flawed to begin with. Then they are seeking is anecdoteal evidence or assurances they made the right decision.

 

[Sav .250]

Not having the resources (money) to try all the weapons in that cal/price, I have no idea.

 

[jmf552]

I went to a local range that had a wide variety of rental guns to try and answer this question for myself. When I went, I was leaning toward the CZ P-07. I tried a lot of guns. To my surprise, though, my fave, and probably my next purchase, is the Sig SP2022. It just really felt good in the hand and it was easy to shoot accurately. My buddy who is a Sig collector and has just about every model they make or have made, says that it is his current favorite and what he carries when he carries a full-size. It has been extensively torture tested by both the French National Police and the US Army Tank Command. You are getting a gun that is as good as any other Sig for about half the price.

One thing my buddy said, though, is get a German-made 2022 if you can, even if it is used. The American made ones are OK, but the German ones are better. He owns one of each.

 

[chardin]

Best at being a pistol, not picking on you but, why do so many <edited> people ask goofy questions on every thread like this. Best is best, the question is always asked in the general direction that it's the best all around pistol.

I think this assertion is more questionable than any question that has been asked in this thread. I have a target pistol, a carry pistol, and a backup pistol which generally resides in an ankle holster. None of those would be good substitutes for either of the others.

 

[Winkman822]

There are those that see an advantage to this feature. I'm not among those that have lost my one and only magazine.

In my book, the magazine disconnect safety is an enormous disadvantage for something that will be used for personal protection whether home defense, duty, or concealed carry. In the event that you dump the mag by mistake when presenting the gun, you have a giant problem if you ever need to use the gun for its intended personal protection purpose; you're going to press the trigger only to find it's dead.

 

[Hangingrock]

In my book, the magazine disconnect safety is an enormous disadvantage for something that will be used for personal protection whether home defense, duty, or concealed carry. In the event that you dump the mag by mistake when presenting the gun, you have a giant problem if you ever need to use the gun for its intended personal protection purpose; you're going to press the trigger only to find it's dead.

That is a unique example that you have cited. Going back thru decades I have never inadvertency dumped/released a magazine by mistake during a draw sequence or for that matter on any other occasion. I think you are reaching for straws to sustain your point of view.

My first semiautomatic pistol experience with the magazine disconnect was the Browning HP, followed by various examples of S&W semiautomatic pistols up to the current MP series so equipped.

The first time I saw in writing an argument against the magazine disconnect was an article written by Jeff Cooper followed by other opinion written dissertation's of others.

None the less thank you for your reply. Let us simply agree to disagree.

 

[Winkman822]

That is a unique example that you have cited. Going back thru decades I have never inadvertency dumped/released a magazine by mistake during a draw sequence or for that matter on any other occasion. I think you are reaching for straws to sustain your point of view.

My first semiautomatic pistol experience with the magazine disconnect was the Browning HP, followed by various examples of S&W semiautomatic pistols up to the current MP series so equipped.

The first time I saw in writing an argument against the magazine disconnect was an article written by Jeff Cooper followed by other opinion written dissertation's of others.

None the less thank you for your reply. Let us simply agree to disagree.

I have done it a couple of times when I still carried true small of the back, hence I stopped carrying in that manner. The way it would happen was always when spending an extended amount of time sitting where my spine would hit the release and I wouldn't catch it until the end of the day when changing from work clothes into street clothes or before turning in for the night. Now, I've never personally dumped a mag in any other manner other that when intended. Just an example of how the mag disconnect safety could be a problem.

 

[lsudave]

"Best is best" dont come with a budget and It damn sure ain't going to be a run of the mill production pistol.
So really the question is flawed to begin with. Then they are seeking is anecdoteal evidence or assurances they made the right decision.

No, it's a fair enough question. Try to reword it this way:

If you can only own one gun and your budget is >$700, what is your choice? The answer would be "the best gun"; I'd say it should be fun to shoot at the range, good for self-defense, reliable, and well-made (most quality for the buck). Not too big, or too small.
I'd go ahead and make the assumption that "new" is also required.

I'd get a CZ 75B, possibly a PCR, or Beretta 92FS. My thoughts are that I prefer metal to polymer and hammer DA/SA to striker; and while I think the Sig P22x is comparable to those, I don't think it would make the cut pricewise. Not new.
I'd get one of these before I would get any other pistol.

I might consider the Arex Rex Zero 1 (or whatever it's called), but not as a final choice for me. Not yet established brand vs the others.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Best at what, and in what way?

We are just yelling out our personal favorites here with no idea how the gun will be used.

Use dictates choice. We need more info.

 

[lsudave]

Best at what, and in what way?

We are just yelling out our personal favorites here with no idea how the gun will be used.

Use dictates choice. We need more info.

See my post; I assume "current production" to be bought new, and assume "best" to be your top choice, if you can only have 1.
For me, that eliminates subcompacts, target shooters, guns with poor customer service or no warranty (a lot of foreign makers), or something new and unproven. Also in my own preference, eliminates polymer (I would prefer steel), single stack (1911s), and finicky shooters.

