bernie
Member
lee n. field, your "9","45" argument was so funny I thought I would die!
I will weigh in, get the .45.
I will weigh in, get the .45.
Should I Buy a 9 or a 45?
- Thread starter Kevin33
- Start date
- Status
I have a Phoenix Arms .22 saturday night special ca legal handgun, probably shot 4,000 rounds through it already and I'm ready to move up. I have fired some 9mms and a 45 at the Vegas Gun Store (by the way a great place to test out some ak-47s and other machine guns)
I really wanted to buy the Taurus pt945 but of course being in ca its not on the darn DOJ list. So right now my percentage has moved up to 95% to buy the Taurus pt92 9mm but then after the 1 month 1 handgun limit I'm either going to buy the taurus millennium 45, or the llama subcompact 45 or even the bersa compact 45. Basically for a 45 I want a ca legal stainless steel 10 rounders. Other recommendations are welcome, thanks
I really wanted to buy the Taurus pt945 but of course being in ca its not on the darn DOJ list. So right now my percentage has moved up to 95% to buy the Taurus pt92 9mm but then after the 1 month 1 handgun limit I'm either going to buy the taurus millennium 45, or the llama subcompact 45 or even the bersa compact 45. Basically for a 45 I want a ca legal stainless steel 10 rounders. Other recommendations are welcome, thanks
nico
Member
I'd recommend looking at the CZ-75B. Just about all the owners I've come across seem to really like (if not completely love) them, and they meet your $500 limit (even in my communist state). I bought one today because the instant I picked it up, it just felt right in my hands. Lining up the sights is very natural, and although it doesn't have the aftermarket of some other guns, there are a handful of good gunsmiths and a decent number of parts available to improve the gun.
griz
Member
Question:
Answer:
Yes
Answer:
Yes
Too Many Choices!?
Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2005
- Messages
- 763
I got the Millinium PT-145 and love it!
Only thing is the double action trigger takes some time to get used to(or it did for me anyway), but now it is almost as fast as my Glock for double taps . The safety is nice to have but really not needed with such a loooong double action trigger. How many revolvers have safeties? I really only use my safety when I am placing my gun in it's holster to head out the door, once it is there I release the safety. The integral lock is cool for when I have to leave the gun in the car(but again not really needed). Last, I like the loaded chamber indicator, simply run your finger along the ejection port and instantly know if the firearm is chambered. Oh yeah, .45 rocks ...
Only thing is the double action trigger takes some time to get used to(or it did for me anyway), but now it is almost as fast as my Glock for double taps
. The safety is nice to have but really not needed with such a loooong double action trigger. How many revolvers have safeties? I really only use my safety when I am placing my gun in it's holster to head out the door, once it is there I release the safety. The integral lock is cool for when I have to leave the gun in the car(but again not really needed). Last, I like the loaded chamber indicator, simply run your finger along the ejection port and instantly know if the firearm is chambered. Oh yeah, .45 rocks ...HankB
Member
I'd suggest trying a number of quality 9mm handguns - pistols like the Browning Hi Power, Beretta 92, Glock 17/19/26/34, and CZ-75 - not some off brand just beacause it's cheap. A cheap POS will annoy long after the savings are forgotten.
Then determine which one is most "pointable" in YOUR hands.
To do this, pick up the pistol in one hand, focus your eyes on some target, close your eyes, and then raise the pistol to eye level until you think it's pointing at the target. Then open your eyes - how closely are the sights aligned?
Do this several times, and buy the one which is the most "natural" pointer for you.
Since CA currently has a 10-rd limit, you might check to see which grandfathered magazines you stocked up on before CA's 10-round mag limit was imposed . . . LOTS of people bought magazines for guns they didn't even have when they saw a mag ban coming down the road . . . sometimes, before they were even old enough to buy the gun themselves. You may have, too.
On the 9mm vs. .45 debate . . . I have several examples of each. I recommend 9mm as a first centerfire primarily because decent practice ammo is cheap. (Locally, WWB is under $5/box, and Blazer is under $4.)
Then determine which one is most "pointable" in YOUR hands.
