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First timer getting a 9mm

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Gunsmoker

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Aug 27, 2006
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I'm planning on buying a 9mm handgun mainly for self-defense, target practice, fun, maybe even conceal carry on special situations.

1. I'm left handed. If I buy the gun new, can I get the controls switched (slide release, magazine siwtch, safety switch)? Or am I screwed?

2. Ideally I'd like to go to a gun shop and see and feel all of the 9mm guns they have and then pick 3-4 that I would rent at the gun range. Do guns shops not allow customers to walk in and "test drive" their floor models?

3. I have several guns in mind... Glock 17, Sig p226, and Beretta 92. I'm sort of against the Glock because of no safety. And it looks like the beretta is big and bulky. I don't need to stuff the gun in my small back pocket but I'll tuck it in my coat on special occasions. What other 9mm would you recommend?

Thanks.
 
Gunsmoker -

There are several guns that come with ambidexterous controls to suit left or right handers. Others can have some (usually not all) of the controls switched. The only truly ambi gun that comes to mind right away is the CZ 85 Combat...safety, slide release and mag release are all ambidexterous.

As far as stores, most places will let you handle the guns in the store. A lot of ranges rent handguns, so if you find a model that feels good in your hand, look for a place to rent it and try it out. Or see if you can hook up with other Forum members in your area who have the gun you're interested in. My experience is that most shooters are more than willing to let others try out their guns.

As far as gun choices, ask 10 people and you'll get 12 different recommendations. Whatever you choose, I highly recommend that you carry in a proper holster. They make pocket holsters for that purpose. Unless you're leaving the gun unloaded, carrying it in your pocket without a holster is an invitation to a disaster.

For the record, none of the three guns you listed are exactly "pocket" guns...they are all on the full-size for each manufacturers line. The GLock 19 or 26, Sig P229 and Beretta PX4 are more "carrry friendly". Again, you need to try them all out and see which one fits you best.

Good luck -- and stay safe!

Jim
 
Definitely get your hands on as many different models as you can. For some pistols it may not matter if the mag release is on the "wrong" side.

I used to have a Sig P226 with the mag release configured for lefties, and it was just as easy for me to operate it with my right index finger. Once muscle memory is in place, it won't be an issue. For you, the decocker might be an issue.

I also used to have a H&K USP, which has an ambidextrous mag release. My right thumb couldn't reach the lever without significantly shifting the pistol. I found it easier to operate with my right index finger and quickly got into the habit.

When you're handling pistols, try using your left index finger to operate the controls.
 
Yeah, you're right about the holster. I'm not going to get a compact. Those guns are too small. And anyways, I wouldn't mind carrying a slighter bigger gun.

How reliable is the CZ 85? I've never heard of this gun before.
 
For what it's worth, the Ruger P-series is fully Amibdextrous. It's also priced reasonably. I would suggest a P89, or if you might carry, a P-95 is a little better. The safety is operated from either side of the slide, and also the mag release from either side of the frame with no modifications. It's a good first 9mm.
 
I also hear the beretta 92 is abidextrious. Is it?

How much of a hassle is carrying a beretta 92 around?



The Glock 19 is just a smaller version of the Glock17. Besides weight and size what's the difference between the two.
 
The saftey on the beretta is and I think the mag release can be configured so. The New HK 2000 is a real fully ambidextrous weapon and top of the line. I can easily carry a M9 in winter with a sweatshirt or flannel with no problem. Good luck
 
The HK P2000 is pretty lefty friendly. Most HK USPs are also, since there are so many different variants which include left handers.

The P99 might be a consideration also. I believe all have triggerguard mag releases, and are ambidexterous.
 
Weight and size are the only differences between the G17 and G19. The 17 comes with 17 round mags and the 19 comes with 15 round mags. I always liked my friend's G23 (same size as the G19) but decided to get the G17 since it was going to be primarily a target/house gun.

Unless you live where you have to have 10 rounders and then that is what you are stuck with.

The glock has 4 safeties (3 internal and one between the ears). It operates the same way as most DA revolvers...won't shoot a round until you pull the trigger. For that reason you want to make sure that your holster covers the trigger guard.
 
Jkwas said:
For what it's worth, the Ruger P-series is fully Amibdextrous. It's also priced reasonably. I would suggest a P89, or if you might carry, a P-95 is a little better. The safety is operated from either side of the slide, and also the mag release from either side of the frame with no modifications. It's a good first 9mm.
Click to expand...

Careful! Remember...there are three controls to consider: mag release, decocker/safety and slide release.

On a Ruger (and most other "ambi-friendly" handguns), only the safety/decocker and mag release are ambi. Very few handguns have an ambidexterous slide release lever. Neither of my Rugers (KP89D and KP93) do. Same with Berettas...the mag release can be reversed and the safety/decocker is on both sides of the slide -- but the slide release is only on the left.

BTW, I agree that a Ruger is a good first-time handgun...very reliable and accurate. Not very friendly in the way of after-market accessories, though.

Jim
 
1st off, welcome to the Highroad! Also nice to welcome in the new members!

Now, as for lefty handguns...Of your choices might be the 92fs for it ambi safety or the Glock that doesn't employ an external safety. The SIG is recogniazed as a right handed handed.
 
HK P2000 is ambi - ambi mag release. Same with the P99.

Many guns, like the Beretta 92FS can have the mag release swopped out for left handed people.
 
