Replacing/upgrading nightstand pistol

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tmd16556

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So I’ve been thinking about upgrading my nightstand gun/larger semi-auto role. Right now my Cz 82 is on that duty. It’s a little small and lacks some modern features (actual sights -although I shoot well with minim sights too- light mount, capacity, and uses a quirky cartridge). My ccw is a S&W Shield and it shoots great, but at the range, 8 shots goes really quickly. My Hi-Power is a bit too nice for the role.

So, I’ve been thinking about something more fitting in that role. I’m not in a hurry (but don’t want to mis any sales/Christmas presents excuses either), and I know personal feel matters too. So my question is, what are some good options to look at. So here are the parameters:

Budget: $600 max - prefer lower with more to spend on ammo
Caliber: 9x19, I could do 45 auto, but it likely makes other things harder
Capacity: 15 minimum
Others: ability to mount a light, compact size is a plus (better for road trips), similar to something I already have (Cz, S&W, Browning Hi-Power).

My heart leans towards a less practical but pretty option of a Cz-75 or one of the Turkish Hi-Power clones.
My logical mind says a striker fired, but there are a lot of those, so that’s a big part of the question.
 
Striker- All available for under $600
HK VP9 or VP9sk
Glock 19
M&P 9, or 9c
The compacts can accept the larger 15 round mags when needed.

There are plenty of hammer fired options as well from CZ, Beretta, HK, Sig, etc.

My experience is that having different guns for different roles is only going to cause confusion when the time comes that you will need to use it. My suggestion is to pick a gun and use it for training, bedside, and concealed carry.
 
"Logical mind" says striker-fired?

Why?

In a home-defense scenario, a DA/SA with a heavy DA first pull might be the best option -- in terms of threat management (if you have to hold someone at gunpoint, which might be more likely than having to shoot someone) and also in terms of lessening chances of a negligent discharge (trust me, Rule 3 is hard to observe when the adrenaline's pumping and there's a likelihood of being startled).And why have a budget for an under $600 gun to defend your life and the lives of your family?

And totally disagree with wanting to use a compact handgun for a home-defense role.

My take is, should be a full-sized pistol. Should have a WML (gives you a free hand for a cell phone or to open doors). Should absolutely have decent night sights.
tmd16556 said:
My Hi-Power is a bit too nice for the role.
Click to expand...

I surely don't get that one. The one gun you should splurge on is the one that protects home and hearth (and family) -- and that should be a handgun you have great familiarity with and shoot better than all others.

But, if you're really that cheap, a Glock 19, S&W M&P-9, used Beretta 92 or SIG P-226, maybe.

My choices: 15+1 in .45 ACP FNX-45 (Streamlight light/laser combo) and a 20+1 9mm SIG P-226 Legion (SureFire X-300 Ultra).

HD.jpg

Again, this is all purely subjective, and I'm certain many would disagree with my thoughts.
 
I have an Armscor polymer CZ 75 type similar to Tallball's, but it has a light on a rail too. It is a full size gun, DA/SA, very dependable, and I bought it used for $300 15 or 20 years ago. It's the MAP P1, and if it is no longer available others are (EAA, Sarsilmaz and likely others). It lives in a bedside gun safe, and if I didn't have it, a S&W M&P9 would serve in its place. No need for a compact gun in this setting, and most will use see better accuracy with a full size model.
 
I'm with @Old Dog on this one. I like long, deliberate trigger pulls on my nightstand gun. I have a full sized SIG P250 45 with TLR7 light for that duty currently. The P250 is a true DAO gun with a long smooth trigger pull. There almost no chance of a AD with that gun.
 
You can’t go wrong with CZ, H&K, Beretta, Sig - or any of the proven brands. I’m also a fan of DA/SA for my HD pistol - for the reasons @Old Dog outlined. I also agree with a full size pistol over a compact…unless it’s doing double duty as your EDC.

You could look at the polymer CZ line, like the P09. Quality gun, 19+1 capacity, optional manual safety or decocker only. You can upgrade it with night sights or send it to Cajun Gun Works for an action job. (Although my P01 and P07 were very serviceable right out of the box.)

www.budsgunshop.com

Buy CZ P09 9mm Pistol 45 Black 191 Online

The P-09 is our full-size polymer offering, boasting an impressive 19+1 capacity in its flush-fitting magazine – unsurpassed by any other 9mm service pistol. Feat
www.budsgunshop.com www.budsgunshop.com

If you’re willing to spend a little more, then there are other options like the H&K P30 or Sig P226. I recently picked up a LNIB P226 Enhanced Elite for $700…they’re out there!

