help me decide on a budget 9mm

[jcwit]

My vote goes to the SCCY's or a Hi Point.

Their warranty goes forever, not matter who owns them.

I have 2 SCCY's and one Hi Point. After playing around with my own cast reloads I have yet to have either of the three have a FTF or FTE, or any other problems. They ALWAYS go bang and both are accurate. And doubtful if parts will ever be a problem.

The above is from my experience from a collection of center fire handguns amounting to 50 plus, all the way from a Raven to a custom Kimber.

 

[BigBL87]

If you want a gun for plinking, get any of the above. Reliability wise who cares, really.

For defense, you need something you know you can trust your life with.

I am by no means a gun expert - which is why for the first gun I researched and bought reliability was #1 on the list. I ended up with Glock G17 Gen 3 (roughly $530 after FFL transfer back then) and now am set to buy G26 for carry ($540 for a Gen 4 before FFL fees because I really like the grip). I know these guns are reliable, simple to maintain, and accurate.

Out of the guns you listed, P95 has probably the best reputation for reliability (someone with more experience may correct me if I am wrong) but it's kind of large. I now wish I got G26 from the start and saved myself half a grand.

If you absolutely can't afford anything more than the stated amount, I'd look at Makarovs. The PM itself, CZ82, FEG, etc. They were all built like tanks, have superb reliability and are very accurate. It appears the rounds are still relatively easy to find and will continue to be available for some time given the millions of 9x18 pistols still on the hands of Eastern militaries and police. (They are being slowly phased out, but the ammo is still being produced en masse). When I have any spare money to spend, I want to get a PM or one of the Comblock pistols myself. The round is weaker than 9x19 Para but stronger than .380 ACP and the agreement seems to be it's more than adequate for self defense against civilians (from what I read the Russian military and police are phasing it out because they have to stick to the Hague dictated FMJ which is not that effective, while a JHP 9x18 should be a good performer).

Don't get me wrong, Glocks are fantastically reliable, but quite a few of the guns listed are very reliable as well. Just because it doesn't say Glock on the side doesn't mean it isn't reliable.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Thanks for all the posts, everyone. Some of the suggestions aren't necessarily what I'm looking for, but if another poor gun enthusiast comes across this one day, maybe it will give them ideas.

For me, I won't be looking at used like some people suggested; most of my guns (all but 4) were used purchases. I would like a modern new in box gun. That rules out used Glocks, XDs, and M&Ps, which I'm not a big fan of, even though I highly respect the quality. I am also shying away from eaa and canik until I get more income flow after school: this in case something goes wrong I can just send it back.... Hence my options on Ruger, Smith, RIA. I like the idea of HiPoints, but I already have one in 45 for my range beater. I also have a Star (30M tho) that someone suggested, but I want a brand new gun in case bad guys come bumping around in the night. I also like the RIA 9mm 1911.... I'm going to look into that.

Again, thanks for the ideas... I know my guns pretty well, but its nice to get more experienced opinions cuz sometimes gun shopping will make my head spin!!!

 

[Jaymo]

My SR9 has become one of my favorite pistols.
It's light enough to carry all day.
It's reliable to a fault.
It's accurate.
It's very soft-shooting.
Muzzle flip is minimal, due to the low bore axis.

I can't think of a single reason to NOT recommend it.

The E simply does away with the loaded chamber indicator(which a lot of people don't want on there, anyway) and the adjustable rear sight.

Had the E existed when I bought my SR9, I'd have bought the E, instead.

If you don't mind a heavy, steel framed gun, a lot of 3rd generation S&W 59 and 69 series guns are showing up at gun stores.
My LGS has LEO trade-in 5906 and 5946 pistols for $249.99 and 6906 pistols for $329.99.


Another plus for the Ruger is availability of factory parts/service, if anything fails.

When I bought my SR9, I ran 500 rounds through it on the first outing.
No hiccups.
No failures.
Reliable with ball and HP ammo.
Boringly reliable.
All it did was go "BANG!" every time, and put a bullet where I aimed.
Plus, it holds 17 rounds in the mag and the backstrap is reversible. Arched, or flat? Your choice, just flip it around for the one you like best.

The factory trigger pull was much better than a factory Glock pull, and after cleaning/lubing it, is even better.
Just a little oil on the friction points works wonders.

 

[bscott29]

Ruger just came out with the SR9e which is a budget version of the SR9. This should be the hot ticket for you. Or maybe a police trade of some sort.

 

[Near Miss]

Find a used Glock and never look back. Do not trust some cheap pistol with your life.

 

[Tallball]

Jump on that FEG High Power! You can't go wrong with a good Hungarian High Power clone. I have had mine 25 years or more and it has never once mmalfunctioned.

 

[TarDevil]

2000 trouble free rounds through my SR9. Though I don't carry it as often due to back issues, it is by far my favorite pistol. Ergos are incredible, soft recoil. YMMV, but it's been an awesome gun for me.

 

[ky8]

By one of the Rugers mentioned and never look back.

JMO.

 

[WestKentucky]

Taurus pt92 or pt99. Beretta copies.

