i'm thinking about getting another hand gun. i have a glock 22 and i love it but i think i want to go for something all metal frame this time. i was thinking about a 9mm beretta m9/92fs or a springfield 1911 .45acp. a lot of my friends has told me to stay away from beretta because they say they're not that good. i've never shot one so i don't know. and my cop buddy told me not to get springfield 1911, and get some better brand like kimber. what's so bad about berettas anyways. i have about $600-700 to spend so i don't know weather to get either or save and get something better?
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Scratchshooter40
Member
92FS not that good?
What are your "friends" basing this on? I have carried a Beretta 96 FS for years now and have shot over 12K rounds of .40 S&W through the weapon. I bought a 92FS to shoot more with less expensive ammo. It has a little over 6K rounds through it without a single mishap. I trust both with my and my partner's life. The S.O. issues Glock 22's but they don't fit my hand all that well and I use the Beretta 96 as it is on the approved list of carry weapons. I have been in dirt with these weapons, in a lake, and have shot IDPA with them. I cannot imagine what the downside is that you are being told about. Early Beretta 92's had issues with the teams at Coronado and slide failure. No one in the civillian world ever shoots as much as those with the teams. The newer Beretta's have solved this problem and perform very well. We have to qualify with all weapons we carry with defense ammo, not Winchester White Box to validate performance if a court case was involved.
What are your "friends" basing this on? I have carried a Beretta 96 FS for years now and have shot over 12K rounds of .40 S&W through the weapon. I bought a 92FS to shoot more with less expensive ammo. It has a little over 6K rounds through it without a single mishap. I trust both with my and my partner's life. The S.O. issues Glock 22's but they don't fit my hand all that well and I use the Beretta 96 as it is on the approved list of carry weapons. I have been in dirt with these weapons, in a lake, and have shot IDPA with them. I cannot imagine what the downside is that you are being told about. Early Beretta 92's had issues with the teams at Coronado and slide failure. No one in the civillian world ever shoots as much as those with the teams. The newer Beretta's have solved this problem and perform very well. We have to qualify with all weapons we carry with defense ammo, not Winchester White Box to validate performance if a court case was involved.
one guy who told me to stay away from berettas was a former navy vet, and the other is a soon to be cop co-worker. the co-worker just said something about the action, trigger pull and the way the gun operated just wasn't good. he had one and sold it for a sig pro series. he told me he was getting a glock too because that is what they use at the police academy.
chuckusaret
member
XD40 sub compact, 6,000 plus rounds thru it and no failure of any kind.
possum
Member
i am not a fan of berretta but that isn't because they are unreliable, or anything, for me it is that they are as big as a 2x4 it seems, and i don't like da/sa. i had one and i shot it a little and could never like it enough to even think about keeping it. but that is the same case with all the da/sa guns that i have ever owned.
sa 1911. i have over 4000rds through mine, and other than a broken extractor i have been very happy with it. it is a joy to shoot.
sa 1911. i have over 4000rds through mine, and other than a broken extractor i have been very happy with it. it is a joy to shoot.
AKElroy
Member
A vote for the XDm
Comparing prices for the XD vs the XDm, the "m" is a no brainer. For an extra $50.00, you get the claimed match barrel, Novak-ish low mount's, 2x16 round mags (sacrifice a thumb to get the last round in & let them sit a day to break them in--you do NOT want to break in these mags at the range the first day), interchangeable grips (you have to try them all; use a 10lb sledge for the grip pin), Kydex-ish holster & dual mag pouch. I have 15+ handguns, and I don't remember enjoying any this much. Paid a bit of an Obama premium @ $619.00, but I am happy with the buy.
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"If you don't change where you're going your likely to end up where your headed"
Comparing prices for the XD vs the XDm, the "m" is a no brainer. For an extra $50.00, you get the claimed match barrel, Novak-ish low mount's, 2x16 round mags (sacrifice a thumb to get the last round in & let them sit a day to break them in--you do NOT want to break in these mags at the range the first day), interchangeable grips (you have to try them all; use a 10lb sledge for the grip pin), Kydex-ish holster & dual mag pouch. I have 15+ handguns, and I don't remember enjoying any this much. Paid a bit of an Obama premium @ $619.00, but I am happy with the buy.
