Help a guy pick a 9mm

[CPshooter]

I agree with Riktoven...

P99 all the way. I just got rid of most of my handguns because i like to try new things and buy different equipment, but most of all because I'm a detail-oriented, very picky guy and i haven't found what im looking for in the handguns I've owned. I've been looking to step it up a bit to the more "high end" autos like H&Ks and Sigs. So i was looking at the H&K P2000 and P2000SKs, and also the Sig P229 and Sig P239. I somehow strayed away from those ideas after checking out the P99. It has everything and more going for it. Everything Riktoven said are basically the main specs of the gun which make it stand out alone, but pick up and hold the gun once and i bet you will fall in love.
It feels so comfortable and with the interchangeable backstraps it will fit your hand like a glove. People claim it has extraordinary accuracy, and after checking one out i wouldnt be surprised. The side to side play movement of the slide was minimal compared to my Glocks or XDs and was more like my Kahr...tight and felt more precision-made. The AS trigger is also my favorite trigger system on any auto. It felt great off the wall, and people say it becomes amazingly smooth and nice after a few hundred shots. The trigger along with extremely comfortable and easy to aim ergonomics make this gun very accurate from what I've been reading. The unique, but sexy look in a very compact package is the icing on the cake. People describe this gun as "a glock on steroids" and compare them to H&Ks and Sigs which are almsot double the price sometimes. IMO price isnt an issue when it comes to weapons, but to some it might be.
I went to a gunshop that said he can order P99s new and charge me $499(he was selling new Glocks and XDs for that price too..pretty cheap) so I'm getting the P99c in 9mm and a P99 full-size in .40S&W

In my opinion, you are getting a far better pistol than a Glock or XD(i've owned a few of both) and I would even go as far to say that I like it better than anything Sig or H&K makes ....for 500 bucks! Go to a shop and check one out. I'm sure you will be impressed...make sure it has the AS(basically DA/SA w/ 3rd SA mode) and start drooling.

(in the end its personal preference, but i strongly suggest taking a look at the Walther P99 and P99c for your 9mm needs..they are sweet little guns)

 

[Rock_Steady]

I should know better than to post in a gun board right after I found out that Cabela's is having $100 off any purchase of $450 or more - just kill me, won't you? Now I'm drooling even more.

What do you think of the S&W 99 since I can't find a walther p99 around here? I know it's basically the same gun, but any reliability issues go along with that?

 

[CPshooter]

not too sure about the SW99...just from people talking online, some say that it's not the same quality gun as the Walther. The whole appearance of the SW99 seems cheap alone. I'm not surprised that it's not getting the same credit as the P99...Unless i personally got to inspect/shoot the SW99 I can't jump to any conclusions, but based on looks alone the Walther P99 owns it. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance with the SW99 considering im already confident the P99 will live up to its reputation for only $500. That is a small price to pay for what you get in my opinion. If money were an issue, I would always go with a used P99 even over a brand new SW99.

 

[Goofyfoot]

I hope this post is not too late and you haven't already purchased. Like you, I too have looking for a compact 9mm for some time. Since I'm not made of money and I never sell any of my guns once I've bought them, I tend to take a long time to make a purchase. Of course, any choice is highly personal so what one person likes may be totally wrong for you. For example, I do not like Glocks because I don't like the feel of the trigger but I acknowledge that they are fine guns. One of my requirements is some sort of DAO trigger so all of the single actions and some of the double actions previously mentioned are out unless they have a DAO option.

After firing many pistols and much consideration I found myself leaning toward the Kahr PM9 or MK9. However, my brother has an extensive firearm collection and on a trip to the range a while back he brought his Para-Ordinance Companion Carry in .45 with the LDA trigger. After firing it, I fell in love with the trigger. It is unbelievably smooth, so much so that it feels like a single action, or at least the next best thing, and that is out of the box. The only problem for me was the .45 since I want it in 9mm. At that time Para-Ordinance made only full sized 1911 style pistols in 9mm. I emailed them to inquire about the possibility of a compact 9mm and they responded that they had no plans for any new 9mm pistols. That was about a year ago. About a month ago while leafing through a gun mag I saw a Para-Ordinance 9mm carry shown at a gun show. Initially there was no info online but now it appears in their 2007 catalog which is available as a PDF download.

Here is a link to the specs on their carry option models, including the new Carry 9. http://www.para-lda.com/pistolsTemp.html#carry9

It is alloy so it weighs 24oz, not as light as a polymer pistol but still lighter than steel and thus less of a "drawer-dropper". It holds 8+1 rounds (single stack); it is spurless, has Novak style sights and comes in a covert black finish. This is the pistol I will purchase when I find a reasonable deal on one. It might not be your cup of tea but I would highly recommend that you try a Para-Ordinance with the LDA trigger and see for yourself what you think of it.

 

[Marshall]

Howdy,

The Browning or FN Hi Power should be given a strong eye ball. The slim slide makes it easier to carry IWB than about any full sized 9mm I know of. It single action like your 1911 and has a similar grip angle. You won't find a better feeling gun in your hand. Once you own one, it'll be on your don't sell or trade list.

If I went polymer, I would go with an XD-9.

 

[billsnogo]

Get a cz-75, or if you want a little smaller, get the compact version!

 

[Cousin Mike]

LOL@kokapelli

He's right though. Choosing a carry gun is not easy. Lots of folks end up with a few guns before they find the one that fits best. If you can, find a range that rents handguns, and try to get everything you like in your hands, and choose what fits you the best. Good luck, and let us know what you get!



...but make sure you get a Sig in your hands before you make your final decision.

 

[ugaarguy]

Listen to Cousin Mike - handle everything and see what fits you best. Go to a range and rent, or borrow from friends/family, and shoot your top 3 to 5 candidates to see how well you actually shoot them, if at all possible. That's the best way to find something you'll really like even after the new wears off. All of the major brands make quality guns that will serve you well. Enjoy the search.

 

[461]

My compact 9mm is a Ruger SP-101. My full sized 9mm is a Ruger Blackhawk.

Both great guns and love them to death, especially that SP-101, just stirring the pot a little though, I pick up my new Glock 34 the day after Christmas and then I'll have a "real" 9mm pistol.

I went round and round on this purchase, for years I swore I'd have no plastic in my collection but I finally wore down and am willing to give it a try. It's got it's foot in the door, now it has to prove itself.

 

[LT1coupe]

Try a 3913 S&W. I got one in a trade & it's one of my favorite guns now.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

You want a accurate, reliable 9mm that won't break the bank??

Easiest question I've answered all week....

CCW=CZ P01

All around fun at range/HD=Any flavor of the CZ75