To do this, pick up the pistol in one hand, focus your eyes on some target, close your eyes, and then raise the pistol to eye level until you think it's pointing at the target. Then open your eyes - how closely are the sights aligned?
Do this several times, and buy the one which is the most "natural" pointer for you.
Since CA currently has a 10-rd limit, you might check to see which grandfathered magazines you stocked up on before CA's 10-round mag limit was imposed . . . LOTS of people bought magazines for guns they didn't even have when they saw a mag ban coming down the road . . . sometimes, before they were even old enough to buy the gun themselves. You may have, too.
On the 9mm vs. .45 debate . . . I have several examples of each. I recommend 9mm as a first centerfire primarily because decent practice ammo is cheap. (Locally, WWB is under $5/box, and Blazer is under $4.)
Browns Fan
Member
I carry a .45.
I shoot a 9mm.
OK, OK I shoot the .45 every now and then!
I shoot a 9mm.
OK, OK I shoot the .45 every now and then!
1911 guy
Member
My humble opinion
I'll say from the get go that I'm a .45acp guy myself, but the most important thing is to find a pistol that fits your hand well. You can buy a 1911 on my recomendation and not shoot well with it because it fits you badly. Then again you might buy a fine Sig pistol (I do like SIG's, too) in 9mm. and it might fit so bad you want to throttle whoever recommended it. Go to lots of gunshops and handle the merchandise. Rent and shoot if possible. If you happen to settle on a model that is available in both calibers, get the .45!
I'll say from the get go that I'm a .45acp guy myself, but the most important thing is to find a pistol that fits your hand well. You can buy a 1911 on my recomendation and not shoot well with it because it fits you badly. Then again you might buy a fine Sig pistol (I do like SIG's, too) in 9mm. and it might fit so bad you want to throttle whoever recommended it. Go to lots of gunshops and handle the merchandise. Rent and shoot if possible. If you happen to settle on a model that is available in both calibers, get the .45!
If your going with a semi auto for ccw. ( Id go revo ) I would buy either one based on size. If size is not of issue Id go .45. A ccw compact pistol doesnt need to be or probably isnt offered in significantly higher capacity mags such as full or medium sized pistol's. imho.
Welcome to THR,
I would suggest going to Discount Gun Mart or American Shooting Center and try renting one or two of each to find out which one has the feel and recoil you are looking for.
The other Kevin gave you great advice, Kevin. And welcome to THR!
-David
I would suggest going to Discount Gun Mart or American Shooting Center and try renting one or two of each to find out which one has the feel and recoil you are looking for.
The other Kevin gave you great advice, Kevin. And welcome to THR!
-David
robertbank
Member
Because I am 60 and have been shooting handguns for years I can definitly recommend the following as the best gun for your purpose:
Para 1911 in .45acp. 41/4" or 5"
Because I am 60 and have been shooting handguns for years I can definitly recommend the following as the best gun for your purpose:
CZ75/85 in 9MM
Because I am 60 and have been shooting handguns for years I can definitly recommend the following as the best gun for your purpose:
Browning Hi Power in 9MM.
You can't go wrong with any of the above and they all will suit your purpose.
ps: the 9MM will be much cheaper to shoot.
I own examples of all of them and all kidding aside you can't go wrong with any of them. I would throw in a Sig but I think it is well above your price point. 7 rds or 10 will make no practical difference for self defense.
Para 1911 in .45acp. 41/4" or 5"
Because I am 60 and have been shooting handguns for years I can definitly recommend the following as the best gun for your purpose:
CZ75/85 in 9MM
Because I am 60 and have been shooting handguns for years I can definitly recommend the following as the best gun for your purpose:
Browning Hi Power in 9MM.
You can't go wrong with any of the above and they all will suit your purpose.
ps: the 9MM will be much cheaper to shoot.
I own examples of all of them and all kidding aside you can't go wrong with any of them. I would throw in a Sig but I think it is well above your price point. 7 rds or 10 will make no practical difference for self defense.
Last edited:
BryanP
Member
Yes, you should buy a 9 or a 45. The caliber you choose is irrelevant.
