First 9mm for me and my wife

[shooter_shooter]

Can you all recommend a first 9mm for beginners that is light, reliable, accurate and easy to operate? This gun would be for the range only and maybe competition down the road so I'm not looking for a sub-compact. I'm looking for something that is light enough that wife doesn't get tired too quickly but without a really big kick. I've read here that Browning Hi-Power, Sig226, Glock17/19, Beretta92, PX4, S.A. XD9, CZ75, CZPO1, H&K USP seem to be among the most popular but not sure what would be right for us. Any other considerations/info would be much appreciated.

Side note- Can someone explain to me people's love/hate feelings about Glocks?

Thanks!

 

[maddy345]

I love my Springfield Armory XD9 subcompact. 13+1 in a flush fit magazine aint no joke. Good trigge rout of the box, very managable recoil (this is what my wife carries when she carries) and a 16 round magazine for when it does night stand duty for you.

 

[shooter_shooter]

Thanks maddy345- Like I said, this gun would be for the range only, not carry or nightstand. So I'm not sure this is right for me. What about the sight radius and accuracy for someone who's learning?

 

[NG VI]

FNP-9 would be my reccomendation.

As far as the love/hate thing between Glocks, that's a divide that has existed for twenty years. It's almost like asking why the different tribes in Rwanda hate each other so much, or why Sunnis and Shiites battle, at this point, it just is.

 

[SKILCZ]

Don't go for light. Get a CZ 75B or BD or a CZ SP-01. Heavy, but you'll appreciate the weight in terms of little felt recoil. Very accurate. Great ergonomics. You can't go wrong with one.'

For range & HD use, you want a full sized gun, which will be heavy. Light guns generally recoil more.

 

[shooter_shooter]

My fixation on the weight comes from the fact that I currently own a S&W 617 that weighs about 40oz I think and has been sitting around unused for a long time. It doesn't matter what we get if my wife doesn't enjoy holding it...

 

[Strand]

Have a big gun store near you?


Everyone is different. You need to take the wife to the store and have her handle as many as she can. Even better if they let you rent guns and shoot them on their range. Someone may suggest a sweet gun but it needs to "fit" your wife.


(IMO)

 

[shooter_shooter]

I live in North Jersey so I don't have too many options in general. I'll definitely be taking her to the shops. Read a lot about proper fit too.

 

[jkulysses]

I heard so many complaints about the "feel" of Glocks that I almost didn't even give them a chance but once I picked one up I couldn't believe how good it felt in my hand. I must be abnormal I guess lol but it feels like it was made for me. I love the Glock 27 with or without the mag extension for carry but for shooting for longer periods of time the 23 is also very nice and still conceable except for real tight summer type clothing.

Sorry forgot you wanted 9mm lol but the 26 would be the same as the 27 size wise and the 19 is the same as the 23.

 

[96projectz24]

I was the same way with the Glocks, didn't even really wanna look at one cause of all the people griping about "ergonomics". I found a used G27 and loved the way it felt, shot and looked. Yeah, it can be considered ugly, but to me it looks like it means business. That being said, you can't go wrong with a G19, she'll love it!

 

[bg226]

The Beretta PX4 9mm. Lowest recoil 9mm, small size, excellent accuracy and trigger.

The Glock is love/hate mainly due to the grip size and odd grip angle.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I would get something with a manual safety or one that is double action only. I've had a kel tec p11 for years now that is light and small and it's pretty decent and relaible. I cannot endorse a glock as I don't trust them. I want something with a manual safety or something that is double action with a long trigger pull.

 

[shooter_shooter]

Thanks all for the info, keep it coming!

 

[jkulysses]

I knew somebody would chime in with the "glocks are unsafe" thing. I was always taught to never ever put my finger on the trigger until I was ready to fire and as long as you do this everytime a glock is just as safe as any other handgun.

 

[basicblur]

Don't know if these will fit her (which is going to be the determining factor), and I can't tell ya how they might stack up in competition, but you might consider:
1. SIG SP2022-a hidden gem that many folks don't know about? Good price, but the grip may be getting a bit big for her hand? Dealers are running specials on 'em-local dealer has 'em with night sights & 2 mags for $495. When I bought mine for that price, it included 3 mags. One big plus for new shooters is it's easy to practice dry firing-just pull the trigger (no racking the slide etc).
2. XDs-can't go wrong with 'em-not too impressed with the XDM, but it may fit her better with it's changeable backstraps.

USP is getting kinda pricey, and probably too big for her hands?, but you can also practice dry firing it as the SIG. Most of the HK stuff is too big for my hands, although the USPC (only HK I own) fits nicely.

AFA the Glock love/hate-they're damn fine weapons but the grip angle doesn't suit me.
I did tire long ago of folks that think it's the only gun worth considering.
To me Glocks are both:
1. One of the finest guns ever made (if the grip angle doesn't bother you)
2. One of the most overrated guns ever made.

 

[shooter_shooter]

What is it about Glocks that makes people feel they can be less safe than other guns? Sorry, I haven't done much research into different gun designs yet. Still learning by reading these forums...

 

[basicblur]

What is it about Glocks that makes people feel they can be less safe than other guns?