"...one between the ears..." This one being the most important one. If anybody ever asks you where the safety is on any firearm, point at your forehead and say, "In here."
"...Do guns shops not allow customers to walk in and "test drive" their floor models?..." Some have rental guns, some don't. A new pistol that has been rented out or used as a demo model can't be sold as a new gun. Anymore than a demo vehicle can. It's not BNIB anymore.
 
check out the Ruger p95, theyve only gotten better over the las couple yrs. and theyve always been a great gun.

If you werent a Lefty Id say look at a Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro....

Ive put ump-teen thousand rds thru my P95, 100% reliable. plain n simple.
its packable aswell, not too heavy, and secure in my hands.
I've put 3k+ thru the taurus.. 100% also.

Ill also add, theres lots of real nice wheelguns in .38 that you may want to look at.

I dont like Glocks, had 3 of them..

get opinions, but more importantly get what you feel confident in operating......
Hands down.

ip9.
 
How are the Browning Hi-Power guns?
Click to expand...

I love mine. They're beautiful, incredibly reliable, and have great ergonomics. The Hi-Power is often called the cadillac of 9mms. I would call it the BMW of 9mms; Luxurious feel with top end performance. The CZ-75 is the only handgun I know of that has been more copied, made in more countries, and issued to more militaries than the Hi-Power. They're more widely used in Europe, however, there is a small, but loyal, fan base in the US. IMO the Hi-Power is underappreciated in the states, but once you discover them you find what a gem they are. If a Hi-Power fits you buy one, you won't regret it.
 
If you like the Sig 226 check out the Sig 2022. The polymer Sigs have better triggers than there metal counter parts and they are a couple hundred dollars cheaper. The Sig polymers are over looked while they are some of the best polymers on the market.
 
Here we are talking up these different 9mm.,and it comes down to ergonomics.Do we know what size hands? Any arthritis or other limiting factors? For example,I've got short stubby hands and in the double stack mag department Ruger P95s just barely fit me and I have to slightly adjust grip when dropping the magazine.My daughter is 3 to4 inches taller and has long slender fingers.The CZ85 fits her perfectly.Some Walthers and Smith & Wessons come with or can be requested to have 3 different sets of adjustable grips from the factory.Would a used Beretta M model single stack work? How about a Kahr T9? Just wild ideas off the top of my head.
 
No_Warning said:
Look for a Walther P99....great gun.
Click to expand...

While I agree the P99 is a great gun, it's certainly not ambi-friendly. The decocker on the AS can't be reached for a left hander. If you get the QA model, that's less of a problem -- but I prefer the AS.

Jim
 
If you're thinking Sig, sounds like money is no problem. The perfect compromise carry size in my mind between full size and sub-compact if you don't mind a single stack (narrower), is the 3913 Smith and Wesson.

Don't even think about carrying a Beretta 92 concealed. It's HUGE!

sw3913.jpg
 
HK P-2000 LEM model

Hi GS;
I'm a left handed shooter too, ;) .

I'd say buy a new HK P-2000 pistol with night sights/LEM/no mag release safety.

These pistols are not cheap but worth the price, :D . P-2000s have ambi-slide releases, smooth DA only pulls, ambi mag releases. They also have a rail for lasers/white lights and can hold 12 rds of 9mmNATO.

Rusty

PS: The HK LEM system means Law Enforcement Modification- a new smoother DA only trigger pull that works like the ParaOrd LDA or SIGarms DAK trigger systems.
 
Among the friendliest guns for left-handers are HKs. The USP's control lever (which is a decocker + safety on the typical versions) can be moved to the right for use by the left thumb. The slide release is long and easily manipulated by the left forefinger, though you might need to lube it up a bit. USPs are the guns to have setup strictly for left-handed use, i.e. not ambi.

HK's P2000 is outright ambidextrous - there is slide release on either side of the pistol. The DA/SA version comes with a decocker (or is it "may come with"?) that is right alongside the hammer and accessible to either thumb.

HK's P7 - this would be a great time to buy one if you can afford a $1000 pistol, btw, since the very last ones to be manufactured are shipping as we speak - is possibly the most ambidextrous pistol out there; there is a slide-stop lever on the left side which you can hit with either your left forefinger or your right thumb, and that's the only thing sided.

HKs tend to have a magazine release that is reachable on either side as well - it is essentially a bar underneath the trigger guard with a tab to either side.

Definately check those out.

CZ's 85 model has controls on either side. CZ is a very popular manufacturer though I have neither fired nor handled one. They are in the $400-500 range so I would certainly give them a look.

Another comment to your post, is that perhaps you shouldn't confuse the lack of a safety that you can toggle with a gun being "safe." The Sig p226 doesn't have an external safety, I believe? (I'll edit this later when if I am having a brain-fart.) On the other hand, there are guns out there that have external safeties but no firing-pin safety, etc. At any rate, any logic which leads you to beleive Sigs are safe (I think you'd be right) should lead you to conclude that Glocks are safe as well.
 
One of the recent gun magazines did an article on a 'shoot off' between the 92FS and CZ-85. The result was about even but the extra information can help your decision. I forget the magazine name but it is the one that usually has the red and black covers... Combat Handguns? Guns for Law Enforcement? Did anyone else read the article and put the magazine back on the shelf? I also recommend the CZ-85 or a Walther P99 with a ambi slide releases.
 
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