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"If you don't change where you're going your likely to end up where your headed"
The Wiry Irishman
Member
Berettas are very nice guns that are very reliable and very pleasant to shoot.
You can't go wrong with a 1911 either.
You can't go wrong with a 1911 either.
If you're looking for all metal then there are many of the sigs - 229 especially. Also the CZ P-01 or CZ 75 compact.
As for berettas, my first handgun was a 92fs - still have it, still love it - never had a failure through thousands of rounds.
As for berettas, my first handgun was a 92fs - still have it, still love it - never had a failure through thousands of rounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZyAdxRz68M
this is what i am afraid of, something like this. i've had bad luck with sigs myself.
this is what i am afraid of, something like this. i've had bad luck with sigs myself.
RevolvingCylinder
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I have plenty of experience with both. My experience is with the Army-issued Beretta M9 and my very own Springfield Armory, Inc. GI 1911.
Neither has malfunctioned for me and both are quite reliable. My GI was reliable out of the box and has never malfunctioned even with the "GI" type magazine it came with. It must be broken because militant fanatics of a certain plastic-framed Austrian pistol tell me that it requires thousands of dollars to make a 1911 reliable and yet my stock 1911 keeps functioning flawlessly.
I've carried and used the Beretta M9 in SW Asia and it never failed me or my coworkers. If I didn't have my semi-auto pistol rounds standardized to the .45 ACP I'd own one. I've been tempted many times to buy one.
What it comes down to is do you want an aluminum framed double-action 9mm pistol with elegant European styling or do you want a tough, American style, steel framed, single-action .45 ACP. Neither one will let you down.
Neither has malfunctioned for me and both are quite reliable. My GI was reliable out of the box and has never malfunctioned even with the "GI" type magazine it came with. It must be broken because militant fanatics of a certain plastic-framed Austrian pistol tell me that it requires thousands of dollars to make a 1911 reliable and yet my stock 1911 keeps functioning flawlessly.
I've carried and used the Beretta M9 in SW Asia and it never failed me or my coworkers. If I didn't have my semi-auto pistol rounds standardized to the .45 ACP I'd own one. I've been tempted many times to buy one.
What it comes down to is do you want an aluminum framed double-action 9mm pistol with elegant European styling or do you want a tough, American style, steel framed, single-action .45 ACP. Neither one will let you down.
i think i am favoring the 1911 more than any other full metal frame handgun. my other use for this handgun would be for hunting. only as a sidearm for "just in case" situations. the catch is i need the barrel to be 5.5 inches or more and i love the fact that 1911's have plenty of aftermarket options. i was thinking about a compensator attached to a 5.5 inch barrel. i'll look more into that mil spec and gi model difference and see which one is right for me.
kickert318
Member
Go with Springfield. They are fine. Kimber tends to be overpriced and overrated. Springfield, Kimber, and Colt are all GREAT guns! Taurus also makes a very affordable gun a PT1911. The gun comes fully loaded. In general I stay away from Taurus but have not had a chance to shoot a PT1911. It may be worth checing out.
I shoot with a fella who has a 92 that broke the locking lug a couple weeks ago. [tongue in cheek]Terribly made gun it broke with >50K rounds! [/tongue in cheek] 
That's right the only thing he has done is change the recoil spring every season. This pistol is a tank very realible and solidly built. I prefer my Hi-power or CZ, but there is not a thing wrong with the 92. As for Springfield vs Kimber I lean toward to Springfield since I own 2 Springer 1911's and an XD45. They both make good 1911's.