As others have stated, it's fine as long as you keep your finger off the trigger- and make sure your jacket drawstring, holster retention strap, yadda yadda yadda never hang the trigger.

It's not an unsafe gun, but there are others that are "safer". The trigger thingy is NOT a safety (which Glock has stated). The XDs have a grip safety-passive, so you don't forget to flick it off when needed (not that 1911 style safeties ever bothered me), but an extra measure of safety. When holstering an XD, just place your thumb on the back of the slide-prevents the gun from coming out of battery if it hangs on something, and by doing so, you remove the web of your hand from the grip safety.
As Ayoob said in one of his articles-he would NEVER Mexican carry a Glock, but has done so with an XD on numerous occasions.

And there are waaaaaaay to many noobs getting Glocks and immediately having "trigger jobs" done on 'em.
If this is going to be a working gun, leave the trigger alone!
Learn to shoot a long, heavy trigger (not that the Glock is such) and you'll be a better shooter in the long run.

'Course, I was raised on DA revolvers-not video game triggers!

EDIT: Remember Plaxico? We also had a local retired PD detective Mexican carrying a Glock that had the same thing happen. Incredibly enough, he was a PD firearms instructor, and had been warned by folks 'bout Mexican carrying his Glock. He and friends were eating at a local restaurant after attending a funeral, and when he got up he reached down to pull up his pants and...:banghead: There were 6 folks in the restaurant injured by flying shrapnel.
Don't know what kind of gun this guy was carrying, but it just reinforces the need to keep you finger off the trigger (and the utility of a safety?)!

 

[Kwanger]

+1 exactly what basicblur said, especially on keep your *other stuff also* off the trigger.

I love my G17, and am more than happy to carry it - in a tailor made kydex holster that covers the trigger. And speaking of triggers, I may be in a minority but I really like the standard Glock trigger and wouldn't change it.

 

[benderx4]

EVERY gun you mentioned in your orginal post is an excellent weapon. You wouldn't go wrong with any of them.
What you need to do is find a range that rents guns, and then shoot, shoot, shoot. (I would include a couple revolvers as well.)
For sure, your wife will eventually find one she likes - and then that's the one!!

 

[tiro6]

i would also consider the FNP-9...its got a great trigger to take the range and has a very solid build so it wont break easily.

Other than that, the Glock 19 would be my 2nd choice...if you can get used to the grip angle.... if not, should also consider the S&W M&P9c, very good gun and has great ergonomics and a nice trigger, but i dont like the slide as opposed to its glock and xd counterparts...

of course, if youve got a big enough budget, get a HK P30...so nice, so very nice, but over priced for sure...best of luck deciding!

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Glocks don't feel right in my hands and lots of others. A browning high power feels perfect, but is a little pricey. Glocks are relaible pistols otherwise leo's wouldn't be carrying them. If you can live with the grip angle I highly recommend that you have a glock armour install the New York trigger (a lot heaver than stock trigger). This will reduce the real possibility of an accidential discharge which the glock is notorious for.

 

[bobelk99]

OP:I have or have had most of the guns you listed.

Based on your input, I would recommend the Glock 17 or 19, IF the gun fits for you and your wife. The 17 is a little steadier, but a little heavier.

If you decide to move up, the Glock 34/35 are really nice.

I suggest renting at a range, or doing gunshop handling, to determine if whatever weapon you lean toward feels right to you.

When you have decided, before purchase, rent that gun and shoot it to confirm it does what you want.

 

[Straight Shooter]

Just know, light and easy to operate are opposing forces. The weight of the gun helps to reduce felt recoil.

For a range gun I would recommend the XDM-9 (4.5 not the 3.8).

Also, I very much like my newly acquired CZ P-01. Accurate as heck, but for the range there is no point in getting a compact. I would go with a full size CZ75 and maybe add the Kadet kit so you can also shoot .22LR with it.

 

[keltex78]

Bersa Thunder?

How about a Bersa Thunder? I have the full-size Thunder 9 and it is very comfortable to hold and shoot, accurate, reliable, economical, and recoil is negligible. I am very happy with it. If you want something smaller, they have the Thunder9 UC model but I have never fired one. The Bersa's have a metal frame and are a little bit heavier which helps control recoil. You might also consider the Taurus 24/7; they are a bit larger but have an extremely comfortable grip. I would not recommend a light 9mm handgun for a beginner; I have a KelTec PF9; very light but extremely snappy and NOT a fun gun to shoot.

Take your wife to a gun show and make sure you handle one before you buy. I don't have any reservations about recommending either the Thunder or 24/7.


My Bersa Thunder 9mm. Finish is a little rough on the slide, but other than that, a fantastic pistol!

 

[shooter_shooter]

Thanks, I do understand the weight vs. control issue and it's good to be reminded of that. Unfortunately, there is exactly one range anywhere near my house and they do not rent, so this purchase will probably be made under less-than-ideal circumstances. Since we're new, we won't have anything to compare the guns performance to, we'll just get used to how it feels/shoots. I guess that's the "ignorance is bliss" school of thought. That's why I'm trying to solicit as many opinions as I can and go from there.