Choices - 9 mm

[Fat Boy]

I have been trying to research various 9 millimeter handguns-I was able to acquire a Browning hi-power recently and would like to figure out some kind of second or back up for the gun.

So, I have learned that FEG made several "copies" of the hi power- branded from Mauser, to Kareen, and so forth. I have for a while been reading about various 9's made on a platform used by CZ, Israeli Arms, Tanfoglio, etc.

At least one or two sellers on Gunbroker have multiples of these guns available, not to mention the various offerings by Star-

Is there a way to know which of these are better quality than others? Or are they pretty much all made by the same maker and branded with a specific name?

I like the idea of paying around $300 give or take for a 9mm but want a good-quality firearm.

I would appreciate any thoughts/direction on if some of these are better than others, or areas for further research

 

[browningguy]

The Tanfoglio's (imported by EAA) are superb guns for the money, actually even if they cost double the price they would still be excellent choices. I currently own 5 Hipowers but do not have experience with any of the clones. Most of the clones are built at the companies factories, I'm not aware of any of the Hipower clones being rebranded from another manufacturer.

 

[TennJed]

well IMHO around or just above the $300 price piont will get you several good 9mm.

S&W 5906 (used)
S&W Sigma
Ruger P95
Ruger LC9
Kahr CW9
Sig P250
Taurus 709
Kel Tec PF9
Kel Tec P11

 

[robinkevin]

I agree with the pistols Jed listed. Also you can always find great deals in the used market... Here is a Tanfoglio for $299 at Buds http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...URY++TANFOGLIO+USED+COMBAT+SHOOTING+COHAI+4.5

There is a lot to choice from in 9mm in your price range. I have personally set my sights on a used 5906 that I will be getting later this spring.

 

[Sapper771]

Are u looking for a secondary gun in case your Hi Power is broke or at the gunsmith? Or are you wanting a back up gun that you can carry with your Hi Power? A secondary gun has a bit more flexibility and options, where the back up gun (BUG) is a bit more restrictive (example: weight, width, caliber, etc).

Also, It may be better if your secondary gun has the same action (SA, SA/DA, DAO) as your Hi Power. So another Hi Power as your secondary would be most efficient.

 

[IdahoSkies]

I love my Tonfoglio. I wanted a Ruger SR9c or possibly a CZ when I went looking for it, and I have been nothing but pleased. It is pleasant to shoot. Laser like accurate and comfortable in the hand.

 

[memphismark]

For TennJeds list. I have a new, 3 week old Ruger LC9 that I'm having some issues with. I don't want to discourage you at all for looking at this little compact 9mm either. It's sweet as can be, and smooth as a 'used bar of soap'. Nothing to snag clothes on, no sharp square Glock-like corners, perfect for conceiled carry even though I bought it for other reasons. Very thinline and only 17 ounces! It shoots really nice, a bit long on the trigger pull but Ruger explains this was done on purpose for "high stress" shooting, as in kill or be killed! No accidental squeeze is gonna do it here. A very deliberate double action only gun. If you have kids it's got a loaded chamber indicator, 'keyed' trigger disconnect as well as a nice thumb safety that I really like because it takes a very deliberate action to apply the safety, no accidental hits when you don't want one as in a confrontational situation. Having said that, the safety is much easier to quickly disengage with your thumb for quick action. However, after a flawless 200 rounds at the first range outting, it started to drop the magazine just enough to disengage the trigger mechanism. Now it's happenig after every couple of magazines, and although that's better than it was a week ago, it's unacceptable. I may have to send it back to Ruger for a remedy. I really do love this gun, I just need to know it's going to be there when I need it. Anyway, just a thought. I would keep it mind if I were you. I'm sure it's just something minor with a brand new gun. memphismark

 

[hardknocks!]

choices

hello all
my tanfoglio is a sweet gun but its a full size and very heavy for carry.
but you say back up gun so here is one that you will have to search long and hard to find a bad rap. great for concealed carry and reliable as all get out.
in your price range also. S&W 908


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[Fat Boy]

Thank you all for the great responses!

On one hand I would like to have a "second" hi power, which is where the FEG and other "clones" come into the discussion; these seem to be less expensive than the actual Browning guns but are the same in function, size, etc.

