Please help me choose a 9mm (long)

[SnubbyMan]

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...

 

[armoredman]

CZ 75 Compact, for cocked and locked carry availabilty or DA/SA, or CZ PCR for decocker and alloy frame. Both high quality, well made concealable pistols. The Compact is a steel frame gun, very pleasant to shoot. The PCr is alloy, with a little more percieved recoil. Top shelf for lower price.

 

[Sinsaba]

One Word - GLOCK

Your description fits the G19 to a tee GLOCK 19 SPECS . I own a G17 (a slightly larger 9mm, holds 17 rounds, longer handle the photo in the link below shows the G17 with a 31 rnd mag my "Oh SH**" mag).

Because the barrel is such a small hieght above the hand, there isn't much flip (at least that's what I'm told, I don't really have any problems with a 9mm)
Price = mid range
I've only had one (1) FTE and that was my fault (limp wristing)
Accurate
Light
Easy to clean

Nothing not to like except ... it is a Glock. When they first came out some people didn't like them because they were plastic. We have since seen that this isn't really a drawback (hence most other companies having at least one model with plastic)

Some people don't like the safety system on them. You see, if you have one in the chamber and you pull the trigger, it goes bang! Every time. You need a holster that covers the trigger and you need to keep your finger off the trigger unless you mean to fire it.

 

[whm1974]

I have a XD-9 Tactical which is the same size as a 1911. Thew grip angle and trigger is much better then a Glock. However it has the same problem with people who can't keep thier finger of the trigger.

-Bill

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I've had several of the smaller 9mm guns, starting with a Kel-Tec P-11, moving to a Star Firestar Plus, then to a CZ-75B Compact, and now to the Kahr P9. I've shot the Glock 19, and didn't find it all that different from the 17. I like the 17 -- and like the 19, but wanted something a bit smaller.

Trigger reset may not be as big an issue as you think. I'd argue that in most cases, you won't be able to pull the trigger faster than the gun can recoil and drop back down to firing position. Not if you're really aiming your shots. Darn near any gun is faster than you are, in that regard.

Of the bunch, I like the Kahr P9 the best, but any of the four might suit someone else better.

The CZ is very accurate, but a bit on the heavy side. Small. 14+1 capacity, with the right mags. Medium trigger reset. I like the ability to do cocked and locked.

The Kel-Tec is accurate, but the trigger takes some getting used to. Very small, light, and 12 round flush-fit mags are available, and 15-rounders with a spacer, will not enlarge them that much when carryin concealed. Long trigger reset, but that doesn't keep you from shooting quickly. I don't shoot it as well as some, but it can be shot well -- and can be surprisingly accurate for such a short barrel.

The Star Firestar Plus is about the size of the Kel-Tec, but heavier. Its SA, but with a fundamentally good trigger. Mine was accurate. This model is the double-stack with alloy frame, and 13 round mags can be found. Relatively short reset. (I managed to have the best score in a small IDPA match, once with mine.)

The P9 is my favorite. Light, narrow, and small, with 8+1 capacity with the factory 8 round mags. Nice shooting, good trigger, and (at least to me) less felt recoil than the P-11. Long trigger.

I kept the Compact and the P9 and traded the others away. For sheer shooting fun, the CZ is the best of the bunch, but for concealed carry, I prefer the P9. But they're all good guns and all very durable.

 

[Druggie]

I've got an array of handguns, including a Glock 17, Glock 27, Kimber Pro CDP II, and a Kahr PM9. Just out of curiosity, I recently purchased a Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro, and I love it. It weighs around 19 oz., holds 12+1, has a thumb safety, is stainless with a black polymer grip, and the large white dot sights are highly visible. It also is extremely simple to disassemble for cleaning. It has a striker system, and the DA trigger is very smooth (to me, anyway). I put 500 rounds through it this weekend, and it was flawless. My cost (Oklahoma City) was $349 + tax.

I've owned the PT-145 Millennium Pro for about a year; it's the exact same design, but only a slight bit larger. I've had zero problems with it also. This gun stays in my car console everyday.

Back to the PT-111 MilPro--it's not the most expensive 9mm out there, but I am totally sold on it. Hope this helps.

