Looking for the right size auto

[WhistlinDixie]

Hello everyone. I've been lurking here for a week or so just absorbing information. This is my first post.

A little background on what I'm looking for. I recently turned 21 and have decided that I would like to purchase a handgun. I received a Rossi revolver for Christmas, so a semi-auto becomes the default choice. I want a good quality semi for under 600, under 500 being the sweet spot. I have taken my concealed carry course, but I have not sent my paperwork in for a permit nor do I plan on doing so anytime soon, so I'm not concerned with being able to conceal it. This will strictly be a gun that I can fire at the range. If I become very comfortable with it maybe it will replace the Rossi on my nightstand. Im looking mainly for a 9mm, but I would consider a .40.

My only real restrictions:
-No Glocks
-No 1911's
-I have small hands and am most comfortable with a trigger reach of 3 inches, max. To give you an idea, the CZ-75 feels just a tad long for me. I can use it just fine, but its not very comfortable.

If that was your money, what would you buy?

I plan on handling and shooting as many guns as possible before I make a purchase, I would just like to narrow my list down some going in.

 

[hexidismal]

Right around $500 is the sweet spot for a CZ-75 . You'll be hard pressed to find a better quality and more accurate 9mm at that price. I have the SP-01 model, basically a railed version of the CZ-75. It's a bit big and heavy for CC , but since that's not a concern it does make for one fine range/defense gun.

 

[CZ57]

Take a look at the Springfield Armory XDm 4.5 in 9mm or .40 S&W. With the interchangeable backstraps you can fit the pistol to your hand. The smallest backstrap should be small enough to work. Price is under $600 and careful shopping will help you find one around $500. Match grade barrel and usable sights. Or go with the 9mm Compact with the 3.8" slide and you'll have a compact carry pistol for when you do get your CC permit.

 

[cfullgraf]

I plan on handling and shooting as many guns as possible before I make a purchase, I would just like to narrow my list down some going in.

Sounds like a plan.

For something to shoot at the range, I would get a full size 9x19 from one of the major manufacturers. Get the one that fits you the best.

The full size guns are more pleasant to shoot and learn with than the compact versions.

9x19 is less expensive than 40 S&W so you will be able to practice more.

A full size pistol will make a good home defense gun.

Besides, you will want to buy more guns later as funds permit. Remember, the one who dies with the most guns wins.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Packman]

If you like Polymer guns, I thought the Smith and Wesson M&P series, in either the full size or the compact, is one of the best feeling guns I've held.

If you want a metal gun, and don't mind buying used, a Smith and Wesson 3913 is a great gun. I got mine for 355 with 4 magazines. It's comfy to shoot at the range, but still small enough that if you ever want to carry it, it'll pretty much disappear. Easily one of my favorite guns ever.

 

[WhistlinDixie]

My Dad has a 75 from before the curtain fell. I doubt the 75 B is any smaller. If thats the case, its just not quite comfortable enough for me to want to shoot extensively.

The full size vs. compact issue is something that I have thought about. The only way I would go with a compact at this point is if that is just absolutely what fit my hand best.

Thanks, Chuck. Dad is sitting quite comfortably into the double digits right now I believe. I plan on eventually beating him soundly.

I have no preference on steel vs. polymer. I like Glocks, but I also like 75s and 1911s. The M&P series is one that I am looking at extensively. Funny that you should mention the 3913. That is the pistol that S&W based off of the ASP, correct? The 3913 is on my "to own" list.

 

[Frozen North]

Why no Glocks or 1911? Have you shot them and been dissatisfied?

Does no Glocks mean no plastic uglies, or just no glocks?

 

[WhistlinDixie]

My dad has a G19, a series 70 Colt, and a 1991A1. I like all of them, but I can shoot them whenever I like. I'd like to go in a different direction from his collection.

and no glocks just means no glocks. Everything is beautiful in its own way.

 

[hexidismal]

Was that part about the CZ being too big already in the original post when I posted ? If so, I totally missed that somehow.. heh

 

[W.E.G.]

If you are interested in out-of-production guns, a Smith and Wesson model 39 is still a really good gun, and with no plastic parts.

Very nice ones usually $400 or less on Gunbroker.

A LOT less if you don't mind some wear.

 

[WhistlinDixie]

I never explicitly said it was too big in the first post. Just big enough to be uncomfortable.

I'm certainly open to used guns. Wear doesn't bother me on a gun I intend to use. In fact, I plan on picking up a CZ-82 since CDNN is selling them so cheap.

 

[BlindJustice]

I agree with the first response as to the CZ 75 being a great
combination of quallity / reliability / accuracy for the price

WQuestion - when you have tried the double action trigger pull
was the hammer at the safety notch or all the way forward? It is
supposed to be carried at the safety notch which make trigger pull a
bit shorter. A CZ Variant such as the 75BD - D = Decocker
the Decocker sets the hammer at the safety notch. the regular 75B
needs to have the hammer dropped manually but it is easy enough
with practice - however if you were in the store and dryfired it from
all the say way forward that and subsequent trigger pulls would
have been longer than from the safety notch.

