Narrowing Down the Choices

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308sc

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Hi,

From my last poll I went out and tried the guns that you all suggested and some.

So I now have ruled Glock out I did not like the feel...but loved the feel of the XD, CZ 75, Walther P99, beretta PX4, and the Taurus pt 24/7 felt amazing as well......so help me decide which would be the better gun in the long run.
 
I've mentioned this before. A CZ75BD (or any 75 version) in 9mm with the .22 Kadet Kit will provide you with a great platform and allow you to shoot 100 9mm and 500 .22 at a range session for not much money. Trigger time will make you a better shot.
 
I've owned the CZ 75, Beretta PX4 and Walther P99. I think the Walther still holds the edge as the most ergonomic, comfortable gun I've ever owned. But when it comes down to shooting, the PX4 wins hands down. I took the PX4 and P99 to the range one day and shot them side-by-side. I was amazed at the difference in perceived recoil! The Walther was "snappy" and downright uncomfortable compared to the PX4. That rotating barrel lock-up really does a great job.

If I had to make the choice, I'd go with the PX4 in a heart beat.

Jim
 
We all have our preferences. Of those you mentioned, I'd drop the Taurus 24/7. Taurus reliability and quality has always been spotty. Yeah, great warranty and all, but a warranty won't help you when the gun breaks at a critical moment.

Do you want steel or a plastic frame? That'll narrower your choices some. You want something compact and easily carried? It all depends on what you need.

My thoughts (for what it's worth) on the remaining four:

  • XD: Great ergonomics, light, no thumb safety, reasonably priced, comes in all shapes and sizes.
  • CZ 75: great ergonomics, has a safety, can be carried cocked-and-locked or hammer down, reliable, reasonably priced, scary accurate, heavy. If you want something smaller, try a P01 or the compact 75.
  • Walther P99: no thoughts. No experience with them.
  • beretta PX4: no thoughts. No experience with them.

 
I've all the guns mentioned except the PX4 -- I quit buying DA/DA guns a long time ago.

As this looks like your first auto pistol, I'd go with the CZ75B, the heavier frame will make shooting more pleasant.

I'd take the XD over the 24/7, although the 24/7 is nice if the budget is really tight. But I'd take the S&W M&P over either especially if you can still take advantage of their $50 rebate with two free spare magazines offer. The Walther will have the best resale value down the road, but spare mags are on the pricey side when you do find them.

IMHO the .22LR conversion kits are good in theory but in practice they rarely work well with the cheap bulk pack ammo (HiVel target .22LR costs too close to 9mm to be worthwhile unless you are shooting bullseye matches) and generally gouge on extra magazines. Lots of complete .22LR pistols for about the same price as the conversion kits.

--wally.
 
308sc

In order of my own personal preferences:

Browning Hi-Power-I know it's not on your short list, but you can't say you've tried the top models out there without looking at a Hi-Power. The newer models seem to have a much better SA trigger on them, and the grip feel is one of the best in a double stack 9mm.

CZ75-In feel, fit, and overall design, second only to the Hi-Power as being a great first choice in a 9mm. You also have your choice of DA/SA, SA cocked and locked, or DA with a decocker.

Walther P99-Probably the best ergonomics out there, and offering several different back strap configurations, which give it an almost custom fit to your hand. If it's a polymer frame you're considering, you couldn't go wrong with this one.

Beretta PX4-While I've never shot one, I am familiar enough with the design to know that the rotating barrel function gives a much softer feel to the recoil forces when the gun is fired. Another excellent gun from a great manufacturer.
 
-Walther P99: Never fired one

-Taurus 24/7: Never fired one

-CZ75B: Probably the most naturally-pointing, ergonomic, and just plain comfortable gun I've ever held. The DA pull is great (better than a SIG, IMO) and the SA pull is pretty good. DA trigger reach is long, and I have big hands. Recoil is pretty light. This is great, good-lucking, and fun-to-shoot gun. I have tried out three of these (range rentals) and all had some issues with stovepiping, which leads me to believe that they will start acting up if not cleaned regularly. All in all, this is next gun I want to buy.

-Springfield XD: A very unpleasant gun to shoot. Comfortable to hold, points naturally, but the recoil is fierce for 9 mm. This gun, for whatever reason, felt like it was trying to jump out of my hand. You also get a nice stinging sensation through the grip with each shot. I really wanted to like this gun, and it seems like a ton of gun for the price, but I just couldn't warm up to it.

-Beretta PX4: This gun is unbelievably easy to shoot. Points naturally, although the grip is somewhat thick. Trigger reach is reasonable in DA. DA pull is great, SA pull has some take-up but a crisp break. Very little muzzle flip, very soft shooting; this gun shoots more softly than a 92FS. Incidentally, this is gun I bought.

I've had only FTF with my PX4 in over 800 rounds--a HydraShok, and the gun was pretty dirty at the time. If you want a DA/SA, I don't think you can go wrong with the PX4.
 
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