Dedicated Range/Modified 9mm

[Harleytoo]

i am interested in thoughts between the pistols noted below for a dedicated target only gun I can modify to my taste.

I am looking for something that will be very accurate and be a good candidate for modification (good aftermarket support).

The three I have in mind;

- SIG P226
- 92FS Bragedier
- M9A3

The one thing swaying me a bit to the SIG is that I may want to try a reflex site at some point. I know I can get one to fit the Beretta but they look funky on it in my opinion.

I own both Beretta's and SIG's today but want a new gun to build up a bit.

Thoughts?

 

[ny32182]

"Target" as in action games, or a true bullseye type accuracy application?

 

[RX-79G]

Those guns have a variety of gizmos available, but not so many target gizmos, if that's what you are looking for.

Any of the Beretta 92 spin offs will have an edge in accuracy over a standard Sig, but not such a large one that you'd be able to tell without a trigger job if shooting freehand.

 

[Harleytoo]

Sorry, wrong verbiage - Range gun. So mainly for punching holes in paper and steel plates.

I changed the title.

And yes, trigger jobs and other modifications will ensue to make it function as I would like.

 

[RX-79G]

I would personally choose the Brigadier, as it and the A3 will be more mechanically accurate than the P226, but the Brig is the cheapest of the three and the finish will hold up better than the A3. It will likely last longer than the A3, because of the heavier slide. Beretta mags are cheap and plentiful.

None are bad choices, though.

 

[Harleytoo]

If I go with the Brig, which I agree is a very nice gun, I would be using the INOX version as well. So the finish would last forever!

 

[ny32182]

You may want to also consider CZ and Tanfoglio, as both have a plethora of race parts and other logistical support available, triggers can be made to be very nice, and probably have an edge over the above in accuracy as well.

But basically any full size 9mm that ergonomically works well for you is likely a good candidate.

 

[pblanc]

I don't have a SIG P226 but I do own a SIG P229 and have long owned a Beretta 92FS. The 92 FS is hampered by not having a replaceable front sight, but that would not be an issue with the Brigadier slide or the M9A3.

I have modified my 92 FS to some extent with a Wilson Combat short reach trigger, reduced power mainspring, and some internal polishing. My P229 has the Grayguns P-SAIT trigger and the SIG short reset trigger kit (sear and safety lever) and a reduced power mainspring.

In my opinion, the trigger action of the SIG P22X is superior to that of the Beretta. The double action trigger is a bit smoother. With the P-SAIT trigger and the SRT kit, the SIG trigger reset is very short. Of course, the SIG P226 has a bit longer sight radius than that of the P229.

 

[gotboostvr]

Of those listed, I'd grab an INOX Brigadier.
It'd get the full AMU style work over from one of the respected gunsmiths.

Personally, if you don't mind spending all your money upfront though. a Sig X5 would probably shoot just as well if not better and be much cooler in my opinion. probably cheaper overall too, plus factory warranty.

If it was my money, I'd grab a CZ Tac-Sport though. Maybe of the high end Tanfo's. I'm just in love with those ergonomics!

 

[RX-79G]

If I go with the Brig, which I agree is a very nice gun, I would be using the INOX version as well. So the finish would last forever!

Yes and no. The clear anodizing on the Inox frames is not as tough as the black hard anodize on the black guns. But the wear will probably be more subtle. I wish Beretta would go to some sort of CPC type finish for the slides.

 

[Old Dog]

Any of the Beretta 92 spin offs will have an edge in accuracy over a standard Sig, but not such a large one that you'd be able to tell without a trigger job if shooting freehand.

Uh, say what? While I have experienced sometimes excellent accuracy with my personally-owned Beretta 92s over the years, my own experience has been that almost without exception, SIG classic P-series pistols have noticeably better accuracy out of the box. As a qualifier, I will note that I have no experience with the Brigadier or the Wilson Combat Berettas, but I do appreciate the 92 series pistols (probably more than one should who spent over half his military career with the M-9) as they fit my hand well and point perfectly for me.

SIG certainly seems to have more options for sights, and I don't know how anyone could argue that SIG's triggers, especially with what can be done with them (see pblanc's post #8 above) are substantially better than Beretta's.

 

[RX-79G]

My own personal experience, tests performed with Ransom rests, military tests and Jan Libourel's extensive tests that your average 92 pistol will shoot inside 1.5" at 25 yards. Some Ransom rest tests had results inside an inch at 25, and 2 inches at 50 yards.

Sig Classics can be really excellent, but that is still outside 2" at 25 yards. That doesn't apply to the P210 or X5.

 

[ATLDave]

See Nick/ny32182's comments above. None of those guns get much play among competitive shooters these days, so if you're looking to trick out a gun for optimal range performance, I'm not sure those are where I'd go. Those are service weapons.

 

[Walkalong]

If it was my money, I'd grab a CZ Tac-Sport though.

A good option.

 

[Harleytoo]

I chose these pistols because they are easily acquired and easily modified. I don't plan on spending an extra $1000 on what ever I choose. Maybe $300-$500, maybe. I will do most of the work myself as well.

So some of the ones listed that were $2k plus won't be happening. Both becasue I don't want to invest that much and because I will never be that good of a shooter to merit that cost.

The CZ is interesting, but CZ's are not my thing.

Looks like, so far, the Brigadier is the leader.

 

[Varminterror]

Both - always need a backup.

My money tends to go to Sig before Beretta.

 

[Harleytoo]

Varminterror, mine used to until I figured out I was typically paying as much as $500 more for a gun that was no higher quality than the Berretta. Don't get me wrong, SIG makes a fine gun, just not $500 finer.

Beretta and their guns have been very good for me as have SIG. Either would suit the purpose intended very well. Just looking for the more accurate and modifiable of the three.

I really wish the Brig had the interchangeable safety that should be available with the M9A3 next year.

 

[RX-79G]

A G conversion that will work in the FS Brig will be available soon, but may be pricey.

 

[Harleytoo]

A G conversion that will work in the FS Brig will be available soon, but may be pricey.

That is nice to know, I had not heard that.