Plinking Auto - Need Suggestions, Advice

[Stachie]

On weekends you can find me at the local gunrange. I greatly enjoy the calm associated with shooting, not to mention the satisfaction of maintaining and improving my skills. For me, shooting at the gunrange is not unlike practicing at a golf driving range. In fact, I enjoy it so much that my clubs have not been used in over a year, which brings me to my problem: what is an excellent 9mm autoloader for plinking at the range?

I own a few weapons, but these a very precious to me, and I do not want to wear them out prematurely. I shoot about 1000 rounds a month!

Price is not an issue in this matter, but I do have several requirements: 9mm, above average accuracy, reliability, and easy access to replacement parts or repair service.

As of now I am considering either a Glock 34 or the XD 9mm tactical. While the glock offers aftermarket parts, Springfield Armory provides a lifetime warranty, as far as I understand. Also, the XD comes with a fully supported barrel.

Can anyone help me to decide between the two, or even suggest another alternative? Right now I am leaning towards the XD tactical.

Any comments, ideas, or suggestions would be greatly apprecited.

 

[daysleeprx]

I can't comment on those as I've never shot either one, but ones I CAN comment on are:

HK USP = Man if this one had fit my hand better I'd still own it. Zero problems with the gun.

CZ 75 (or variant) = My CZ SP-01 is the only 9mm I own now. Superb ergos, laser accuracy, and recoil is almost non existant! Plus, with 19 round mags, you can spend more time shootin' and less time reloading magazines!

 

[BKP99]

Have you considered a 9mm 1911?

I recently ordered a STI ranger II in 9mm. Full size grip, 4.15" barrel. Parts readily available and easy to detail strip as it's a 1911.

34oz weight so in 9mm should be very controllable.

STI trojan if you like full size 1911

Or if you stock up on parts....HK P7M8

 

[BullfrogKen]

BKP99 said: Have you considered a 9mm 1911?

They really are the bomb. My 9mm Commander makes me .

 

[Waywatcher]

I highly recommed the Glock 34. The fact that you cant buy ANY factory parts for XD's is a HUGE turnoff. Not even stock replacement parts in case a spring gets lost or broken, etc. The Glock also has a similar, if not better warranty. KB's are unheard of in the 9mm Glocks, so dont worry about the unsupported case.

The only aftermarket accessory I would add to a G34 is some nice sights, the plastic stock ones are crap. Dawson Precision makes a nice adjustable set.

 

[AirForceShooter]

Hi-Power?

AFS

 

[JDGray]

CZ75B 9mm!

 

[Curare]

This is coming from a Glockoholic: get a SIG P226 for range plinking. Its heft, great single action trigger and ergonomics make any shooter look better.

 

[Tom C.]

I have a stainless SIG 226 and a CZ-75, both in 9mm. Both have great grip ergos. The CZ also can take a very nice .22 conversion.

 

[Manedwolf]

If you pick up a Beretta or Taurus 92, you also have the option of under-$200 .22LR conversion slides in plentiful supply. Parts are also easy to find, and both will just keep going and going and going.

 

[Mark54g]

CZ 75. Get the stainless.

 

[ugaarguy]

Stachie, go take a look at this article on gun fit; http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm. Getting a pistol that fits you will make shooting it much easier, increase your accuracy with, and recoil will be far more manageable after a long session with hundreds of rounds downrange.

Here are some pistol ideas;

1911. As far as wanting a 9mm for the range, nothing has a better trigger than a 1911. Once you get into them and detail strip one you understand how the design sets up for an inherently great trigger pull. With a little work by an experienced gunsmith it can get even better. A 1911 in 9mm would be my first choice. Also remember that you can change grip panels, mainspring housing, and grip safety are also easily changed to customize the fit.

BHP. After the 1911, I'd look to Browning's final firearm design, the Hi-Power. Though not 1911, the triggers are still good. The BHP was the original twin column magazine, large capacity 9mm pistol. It went into production in 1935 and like it's older cousin the 1911 it'll still perform just as well if not better than the new pistols on the market.

SIG P210. I'm going off what I've read. I've handled a couple, but they're out my price range as well as anyone's I acyually shoot with. The couple I've handled were exemplary in craftsmanship, and the trigger pull was pretty darn good. These are almost cult like inm their following and reputation for being one of the finest 9mm pistols ever built.

HKP7. An odd-ball squeeeze cocking, gas operated pistol. Very neat, not common, accurate, and reliable as long as they're kept clean. Just a very cool and fun pistol.

CZ-75. By all accounts a heck of a pistol, with pricing that makes them a downright steal. Wages in the Czech republic keep the prices down, but these are tough, reliable, and very well built pistols.

Those would be my top choices. The HK USP, SIG P22x Series, Ruger P Series, Beretta 92 & PX4, S&W M&P, Springfield XD, the several 9mm Glocks, and Walther P99/S&W 99 are all solid pistols as well. See what fits you best and "speaks" to you asthe pistol to get. Finally, welcome to THR, and please let us know what else we can do for you.

 

[kymarkh]

9mm range blaster

I made the XD9 Tactical or G34 decision last year and went with the G34. Happy I did, as it has been trouble free and a pleasure to use with very low maintenance. There are two other pistols I had considered and may just purchase one of these days for range toys: 9mm 1911 or the CZ75 Tactical Sport. Both are on my wish list.

 

[atblis]

Steel framed

For plinking you want

Fullsize. No compacts. Longer barrels and slides are better for shooting.

Perhaps adjustable target sights? Nice to have.

Steel frame. The heavier the better. Heavier guns have milder recoil, and are generally easier to shoot accurately.

The particulars will depend on your preferences, mostly your hands.

CZ75B, or a Cz75SA, or an SP01 would be great. My personal favorite.
SIG 226 or even a 210.
EAA Witness Match. Good deal for the money.
HK USP.
Glock 34 (or even a G17).

 

[USMC Tanker]

Beretta M9, 92FS:

Great, tough pistol. It will shoot, shoot, and shoot. TONS of aftermarket and factory parts and upgrades.

CZs:

Also good pistols. Look and feel great. Lots of Iraqis carried them, some leaking VERY beat up, but stillgoing *BANG*

Browning/FN Hi-Power:

John Moses Browning is all I have to say about that!


Not a big fan of Glocks, but I wouldn't cancel them out either. Only problem I have with the XD, although an excellent pistol, is the lack of parts and accessories.

 

[Black Majik]

Price is not an issue in this matter

SIG X5 or P210!