I want a 9mm for leisure shooting, help me choose

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I have lots of different 9mm pistols and had many more that moved on to new homes. For just having fun with one, it’s pretty hard to beat 1911/2011 style pistols, if I didn’t grab one of them, one of my Browning high-powers would likely be getting used for the job.
 
My top five 9mm range guns that could (and do) get carried for serious purposes are:
  • Beretta 92 series (I own three 92FS USA made, 92FS Italian made and an M9)
  • West German SIG P226
  • West German SIG P228
  • S&W 915 (I prefer my 5906 at the range but it's a boat anchor on the hip!)
  • Star BM
The Star BM is the most reasonably priced of the lot and it's just a pleasure to shoot. Here is a link to a superb write-up of the BM by the late Stephen A Camp.
 
The 9mm that I have the most fun with is my S&W 929. The other gun that I have a lot of fun with is the Glock 17L - with a trigger kit.
 
A half dozen fun range guns in 9mm.:

1) Colt Government or Combat Commander
2) Springfield Armory 1911 Ronin
3) Browning Hi-Power
4) CZ 85B
5) SIG P 228 or P 229
6) HK VP 9
 
Another vote for the HK VP9. Decent trigger right out of the box, configurable with side & rear grip inserts of different sizes, reasonable prices, and optics ready slide kits are available if you want to go that way in the future.

Size wise the VP9 is between the Glock 17 & 19. I prefer the grip angle and grip on the VP9 and I do like that the pistol field strips w/o having to pull the trigger.

BSW
 
OP:

:scrutiny:Do you Use the DA mode on such handguns? I realize that you seek (or sought) a range gun.

A friend of mine Never shoots my DA/SA guns in DA.
Sidenote: he lived in Essen Germany until age 22, and in the US he has never “carried”.

Knowing whether you like the challenge of DA makes a difference.
This mode is why I never bought a “stock” HK USP, despite the option of changing a spring.
 
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Ignition Override said:
OP:

:scrutiny:Do you Use the DA mode on such handguns? I realize that you seek (or sought) a range gun.

A friend of mine Never shoots my DA/SA guns in DA.

Knowing whether you like the challenge of DA makes a difference.
This mode is why I never bought a “stock” HK USP, despite the option of changing a spring.
Click to expand...

My own preference is for the HK LEM for a light DAO that's consistent. The difference between DA/SA always manages to catch me out when I'm shooting pistols so I've learned to just buy pistols that are consistent. One of the nice things about the USPs is that you can convert them to any trigger/safety combo by just swapping factory parts, so you can find a used cop trade in and make it whatever mode you want to. The P2000 and P30 are similar, but the frame is cut different between DA/SA and LEM so the swap isn't as clean. OTOH, nobody deems to want used P2000s very much so they go for pretty cheap.

BSW
 
TTv2 said:
By this I mean I'm not looking to buy a 9mm to carry, shoot competitions with, or for home defense, its focus is on recreation
...
Single stack pistols have a special bonus because they're slimmer, they would interest me.
Click to expand...
Star Model B leaps to mind here.

The various Armscorp 9mm 1911 versions would seem apt, too.

Might could make a case for the Walther P-1--other than its double-stack mag.

If a person were keen to tinker a bit, the CZ-52 with a 9x19 barrel could fit the bill.

Now, what might really fit the bill is the brand new Savage pistol. Lightweight, modern materials and controls, 7/8 round single stack mag.
 
I've had a variety of 9mm semi-autos and revolvers. Lot of good suggestions have been mentioned. For my quiet Sunday afternoon leisure shooting though, I'd probably go with some type of single action pistol, e.g., 1911, SIG 210A, FN/Browning Hi Power GP. Perhaps none best for concealment, action shooting training/competition, etc., but reliable, accurate pistols, with easily managed SA triggers, that can make low stress, "leisure" shooting quite enjoyable.

BTW, 1911 manufacturers, magazine and ammo manufacturers, etc. seem to have 9mm 1911 reliability thing figured out. I have Kimber and Dan Wesson 9mm 1911s that just seem to work...
 
Since we are not sticking to the list the heck with it. Just get a Korth or Laugo Alien and be done with it. If those are boring sell a Kidney or one of your children and track down a Beretta 93R. Done! When that gets old move up to magnum Autoloaders.
 
Yeah, the Stars are nice.

I have a Super B and a BM (both in 9mm luger).

They're like shooting 1911's without the grip safety. The Super B is full-sized and the BM is a bit smaller.

Mine are both very good shooters and I've had no trouble with either.

Star Super B

Star Super B

 
TTv2 said:
Ruger P89- DA/SA, metal frame, strong design, Ruger's first centerfire semi auto

Beretta or Taurus 92- DA/SA, nice trigger, proven, popular

Springfield XD-E 4.5"- DA/SA, slim, light

1911- slim, popular
Click to expand...
I have owned all of these and the 1911 and the XDE would be my choices based on you post.
I carried a 1911 for years and now carry the XDE.
 
BSW
Another vote for the HK VP9. Decent trigger right out of the box, configurable with side & rear grip inserts of different sizes, reasonable prices, and optics ready slide kits are available if you want to go that way in the future.

Size wise the VP9 is between the Glock 17 & 19. I prefer the grip angle and grip on the VP9 and I do like that the pistol field strips w/o having to pull the trigger.
Click to expand...

My VP9 has one of the nicest triggers I have found on a striker fired pistol. Only one I have that might just be a hair better is my Ruger SR9c. Some times it's too close to call on any given day. I also like the interchangeable grip inserts so I can get just the right grip configuration to fit my smaller hand size. Something that took me awhile to get use to is the magazine release paddles. Never had them on a gun before so they are different but still doable with a little bit more dexterity required to make it work.
VVbJqBW.jpg
 
Beretta 92 series is a personal favorite for a range 9mm.

Really enjoy my 1911 in 45 acp, too. I could see a 9mm being enjoyable.

Good experiences with the CZ 75, but prefer the first two. Purely personal preference.
 
bannockburn said:
BSW


My VP9 has one of the nicest triggers I have found on a striker fired pistol. Only one I have that might just be a hair better is my Ruger SR9c. Some times it's too close to call on any given day. I also like the interchangeable grip inserts so I can get just the right grip configuration to fit my smaller hand size. Something that took me awhile to get use to is the magazine release paddles. Never had them on a gun before so they are different but still doable with a little bit more dexterity required to make it work.
View attachment 1047106
Click to expand...

I have medium size hands with shorter fingers and I really like the adjustable side plates. I actually run the side plates asymmetrically with the small blackstrap. The paddles work well for me too by using my index finger to trip the lever. OTOH, I tend to run mag release buttons on the right side so I can hit them with my index finger too.

BSW
 
Yes. :D
Along with the other mentions in this thread. The question is how much space and $ do you desire to put towards fulfilling this? :p
 
From your list I would choose the Beretta. Hard to go wrong there.

I have been bitten by the CZ 75 bug and really enjoy them.

You may want to check out the Sar line.
 
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