Next purchase will be a 9mm for plink/target

[WVMountainBoy]

I'm pretty happy with my carry weapons and will in the next year or so look into getting a full size 9mm for taking on evil pop cans in the wild of the backyard. Don't really know or have too many bias on them yet. I want/need it to not be ammo picky as I don't plan on using self defense quality ammo to tear up coke cans. So far the contestants are Glock 17, Beretta 92FS, Browning Hi-Power, and the Springfield XD9. The gun will be a used model and not used for defense, just plinking. Going to go for the 300 dollar range, but won't be too hurt if it climbs to the near 400 mark. Any thoughts or suggestions or other models I should consider?

 

[David E]

The Beretta and Hi-Power require handling protocols that you really need to ingrain into your "wiring," so to speak. The Glock and XD do, too, but to a much lesser extent. (stop shooting, take finger off trigger. start shooting, put finger on trigger)

The Beretta (or any traditional DA semi-auto) requires that after you take your finger off the trigger, you then need to decock the gun. Many of these models require you to "undecock" the safety lever to start shooting again. Single action guns like the BHP require you to engage the safety, then disengage it before shooting again.

These are not difficult, per se, but it takes a bit of time and dedication to get to the point where you don't have to think about it.

 

[reuben mishler]

Having fired all models you are looking into, and owning several as well, I would tend to lean towards the Springfield XD.

They have the new XD(M), which IMO would be a great plinking gun, especially with match grade features. Not to say that Beretta and Browning 9mms won't be as dependable, I think the Springield Armory XD(M) would satisfy your needs in more ways then one.

http://www.the-m-factor.com/html/technology.html

I've seen new XD(M)s run between 550 and 600. Quite the bargain when you consider that Springfield has a lifetime warranty on their firearms, as well as stepping into a match grade firearm. Good luck with your choice!

 

[frank c]

S&W 5906 (9mm)One of the best 9mm every made IMHO.

 

[Paladin38-40]

Trigger systems

The trigger system you choose will have a lot to do with how well you enjoy your plinking and target shooting. The GLOCK and Springfield DAO, the Beretta DA/SA, and the Browning S/A feel quite different. All are "good guns".

I have a Browning HP, a GLOCK 19, and spent a 3 day class with a Smith 5906 DA/SA like the Beretta. My personal preference by a large margin is for S/A semi's. I just do not care for the others' triggers or slide mounted decock safeties.

But only you can decide for you. Try all 3 systems before you buy if possible.

 

[Fishbed77]

Well, for $400, you could have a new Ruger SR9, which is a very accurate 9mm with great standard sights - good for the plinking requirement. That is, if you want a gun with a Glock-style trigger.

Out of your original list of used guns, I'd recommend the Hi-Power or Berretta - nice triggers and a little wieght make for a fun plinker.

 

[squarles67]

Don't leave out CZ.

I love my CZ-75B! It's accurate, eats any ammo I put through it and it only cost me about $450 brand new.

 

[Nushif]

None of the guns you listed are particularly prone to being lemons.
I think for plinking purposes between these you really only have to look at which one you think is the coolest. *le nod*

 

[WVMountainBoy]

I'm familiar with the Beretta as I own a 96, I'm interested in all the models for different reasons. The Glock and Springfield because of their rugged construction, the beretta and hi power for their finesse...I love the handling of the Hi-Power...but thanks for the suggestion on the CZ I will check into them as well. As for the S&W 5906 I will look around and see if I can find one to handle. I carry a 1911 or colt .38 as CCW (depending on clothing) so I'm used to different systems.

 

[BossHogg]

Get a steel gun for weight and recoil since it will be for killing evil cans. C-Z 75 or Beretta, many types to pick from. I like the C-Z 75 p-01 Da/sa .

 

[CZ57]

A used SA XD Tactical 5" in 9mm would be an excellent choice as is the XDm but the XDm is out of your budget unless you find one used.

 

[Jed Carter]

I have a Glock G34, Colt Series 70 9mm, STI Trojan 1911 9mm, CZ PCR and a Beretta 92FS. STI is in a class of it's own, Glock G34 beats the others by a good margin. It has the longest barrel, but the STI trigger gives it the definite edge. Of your choices I would get the G17 or step up to the G34. Change the stock Glock sights with either a good target adustable or Novak sight set. Or get an STI Spartan or Trojan and never look back. I use both the G34 and my STI in IPSC/ USPSA matches, just depends what I feel like, in cold weather I prefer the Glock.

 

[WVMountainBoy]

Thanks Jed, I do like the idea of the G34 with some novaks...hmm that may just be the solution to the question Might be a bit harder finding the 34 used, but still not too rough. I still want to pick up a CZ and handle it before making the jump. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[chris in va]

CZ...low bore axis, outstanding ergonomics, natural pointer (unlike my Glock) and all-steel with the 75. I have been using my G21sf for IDPA but will probably switch to my 75BD as aiming is less of a chore.

 

[BullRunBear]

Another vote for the CZ 75b. My wife chose it because it fit her small hands, pointed naturally and that steel soaked up some recoil. It fits me as well. It has digested everything without a hitch, including my reloads. Extremely accurate. And the 22lr Kadet adapter is a tack driver as well. I shoot the Glock 9mm well (for me) but I'm better with the CZ.

Hope you get a chance to handle one along with the other candidates. Good luck with your search.

Jeff

 

[GLOOB]

They are all good. But if you want to spend more time shooting and less time cleaning, I suggest you... make up your own mind.

 

[rellascout]

None the the guns on the list are what I would describe as tack drivers. They are all good quality combat accurate guns. Any of the guns on the list will serve the purpose.

The BHP will be tough to get under $400. Even if you buy one of the Israeli imports getting OTD under $400 will be tough ane the gun will show a fair amount of wear.

That said none of these guns are $300 guns. You will be hard pressed to get OTD under $400 for any of these but IMHO the Glock 17, Beretta and XD9 will all be in better external shape than the BHP.

I would put the CZ75B in the mix if it fits your hand. They have a long DA trigger pull length, require longer fingers to grip properly, and this can be an again can be had for $400 used.

I will also throw another gun into the mix. It is more of a mid-sized gun but has an excellent DA trigger will a nice Sig SA. It can be had for $400 NIB. The Sig Pro SP2022's value is hard to beat. In most shooters hands the difference between a 4" barrel and a 4.5" is not going to make that much difference and it does not sound like this is going to be a bullseye pistol.



Caliber 9mm
Action Type DA/SA
Trigger Pull DA 10.0 lbs
Trigger Pull SA 4.4 lbs
Overall Length 7.4 in
Overall Height 5.7 in
Overall Width 1.4 in
Barrel Length 3.9 in
Sight Radius 5.9 in
Weight w/Mag 29.0 oz
Mag Capacity 10 or 15 Rounds (9mm), 10 or 12 rounds (.40S&W)
Sights Contrast or SIGLITE® Night Sights
Grips Polymer Grips
Frame Finish Black Polymer
Slide Finish Nitron®
Accessory Rail Yes
Features Accessory Rail, wear-resistant polymer frame

 

[MedWheeler]

Three and a half gets a new S&W Sigma.. was looking at one myself. Anyone here who actually owns one care to comment?