The important question is what model of SIG are you going to buy to shoot it through?
The important question is what model of SIG are you going to buy to shoot it through?
huaco
Member
I won't make a recommendation but I'll pass along my experience since getting a CHL and moving beyound 22 cal pistols. Caliber is not really the issue, which action you are comfortable with is more important. After a couple of years I've found that:
I'm not comforatable with a gun with nothing between it firing and me is a proper grip and pulling the trigger. I am much more comfortable with a sa/da pistol with a manual safety and a hammer and the options that configuration offers. The gun I bought for my CHL qualification was a ported SA XD-9. It's a great, reasonably accurate, reliable pistol but I won't carry it with one in the pipe. Everything is in place for it to fire if I chamber a round and the only thing keeping that from happening is the grip safety and trigger. I don't have a problem with those who are comfortable with this but I'm not. I've lived around Mr Murphy too long. Glocks are a bit safer because the trigger completes the cocking process but I don't think I'll be buying one one of those either.
I don't shoot well with a long pull da pistol. My Kel-tec P-11 is a reliable 9mm but I don't shoot it well because of the long, hard trigger pull. The gun I have with me most of the time is as .32 acp Beretta Tomcat. When I can dress to conceal it I carry a Makarov. Both are less than ideal calibers but have actions I'm comfortable with and are accurate and reliable. I'm currently looking at CZs and Sigs for something with a decent caliber and the action that I like.
Now that I've said things that some will interpret as me being a wus about safety I'll say that I'm not comfortable with cocked and locked carry either. Some day I may need my pistol in a SD situation but I face the possibility of a deadly mistake every day I carry. I'm not here to tell anyone how to deal with this. I'm just stating how I deal with it so please don't interpret it as me saying that everyone should do it this way.
Back to the original question....My experience has been that this is a more important issue than caliber. Get a gun that you shoot well and shoot and carry comfortably and then worry about caliber. Personally I go with 9mm because it's cheap and I don't think about the cost of practice. Caliber doesn't matter if you miss.
I'm not comforatable with a gun with nothing between it firing and me is a proper grip and pulling the trigger. I am much more comfortable with a sa/da pistol with a manual safety and a hammer and the options that configuration offers. The gun I bought for my CHL qualification was a ported SA XD-9. It's a great, reasonably accurate, reliable pistol but I won't carry it with one in the pipe. Everything is in place for it to fire if I chamber a round and the only thing keeping that from happening is the grip safety and trigger. I don't have a problem with those who are comfortable with this but I'm not. I've lived around Mr Murphy too long. Glocks are a bit safer because the trigger completes the cocking process but I don't think I'll be buying one one of those either.
I don't shoot well with a long pull da pistol. My Kel-tec P-11 is a reliable 9mm but I don't shoot it well because of the long, hard trigger pull. The gun I have with me most of the time is as .32 acp Beretta Tomcat. When I can dress to conceal it I carry a Makarov. Both are less than ideal calibers but have actions I'm comfortable with and are accurate and reliable. I'm currently looking at CZs and Sigs for something with a decent caliber and the action that I like.
Now that I've said things that some will interpret as me being a wus about safety I'll say that I'm not comfortable with cocked and locked carry either. Some day I may need my pistol in a SD situation but I face the possibility of a deadly mistake every day I carry. I'm not here to tell anyone how to deal with this. I'm just stating how I deal with it so please don't interpret it as me saying that everyone should do it this way.
Back to the original question....My experience has been that this is a more important issue than caliber. Get a gun that you shoot well and shoot and carry comfortably and then worry about caliber. Personally I go with 9mm because it's cheap and I don't think about the cost of practice. Caliber doesn't matter if you miss.
LightningJoe
Member
Nobody ever got fired for recommending .45 ACP
I recommend .45 ACP for the same reason people used to recommend IBM. I don't know if there's something that's just as good; I don't know if there's something that's better; but I do know it's good enough. Plus I don't have to spend the rest of my life explaining why my caliber is really just as good as 45. I carry 45 and there's no discussion.
If you buy a 45, you'll never have a reason to regret it. If you buy a 9mm, you'll always wonder.
