Looking For a 9mm Pistol; Kind of Picky

[HGM22]

I am wanting a new 9mm pistol, but I may be too picky. I am looking for something that:

1. Has no MIM parts. Let's not turn this into a MIM debate. I've read the pros and cons of MIM and would prefer something without MIM.

2. Cheap/readily available mags.

3. Cheap/readily available spare parts.

4. Something about the size of a Glock 19. I like the Glock's ability to be an almost full size pistol but still concealable (though it could be a little thinner). I think 14-15 rounds of 9mm is great but not a deal-breaker if it has less.

5. Kind of goes without saying, but I'd like something reliable and accurate. This will be a home defense/range gun/possible concealed carry gun so accuracy doesn't have to be Sig P210 grade, but I'd like to know its me, not the pistol, missing. Reliability is a must however.

6. Would prefer something with a low bore axis to reduce muzzle flip. Larger mag release is also preferred but not a deal breaker.

7. Must have a firing pin block safety, not just a hammer or trigger safety.


I've wanted a Glock 19 for awhile, but after reading up on the new ones I'm not so sure anymore (MIM and reliability issues). I could get some aftermarket parts but that introduces more cost and reliability issues. The S&W is great too, but I feel the M&P Compact is too small and the M&P 9 too big. Its mags are also on the pricey side (or is $30-35 the new norm?). I haven't handled a XD or XDm yet, but the bore axis appears a little high (though I can live with that). I didn't like the CZ75 I shot; it felt like I wasn't getting as much purchase on the slide when racking as on a "regular" auto.

Am I being too picky or is there something out there that might satisfy my preferences?

 

[Manny]

If you have questions on the new Glocks, buy and older one, say a Gen 2 or earlier Gen 3.

 

[C0untZer0]

Caracal CP661 or CP662

 

[Artofgolf]

Gen 3 Glock 19 is my go-to carry weapon. That would be my recommendation.

 

[IdahoHk416]

Glocks have MIM parts though, so it doesn't fit the OP's requirements.

 

[murf]

browning hi power

murf

 

[sigarms228]

A nice German SIG P228 maybe though you would need to look for used but they are out there. Legendary reliability.

 

[Centurian22]

The CZ's have a low bore axis but as you mention there is less slide to grip. Have you looked at Taurus? Specifically the 24/7G2? As for the mags, $30 seems to be common AFAIK.

 

[wow6599]

Another vote for the Hi Power, but I'm not 100% sure it's MIM free.

 

[greenlion]

You can get THAT detailed about what you want, but you can't pick out the pistol you want for yourself... ???????

 

[TanklessPro]

1. Not sure which manufacturers use MIM parts,because it's not high on my personal list.

2. Most handgun mags now adays run $25-$50. Glocks and XDs on the lower end.

3. Pick a major manufacturer and parts will be available and fairly reasonable.

4. Most 9mm's will have 14+ rounds. If you like the Glock 19, get it.

5. Reliable.... Sig, Glock,XD,S&W,Ruger,CZ,Walther, and list goes on.

6. Low bore axis......The only high axis I have noticed is on a PX4, I still would like one though.

7. I think all the ones I list below have them.

Of what you listed the best I can come would be either a Glock,XD/XD
, or a PPQ. I own 7 XD's and I love them. I carry a sub-compact 9mm. I do not own a Glock,yet.
Now to my personal favorite.....the WALTHER PPQm2. I love this pistol. I have large hands but have always had to rotate the grip to reach the mag release and slide stop. Dang short thumbs.Not with the PPQm2. I use the small backstrap and it just fits right. Oh yeah, the trigger is AMAZING.
If you can, try to find one. The only downside is finding mags and when you do, you will not like the price.

 

[Hokkmike]

In guitar parlance MIM means "made in Mexico". What does it mean when referring to gun parts? Thanks.

 

[TanklessPro]

In guitar parlance MIM means "made in Mexico". What does it mean when referring to gun parts? Thanks.

Metal Injection Molding......

