Good 9mm handgun that can "do it all"?

[earlthegoat2]

Here's a site that might make it a little harder to make up your mind.
http://www.best9mm.com/

I have looked at that site and have decided that many of the choices on there are weak at best. I mean the FNP9 as number 2? NO BROWNING HI POWER??!!! The SigPro 2022 but no Sig 226 or 229. Very odd. Nonetheless it does give a little bit of perspective.

I would be more apt to call it the extremely open minded best 9mm site.

 

[ichiban]

There is a dollar limit (just like the original post) that eliminates many guns. From the site

The rules: The guns must be great shooters, reliable, good quality, and cost less than $550 USD new from a gun dealer. The $550 rule will exclude many fine 9mm pistols and competition guns. If you don't agree or have other choices, you can sound off in the Guest Book. Enjoy.

 

[Zak Smith]

No need to make it complicated. The Glock 19 is the best defensive handgun for the vast majority of people. A good tactical pistol class is paramount.
See this post
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=4713806#post4713806

I strongly recommend getting a Glock - specifically a Glock 19 or 17.

Most objections to the Glock as a fighting pistol fall into the general category of mindset failure, including objections of the forms: "I don't like it", "It doesn't fit my hand", "I need a manual safety", "The trigger is bad."

Scores of new shooters try to make pistol selection much more difficult than it need be; I did so myself when I was new.

The vast majority of people who buy a pistol for self-defense would be better served by a Glock than something else. If that's hard to swallow, at least grant that the mental energy and hand-wringing over what pistol to buy (or what brand of ammo to shoot) would be better spent in training and mindset development.

 

[savit260]

There is a $550 max. price on that page, which would most definitly exclude the Sig 226 and 229 and the Hi Power.

Edit: someone beat me to it.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

"It doesn't fit my hand",

This is hardly a "mindset" failure.

Why sure, Doc, Just cut off my pinkie and half of my ring finger so I can use this here pistol that teh interwebz sez I should use.

 

[middy]

I agree with the Glock 17, unless you have small hands, then the 19.

The nice thing about Glocks is that you can detail strip them with nothing but a punch (or a nail) down to the smallest part, and then put them together again easily. There are no roll pins or complicated assemblies.

And they don't rust.

And they go bang every time.

 

[rellascout]

So I'm looking for something relatively inexpensive (~500$ range) that can be used for CC, home defense, target practice, etc. Basically something that can do it all.

Where are you getting a P01 these days for around $500... It will be $550 + shipping plus transfer. That makes it a $600 gun not a $500 gun.

I love my P01 but to say it does everything better than my P228 is a stretch.

 

[Zak Smith]

You're probably doing it wrong. It's unlikely you are the 1% if you can physically operate the slide. I actually haven't yet met someone who could not operate a Glock 19 properly. Rethink the mindset implications of my first post.

 

[rellascout]

Zak it is not that people cannot "make" the Block 19 work its that for many people it is not a natural pointing pistol due to the grip. Sure I can shoot a Glock well if you give me time to adjust my grip and my SOP but why would I want to shoe horn myself into a pistol when there are tons of other options?

 

[jakemccoy]

Glock 19

See these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri5AyXzxb4o&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=7A3EDDBBE4AC37D1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2O7K8MawTs&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=7A3EDDBBE4AC37D1&index=0

I prefer the Glock 27, but let's keep it simple.

 

[Artiz]

I always say Sig. Now I won't...

ahh ok Sig P226 then. West-German Made please. Less or equal than what these dudes want...

 

[Starcheck55]

CZ P-01 is my vote, but there are a lot of great choices out there
(just to name a couple)
G19
Sig 229
HK P2000

there are an abundance of high quality, accurate, reliable, slightly smaller than full-size pistols out there that can be had at great prices new or used.

 

[1SOW]

You can't really lose with most of the above recommendations.

Decide if you prefer: DA only (Sig,CZ), DA/SA (Sig, CZ), SA (CZ), or Striker Fired (like XD, M&P and Glock).
Add a safety or other features you want and then eliminate the ones that don't fill you wants.

Borrow, rent, & fondle the ones left and then make your decision.

 

[sarduy]

I've been looking around and I think I have it narrowed down to a few choices. The Glock 19 comes pretty highly recommended, the only thing that worries me is the lack of a grip or manual safety. Obviously I don't plan on doing anything stupid, but I am new and can't rule out that it may happen, and just having the trigger safety on the Glock worries me a bit.