I recommend .45 ACP for the same reason people used to recommend IBM. I don't know if there's something that's just as good; I don't know if there's something that's better; but I do know it's good enough. Plus I don't have to spend the rest of my life explaining why my caliber is really just as good as 45. I carry 45 and there's no discussion.
If you buy a 45, you'll never have a reason to regret it. If you buy a 9mm, you'll always wonder.
Velocity229
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2005
- Messages
- 47
I'd say go with the 9mm.
- The ammo is very cheap, so you can practice plenty.
- The 9's have less recoil.
- 9's carry more rounds per magazine than 45.
- 9's are generally smaller guns.
- Almost every gun maker has a 9mm model, so you have more options.
- The ammo is very cheap, so you can practice plenty.
- The 9's have less recoil.
- 9's carry more rounds per magazine than 45.
- 9's are generally smaller guns.
- Almost every gun maker has a 9mm model, so you have more options.
Gary G23
Member
I would choose a 9mm for two reasons:
1. If you not used to a major caliber handgun it might be hard to control for you.
2. If you're limited to $500 it would be easier to find a reliable pistol in 9mm than it would be .45.
1. If you not used to a major caliber handgun it might be hard to control for you.
2. If you're limited to $500 it would be easier to find a reliable pistol in 9mm than it would be .45.
As i've stated before in this thread.. you should ignore the recoil and rumors of the .45 being harder to control on quick shots.. many light, polymer 9mms have about the same felt recoil as a steel-frame .45
If you are limited to $500 you should get used to the Idea of getting either a used gun or something like a Springfield GI 1911. Its hard to find a Glock for $500 brand new. You can always customize the 1911 to suit your needs later on (and you can do it all yourself with a bit of reading.. more fun that way!)
If you are limited to $500 you should get used to the Idea of getting either a used gun or something like a Springfield GI 1911. Its hard to find a Glock for $500 brand new. You can always customize the 1911 to suit your needs later on (and you can do it all yourself with a bit of reading.. more fun that way!)
rico700
Member
I would definitely recommend that you get one(at least) of each. Choose a Glock 17 or 19 for your daily shooter and pick up maybe a Springfield or Kimber in 1911 chambered for the 45. If you you dont feel you wont both then I would go with Glock or other 9mm to start and then move to 45.
Just my .02 cents worth but I have a safe full of high priced autos and revolvers and when its time to shoot... its usually one of the Glocks (3 that are 9mm and one 10mm) that come out to play.
Do your homework and make an informed decision and you will do fine.
Just my .02 cents worth but I have a safe full of high priced autos and revolvers and when its time to shoot... its usually one of the Glocks (3 that are 9mm and one 10mm) that come out to play.
Do your homework and make an informed decision and you will do fine.
Something else to consider. I used to be a huge 40 fan then a 357 sig fan. But the recoil on the 40 is about the same if not more than the 45 acp in equal guns. And its less accurate in general. But my main point is reliability. I have a DOJ report showing 85% of all the pistols they tested in 9mm and 45 acp passed their reliability and safety standards. Only 60% of the 40sw and 357 sig guns did. Bear in mind this was a sampling of several guns from Glock, Sig, Beretta, Kimber, Hk, Taurus and others.
Pat
Pat
I've noticed those types of results in my limited handgun experience.. take a perfectly functionally reliable accurate weapon chambered for either 9mm or .45 ACP and if you chamber it for .40 S&W everything seems to fall apart 
The only good .40 pistols i've seen were designed with that cartridge in mind.
(before I get flammed, please reread the part where i noted my limited experience)
The only good .40 pistols i've seen were designed with that cartridge in mind.
(before I get flammed, please reread the part where i noted my limited experience)
Yes I agree with Velocity229 and 355sigfan regarding a 9mm. It looks like Im aiming for a 9mm handgun for the upcoming gun show in my town next week (crossroads at the west in del mar, CA. July 16-17th). I will be doing alot of shooting with it and I mean ALOT. I don’t know what it is but I just love shooting guns. I'll get back to you guys in about a week after I make a purchase, Thanks again everyone for your feedback.
- Status