 

[silicosys4]

Steyr s9

EDIT: NM. It's got mim and parts aren't exactly readily available.

 

[jakk280rem]

Sorta like the CPM in knife parlance or frangible ammo, sorta. Powdered metal baked till homogeneous as a quicky description.

As for the pistol, you are kinda in a very narrow field. You may need to make some small compromises. Gen 3 Glocks have MIM. A BHP is going to be wider than the Glock and might not have a FP safety (not sure, has a mag safety). Same for the various 3rd Gen S&W's. The XDm is nice, but I can't vouch for its MIM status. Same for Walther P99/SW99/PPQ, FN FNX/FNP, and various other modern pistols.

Here's a thought. I'm just throwing this out there. How about a Series 80/90 Colt. Like a Combat Commander or a clone. I don't know who all makes 1911ish 9mm's with a FP block. I know S&W did in their pre "E" series. Kimber does but is MIMsville and would take parts swapping.

 

[HGM22]

Thanks for the help so far guys. Feeling like I'm going to have to make some concessions, though not surprised by that.

Front runners right now are a Glock 19 and possibly replacing MIM parts with Lone Wolf/Apex/Other aftermarket parts when I save up the money. Could also go with a M&P 9 Compact and just deal with rising magazine costs. On the bright side, the M&P is about $60 cheaper than the Glock, so there's a couple mags right there. Still looking/researching the other options though.

 

[HisStigness]

Does the Beretta 92 meet all of those requirements? Not sure about MIM

 

[Lucky Derby]

browning hi power

murf

This. Just be sure to get a MKIII version so you get the FPS.

 

[TimboKhan]

Manny and artofgolf (which my phone autocorrected to "artichoke")) kind of hit on the obvious answer to me: buy a Gen 3. Parts are easy to find, they are well known to be reliable, and mags are as easy to find as anything else. I am not so certain you still couldn't find a NIB example of you looked hard enough.

Also, I would add that you really aren't introducing a negative variable with most aftermarket parts for the Glock. The popular upgrades are pretty well vetted at this point, particularly for the gen 3 pistols.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

A 3rd gen. Glock 19 or M&P 9mm compact is what I was thinking too. I don't know about the MIM as it is not something that I consider when buying a gun. I have a gen 2 Glock 19 that had some problems when I bought it. I rebuilt it. When I got my G-26 I picked up a gen 3 just to make sure there were no new design problems.

 

[guyfromohio]

Too much interwebz surfing leads to too much indecision. I don't know anything about which guns have MIM, but my Sigs, Glocks, and CZs all have been 100% reliable. Of those, only the CZ has a safety other than a decocker. Look at the CZ75B compact.

 

[5-SHOTS]

It's very difficult to find a modern pistol without MIM parts. I'd try SIG-Sauer P226, P229, P239, SP2022 (OK, probably the trigger and the hammer are made of MIM...), Beretta 92FS, Browning HP35.

 

[Esoxchaser]

Sounds like you want a Springfield EMP. For such a small pistol it has very little muzzle flip due to the bull barrel design. Thin and eminently shootable, it is one of our favorite range pistols, as well as my EDC this time of year.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Could also go with a M&P 9 Compact and just deal with rising magazine costs. On the bright side, the M&P is about $60 cheaper than the Glock, so there's a couple mags right there.

Palmetto Armory is having a sale right now on S&W, $449 + $15 shipping, but you also get a $100 gift card.

Gen 3 Gock 19s are quite cheap right now, at or slightly under $500.

Of the two, I'd probably go with the S&W, and get a trigger job done, or do my own with Apex parts.

I'll put out another vote for Walther's PPQ. However, it does have a high barrel axis (really a striker fired pistol issue), but it isn't that bad in 9mm. And then there is the opposite gun, the CZ compact/PCR/P01--no plastic, DA/SA, extremely low bore axis, and cheap Mec-gar mags.

 

[tuj]

CZ P07. Not sure if it has MIM parts or not but I thought not.