Help deciding which 9mm to get

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I'd get the P99 by a mile.

IMO, it is what the 2nd generation Glock should have been. The trigger is MUCH better. Breaks only at the end of the stroke, and very cleanly. The ergonomics are great and adjustable. It is attractive, and endorsed by our favorite spy. Also very accurate.

It will kick just a bit more than the heavier guns you mentioned, but still quite manageable.

I agree that you should consider a Hi Power if you're looking at full size nines. They're fantastic.
 
First of all, there is never a best. You will find one that works best for you based on your preferences.

If those are all I had to choose from, I'd go with the 5906. I'd prefer a hi-power as a range gun, though.

All of them will be reliable and all of them will be more accurate than 90% (or more) of the shooters shooting them. That built in, inherent accuracy (if it even exists) will only be noticeable on a bench. You'll need to practice on a particular firearm and be willing to adapt to it if you want to be accurate with it. I always thought my 1911's were way more accurate than glocks until I bought one and spent some time with it. I discovered the same thing with an XDM.

Edit:: If you like 1911's and you want a 9mm...check out the fnx9.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=588882
 
As far as $400 and under goes look at the Bersa Thunder 9, Fullsize or Ultracompact. I have three of these and they also have been 100% reliable. I paid around $350 for each.
www.bersa.com

I couldn't possibly agree more. Over the past couple years, I have grown to have tremendous respect for these pistols. Yes, they are knockoffs of the Walther P88, but if you're going to copy something, you might as well copy the best. They're accurate, durably solid and absolutely reliable.

If you're open to options, perhaps toss in these Argentinian workhorses into the mix.

BTW, the full size Thunder is about the same size (and 10 ounces lighter) as the 5906 if you're already familiar with that pistol.
 
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The S&W M59 is a very rugged gun, but I've always found the stainless frames of the 5906 make them a bit heavy for my taste.

Actually, the Model 59 with its alloy frame is a good bit lighter than the all steel Model 5906.

When I suggested the admittedly heavier Model 5906 over the op's other two candidates, I had in mind this:
"...I want to get the 9mm for basic practice in shooting handguns, target, and defense if I ever need it, but it will not be a carry pistol or anything..."
 
I remember when there was only the alloy framed M39 and M59...owned both at one time and really wanted the ASP...and even in that form I thought the double stack M59 was too heavy. But then I prefer the M3914 to the M6904 too...the funny thing is that the weight of the M645 or M1006 never bothered me, I know it's just me

It has been my experience that the S&W M59 was not an improvement over the M39...the increase in capacity really affected the pointability of the platform. I have to admit that the 3ed Gen platforms are much improved
 
Of your three choices I would go with the Walther P99. I have two of them and they have been 100% reliable with nice triggers (AS version) and great ergonomics.

I agree. Out of your original list, I'd pick the P99 by a mile. Be sure to get the AS (DA/SA version), as it's trigger is considerably better than the QA version's trigger. The Smith 5906 is a very good gun, but the Walther's ergonomics, trigger, weight, and reputation for extreme reliability blow it away in my book. Unless you just want a steel frame (which I'm guessing you don't care about, since you have the P250 on your list).

I would not consider the SIG P250- the SP2022 is a MUCH better pistol IMO.
 
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So I know this is my first post but just got done at the range with my fnp9 it may be another good option for u. I paid $415 out the door and it has all the same controls as the sigs. Just a joy to shoot and light, came with 3 16 round mags. Just the fng though
 
Another option

That I think only 1 other person mentioned is the Smith & Wesson M&P series, They have 3 interchangeable back straps, full size has a 4.25" barrel and 17 round mag capacity it can be bought for $439.00 out the door at http://www.jetguns.com Some people may say not to buy from them, but I bought the M&P 40 from there, ordered it on 3-31-11 and received it on 4-5-11 and they were great to deal with IMO.:)
 
There are too many variables size, weight, purpose, climate. You need to figure out what size gun you wish to carry and then look at those models. Any of the aforementioned guns would be good. I like a glock 26 in FL because it's hot and you need to conceal it. Of course the weight and capacity are all important. I think a 26 or 27, are fine choices but so is a browning High power if I were up north, in NYC. I carried a model 60 up there for 20 years. By the way, walther and Smith are also great guns, larger and heavier and suited for a cooler climate. It's a very subjective question to answer not knowing your situation.
 
Buy a revolver. Best 1st gun in my opinion.
Since the OP is asking specifically about a 9mm, even disregarding that this is the Autoloaders subforum, which 9mm revolver would you suggest?

I wouldn't accuse you of trolling, but have to ask if you are just completely ignoring the OP's request?
 
Since the OP is asking specifically about a 9mm, even disregarding that this is the Autoloaders subforum, which 9mm revolver would you suggest?

I wouldn't accuse you of trolling, but have to ask if you are just completely ignoring the OP's request?
Didn't mean to step outside the box so far. My comment was more to the affect that he was hunting for his first pistol.
 
Honestly, I think you just need to shoot all three and see which one feels the best in your hands.
 
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