Inexpensive new 9mm for range & carry?

[cluttonfred]

OK, let's say you've got, oh, $400 to burn and you want to get a new 9mm pistol both for personal defense and range shooting. It's not really for concealed carry, though it would be nice if that were an option.

A quick run down to local shop (or internet vendor) turns up the candidates listed in this poll. Which to get, and why? Please pick only one and make your case for it.

Thanks!

 

[308sc]

Taurus PT 24/7 small enough to conceal big enough for range carry and cheap...Although the Bersa would not be a bad choice either
Kel tec isn't horrible but i think you get more for the money if you go with taurus or bersa

ruger is a little bulky to carry but is still a good gun.....


really all of the ones you have listed are good go choose the most comfortable one...for the the Taurus PT 24/7 is very very comfortable.

 

[cluttonfred]

Oh well, so much for "please pick only one and make your case for it."

You didn't vote, 308sc!

;-)

 

[loosehorse]

I love both my Bersas. I have a 380 and the 9mm. The are great guns for the money accurate and well made. I am considering the 45 but really want something bigger than the compact frame they now offer.

 

[EtdBob]

EAA M88 if you can find one?

EDIT - OK fine. if limited to the ones you listed, I'd probably get the bigger Bersa.

 

[jddssc121]

M&P w/ the Spring rebate gets you darn close to $400

 

[jocko]

sprise me

I thought maybe the kt's would have lead that price range, guess people know more than I give them credit for..

 

[Huddog]

I have been recently impressed by Ruger and having read several reviews of this one it is what I would chose. One of the reasons is that your specifically did not seemed concerned about concealability. It that were more of a concern I might change my choice. The Ruger can be concealed just takes a little more work.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I think you can get a k/t for just over $300. Most of the p11's work just fine and are easy to conceal.

 

[Chortdraw]

As soon as this recall is over I think my SR-9 is going to be a great gun for both.

 

[Floppy_D]

Keltecs have a short lifespan, according to their website. They are carry guns, not really plinkers.

What about a P225? Used but in good condition, and $100 under budget.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

Get a Sig P6 (225). These are all over the web seller sites ranging from $259 -- $350 -- and it's a Sig.

 

[GearHead_1]

I know the title said new and isn't on the list but I would probably look for a good used Glock in that price range. If the list is the only consideration I would look at Taurus.

 

[94GT]

Picked up a Mil Pro PT111 a couple of months ago for the right price
($319 new with stainless slide) and havent been let down yet in over 1000 rounds. Accuracy is great for a compact out to about 25' but after that it starts to stray a bit. Goes bang every time I pull the trigger though, regardless of what I put in it.

 

[bigmike45]

For a primary office carry gun, that I can drop into the slacks I am required to wear, my KelTec P-11 fits the bill quite nicely. In a Uncle Mikes pocket holster, it disappears.

I agree that it is a self defense gu and not really a plinker. I have put over 1000 rounds through mine and after a couple of mags it is unpleasant to shoot. It is however accurate and reliable and easy to draw from concealment.

 

[distra]

What no G19 choice? I picked up a used one for $399. I shoots well and conceals IWB just fine.

 

[steelyblue]

Stoeger Cougar gets a +1 from me!!!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Does it have to be new? A used S&W "third generation" (their "old-school" metal-frame auto) is a fine gun. Many can be had for well under this figure.

 

[senorlinc]

m&p...got mine for 379, after rebate and 2 spare mags! deal o the century, i love it .... try o e out and a glock 19 which u can find lightly used for under 400....

 

[NWdude83]

 

[socaldan]

I Love My Bersa!!!
500+ rounds 100% bang

 

[lechiffre]

for under $400.00

1.cougar
2.p1 or p38 (i swear mine was new)

of the ones on the list i would go with one of the bersas just because they are walther clones

 

[cluttonfred]

Thanks, all, for the input and, yes, which used gun to buy is an entirely different thread. If you're wondering about the options listed, I just went to www.galleryofguns.com and listed 9mm under $500 list price, which I though should give me near to $400 retail price. Since CCW is not my major concert, I was leaning towards the Ruger P95 in that price range.

I would particularly like to hear from any Bersa Thunder 9mm owners, however, as that seems like a good option, too.

The Kahr CW9 was not on my list because it didn't show up on my search, but, of course, it should have been in the mix.

EtdBob, that's a Zastava pistol, right? Basically a single-action Browning design, like the old Colts? Anybody have any experience with those? It appears to be single action, but cocked and locked or learning to cock the hammer for the first shot doesn't bother me.

Keept those votes and comments coming!

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I voted Bersa Fullsize. Mine has 5K through it and has been 100%. 1K of those rnds were fired with no cleaning or maintenance what so ever. My two compacts have been equally reliabe.
The trigger on my fullsize has smoothed out so well that I would say that it has the best trigger of all my DA/SA pistols.

 

[esq_stu]

I voted Ruger.

If you plan to take it to the range a lot AND rely on it to save your life, that means a lot of rounds through the gun. It's gotta take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

But my preference as far as value (high quality, low price) would probably be a CZ75.