 

[middy]

Glock 19

 

[abdrdude]

I'd recommend a Beretta 92. I have one and it's never failed to do it's job. I'd also recommend the SIG P-228, SIG P-226 or the SIG P-229. I have a SIG P-220 in 45acp and will add the P-228 very soon. Scott

 

[salthouse]

Lot's of good recommendations. If for some reason you don't go with the Glock or the Sig, I have a Steyr S9 that I really like. It fits most of your requirements except for the barrel length (but you could go with the M9). Very inexpensive, has been extremely reliable with all types of ammo. Might be worth a look. Good luck!

 

[michiganfan]

Another vote for Glock. Every trigger pull is the same and it goes bang every time I have ever pulled the trigger. As for the safety issue mine has never fired without the trigger being pulled.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Fabrique Nationale FNP-9.

Slightly larger than the Glock 19 (by a mm or two) and carries an extra round and has a decocker (or optional decocker/manual safety) Weighs less than a Sig 229 and has interchangable backstraps.
Cheaper than a Glock or Sig and in some cases, cheaper than a CZ75 P-01 or PCR.

 

[Mulliga]

I know you said it wouldn't "scratch the itch," but honestly, a Hipower would do everything on your list, and with style.

Failing that, I'd recommend a CZ-75 compact (single-action + all steel = happiness), Glock (famous trigger reset/low bore axis), or XD (as mentioned, like the Glock but with a tweaked grip angle).

 

[Ken Rainey]

Glock 19 - 4.02 inch barrel, Glock 17 - 4.49 inch barrel. I think either of these will meet and surpass your requirements. The Glock 17 is the one that their reputation was built on.

 

[callgood]

"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."

Haven't seen anyone address this. I took my new HiPower out Saturday and shot some 115gr Winchester FMJ. Checking on the muzzle rise, I got lined up with a pine behind the target I was shooting from 8 yards and noted that it rose approximately the same as my Sig 220 stainless with 230 grain Magtech FMJ or my Glock shooting 180 grain Win reloads at 1200 fps. Time to second shot was about the same.

 

[unclestu]

Glock 19.

 

[mcmoyer]

I'll give another big thumbs up to the G19!

 

[bradvanhorn]

CZ, XD, or (no, don't say it...) Glock. I'm happily getting by with a CZ P-01, but if I could shoot Glocks (the grip angle is all wrong for me) then the Glock 19 would be tough to beat.

Your defining characteristics are pretty broad, so on the small(ish) side there's the CZ P-01 (or PCR), XD (4") or Glock 19, and on the large(ish) side there's the CZ 75 B, XD Tactical, or Glock 17 (or 34). These models aren't all inclusive of course, just my first thoughts...

 

[Phantom Warrior]

It really comes down to personal taste and any of the suggestions so far would be good. I'll just put in another vote for a Glock 19.

 

[powertoast]

Another vote for the Glock 19. And as a side benefit, you can field strip it in 3 seconds, or detail strip it in about a minute.

Nothing wrong with the other flavors mentioned, but the G19 is my favorite of the bunch.

best regards

 

[HKGuns]

If you like Sig's and don't have an HK you are missing out. HK 9mm full size would fit the bill for you....Or, if low axis bore is an absolute requirement look at the P7M13, which will be more money.

You didn't mention price that I read so I'd seriously consider HK if I were in your shoes. A Sig will likely be a purchase I make in the future.

 

[Mayo]

Has to be the SIG P228---ideal 9mm, perfect balance, great for CCW, most reliable on the market, no recoil due to weight and only metal gun on the list as opposed to polymer.

 

[Elmer]

228.

The SEALs could have anything they wanted. They picked SIG.

Again.

 

[Jubei]

I have to put another vote in for the Glock. I picked up my G17 because I wanted to take advantage of the cheaper 9mm ammo prices. Owning and firing it changed my mind about the Glock, now I own 3.

Not a pretty gun, but it goes bang when I pull the trigger.

Jubei

 

[.40-.45]

Sig
XD-9

You cant go wrong

 

[CAS700850]

Two options seem to fit the bill here. Glock and Sig Sauer.

Glock 17 or 19, depending upon which size you like. Low bore to hand fit, should help keep the recoil and muzzle flip down. Tough as nails. And, with a little luck, you'll gat one of the many that are 100% (not all of them are, from personal experiance).

Sig Sauer 228/229 with the new K trigger. Why the new trigger? If you are a 1911 shooter, you will appreciate the shorter, lighter, and consistent trigger pull you get with the K trigger, plus you avoid having to learn a new "de-cocking" habit when you stop shooting. Virtually guaranteed 100% reliable, hence the excellent reputation fo the Sig classic line.