Need help!

[jbutenhoff]

Well, the tax man was kind to me and let me have more of my own money back (such a nice guy!) and I am looking for some advise.

I want a 9mm handgun to add to my safe. The Glock 20 gets a little spendy to play with

My price limit is $500.
Want it to be "smaller" i.e. suitable for a woman to learn with so I can get my wife to shoot
Want it to be safe enough to use as a CCW if needed
Has to be reliable
No brand prefrence. I love my Glock buy want some other sugestions! I have seen good things on the CZ 75 and a few Sigs but what would you get? Anything positive about the Steyr M9?

Thanks!

Jamie

 

[Steelharp]

I'm thinking my next purchase is gonna be an XD-9; there's just something drawing me in that direction.

Mikey D...

 

[10-Ring]

You say you love your Glock but you're looking for something else. What do you like about the Glock? The Glock is a very unique firearm. If you want a polymer gun, there are many candidates: HK, SIG, S&W, Walther, Ruger, Steyr & Taurus ring that bell. If you're looking for something completely different, maybe a nice steel revolver would fit your needs? Or maybe an all steel semi. What does your wife like to shoot? Maybe this one should be her gun since you've got your GLock. Then w/ a vested interest in this new gun, she'd be more interested in shooting.

 

[jbutenhoff]

On the Glock

I like the polymer frame for the 10mm round. It really is a kitten to shoot. The wife hates it though because it sounds like a cannon going off!

How about other polymer framed guns to help with recoil. I have been looking at the XD9 as well. Any recomendations on that or another like it?

Jamie

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All,

Well Jamie, $500 smackaroos won't get you a NIB SIG
P226 or P228 I don't believe; but add a few buck's to
the pile and own one of the world's finest firearms, in
these troubled times. Kind'a like stocking-up on food,
water, duct tape, and plastic sheathing; everyone
needs a good quality handgun!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[jbutenhoff]

P226

Looked at the P226, that is a nice looking contender! New or used in good condition is not too big of a deal. Might have to look at this baby!

One other use would be IDPA, how would this one stack up for that? Also any Sig specific forums where a newbie can learn up?

Thanks again!

Jamie

 

[boing]

www.sigforum.com

 

[MLH]

Beretta 9000fs

In 9mm or .40. IF it fits her hand. The grip is a little thick for some people. In the 9mm you can use high cap 92 mags in it with an adapter if you want.

 

[Quack]

Simple....a Walther P99.
i bet she'll out shoot you with it

$479
inter-changable back straps. (small for her, M/L for you)
as safe (if not safer because of the heavier DA) as a Glock and has a decocker.
reliable? of course, it's german made

other pluses:
Tenifer finish
windage adjustable rear sight
4 different front sight heights

 

[Kahr carrier]

What about XD -tactical in 9MM even in the Prk they are around $500 they seem to have a nice trigger pull and a 5 inch barrel.

 

[CZF]

Czech out a PCR:


P99 is a good choice if she doesn't want a Compact gun.
The P99 is still a service sized arm.

One service pistol that is Compact is the PCR> Euro police
issue, but a real favorite for CCW. The PR has a decocker.
Light, compact, with a smooth DA pull.

It is the P228 of the CZ line. Other guns would be the
slimline Taurus 9mms or .40s. I also like Taurus guns for a
good value. The safety/decocker, like the PCR's is quite
safe. I also own Glocks, but find the Safe Action not to be
for new shooters., due to it's lack of a real safety,
and very light trigger.


Don't dismiss the CZ-100, that long DAO pull is very safe.
The gun has great ergonomics and is Glock reliable. A
CZ-100 is around $300 internet price. Light, Compact,
points far better than a Glock. If only the CZ-110 with'
it's SA option was sold in USA. The gun would be a cash
cow for CZ, but the decocker seems a liability for the
common gunowner is sue-happy America.

H&K will sell thousands of P2000 guns with the same type
decocker, while CZ sits idle. Those with 110s rave about
them. Us unfortunate ones just dream on.

 

[Bob Locke]

Tough to beat a CZ-75 for the money, IMO.

But if you really like your G20, why not a G19 to go with it?

Or, if you can track one down, a Sig P225 would be a very nice option. It'll be used, more than likely, but it's an outstanding pistol that has a single-stack magazine (8 rounds) which should make it a little easier for your lady to get a grip on. Another good choice from Sig would be the P239, which I have owned in my lifetime and can highly recommend. It's also an 8-round single stack. Either should be available at less than your $500 cap.

Plenty of good to great options in 9mm's these days, and many of them very affordable.

Have you taken her to a range that rents firearms? That might be a good start. Let her help you make the decision. Plus, if you get HER a gun FOR HER, then (1) she's likely to shoot more often, and (2) it'll give you a good justification for buying another for YOU!