Glocks as as safe as any other pistol but if you want to be more relax, dont chamber a round, it only take 1 sec load a round.

I am still open to other suggestions, but since I'm trying to narrow down the search I've tried to limit it to these. I am aware that there are tons of xD vs glock threads, and I have read a bunch of them, but is there any 9mm that would best fit my needs as kind of an all purpose gun? Thanks in advance

both are great pistols and people go both ways XD & Glock, i recommend that you go to a Range/gunshop and handle both, get what's more confortable to you.

This is a great review of both guns, and you may like the SR-9.

xD 9mm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVprHSjspsA&feature=channel

SR-9 9mm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpTaV3A2jIE&feature=channel

Glock-17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=866LWMsvUsc&feature=channel

 

[sarduy]

Any sw 3rd gen. At least I do not worry about losing a body part sticking it in my pocket like I might with a GLOCK.

here i fixed for ya...

Any sw 3rd gen. At least I do not worry about losing a body part sticking it in my pocket like I might with a GLOCK. because i FAIL to put the finger off the trigger.

 

[AWorthyOpponent]

I know how you feel, and I am here to help...

Gregr507,

I was in the same position that you are now about 6 months ago. My choice wound up being the Glock 22. Yes, I know that is a .40 S&W, but I got it because I found a good deal on it. Had I been able to find a Glock 17, I would have gone with that, as I wanted my first handgun to be a 9mm. Let me first say that I LOVE my Glock 22. The only problem that I have with it is that it has the "Rough Texture Frame" or "RTF" Body. BAD IDEA FOR CCW!! It leaves a nasty rash if it touches your side for more than 15 min.

Despite this, I continued to CC it, only I tucked in an undershirt behind it. The Glock will run forever, and although you SHOULD clean it after every use, you could never clean it and it would go bang every time.

I have since bought both a Glock 17, as well as a Springfield XD-9. For CCW, here are the pros and cons that i have found for each:

1. Given the same holster, the XD is a little more concealable. The handle is a little smaller on the XD, and it holds one more round than the Glock 17.
2. Both have a rail for attaching light/laser for home defense
3. Glock has slightly less recoil than the XD
4. Glocks slide is easier to chamber a round, movement seems more fluid
5. Never had an ejection problem with the Glock, 2 ejection problems with the XD (Both have +1000 rounds through them)
6. XD has grip safety, Glock Does not. Not a huge problem, but another safety measure is nice when CC or if you ever happen to be in a situation where you are fighting for control of the gun.
7. The "one in the chamber" indicator on the XD is on top and sharp, while it is on the side and smooth on the Glock
8. Magazine on the XD is a little more Flush with the base of the gun, while Glock is just there.
9. XD has an indicator that shows you the firearm is cocked. The rear of the firing pin can be seen from the rear of the firearm, allowing you to tell whether or not your firearm is locked and loaded or not, without having to remove it from the chamber. (although you should always physically inspect to reassure)
10. There are MANY more holsters/accessories for the glock. If you want to eventually use the firearm in a competition, get the Glock...
11. if you are left handed, the magazine release is much easier on the XD, as it is ambidextrous. It is also easier to press for those that do not have that much hand strength.
12. Both are more than adequate for target shooting, Home Defense, and CCW
13. Both have the ability to shoot +P rounds, which I feel are better for SD

When push comes to shove, if I had to choose one of my handguns, I would choose the Glock 17. The ammo is cheap, there are an almost infinite number of upgrades for the Glock, and although i keep all of my firearms well lubed and clean, I feel that the Glock is more likely to fire in a high stress situation. At the range, I prefer to shoot the Glock, as previously mentioned, it is a breeze to clean. Basically, my answer for you, as a college student in a similar circumstance, get the Glock 17, or Glock 19 if you feel that you want to conceal it a little more. I am 6'1"; 205lbs. I am just able to conceal the Glock 17 to the point that I feel like no one can tell I am carrying. If you are a little smaller, and want to conceal, I would go for the Glock 19.

 

[PandaBearBG]

Vote for the XD9 though compareble to the glock, the grip angle does it for me, could shoot that all day long...(and have, sorry wallet) It's simple, easy breakdown, damn near industructable and doesn't look as rubbery as the glock. IMO.

Personally I would go with the larger 5" model, but thats just me. (longer barrel, better accuracy) but you sound smallish so the 4' or 3' might be best for you, you can always add a mag ext to get full capacity with the smaller subcompact.


