Glock 22 or Beretta 96D or S&W 5906

[progrmr]

A local gun store has police trades in all of the above models in 40 S&W except the 5906 which is 9mm. I haven't looked at them but I am trying to pick a favorite and need some opinions.

I'm carrying a Taurus 651 (5-shot .357 wheel gun) right now. It's a good rig for caliber, but I'm a bit leary about the number of shots and quick follow up. I'm going to carry whatever I purchase.

I've had many auto-loaders over the years. Just sold a Glock 26 about 6 months ago for the 651 and some change. I couldn't shoot the small Glock, while my accuracy was acceptable, that's not my mark for a carry gun anymore. I've shot my dad's 19 a couple of times and shot VERY well - that's why the 22 interests me even in the full size variant. Nice trigger and reliable.

Now I really dig the design of the 96D and I've shot a 96 9mm (or is it a 92? the 9mm one) and while the trigger was strange to get used to I got to like it and bought a Taurus PT-92AR which is basically the same just hundreds less

I've never shot a smith autoloader, and I like 9mm so the 5906 is also in the running.

Considering that I'm going to carry, the 5906 looks best, then the 96, then the G22. But really I'm thinking they all would make great guns.

Anyone have opinions on these 3 guns?

 

[Silvanus]

Considering that I'm going to carry, the 5906 looks best, then the 96, then the G22. But really I'm thinking they all would make great guns.

For me it would be the other way around...They are all reliable and accurate pistols, but the Glock has the highest capactity (ok, it's the same as the S&W, but in .40) and is not as heavy as the other two guns. And they have no manual safety, which is (for me) an advantage in a carry gun.

 

[progrmr]

interesting - the only reason I put the G22 last was the size for concealed carry. I didn't put much emphasis on weight although that is indeed a factor.

 

[CountGlockula]

G22, because I'm getting one also.

 

[progrmr]

haha! I'd expect nothing less from "CountGlockula" ! haha! Excellent!

Actually I was leaning towards the Glock - I like the design of the Beretta better, but I shoot the glock better (19 anyway; rented a beretta once - trigger takes some getting used to).

 

[BobbyQuickdraw]

Beretta 96. Reliable and accurate.

I have a Glock26, don't especially love it because of its ultra small size, but rented a Beretta 92 (9mm, the 96 is .40 only, though you can get conversion kits to go from .22 to 9mm to .40) and loved it. Fit my hand great, shot great, and an action so smooth it made butter seem like gravel.

Glocks are great and all, but again they have clearly a ton of hype surrounding them. The Beretta is almost the opposite - everyone tries to tear it apart and say how bad it is because it was adopted for the military over more popular guns like SIG or someting in .45. But it is still widely regarded as a great gun even with everyone taking shots at. I personally love it.

 

[CountGlockula]

Honestly, with the Glock 22...it'll make a huge difference when holding it compared to the subcompact and compact Glock models. I'd recommend shooting one first before you lay down the money. The .40S&W caliber is a fun caliber and a lot of folks can't get used to it. But you know what they say: "Don't let the gun Master you, YOU must master the gun".

In addition, since you're a revolver guy (like I used to be), add a 3.5lb. connector and NY1 Trigger spring to the Glock 22 and the trigger pull will be like a wheel gun-firm and smooth. I have that set up on my Glock 35. And with the trigger reset...life is a highway for follow up shots.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[byf43]

I had a S&W 5906. I sold it shortly after discovering that the frame and slide were galling themselves to shreds.

This pistol had about 500 rounds through it. It was lubed properly.

One local gunsmith seemed to think that the frame and slide hardness were the same, that's why they were galling.

At the time, that 5906 was the most expensive firearm that I have ever bought. $595.00 + tax.

Granted, the 5906 was a nice looking pistol. . . but it was like my old 39-2. . . a piece of junk.

The 6904 would be a real nice carry piece!

 

[boalex207]

I've got a 5903 police trade in (alloy variant of the 5906) and I really like mine. Relatively light and never had a problem with it that wasn't shooter error.

Keep in mind (it's TDA) you'll have the decocker/safety to manage which is not a concern with the GLOCK.

 

[Pops 1]

Take a look at the Beretta PX4 40. Pops

 

[Koblenz]

The best police trade in I have bought is the Smith and Wesson 4006, .40 caliber. It does not have the magazine capacity of a Glock 22, but it sure as hell soaks up the recoil of the hot .40 ammo a whole lot better.

Of course, I would also like to own the other three guns you mentioned - all of them!

 

[JaxNovice]

If you shot the G19 well, see if they have a G23. Sometimes LEO agencies will allow their officers to choose between a G22 and G23 depending on what fits their hand better.