On the other hand, a less-expensive gun in the same caliber that would work as a back-up and/or second gun to the Browning makes sense as well, which is where the Smith 3rd (or even 2nd) generation guns come into the picture, or one of the Tanfoglio-system guns

 

[Moptop]

I have both a Browning HP and a FEG PJK-9HP. Both perform flawlessly. The noticable difference in the two is the Brownings bore is a bit larger and doesn't like lead boolits sized less than .358" but shoots .356" jacketed bullets perfectly. The FEG shoots anything you feed it accurately.

 

[click clack]

Save a little while longer and grab one of the new Shields IMO

 

[mattmann]

^^^^this or get a m&p9c
I have the m&p9c and a keltec pf9. I love both equally


Sent from my DROID RAZR

 

[wrench]

Really good affordable Hipowers include the Argentine copies, and the Israeli police returns.
The Israeli's might be cosmetically rough, but are real FN Hipowers. The Argentines are licensed copies.

 

[7mmb]

I have four Tanfoglios, two 9s and two 45s. They are great guns and a great value. My newest 9mm is the new, small frame size (original CZ75 size, not the post-2005 large 45 frame size) polymer guns that seem to have flooded the market recently. It is a good shooter, accurate and reliable, and can be had new for around $300.



The other 9mm is an Elite Match which is superb. Great trigger and unbelievably accurate, it is hand fitted in Tanfoglio's custom shop. It combines the best of the SIG P210 and the Hi-Power. They can be had for around $550 new. It is built on the large frame.



The Witness steel guns are a bit more $ than the polymer one I just got, and less than the Match, but most of them are built on the large frame, which isn't needed for the 9mm. If you can find a Witness Classic it would be the way to go in 9mm with a steel frame. The Armscor MAP1 is basically a Witness Classic built with Tanfoglio parts but assembled in the Phillipines. You won't go wrong if you decide on a Tanfoglio gun.

 

[tercel89]

Find an old police trade-in Glock 17 or 19 . They may look worn but they function awesomely . You can get them all day at around $350 more or less. I got one this year. It has wear on the outside but is virgin on the inside. To me there is no other more reliable pistol for the money in the 9mm caliber.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Try to find a Canik. They run about $350 and are nice CZ clones made in Turkey. I believe Century Arms is importing them now. If not, the used Tangfolios from Bud's is a good deal.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I've seen both Rugers SR9c, and 2nd gen G17's for sale locally at the $300 price point. My preference would be to find a used firearm from a major manufacturer, with a reputation for quality and reliability vs. a new gun from a second tier manufacturer (Taurus/Keltec, and the Smith Sigma for that matter). Not trying to start any kind of brand war, just my opinion. I know there are some excellent quality secon tier companies out there.

 

[tercel89]

What HGUNHNTR said , the Gen 2 Glock 17 guns are the best thing there is in my opinion. They are the best 9mm in the market right up with the CZ 75 .

 

[dprice3844444]

I have been trying to research various 9 millimeter handguns-I was able to acquire a Browning hi-power recently and would like to figure out some kind of second or back up for the gun.

glock 17 or 19 for a primary,26 for a backup.for extra mages by g17 high caps.will work in the 19 or 26 also.

 

[ATLDave]

If you like the Browning Hi-Power, I'd recommend sticking with guns that have the classic Browning control layout: frame-mounted-down-to-fire safety, mag release at the corner of the grip and trigger-guard, usable slide-release forward and left, and a single-piece trigger. Most CZ's and Tanfoglio's/EAA's will keep this functionality. And both can be had in single-action configurations, which will also keep things similar to the Hi-Power.

Somebody moving from a SA, ride-able safety pistol like a Hi-Power is going to have to REALLY pay attention to avoid NDs with a Glock or other hammerless, safety-less designs.

 

[tuj]

S&W 5906 (used) <<< this. Great all-steel frames, soaks up recoil really well, good capacity, accurate, reliable, pretty good DA trigger pull, very good SA trigger.

 

[C0untZer0]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Arcus

 

[ForumSurfer]

Top 3 handguns I've picked up that just "felt right" from the get go while running them:

Glock 19
1911 commander in 9mm
CZ 75 Compact PCR

 

[Wishoot]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Arcus

Not sure anyone has a whole lot of experience with these guns. I was tempted to buy one, but had to replace a computer instead.

 

[MrDig]

Pjk 9hp

If you want a BUG that is another Hi-Power that is the one I have. If you are just looking for a 9mm Luger/Parabellum/9x19 that is a matter of picking your poison.