 

[stchman]

The Ruger SR9 (non 9E) can be had for $379.99 + $10 from CDNN shipped. Depending upon what your local FFL charges, the gun could be had for $420(the local pawn shop by me charges $20 for a transfer).

http://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-sr9r-9mm-4-14-sts-3dot-rail-2-17rd-mags-9939.html#.VDLj9hBQ58E

 

[wlewisiii]

Any of the CZ clones. I'm most fond of the Jericho/Baby Eagle but I'd take any of them for a 9mm. That RIA MAPP looks like a real winner in that category.

For "Other" also consider an RIA 1911 Tactical FS in 9mm. I have that in .45 and it's an exquisite value.

 

[cc-hangfire]

I placed a vote for the Ruger p95. I've owned one and as a full sized gun, if ate all the different ammo I fed through it. Don't shy away from used guns of solid design; very few users shoot enough to wear out a firearm.

Even w my vote, it looks like you did your homework. The list you posted includes all solid, economical, reliable choices. Only the new Ruger is unproven, but ruger builds rugged so it should be similarly reliable.

 

[BigBL87]

Find a used Glock and never look back. Do not trust some cheap pistol with your life.

There is a difference between inexpensive and cheap. None of the pistols on the list are "cheap" to my knowledge. The only one on that list I wouldn't trust my life to is the 9e, and that is only because of how new it is.

 

[Impureclient]

So much Koolaid...

Find a used Glock and never look back. Do not trust some cheap pistol with your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTnuDeu1GUo

Perfection hehe

 

[ljnowell]

Find a used Glock and never look back. Do not trust some cheap pistol with your life.

Yeah, ok.

Glocks are far from perfection and are no more reliable than many other options.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The Ruger P95 is what I clicked---I have 3, 2 are still NIB so I'm set for a long long time.

Just can't be beat for reliability and durability. Don't let the low price fool you--they are quality guns.

Currently more into shotguns but my next pistol will probably be a SR9E

 

[ritepath]

Either one of your first Ruger choices would make great semi's.


Of course any of the CZ clones would be great choices also.


You don't have to spend mega bucks to get a reliable pistol that's for sure.

 

[Mike J]

I didn't vote though if it were me I would go Smith or Ruger. If I were to go Ruger I would probably bump my budget just a little as I believe the 9E only comes with one magazine. I would try to find an SR9 deal similar to what is posted above as it would still probably be cheaper than buying a second mag for the 9E (I may be wrong about this). I wouldn't buy the P95 as I am uncertain whether or not Ruger is still supporting the old P series pistols (it might be worth calling them to ask before purchase).

I haven't shot the SD9 VE but I have read good reviews of it so I would seriously consider it. Kinda odd me leaning towards the Smith as I have never owned a Smith & Wesson & I'm kinda a Ruger fan.

 

[MedWheeler]

I selected the Ruger P95 but your "new-only" requirement might DQ it, as the venerable P-series was discontinued one year ago this month. I doubt there are many still-new ones widely available..

 

[grter]

That Zastava 9mm looks like good potent no frills hardware for a low price. If it's built on the tok frame (it is all steel) I bet it will have no problem handling some pretty hot loads.

Nine rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber will make this thing legal where there are ten round limits and ten rounds is not so bad.

The profile is thin but it is heavy (a no frills gun) at $200 I would think it shreds all others (at least most) in that price range. I love it.

 

[Tallball]

I would buy a Zastava if I didn't already have three other 9mm pistols (High Power clone, Beretta 92 clone, and the new compact Ruger.

The only thing that worries me about the Smith (SW9VE, I think it's called) is the ENORMOUS amount of them for sale used. I have been looking for an inexpensive 40, but I see such a large number of used SW40VE that I have to wonder why so many owners ditched them.

 

[tarosean]

Find a used Glock and never look back. Do not trust some cheap pistol with your life..

Oddly enough, one if the OP's choices was/is such a blatant copy that SW is still paying that Austrian firm for each unit produced.

 

[CNobbe]

How about a police trade in? 5906, M&P. Think Buds has M&Ps with 3 mags for like $350 or so. Not a bad deal.

 

[Nom de Forum]

I am a very poor graduate student looking for a cheap but quality 9mm. I don't want to spend more than $350 (minus ffl transfer fees if I go online). This pistol will be a light range toy and home defense option. I do not really care about carry options, so I will be looking at full size options. I have a decent amount of weapons experience, so manual of arms is no issue. My main concern is reliability first.

What do you experienced shooters think? I would like points of view I have not considered yet.

O.K. this is why you should by a Glock. You will not always be a very poor graduate student. If you buy a used Glock you have a pistol that will for the price you are paying retain its value better than most other pistols and be easier to sell so in the worst case scenario you can get most of your money back for better food than Top Ramen and Cup a' Soup at the end of the month. In the best case scenario you keep the pistol, take advantage of the enormous Glock and aftermarket support available for Glock pistols, discover how incredibly simple (compared to most pistols) it is for users to swap-out all parts rather than paying a gunsmith to do it, and become proficient with one of the few pistol designs that comprise the very highest percentages of the market for pistols. When you are no longer a poor graduate student you will be able to explore other designs but will probably find that your Glock is ever bit as good as them for most of what you want a pistol to do.