That's right the only thing he has done is change the recoil spring every season. This pistol is a tank very realible and solidly built. I prefer my Hi-power or CZ, but there is not a thing wrong with the 92. As for Springfield vs Kimber I lean toward to Springfield since I own 2 Springer 1911's and an XD45. They both make good 1911's.The Lone Haranguer
Member
Smith & Wesson made (and still makes a few) a dizzying array of metal-frame pistols in different sizes, metals, finishes, trigger/operating systems and calibers.
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JBinMontana
Member
This can happen with any handgun, it doesn't mean all Sigs are bad. Like others I've owned Berretta's and other makes as well. If you listen to your friends you will never get the firearm you want, as you will always be buying what they want you to have.
There is nothing wrong with Spirngfields, Kimbers, S&W, Berretta's, Sigs or even Glocks. But if you ask on all the forum boards on the net your going to get individual opinions of just what other like.
Go and get a feel for what fits your hand, and then decided for yourself.
Go find one that fits your hand. One that the trigger squeeze feels right for you. Only you will know if the gun is right for you. I don't own a M-9, although I carried one in the sand box and put thousands of rounds through it, I just dont like 9mm, that doesn't mean it's a bad gun. Personal preferance, period. I have several 1911s also. I have Smith 4506 45acp. However, I carry on and off duty a Smith 1006 or 1066. This is what I prefer, this is the one I shoot the best, it feels right in my hand. Other then my 22LR handguns that is. Just my 2 cents.
gglass
Member
You will get some negative opinions from military personnel with regard to the Beretta M9. Those opinions don't usually involve failures, but rather how sloppy the gun can be. This opinion is due to the military's policy of keeping the few sidearms they have in 24x7 use. The Beretta that a soldier carries for their shift is the same one that was just carried by somebody on an earlier shift... It is cleaned and transfered and so on and so on. This is especially true in the Navy.
The Beretta is a fine firearm with more duty time than almost any other pistol you can name.
The Beretta is a fine firearm with more duty time than almost any other pistol you can name.
You are getting lots of opinions, so here is mine.
Get what you want!
A Berreta is a fine gun. It is a 9mm which comes in a wide pistol. It is overly wide compared to other 9mm's. I don't own one because it is a 9mm(too little power to make me comfortable for carry when I already own 40's and 45's) and it is too wide(no way that fits IWB in my pants, but the 1911 does fine.).
Kimber makes a fine gun, but which one is it? They have got so many models and aberrations to the JMB design, I just pass on that name now. I see no value in the Schwartz safety, undimpled mags, Brown style safety levers, poor MIM rep, external extractor's, Microsoft like deals with the dealers, etc.
I do like Springfield and Colt. I own 2 Springfields, but I will own a fine blued series 70(or pre) Colt ASAP. Springfield will treat you right and Colt makes the best parts, IMO.
Hold a Sig before you buy one. I have never held a Sig that my hand didn't say, "GET IT OUT OF HERE!" Sig is one of the few gun brands I don't like to hold or shoot. They do have a good rep, but not with me.
XD is another excellent choice. XD-9 for throwing rounds down range cheap or the 40 and 45 for more serious use. Fits my hand better than a Glock or 1911.
Get what you want!
A Berreta is a fine gun. It is a 9mm which comes in a wide pistol. It is overly wide compared to other 9mm's. I don't own one because it is a 9mm(too little power to make me comfortable for carry when I already own 40's and 45's) and it is too wide(no way that fits IWB in my pants, but the 1911 does fine.).
Kimber makes a fine gun, but which one is it? They have got so many models and aberrations to the JMB design, I just pass on that name now. I see no value in the Schwartz safety, undimpled mags, Brown style safety levers, poor MIM rep, external extractor's, Microsoft like deals with the dealers, etc.
I do like Springfield and Colt. I own 2 Springfields, but I will own a fine blued series 70(or pre) Colt ASAP. Springfield will treat you right and Colt makes the best parts, IMO.
Hold a Sig before you buy one. I have never held a Sig that my hand didn't say, "GET IT OUT OF HERE!" Sig is one of the few gun brands I don't like to hold or shoot. They do have a good rep, but not with me.