I think CZ has a better warranty than Beretta, I don't think Sig gets into the mix price-wise with their classic series. That said, I've never had a need for service on either my Beretta or CZ. Warranties are nice (and High Point might have the best), but quality control is better.

 

[Hangingrock]

I have done it a couple of times when I still carried true small of the back, hence I stopped carrying in that manner. The way it would happen was always when spending an extended amount of time sitting where my spine would hit the release and I wouldn't catch it until the end of the day when changing from work clothes into street clothes or before turning in for the night. Now, I've never personally dumped a mag in any other manner other that when intended. Just an example of how the mag disconnect safety could be a problem.

Thank you for your reply. That said I've never carried small of the back so I'll concede that occurrence as you have stated it. As for dumping the magazine as an example, ok I see your point of view using that as an example. In my experience that has never occurred for myself but I'll question others if they've experienced a similar incident. R/S

 

[Kookla]

Best at being a pistol, not picking on you but, why do so many <edited> people ask goofy questions on every thread like this. Best is best, the question is always asked in the general direction that it's the best all around pistol. They were made for shooting so your opinion is rather easy to answer . If he would have asked what is the best 9mm for concealed carry it would be different but he obviously didn't. Rant over, carry on.

I don't think it's stupid asking a for a more definitive question. Doing so gives someone a more definitive result. I really enjoy pens. I could ask for what the best pen is under $50 and get a lot of answers. But maybe my tastes run more towards fountain pens, or ballpoint, or gel ect.... "the best pen is a Fisher Space Pen- writes upside down, waterproof, ect" but maybe not comfortable to write with for extended periods of time. I can understand your frustration, but I stand by my asking for specified use.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

See my post; I assume "current production" to be bought new, and assume "best" to be your top choice, if you can only have 1.
For me, that eliminates subcompacts, target shooters, guns with poor customer service or no warranty (a lot of foreign makers), or something new and unproven. Also in my own preference, eliminates polymer (I would prefer steel), single stack (1911s), and finicky shooters.

I think CZ has a better warranty than Beretta, I don't think Sig gets into the mix price-wise with their classic series. That said, I've never had a need for service on either my Beretta or CZ. Warranties are nice (and High Point might have the best), but quality control is better.

Well that's fine and dandy for you to define how you take it, but I want to know what the OP defines as best.

My post was directed at the OP, and I don't think anyone can assume what parameters define "best" besides the OP. Sorry if my post made you think I was directing it at you.

 

[sigarms228]

I went to a local range that had a wide variety of rental guns to try and answer this question for myself. When I went, I was leaning toward the CZ P-07. I tried a lot of guns. To my surprise, though, my fave, and probably my next purchase, is the Sig SP2022. It just really felt good in the hand and it was easy to shoot accurately. My buddy who is a Sig collector and has just about every model they make or have made, says that it is his current favorite and what he carries when he carries a full-size. It has been extensively torture tested by both the French National Police and the US Army Tank Command. You are getting a gun that is as good as any other Sig for about half the price.

One thing my buddy said, though, is get a German-made 2022 if you can, even if it is used. The American made ones are OK, but the German ones are better. He owns one of each.

Yeah the SP2022 is one terrific pistol at any price and a steal at under $500. I forgot to add that to my post. Mine is German but one hears next to no problems about the SP2022, especially in 9MM. One of the better triggers out of the box for both SA and DA.

 

[sigarms228]

Yea, so I stretched it, but not by much.....
http://grabagun.com/hk-p30-9mm-3-86-bl-da-sa-dl-2-10rd.html

That is a sweet deal for one of the very top tier 9MM combat pistols. I own two of the P30 series - a P30L and P30SK.

 

[JDR]

In my hands the Glock 19 is a total dog compared to the P30.

In my hands I can shoot slightly tighter groups with my P30 than with my Glock 19, but the accuracy of the Glock is more than acceptable, and I would never call my G19 a "total dog".

 

[Tallball]

For HD or shooting range or plinking, I would go with a CZ75. Mine is the clone made by Tanfoglio (now sold as the EAA Witness). My friend has "the real thing". They are both excellent.

For CC I like the Glock G43 and Ruger LC9s pro.

We are lucky. There are LOTS of excellent 9mm pistols out there.

 

[boldkharma]

Best for me? Beretta 92 hands down. Never have had a failure in 30 years of owning and shooting them.

 

[Rinspeed]

In my hands I can shoot slightly tighter groups with my P30 than with my Glock 19, but the accuracy of the Glock is more than acceptable, and I would never call my G19 a "total dog".

Sorry about my little rant last night guys, had a very tough day, You are right about the 19 and my opinion is more out of frustration than anything else. I really like the 19 I just can't make the hits out past 15 yards like I can with my 226 or P30 no matter how much I shoot one.