IMG_3629.jpeg
 
Not to dissuade you from buying anything, I just use the gun I carry for the same duty. It just stays in its holster on my pants next to the bed. Keeps things simple, and its the same type of gun I shoot the most with too, so there's no confusion there.

And if you think yours comes upon short for nightstand duty, why are you carrying it? Maybe there's a clue there. ;)
 
I’m just gonna say this…get a gun that you can put a weapon light on. 100% you want a weapon mounted light. Get a good one. I really like Streamlight models.

You can get a PSA Dagger (Glock platform) for $300 and put a Streamlight TLR 1 or TLR7 and be well under budget.


Basic version



Light

www.primaryarms.com

Streamlight TLR-7A FLEX Weapon Light - 500 Lumens - High/Low Switch

DetailsIntroducing the Streamlight TLR-7A FLEX Weapon Light, a high-performance lighting solution designed for pistols and small pistol caliber carbines. With an impressive output of 500 lumens, this compact weapon light delivers powerful illumination in any lighting conditions.Featuring...
www.primaryarms.com
 
With your criteria, I'd strongly suggest a CZ P01 (you may have to bump up your budget a few dollars, but not all that much, or go used). You mention already having a CZ so your learning curve would be lower. It does have a hammer and not a striker, but they start with an OK double action trigger (I don't mind that it isn't great, a long and heavy first shot is a safety feature in a DA/SA), but a good SA, and you can easily upgrade to a great trigger with a Cajun Gunworks kit. The low bore axis makes for great recoil management, and the unusual rails system (frame over the slide) gives you a more stable, stronger and accurate gun. My full size CZ 75B, 75B Compact, and PCR are all quite reliable (I did have a bobble or two out of the 75B in its 15-20K+ rounds, I stopped counting over a decade ago at 10K, but nothing new springs couldn't fix), and the CZ 40B and P01 I used to have were also 100%. It has the rail you want.

A strong second choice would be a CZ PCR. Same advantages, by widening your search you may save money. Personally, I've never used the rails on my handguns. On a long gun, you need two hands so you have no choice if you want a light. On a handgun, I'd prefer a handheld light, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantage of having to handle your gun using only one hand. I don't want to point my gun at anything I don't want to destroy (one of the basic four rules of firearms safety), the light is to help you identify your target in the dark, so if the light is on my gun I have to point my gun at what may be a hostile target or may be a family member in order to identify it. With a handheld light, you can keep the light up against the gun when you do want both pointed the same direction, you can use it independently to safely identify targets and then only point your gun at the target if it is a home invader. Also, if it is on your gun, you will be lined up with the light if you are using your sights properly. If it is a handheld light you can hold it to the side so if the home invader decides to shoot at the light, they won't be aiming at your center mass.

Next would be a used (to stay in your budget) SIG P229 or P226. Great guns, reliable, accurate, great workmanship. I am especially a fan of the P229 and it (barely) fits the service compact category it seems you want.

I'd also take a look at the Beretta 92 Compact or PX4 Compact. They have decent rebates right now ($50 for the 92, $75 for the PX4) that might put them at or even under $600.

My top striker fired option would be the S&W M&P Compact. I had the 1st gen M&P 40 Compact (similar in size to the M 2.0 subcompact) and it was 100% reliable, and quite accurate.

Of course, within your criteria ($500-600, service compact, I assume true service compact and not the colloquial "compact" to include subcompact and smaller, striker preferred but hammer fired is acceptable, 15+ rounds, etc.) there are plenty of good choices that aren't on my list. There are few in that range of choices that would be a bad choice.
 
This is an older (gen 3) Glock 17 that has been customized for multi-role use. The frame was shortened to the dimensions that it will take Glock 19 mags, making it a little more compact and concealable. The finger grooves have been sanded off, and a grip force adaptor added to the backstrap to eliminate that weird Glock grip angle. It has also been re-textured with some aggressive stipling. SIghts are Trijicon, and of course with a light mounted.
IMG_2667.jpg
 
Another vote for the M&P 2.0. Trigger will be similar to your shield, same grip angle, better capacity and ability to mount a light.

