Full Size 9mm? Help me choose my next pistol

[mainmech48]

While my personal preferrence currently leans toward the CZ design, there are some serious competitors coming along lately.

I bought my full-sized, hard chromed EAA Witness 9x19 for $225 with two full cap mags in LNIB condition several years ago. It's proven to be both highly accurate (when I do my part) and extremely reliable. So much so that I've never really seriously considered getting another full sized 9mm, as this one is paid for and does everything I ask of it just dandy.

That may be changing. I've had the opportunity to do a good deal of shooting with a 5" XD in 9x19, and I've gotta say I'm impressed. If I wasn't on a fixed income (or didn't already have the Witness) I'd likely have one now. Very sweet, and well under your $600 level around here.

I'm also intrigued by the ads for the new striker-fired Ruger model that's supposed to be on the shelves soon. While I'll wait to see what guys at "Guns" and "American Hangunner" have to say about the production models when they get 'em, and see if I can't wrangle a way to put some rounds downrange with one first, IF this Ruger delivers on what the ads imply I might just have to see what I can part with in trade. I own examples of several different Ruger designs and all of them have proven to be fine performers and excellent values.

 

[txgolfer45]

Sig P226 CPO would be my first choice. Glock 17 or 34 would be next. Then probably a CZ75B

 

[easyg]

I would recommend the CZ 75B or the newer Ruger SR9.

 

[tbtrout]

I was looking between a CZ75, Walther P99, XD9. I could not afford the Sig 226. I ended up with the CZ75 and could not be more pleased with it.

 

[lee n. field]

Hi Point. That way you'll have more money when you decide you really want a .45.



(I'm kidding).

 

[Autolycus]

I would look at the 92FSA1. I believe it has a lightrail. I maybe wrong on the name but I do believe they started putting the rail on the newer models.

 

[robctwo]

I have the CZ75BD, BHP and Sig 226ST. Sig is a bit chunky for my small hands. BHP has had some smith work and is now a dream. CZ has 10s of thousands of 9mm and .22 with the Kadet Kit. I put a fiber optic front sight on it, an adjustable rear sight and am getting a Bar Sto barrel fitted at the factory right now. I also have the Glock 17 & 34.

I'd say CZ first, BHP second for $ value.

 

[simpleguy]

In my opinion M&P or Walther P99.

 

[10-Ring]

My favorite full size 9mm pistols are (in no real order...honest!): the 92fs, the BHP and the USP 9. Each one is accurate, reliable and utterly dependable. If you have developed a craving for the Beretta, move forward and don't worry about it...she's a great pistol!

 

[RungSat65]

I have had a BHP since the 70's and love it, Then I got a H&K USP and love it too. But I prefer things in .45.

 

[Duramaximum]

Just because I haven't seen it mentioned, you could go with the HK USP.

 

[vzenmn]

CZ75 of whatever is your flavor,EAA Witness, or a BHP. I would'nt spend more then 450 dollars on something made out of plastic. Just my personal preference.

 

[Hauptmann]

I recommend you get the standard CZ 75b(safety version), or the CZ 75bd(decocker version). Very accurate, reliable, and manages recoil well.

However, I strongly disgree with the SP-01 recommendations unless you strictly want a range and competition gun. It's heavy, particularly nose heavy making it a real anchor on your hip and in your hand. Not a very ideal pistol for defensive needs in my opinion. I know, I had one for almost a year and took it to combat pistol courses of fire several times to see if I could get used to it.

I find the standard CZ 75b or bd model to be a much better balanced pistol with enough weight to absorb recoil well, but not heavy enough to be cumbersome. Definately a better choice if you choose to make it a defensive pistol.

 

[tbeb]

I fired a Beretta 92, a Glock 17, and a CZ75DAO (double action only). I liked the CZ the best, and I bought it. I have no regrets. Just make sure your finger is long enough to reach trigger in double action position. On the same day I fired a long slide, ported, Glock .40 which I liked better than the other three. At the time I didn't want to spend what they were asking. Another Glock you might like is a ported model 17. A co-worker has one, and front sight pretty much stays on target in rapid fire.

 

[goon]

I had a couple CZ's in the past and they were reliable and accurate. There was just something about the ergonomics that wasn't quite right. The P-01 grip frame fits me better but it's not a full size. Still, if you like CZ get one.

My latest was a M&P9 and I think I'm going to keep it. I took it straight from the gun store with some ammo, no cleaning, no lube, nothing and started shooting it. No issues whatsoever with reliability or function with any type of ammo I've tried in it to date and I still haven't cleaned it. It will become a carry gun after a few hundred more flawless rounds.
BTW - I looked at them at both local shops before I bought one. One shop has had two come back for repairs out of thousands sold and one of those problems was from bad handloads. The other shop is bigger, orders hundreds at a time, and sells them almost as fast as they get them in. They have yet to hear a complaint.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I'm considering a full size 9mm autoloading pistol in the meantime. I've messed around with a Glock 17 but I'd like something different since I already carry a Glock 19.

If you already have a G19, what more do you really need? I would keep trying on the Sub2000. That way your collection is not too redundant.

 

[woad_yurt]

Does 9X18 count? If so, Makarov! Ammo is $10/box, it's a dream to shoot and it's so, so simple and dependable.

 

[vic40204]

CZ 75b S/A

 

[sig2022shooter]

i picked up a sig pro 2022, which is an excellent full size in 9/40/357, for just over $500 2 months ago and havent looked back. double stack mags, decocker, silly smooth da trigger, night sights, 2 interchangeable grips, very very accurate and a picatinny rail if you want to mount lights/lasers. i cant recommend these enough, its a great offering from sig sauer.

other than that the walther p99, cz75 or cz sp-01, beretta 92fs are all equally good choices.

do you have a price range your trying to stay within?

 

[Ford]

try the grandaddy of all the 9's. Try a Highpower

 

[CPshooter]

Get your hands on an H&K P30

 

[bikerdoc]

if you appreciate steel guns, with good looks, and reliablity

try a CZ just my opinion

 

[F1]

If you already have a G19, what more do you really need? I would keep trying on the Sub2000. That way your collection is not too redundant.
__________________
Dirka Dirka.
RON PAUL 2008... the only one that doesn't suck.

I agree with that, including - especially! - the Ron Paul comment!

 

[ZombiesAhead]

I am really liking the CZ-75. I really liked the Jericho I shot and now I find out the Jericho was based on the CZ-75 - So I know I will like this. Besides the US Military Cachet going for the Beretta, I'm leaning towards the CZ now.

What are you paying for a new CZ-75? Sub $500?

Which version do you like? I wouldn't mind a manual safety just to try something new considering all I have is a non-manual safety Glock.

How about the CZ 75 SP-01? It has the rail I was looking for. http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=73

 

[Wolfman_556]

I just bought a police trade Beretta making it my third Beretta pistol , so that would be my vote.

But then again, I have a small collection of Hi-Powers and recommend them highly too.