XD is another excellent choice. XD-9 for throwing rounds down range cheap or the 40 and 45 for more serious use. Fits my hand better than a Glock or 1911.
AKElroy
Member
WTB -- New Handgun?
1. Self defense in the home? (or heavy clothes CCW once I find a suitable high-ride) -- .40 XDm w/ 17 x 165 gr double taps (in a fight, I do not know of a better package of available firepower than this. 2 X 16 round mags topped w/ hot .40 S&W DT's (very close to current factory loaded 10mm) I love my .45's, but in a fight I want the similar power of a .40 w/ TWICE the capacity per mag.
2. Self defense CCW (light clothes) ? -- Glock 27, 10 of the same double taps
3. Self defense CCW (really light summer clothes) -- S&W 360 scandium .357 w/ 4 x +P .38 specials & one full-house .357 "round of last resort" in the final chamber (It's a single shot if you get that one first; count carefully)
4. Pleasure of shooting? -- My current favorites to shoot in order: The affor-mentioned XDm .40, Colt series 80 stainless MK IV (enhanced), 4" S&W 686 .357 (my most accurate revolver), 20 year old Taurus PT 99AF (except for rimfires, my most accurate pistol), Ruger 22/45 w/ LR Scope
I have several pistols that I hate shooting, but they serve a function: In order--The affor-mentioned S&W 360,(it weighs 11 oz; it is not fun to shoot with any ammo) 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk .44 mag (does not fit my hand, but I can kill stuff with it), Beretta Tomcat (piece of junk), 4 5/8" Ruger new model Vaquero in .45 LC bright stainless (Bought it because it is beautiful--I'm shallow. Shoots way low & left, can't do anything about it, so I leave it in the safe & take it out just to play cowboy with it),
Glock 27 (I have to practice with it, It's my primary CCW--I shoot it well, but I don't enjoy it ; (liking it a little better w/ new Trijicon Novak low-mounts, stainless guide rod, extended slide release & pachmayer slip on; in other words, $200.00 to turn it into an XD compact)
1. Self defense in the home? (or heavy clothes CCW once I find a suitable high-ride) -- .40 XDm w/ 17 x 165 gr double taps (in a fight, I do not know of a better package of available firepower than this. 2 X 16 round mags topped w/ hot .40 S&W DT's (very close to current factory loaded 10mm) I love my .45's, but in a fight I want the similar power of a .40 w/ TWICE the capacity per mag.
2. Self defense CCW (light clothes) ? -- Glock 27, 10 of the same double taps
3. Self defense CCW (really light summer clothes) -- S&W 360 scandium .357 w/ 4 x +P .38 specials & one full-house .357 "round of last resort" in the final chamber (It's a single shot if you get that one first; count carefully)
4. Pleasure of shooting? -- My current favorites to shoot in order: The affor-mentioned XDm .40, Colt series 80 stainless MK IV (enhanced), 4" S&W 686 .357 (my most accurate revolver), 20 year old Taurus PT 99AF (except for rimfires, my most accurate pistol), Ruger 22/45 w/ LR Scope
I have several pistols that I hate shooting, but they serve a function: In order--The affor-mentioned S&W 360,(it weighs 11 oz; it is not fun to shoot with any ammo) 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk .44 mag (does not fit my hand, but I can kill stuff with it), Beretta Tomcat (piece of junk), 4 5/8" Ruger new model Vaquero in .45 LC bright stainless (Bought it because it is beautiful--I'm shallow. Shoots way low & left, can't do anything about it, so I leave it in the safe & take it out just to play cowboy with it),
Glock 27 (I have to practice with it, It's my primary CCW--I shoot it well, but I don't enjoy it ; (liking it a little better w/ new Trijicon Novak low-mounts, stainless guide rod, extended slide release & pachmayer slip on; in other words, $200.00 to turn it into an XD compact)
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