There's also a straighter trigger which makes for a shorter trigger pull.

I;ll think on other alternative platforms.

Randall

 

[usp9]

Two pistols that have a shorter reach, that fit my medium hand well are the Kahrs and the Beretta 92 Vertec.

Current topic on the Vertec.
http://www.thehighroad.org//showthread.php?t=565807

 

[Vex]

You can get a lot of nice guns for under $600. Check out a Sig Pro 2022. Some other ideas include Beretta PX4, Walther P99, or Springfield XD.

Also, are you completely ruling out rifles? If you shoot outdoors with at least a 100 yard range, that's some good fun, and there are plenty for under $600... the Mosin-Nagant is an obvious choice, because it's $80 and you can buy a TON of ammo with the leftover money. You can also get an M1 Garand for under $600 from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

 

[PabloJ]

I agree with the first response as to the CZ 75 being a great
combination of quallity / reliability / accuracy for the price

WQuestion - when you have tried the double action trigger pull
was the hammer at the safety notch or all the way forward? It is
supposed to be carried at the safety notch which make trigger pull a
bit shorter. A CZ Variant such as the 75BD - D = Decocker
the Decocker sets the hammer at the safety notch. the regular 75B
needs to have the hammer dropped manually but it is easy enough
with practice - however if you were in the store and dryfired it from
all the say way forward that and subsequent trigger pulls would
have been longer than from the safety notch.

There's also a straighter trigger which makes for a shorter trigger pull.

I;ll think on other alternative platforms.

Randall

He did say he has small hands......The small hand version is called KILinc 2000 sold here as AR-24. Both full size Mega and the compact are world class weapons superb in every way. One must heft that in their palm and shoot it to appreciate that fact.

 

[frank c]

If you can find a S&W 3919 or 3914 (9mm)they are light weight for carry and very dependable pistols for around $400-$450 used.I am also very fond of my Kahr PM9,it has shot every type of 9mm ammo that I have run threw it.

 

[Cemo]

The 3913 is compact, thin, comfortable to carry and comfortable to shoot. I have the 3913NL model and carry it most of the time in an inside the waist band holster. This gun was built around the 9mm and was not larger calibers like a lot of the plastic wonders. I purchase it in almost like new condition recently at a gunshow for just under $500.

 

[WhistlinDixie]

The kahr CW9 has certainly caught my eye, although Im leaning towards something a bit bigger for this purchase

I already have 3 rifles that cover every need that I have, so yes, I have completely ruled out rifles.

 

[sansone]

I also needed a target pistol with short trigger reach. The BHP "fit" perfectly, accurate too, but pricey.. I bought one anyway (ouch)

 

[kokapelli]

Ruger SR9 or SR9C with their slim grips that fit less than large hands very well would be a good choice.

 

[redbeardsong]

I also recommend the SR9c, based on your requirement. The grip has a short reach and fits small hands well. It's very slim, compact and easy to conceal, but is still very easy to shoot and comfortable for extended range sessions (it's important you practice a lot!). It also comes with a full size mag and grip extension, but I prefer shooting it withthe short grip. It has an external thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator, and mag safety, as well as a Glock-style action and trigger. While you'll hear a lot of people disparage these extra safeties, I've liked having these features on my first handgun while I got used to handling and operating it.
I have over 1000 trouble-free rounds through mine and carry it every day. You can buy one for $400-415, which leaves you money for ammo, a holster or cleaning supplies.

 

[Jed Carter]

You really should get your "own" 1911, they even come in 9mm and can be had for under $400 like a Rock island Armory. I have several service pistols and for the most part tried to like them more than a 1911, but cannot. I do have an afinity to SIG pistols I own 6 including a 1911. they have some models without double stack magazines, like a P6 or P225. My experience with SIG firearms so far is not one failure of any type ever. BUT, as far as a range pistol is concerned my STI 1911 9mm and my old Colt 1911 9mm are unequaled for accuracy and fun. The 1911 is not the latest, but it may be the greatest.

 

[MidwestRookie]

if you can find a SIG model that fits your hands, they probably make a short trigger for it..that should help out with the trigger reach..

 

[gearhead]

FNP-9 and Stoeger Cougar 8000 are also good choices, Well under $600 (under $500, really), great quality, and they seem to fit smaller hands.

 

[rellascout]

Browning Hi Power... better trigger reach for short hands than the CZ. No CZ camming. Pull the mag disconnect out and you have a good clean SA trigger. With smaller hands you will not have an issue with hammer bite.

15 round Mecgar mags are cheap and work 100%.



Next choice would be the CZ P01. Much better length of trigger pull for shorter hands than the standard CZ 75B. Still has camming issues in the trigger. Again Mecgar mags work 100% and are cheap.