First timer getting a 9mm

[MartinBrody]

I would check out some Smith & Wesson 9mm autos or Ruger. Some ranges let you rent guns to shoot, or will let you shoot used guns, but I don't know of anywhere that will let you shoot a new gun. Feel free to ask them to show you lots of guns before you buy, that is the fun part, and it is important that the gun "feels right" in your hand, and that you can operate the various features.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

The Bersa Thunder 9 fullsize and compact both have ambi slide releases and safetys/decockers. The mag release is reversible as well.
www.bersafirearmsusa.com

I have been very happy with the two Bersas T9s that I own.

 

[Gunsmoker]

Alright, I went to the gun store and handled about 5-6 9mm handguns. They wouldn't let me dryfire the guns so I'll have to go the range and test them out. And since I was there I had to hold the "legendary" 1911 .45. I'm also gonna fire the 1911 at the range and see how that goes. But for now, I'm leaning towards the Browning Hi-Power, Glock 17, Springfield XD, or the CZ-75. I didn't like the HK P2000 or the Sig P226. They didn't feel right in my hands.

Do most ranges rent out a gun at a flat rate and allow you to exchange the gun for another one without charging you more money?


I was able to use my left trigger finger to operate the slide release on most of the guns. And using my left finger to release the mag doesn't seem like a hassle.

 

[40jjb]

9mm

2 picks of the litter, Taurus millenium 9mm Has all the safeties you are looking for and compactability, or Kel tec also compack and reliable, the 2 of them come with 10 rd mag. PS try also the P95 ruger its built like a tank, sturdy and reliable I was so impres this week end when I purchased it I perchaced 2 of them, Trust me for $269.00 a peace and 13 mag of 15 rd. Its a bargain.

 

[raz-0]

I'll chime in for the S&W M&P, ambi slide release, and the mag release is switchable to either side.

 

[Juna]

You won't be sorry if you get a CZ 75. It's a fantastic weapon at a fraction of the cost of some of the others you mentioned. It has the best accuracy and ergonomics of all those you mentioned, IMO. But since you mentioned possible CCW, I'd go with a CZ 75D PCR. It's light weight with an alloy frame, and it's got a shorter barrel (it's a compact pistol). It has 14+1 capacity, and still has all the benefits of the full sized model.

 

[hso]

The critical issue is whether it "fits" or not.

By that I mean whether it points naturally for you because what points naturally for me could be different. If you can grip the gun properly and point it at a target and find the sights aligned without having to adjust your wrist angle up or down or left/right then it fits.

If you're looking between the guns listed, Glock/CZ75/XD/BHP you'll find that the XD points much like a 1911 and that the BHP will probably be close to it. The other 2 will be considerably different.

To my knowledge the Glock is not ambidextrous nor can it be made to be. Of course the only controls to deal with is the mag release.

The CZ and BHP can both be ambi safety and mag release.

The XD already is.

I've got CZs and the BHP is my favorite. I've had and will have Glocks. A buddy has an XD so I don't really need on since I can shoot his.

To get hits make sure it fits.