considering my first semi auto. 9mm recommendations?

[rld1955]

This is my first post after discovering this board a couple of weeks ago. Seems to be alot of very interesting and informative posts.

I have been primarily a revolver shooter for over 30 years and haven't done much shooting of any kind in the last 10 years. I have owned several .38/.357s but mostly .22 LR for the cost benefits of pure plinking pleasure.

For about the last 6 months I have been trying to decide if I want to get a new handgun and if so, revolver or semi-auto. I have considered a snub nose .38/.357 (S&W 13,36, 60 or Ruger SP101 or maybe a Taurus ?)

At the same time, I have been thinking about and looking at a variety of moderately priced 9mm sem autos. That is the question I have today. What are your opinions of Ruger P95, CZ 75B, CZ 100(DAO-but has adjustable sights) and Stoeger Cougar. I have not shot these but have handled them and they are all less than $400(OK CZ 75B is about $410).

My primary use for this gun is not Self defense or CCW, but mainly just for plinking or carrying when fishing,walking in the woods.

I am looking for any input on the above guns or any other suggestions/recommendations you might have for a reliable and accurate 9mm in the under $400.00 range.

Thanks again for any information.

 

[two tone]

i shoot a 9mm tanfoglio from time to time, which a cheap gun that is similar to the CZ 75 and alot like the browning high power. It is a full size service type weapon in DA/SA configuration and 15 round capacity. This type weapon is very easy to shoot accuratly for extended periods of time. I say accuartly because the long site radius, all metal design, and light DA pull putting rounds where you want them very easily done short and long distnaces.

I would however never carry it, ccw sometimes is about sacrificing those types of luxuries.

 

[DogBonz]

if you are willing to spend a few more bucks

You can get a beretta 92fs for about $425-$450. Also, look around for a used Sig 226 for around $450, and these are probably the best 9mm auto on the market, IMHO.

Check out AIM Surplus:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Handguns.html

Sig 225 for $369 - Used Police trade in.
FN HiPower for $450

 

[kokapelli]

You are going to get recomendations based on what each poster here owns and likes.

The problem is, what feels good to someone else might not be good for you.

You need to go to a shooting range that has a good selection of pistols for you to try out and than you can make up your own mind based on how the pistol shoots and feels to you.

You will spend and waste a lot of money buying pistols based on how they work for someone else.

 

[10-Ring]

My faves in the 9mm arena are: BHP, USP 9, Beretta 92fs and HK P7M8. OF the choices you've provided, I'd go w/ the CZ - seems like a great value for a well made pistol.

 

[camacho]

CZ!

 

[MikePGS]

Kokapelli is right, you really need to go to the gun store and check out what you like, then further whittle down your list based on prices. What each person likes depends on the person, but you should be able to find a decent 9 for that price, even if like some have already suggested you end up getting a used one.

 

[Simple Man]

Well my knee jerk reaction to the question would be to buy a CZ 75. With that said though, I would just read everything you can find out about all of the different weapons you are considering and decide what you think will work for you the best. Most of the big names like CZ, Ruger, Glock, Taurus, Springfield, etc are all very good firearms. The all differ a little but they are all quality weapons.
Here is my RAMI and 75B both 9mm . I paid $434 for the nickel plated 75B and $520 for the RAMI

 

[Walkalong]

XD or CZ

 

[RP86]

I went with CZ85b a few months back, and I've had zero problems with it. Most importantly, the gun fits ME like a glove. Only thing I can say against it is there are no other sights availible for it, I called up the local gun smith to double check. I shoot with my dad and he has a hard time seeing them, I have to admit the sights could be better. They are night sights, but it's a coating not actual plastic insert pieces.

-Ryan

 

[rld1955]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I have handled each of the guns mentioned in my original post. These are the guns that do "fit" me and that feel comfortable. No, I have not had the chance to shoot any of them because the only nearby range only has Glocks and (I think) Springfield XDs-none of the guns I am looking at.

I appreciate the advice and certainly don't intend to make a buying decision based strictly on the word of another.

I should have clarified that I am asking for input on your experience with these guns in regard to reliability, accuracy and general quality. I also was interested in the things that you might know about each of these, that could help make or break a decision to buy each.