Or if you are concerned about safety, get the XD45 that comes with the addition of a manual safety.

 

[xHypex]

Very good comments from AWorthyOpponent; here's my addition.

I was in your situation four years ago. I had just finished college and was looking for the best general purpose, all around gun. I had also narrowed down the choice to a G19 or an XD9SC, which at the time had even less of a history. I sometimes mod to my things (cars, computers, guns), but I don't always; however aftermarket support is a good thing to have.

In my opinion the Glock and XD had already met the reliability requirements, so the real question was regarding features, price, and accessories/parts. XDs used to be much cheaper relative to Glock, so that was a plus for the XD. I prefer the grip angle on the XD to the Glock, but I can work with either (I had very little 1911 experience, so there was no bias there). I prefer non finger grooved grips, so the later generation glocks were out for me.

Two lesser mentioned options on the XD that are not available on the Glock are the loaded chamber indicator and firing pin indicator. Most will say that these cannot replace a press check for a loaded round and I totally agree. However, it's nice to be able to pick up the pistol and look/feel the condition. My XD is always loaded with one in the chamber so the features are really redundant, but I really like being able to at least verify the condition on pistols without safeties (which most of mine are).

A few other notes from an XD user:
The XD Subcompact is great for an all around pistol because you can add the grip extender to get 16+1 rounds with a Service size grip. The only thing you lose is the longer barrel, and the option to change barrels (I believe there are still not any replacement caliber barrels for the SC). If you move to the Service size XD you have many more options including using one gun for multiple calibers 9mm/40/357 Sig (if that matters to you)

Here's a great picture for your decision; The XD Service and G17 are very close in size, as are the XD9SC and G19.


One final comment is that if you really enjoy shooting as most of us do here, you will end up with multiple firearms for many different reasons. I chose to leave my XD9SC completely stock, and I'm glad I did because I found better pistols for other purposes (Best Pointing Pistol: HK P7, Best Carry: Keltec P380 (pictured), Best Range Plinker: Ruger Mark I, etc.). Another interesting point to note is that when I got into shooting 9mm was ~$3.50 for a box of 9mm blazer, now it's $12. Needless to say I shoot a lot less 9mm than I used to.
-hype

 

[gregr507]

Thanks again for the replies everyone. As far as the Glock 17 being too big for my hands, that wasn't the case. I'm 6'1" and a fairly big guy, so I could hold it just fine, it just felt kind of big and unpolished, if that makes any sense. I held the .40 cal glock that is the same size as the 19 (I forget which number the 40 cal was, but it had the same frame) and it seemed to be a really nice size. I'm wondering which of the xD series would be most comparable in size to a Glock 19? Just so I have something to compare head to head next time I go check them out. Thanks again

 

[xHypex]

Glock 17 (22 in .40) is most similar to the XD Service.
Glock 19 (23 in .40) is most similar to the XD Subcompact.
Glock 26 (27 in .40) is smaller than the XD Subcompact, but not by much.
-hype

 

[orvpark]

You like the XD, buy one.

The only question is Service or SC?

 

[trigun87]

IMO if you want all around good 9mm for range and CCW. I would say glock 26, only because of size for concealment, proven track record, and can except all of the big glock 9mm magazines. Also shoots as well as the full size glocks IMO. I love my 26 for all around use , but recently played with the xd subcompact 9mm it is great but i still prefer glock because of personal preference. Just remember if your going to ccw you will probobaly end up wanting something smaller than a 17,19 after extensive carry.

my .02

 

[LancerMW]

G19.

 

[middy]

Two lesser mentioned options on the XD that are not available on the Glock are the loaded chamber indicator...

The Glock has a loaded chamber indicator. There's no point in a firing pin indicator in a Glock's half-cocked action.

 

[AKElroy]

I'm a huge CZ fan but I don't carry. The CZ's are great guns but being all metal they are pretty heavy.

I have been carrying a new CZ all week in a Bianchi IWB holster; the weight is not an issue with a stiff belt & being so slim, so it conceals really well under an untucked shirt.

I finally got it to the range today for a full shakedown, and HANDS DOWN, this is the most accurate, best handling 9 I own or have fired period. The weight makes even hot +p rounds feel super light.

(yes, I carried it for a week without any rounds downrange; I know it's a no no. It got 200+ through it today; ZERO malfunctions)

Living in a plastic world for the last decade, I had forgotten how hot a real metal gun gets. Nice.