 

[Al Thompson]

Totally agree with Bob. If it's really for her, let her make the decision. One key is her ability to work the slide. If this is hard for her, it's a real show stopper.

 

[fishbulb]

I'll chime in for the Steyr people. I'd suggest the M9 to anyone looking for a good carry piece. I just bought one about a month ago for $350 at a gun show in NC. So you can buy one with cash to spare.

The ergonomics are hard to beat, and the axis is very low so aiming is natural. The frame is managable, so your wife shouldn't have any problems with it. There is actually a little notch in the backstrap that fits the web of your hand.

Just look for one with a higher serial number (above 5000). Steyr did a few trigger revisions and the newer ones have smoother and lighter pull now.

Give Steyr a shot!

 

[Mike Irwin]

Kahr K9.

 

[chaim]

Smaller (for small hands), possible CCW, reliable 9mm for under $500:

-CZ PCR/P01
-CZ 100 (if you like polymer)
-if you are willing to consider a .40S&W, CZ 40B
-Taurus PT 911
-Springfield XD-9
-used Kahr K 9
-used Kahr MK 9
-S&W 3913LS (used)
-used S&W 39
-S&W 908
-S&W 910
-used SIG 239

Out of these, a buddy owns (and loves) a Kahr MK 9 and I have a larger framed CZ 75 and CZ 40 that are incredible guns. The others I know by rep and all have great reputations.

 

[Shweboner]

I am starting to sound like a broken record here... But, I love the XD! I have the 4" XD9 next I want the XD40 in 5"

She'll like the XD, my girl likes mine, to quote her "its cute", not quite what I was going for but WTH? It fits her hands very well. Recoil isn't bad. But if you want to go smaller than 4" for better concealment... they make a 3" version now as well. and with a lifetime warranty from SA, its a pretty good deal.


~brain

 

[SteveA]

SIG P226's in 9mm are available on Gunnbroker, as are other 9mm SIG's, in your price range.

SOG has a P220 NIB for $469.

I don't know of any firearm I would call "better" than a SIG. There are some that are "as good" but not better.

Another decent buy is the FEG Hi-Power clone. About $200 and good guns as well.

I have a coupel SIG's and an FEG clone as well. They're good.

 

[Pilot]

I'll second or third the CZ-75 PCR. Its an ideal combination of weight, size, balance, accuracy and reliability. I choose this gun to carry and go to the range more than some of my others that cost hundreds more. Amazing!

 

[Jiml3]

My two choices, of which I own, are the CZ-PCR compact which I bought new for $419 or a good used S&W 6906 around $300.
For that matter the S&W 3913 is also excellent. Have your ladyfriend try them and see if she likes the feel. The slides are not too stiff to rack and the S&W's are appox. 26 oz. while the PCR is 27 oz.
Good luck!

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Advice from a female shooter -- get a Beretta compact Type M. It's reasonable cost wise, accurate, easy to maintain, gentle on the recoil, looks great, dependable, no problems or hassles, shells don't come back and hit you, fantastic grip -- even for someone with small hands -- just a great gun. I bought two in black and inox I loved them that much. Looking to use them both tomorrow at the range if we don't get more snow....

 

[Johnny Guest]

All kindsa possibilities out there - - -

A used Glock 19 or 17 can usually be had around here for under $500. It may have a little scuffing on the polymer receiver, but so what? There's very little can be done to a Glock, short of outright sabotage, to make 'em not shoot. Plenty of Glock armorers around--Not to be confused with all around gunsmiths, but they DO keep 'em rolling.

Argentine FM High Powers in current CDNN catalog for $269.99. These are actually good pistols and work quite well. Not as "Pretty" as the real Browning, but, hey . . .

Real Browning HPs may often be found used for around $500.

The Kahr P9--Again, second hand--Smaller, lighter--Almost like a single-stack Glock--I got mine for Not much over $400. This is in polymet frame. The steel framed guns usually go for less.

Kel Tec P11--Retail is not much over $300. CDNN has 'em for $209.99 now. Some people gripe about these pistols, but they are VERY hard to locate for under $200, even well used. Take it apart, use GREASE, not oil, on the frame/slide interface.

Go to website
www.cdnninvestments.com or phone 800-588-9500
and order catalog from them. For some reason they do not show firearms on web page.

Best,
Johnny

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Another vote for the Walther P99. The best polymer handgun IMO. I have two now and will purchase a third sometime in the future. You won't be sorry if you get the P99.

 

[t_hendrich]

Glock 17

 

[PCRCCW]

All of my Glock, HK and Sigophile friends who shoot my PCR's...simply put, cannot believe the guns cost around 400$.
Get the gun you want, can afford and fits your hands.........
But youve done yourself an injustice if you dont look at this gun closely......
Shoot well