Budget 9mm, First Handgun

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JoeMal

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Hey THR. My cousin is looking to get a 9mm and wants to stay around/under $400. This will be his first handgun. Any recommendations on new guns? He isn't really looking to buy used.

So far he's looked at (All prices from Buds):

S&W SW9VE $344
Beretta PX4 Storm $459
Ruger SR9 $398
Ruger P95 $321

Any other notable firearms in the price-range mentioned? Anyone have experience shooting any of these? Thanks in advance
 
I'm a big Smith fan but I would say either the P95 or SR9 would be the best choices on the list. I love my SR9. A bit of a gritty trigger at first but it smoothed out nice. A friends P95 doesn't seem to want to smooth out. The Sigma is a love/hate type of pistol it seems. The biggest complaint I hear is the heavy trigger. No clue on the Beretta.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. He really likes the SR9 over the rest.

Can you comment on the durability/quality of the SR9? Specifically, the finish of the slide?
 
I have an SR9C in stainless steel and that gun is amazing. It has a great trigger pull, great accuracy, magazine safety can be taken out with no ill effects, and will take the full size mags. That said, its full sized counterpart now have the same trigger (earlier models were pretty bad trigger wise), which make it an excellent firearm as well. The SR9 is also slim, making it easy to carry. Some people don't like this, but I do, it is a striker with a safety. If you like it use it, if not don't use it.
 
I recently got rid of a Sigma (felt really cheap and the trigger pretty much sucked ).

I own an SR9 and I really like it. I have put over 1000 rounds through it and have not had any problems whatsoever. The mag disconnect is easily removed in under 2 minutes and there are numerous videos on YouTube showing how to do it.

I also have a P95 and like it very much. It is not nearly as sexy as the SR9, but it is a competent pistol for the money.

I have heard great things about the PX4 Storm and it can be had from Bud's for $459 shipped.

All in all the SR9 is definitely the best value of the bunch and probably as good a pistol as the PX4. The SR9 has a polished stainless slide with no finish to worry about.
 
I'd consider one of the Euro police trade in's. Get a lightly used Sig 225 or 226 and have a $100 left over for ammo and range time.
When is the last time you heard of a shootout in Switzerland?
 
Joe, you don't mention the intended use for the gun but Jet Guns has several Springfield XD9's in the $400 ballpark: http://www.jetguns.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=xd9

If he's looking for a concealed carry gun, consider the Kahr CW9. Jet Guns has them for $400 even: http://www.jetguns.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=cw9

Shipping is included in the Jet Guns prices but he'll have to pay a FFL transfer fee.

I own three Springfields and two Kahrs. All five are excellent guns for the money.
 
I just bought an SR9c and I think it is fantastic for the $399 price I paid. The compact model comes with a 17 round mag with grip extension so I would go with that instead of the full size SR9.
 
Thanks for all of the replies everyone.

Joe, you don't mention the intended use for the gun
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Strictly range and HD use

You can also join GSSF http://gssfonline.com/ and you can purchase a new Glock for just a little over $400.
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Thanks I didn't know that. He's so-so about Glocks but I will mention that to him.

I'd get him to check out the sig pro 2022 also
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Will do!

Once again, thanks everyone. I'm sure he'll end up getting the SR9 with all the great responses here.
 
JoeMal said:
Hey THR. My cousin is looking to get a 9mm and wants to stay around/under $400. This will be his first handgun. Any recommendations on new guns? He isn't really looking to buy used.

So far he's looked at (All prices from Buds):

S&W SW9VE $344
Beretta PX4 Storm $459
Ruger SR9 $398
Ruger P95 $321

Any other notable firearms in the price-range mentioned? Anyone have experience shooting any of these? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Stoeger Cougar! Best value out there right now. $369 NIB. Check it out, it will be VERY hard to find anything negative about the Cougar.

http://hueysgunsight.blogspot.com/2008/05/stoeger-cougar-8000-9mm-beretta-on.html
 
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Thanks folks for mentioning the Sig Pro 2022. I was totally unaware of this model...
 
Tell him to check out the used market. S&W 3rd gens are still about the best deal going, specifically the 5906. They can be had as low as $300, and will last a lifetime.

450px-S%26W5906LateModel.jpg
 
The mag disconnect is easily removed in under 2 minutes and there are numerous videos on YouTube showing how to do it.
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If, for some reason beyond comprehension, you want to open yourself up to prosecutorial accusations/antics if there is ever an accident, and defeat the factory designed safety mechanisms of your pistol.
 
Because it's his first handgun, don't let "just" the price decide what he buys.

Get out to the pawn shops, gun shows and ranges; so he can pick up, hold and maybe pull the trigger on the guns from your list, and maybe a few more.

If he finds one that 'feels' good and the nib price is too high, check pawn shops and other resources in your area for the used price. Also check on reliability like you're doing now.

Most people that buy guns aren't shooters, that is they don't shoot many rounds/yr.

With effort, he can find a 'like new' gun with low mileage that puts a grin on his face.

1st. Find the gun that works for him
 
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Another vote for the Sig SP2022. Been seeing them for $400 new at Academy Sports. I couldn't be happier with mine. It just feels better in the hand than any other pistol I've tried. (Kimbers, Smiths, Glocks, Berettas...etc)
 
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