I'll also 2nd the vote above for a PSA Dagger. Great price, can be had with lots of magazines, has a light rail, the grip is awesome. Trigger is not great but can be worked on or learned to live with. You could get this with 10 mags, and a light and be under your budget.
 
I don't know if you like 40SW, But. People are dumping their 40's again. We just picked up a Glock 22 for two bills. (full discloser to seller). Tons of used Caniks out there for amazing prices, if you need to stay in the 9mm lane.
 
Jim Watson said:
Police tradeins are cheap, especially if you don't mind a .40

LEO TRADE-IN SMITH & WESSON M&P40 .40 S&W HANDGUN - NO THUMB SAFETY​

(24 Reviews)
ITEM #: F1SWMP40NTS
BRAND:Smith & Wesson
$269.95
SALE PRICE: $249.95
Click to expand...
I’ve got one of these trade-ins, it’s almost like new and there’s no reason to mind a .40.

A revolver’s on my nightstand but the M&P40 serves as a backup trunk gun.
 
Sig P320 Compact or full size , for around $425 on GB and a Olight Baldor Mini 600 light/green lazer for around $100 on Amazon . being it is "Bedside" the single action striker fired situation is not a big deal as it was only in holstering there MIGHT have been a handling problem for folks doing it regularly . $75 left for 150 rounds of ammo to sight in and load magazines :)

https://www.amazon.com/OLIGHT-Rechargeable-Weaponlight-Flashlight-Adjustable/dp/B08CZ7MVMM/ This a Super deal BTW Ill buy another for this price and I have 4 already !
 
Not to stray off topic here, but just an FYI on those rechargeable Olights. If you have one, Id highly suggest checking it every so often to make sure its holding its charge.

I had one of the rechargeable Valkyrie PL Pro's on a gun that is on standby, and isnt handled all that often. It seemed every time I checked on it and did pick it up the light was dead. That was usually less than a month each time I noticed it it happened.

I contacted them about it, and they asked for the serial number and said to send it back. Their CS is great, they sent me a new one before the one Id sent back even got there, and the new one has been working fine since, and as you would expect. I haven't had any issues with the other rechargeables of theirs I have, but I do check them all regularly now, and don't,or try not to use the rechargeable versions on guns that might sit.

Ive always preferred the lights that take 123's or at least batteries that can be changed. The rechargeable Olights don't seem to allow that, or at least those I have dont. If its dead, you're done until it can be charged.

I have a number of their lights, both weapon lights and general-use lights, and for the most part, they are pretty decent lights. A bit salty price wise (they do run some good sales now and then though), but they are bright (and sometimes almost too bright) and have a good throw.

I have one of their Marauder Mini's and its an amazing light for its size. It will light my entire yard and beyond a good distance in "flood" mode, and on "beam" I can easily see deer and other critters in the back field past 400 yards or more.

Even the Valkyrie's will light up the whole yard on the brighter setting, but that setting is too bright for indoors, especially in a room with light colored walls, even when bounced off the floor.
 
Lower cost. I am going outside the box and recommending a SAR B-6. It is a poly framed close replica of a CZ-75. I bought one to play with and found it to be perfectly reliable with any ammo I have used. It is hammer fired with DA/SA capability. It is almost identical in size to a full size 1911 so recoil is not a problem. Mine has become my grab-a-gun for things that go bump in the night. It has no rail to attach a light but I prefer a hand held light over a gun mounted one.
 
trackskippy said:
Not to stray off topic here, but just an FYI on those rechargeable Olights. If you have one, Id highly suggest checking it every so often to make sure its holding its charge.

I had one of the rechargeable Valkyrie PL Pro's on a gun that is on standby, and isnt handled all that often. It seemed every time I checked on it and did pick it up the light was dead. That was usually less than a month each time I noticed it it happened.
Click to expand...

Nice to know! I have 3 Baldr Minis, an Odin, an Odin Mini and a Tactical Warrior M2. They all hold a charge for a very long time, especially the handheld M2. I use it daily when I walk the dog and I can go 2 months before it needs to be recharged. I’ve been very impressed with them, somit’s nice to know their CS is just as good!
 
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