My personal preference has been the overall feel and quality of CZ but I also like the P95's available decock feature and it's Ruger heritage but not the grip thickness. I like the feel of the CZ100 (but wonder about DAO). I also liked the Cougar but wondered about the quality of this Turkish import.

Again, thanks for taking the time to offer your suggestions and advice.

 

[Simple Man]

I believe there are sights available for the CZ 85 unless not all 85's are the same.

Here is a link to some at Brownells
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=9219&title=FRONT+&+REAR+SIGHT+SETS

Here is the link to CZ's website for the tritium night sights

https://id305.securedata.net/cz-usa...id=153&mmsid=346235e6a093a994d03219608be02f9d

if you go to this link and type in CZ 85 you will get several results for sights including electronic red dot sights for the 85.
http://www.midwayusa.com/

Another link

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/cz-accessories/cz-sights/cPath/70?SID

 

[Black Snowman]

I've been eminantly happy with my CZs. I now own the RAMI, CZ 85 Compact, CZ 75B (all in 40) and the CZ 97B (in 45). I don't think you can beat the CZ for the money.

 

[RP86]

CZ makes a 75bd that has the decocker, here's a link. Click Here So that is an option...

-Ryan

 

[Simple Man]

The CZ 75BD and 75D are both de-cockers

 

[MrDig]

My only 9mm experience is with an FM M95 Hi-Power (Argentine) and an FEG PJK 9HP, both copies of the Browning Hi-Power. One authorized (FM) the other (FEG) unauthorized. The FEG has the Mag Well Safety disabled the FM does not. To me no noticeable change in funtion. The FEG will fire without a magazine in the well the FM wil not.
The M95 can be had for under $400 NIB and is in fact a fine shooter for the price. And completely interchangable with Hi-Power parts. It is not as fine finished as the CZ75 but it is designed for Military/Police issue so that is a rather moot point.
All in all I would buy another FM if looking for another 9mm, and would recommend them.
The FEG I can't say the same about, it works just fine and shoots fine too, there is just some intangeable that I can't explain. They to my knowledge are not being imported, and I am uncertain as to the parts issue regarding interchangeability with Hi-Powers. There is nothing wrong with the function at all, like I said I just don't think I would recommend one.

 

[RNB65]

CZ 75 is a great choice for a first semi-auto. Accurate, not very expensive, and built to last a lifetime. I've got a CZ75 SP-01 and it's my favorite range run.

 

[rellascout]

Used Browning Hi Power!!!!!!! You can get a used FM for less than $200

 

[Ala Dan]

If You Can Find One~?

a factory certified pre-owned SIG-SAUER P228 9m/m~!

Simply put, one of the best 9m/m's for personal protection.

 

[Bacchus]

I have some experience with Ruger's P series in 9 mm and 45. I like their style and they tend to run flawlessly, but they have a reputation for having poor triggers. I would definitely want to handle one before purchasing it--

 

[GlenJ]

Try finding a used GLOCK 26. They're as accurate as a 17 or 19 and they can use the same full capacity mags for fun shooting. If you wanted brand new it would be less then a $100 more then want you want to spend.

 

[Tremek]

A good low-cost high-value option is the Charles Daly Hi Power, which can be had for like $350 or less in various places. I believe it's FEG-based parts assembled here in the US, but I'll be damned if it isn't the most comfortable gun I have. It's a pleasure to shoot, and it's a cheap and fun introduction to both Hi-Powers and the doublestack 9mm world.

 

[armoredman]

 

[bb21]

A couple of others

A couple of others you may want to check out would be the FN FNP 9, the Taurus Mil Pro's, or 24/7's, and the EAA Witness. The CZ is a good way to go and you won't be disappointed, but there are a few other choices you could look at I have heard a lot of good things about the FN and I like the feel of it, the price is good too.
Good Luck and Be Safe!

 

[strat81]

I'm the proud and happy owner of a Taurus 24/7 Pro 9mm. Over 1,000 rounds through it so far and have had no problems.

Also, if you like the Beretta 92, you can get a Taurus PT92 for under $400.