Please help me choose a 9mm pistol. These are some of the limiting characteristics to help narrow down the list of possibilities:
Reliability - I'm primarily accustomed to revolvers. I'm looking for a gun that has a reputation for being extremely reliable in the 9mm semi-auto world. I want to minimize dealing with FTFs, FTEs, etc. I want something reliable, right out of the box.
Recoil/muzzle flip - I'm looking for something with as little perceived recoil as possible. I know this is very subjective, but I'm assuming there are a few objective variables to keep in mind such as frame material, bore axis height, grip angle, etc.
Concealability - I'm looking for something that is not impossible to conceal. I have no problems concealing a full-size all-steel 1911 Government. Neither the weight nor the size bothers me in a Sparks VM2. The hardest part for me to conceal is the grip. Addressing the grip length is harder for me than the width. That said, I have no problems with the 1911 Govt/Cmdr grip length. I eventually plan to carry this gun when I move to a CCW state.
Short-trigger reset - I'm looking for a gun that can easily place multiple shots on target in a short amount of time. I can do it with the 1911, but I'm thinking something in 9mm will make it that much easier.
Full-capacity - I'm looking for something with a mag that holds more than 10 rounds. This purchase is somewhat a celebration of the AWB sunset. Kind of like how I bought a no-ban Bushmaster last year. I'm assuming 10+ round mags means a double-stack.
Barrel length - I'm thinking I want something at least ~4 inches in length. Since I'm used to the 5" 1911, I want to give the 9mm round as much room as possible to shine (while still being practical).
Durability - I plan to practice with this gun a lot since ammo is relatively cheap.
Other considerations:
I know I'm not looking for a 1911-patterned gun in 9mm, or a Hi-Power. These are both fine guns, but won't satisfy the particular itch I'm having right now. I have medium sized hands, and am a medium sized person. I have no preference in frame material: polymer, alloy, steel--all acceptable. I don't have a preference in finish (stainless, carbon steel, etc.). I don't want a subcompact or smaller gun. I already have a few.
As far as other semi-autos I own, I primarily have Sigs and 1911-patterned guns. That said, I would PREFER to try something different than a Sig (for the purposes of variety), but I am not against buying another one if that is indeed the best choice. I have NO preference towards action type: single-action, DAO, TDA, SAS, etc.
There is no set budget. I would appreciate being able to find spare parts relatively easily. I don't have a need for an equipment rail.
Thanks for helping me choose! If there's something I'm not taking into account, please me know...
Reliability - I'm primarily accustomed to revolvers. I'm looking for a gun that has a reputation for being extremely reliable in the 9mm semi-auto world. I want to minimize dealing with FTFs, FTEs, etc. I want something reliable, right out of the box.
Recoil/muzzle flip - I'm looking for something with as little perceived recoil as possible. I know this is very subjective, but I'm assuming there are a few objective variables to keep in mind such as frame material, bore axis height, grip angle, etc.
Concealability - I'm looking for something that is not impossible to conceal. I have no problems concealing a full-size all-steel 1911 Government. Neither the weight nor the size bothers me in a Sparks VM2. The hardest part for me to conceal is the grip. Addressing the grip length is harder for me than the width. That said, I have no problems with the 1911 Govt/Cmdr grip length. I eventually plan to carry this gun when I move to a CCW state.
Short-trigger reset - I'm looking for a gun that can easily place multiple shots on target in a short amount of time. I can do it with the 1911, but I'm thinking something in 9mm will make it that much easier.
Full-capacity - I'm looking for something with a mag that holds more than 10 rounds. This purchase is somewhat a celebration of the AWB sunset. Kind of like how I bought a no-ban Bushmaster last year. I'm assuming 10+ round mags means a double-stack.
Barrel length - I'm thinking I want something at least ~4 inches in length. Since I'm used to the 5" 1911, I want to give the 9mm round as much room as possible to shine (while still being practical).
Durability - I plan to practice with this gun a lot since ammo is relatively cheap.
Other considerations:
I know I'm not looking for a 1911-patterned gun in 9mm, or a Hi-Power. These are both fine guns, but won't satisfy the particular itch I'm having right now. I have medium sized hands, and am a medium sized person. I have no preference in frame material: polymer, alloy, steel--all acceptable. I don't have a preference in finish (stainless, carbon steel, etc.). I don't want a subcompact or smaller gun. I already have a few.
As far as other semi-autos I own, I primarily have Sigs and 1911-patterned guns. That said, I would PREFER to try something different than a Sig (for the purposes of variety), but I am not against buying another one if that is indeed the best choice. I have NO preference towards action type: single-action, DAO, TDA, SAS, etc.
There is no set budget. I would appreciate being able to find spare parts relatively easily. I don't have a need for an equipment rail.
Thanks for helping me choose! If there's something I'm not taking into account, please me know...