I'd like to get a 9mm compact that both feels good and shoot well in my hands. The problem is being able to find one to rent. Finding one to handle often takes several gun shop stops, but even rarer is being able to shoot one or shoot on in the caliber I want or the size (full vs compact vs sub).
The few keepers I have work well for me. My full size 1911 - 9mm Springfield shoots great but is too large for cc. My S&W 627 2 5/8" 8 shot I can't seem to miss on SA and pretty darn good on DA. Walther P22, not the most reliable but accurate! Single stack 3" 1911 from Sti (Escort). Beautiful but single stack. And Several Ruger Mark III's. The common theme is steel I guess so is it the weight of the gun that helps me in accuracy?
Last year I got my ccw, so I picked up an M&P 9c. Liked the feel, but even after 500 shots and multiple grip changes couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with. Gave it to a friend to try one day and the first time holding it had zero issues with accuracy. So I knew it wasn't the gun (sold it to him in fact). .
I am bound and determine to get a 9mm polymer. How do I proceed without shooting or possible holding it before purchase?
So now I'm looking at:
DA/SA Beretta PX4 Compact. Full size and subs are everywhere. No compacts though and not rentable. Plenty of Used PX4's makes me wonder why? Also has a rotating barrel.
Walther PPQ - feels great in hand, but none to rent. Rarely see these used ( must be good right?)
FNS-9, just came out so it's understandable not finding in stores.
DA/SA STI GP5 - aka grand power p1. Most shops say huh? @$600 and little info this one interests me but scares me. But STI customer service and lifetime warranty are nice. Has a rotating barrel as well.
So what do most do? Keep reading every forum possible? The M&P looked great on paper, but ended up not working out for me. The PPQ seems to work for everyone in terms of accuracy out of the box and reliability. Something like a CZ or Baby Eagle doesn't interest me as much with their thin slides.
The few keepers I have work well for me. My full size 1911 - 9mm Springfield shoots great but is too large for cc. My S&W 627 2 5/8" 8 shot I can't seem to miss on SA and pretty darn good on DA. Walther P22, not the most reliable but accurate! Single stack 3" 1911 from Sti (Escort). Beautiful but single stack. And Several Ruger Mark III's. The common theme is steel I guess so is it the weight of the gun that helps me in accuracy?
Last year I got my ccw, so I picked up an M&P 9c. Liked the feel, but even after 500 shots and multiple grip changes couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with. Gave it to a friend to try one day and the first time holding it had zero issues with accuracy. So I knew it wasn't the gun (sold it to him in fact). .
I am bound and determine to get a 9mm polymer. How do I proceed without shooting or possible holding it before purchase?
So now I'm looking at:
DA/SA Beretta PX4 Compact. Full size and subs are everywhere. No compacts though and not rentable. Plenty of Used PX4's makes me wonder why? Also has a rotating barrel.
Walther PPQ - feels great in hand, but none to rent. Rarely see these used ( must be good right?)
FNS-9, just came out so it's understandable not finding in stores.
DA/SA STI GP5 - aka grand power p1. Most shops say huh? @$600 and little info this one interests me but scares me. But STI customer service and lifetime warranty are nice. Has a rotating barrel as well.
So what do most do? Keep reading every forum possible? The M&P looked great on paper, but ended up not working out for me. The PPQ seems to work for everyone in terms of accuracy out of the box and reliability. Something like a CZ or Baby Eagle doesn't interest me as much with their thin slides.
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