Suggestions for an Inexpensive 9mm- with Caveats

[EternalKnight]

I have seen a couple of Walter PPX's just over $300. The Canik are good as are the SARS.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Trying to keep it <$300. I went to a gun shop to day and they had a Canuk 9mm in the counter for $300. Seemed like an OK pistol, but as ugly as a mud fence.

Ugh. That's pretty low. Canik is supposed to be turning out decent stuff, but I struggle with the notion you get what you pay for.

Honestly I'd up the budget s tad and go for s Sig SP2022. I've handled and dry fired them. They seem unreasonably nice for the price, but are definately higher than you're looking.

 

[C0untZer0]

The Tanfoglio Witness Polymer has a much more smoothed out frame where the safety is - compared to the SAR B6P. If I try to get a high grip on the B6P, the squarish polymer block in the back irritates the inside of my thumb of my shooting hand. If I try to get a high grip on the gun the squarish polymer block in the back irritates the inside of my thumb of my shooting hand and the block of extra polymer just forward of the slide stop makes it hard to really snug the thumb of my non-shooting hand up against the frame for a thumbs-forward position. But both the SAR and the Tanfolglio have that trapezoid protrusion forward of the slide stop lever.

 

[MedWheeler]

I kinda like my Ruger P-95... though discontinued, there are still a few out there in the used cases.. Just putting that out there..

 

[JO JO]

used FN FNX9mm these are nice hammer fired pistols just another idea , if it were me I would rather have a good condition used quality firearm than a cheaper knock off type again just my opinion

 

[Starter52]

Another vote for the Ruger P95. I've been shooting one all winter. It's the best sub-$300 9mm I've ever handled. Worth ordering off the net if you can't find one local.

 

[35 Whelen]

I thought about the Ruger but a couple of buddies brings theirs to the house to shoot and I tried them. The grips seem a little bulky for me, but I know they're good pistols.

35W

 

[lsudave]

If you're ok with used, you can get a lot with approx $300, if you're patient. Every pistol I own cost $320 or less. In the 9mm, fullsize range, that includes:
CZ 75, Beretta 92FS, Sig P226, Star 30MI, S&W 915, FEG HP clone, CZ 99. That's doublestacks.

For single stack at that price, I have: S&W 39-2, Star Model B Super, Norinco T-54.

In each group, I have listed the gun in descending order of price that paid; the first was the most, the last was the cheapest. All are reliable shooters. BTW, none share a magazine; in theory the Beretta, CZ 99 and Sig can, but would require different cuts in the mag. Also, in theory the Star 30MI can use the 915's mags, but you'd have to remove the mag safety.

Right now, J&G has the Beretta 92S at $250, + shipping.

 

[bannockburn]

At the OP's price range I would probably go with one of those Italian Police Beretta Model 92s.

 

[35 Whelen]

I think I've narrowed it down to the EAA Witness, SAR B6P, and the Beretta 92. I want to put my hands on one of each before I decide. I handled a Beretta yesterday and the grip felt like a beer bottle.

35W

 

[mongoslow]

add a little cash to your fund and look at used Sigs, they are out there in excellent condition for $400-600, this beautiful German police P6 is at my LGS right now it is the Police version of Sigs single stack P225.





HK USP 9/40s can be picked up in the same price range, I would put my money there long before the CZ clones and Turkish pistols, spend the $$$ and cry once or spend more$$$ buying cheaper stuff and being unhappy and searching for other cheap stuff to buy and trade for.

 

[CNobbe]

I've been shooting a Bersa Thunder 9 Pro lately, and it's proving to be a nice inexpensive 9mm. Supposedly the sidearm of the Argentine Army, can see why as it feels great in the hands, and is just reliable. https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...rsa+T9DTPHC+Thunder+Pro+Series+17+1+9mm+4.25"

 

[lsudave]

At the OP's price range I would probably go with one of those Italian Police Beretta Model 92s.

I think I've narrowed it down to the EAA Witness, SAR B6P, and the Beretta 92. I want to put my hands on one of each before I decide. I handled a Beretta yesterday and the grip felt like a beer bottle.

35W

That's a fairly common complaint about the Beretta models. Big grip, probably oversized gun for the round. Makes for a very silky shooter... light recoil and the slide racks like no other pistol I've handled. Did you get a chance to shoot it? I ask, because that can sometimes make a difference vs just handling; I've got a Hungarian PA 63 in Makarov, the pistol feels fantastic in the hand. I hate to shoot it, it has the harshest recoil I've ever felt in a handgun (it will leave the base of my thumb and wrist stinging and tingling after 1 box).

If this is going to be your only 9mm and a gun just to have and shoot at the range, I'd go with the Beretta, or another used big brand name, over any clone or offbrand. Remember, once you get anything, it's a used gun; and a used Beretta or CZ is "better" than a used SAR or Bersa.

 

[BSA1]

The caveats are I'd prefer a model with an external hammer and to have one whose magazines are interchangeable with other models. For example it's my understanding that there's an inexpensive model (CZ-99?) that accepts Beretta magazines and that the CZ-75 also accepts them.

Trying to keep it $300. I went to a gun shop to day and they had a Canuk 9mm on the counter for $300. Seemed like an OK pistol, but ugly as a mud fence.

What other models do the magazines interchange with?

I think I narrowed it down to the EAA Witness, SAR B6P and the Beretta 92.

Your price of $300.00 really limits your choices.

What other models do the magazines of the EAA Witness and SAR B6P interchange with? Of the three only the Beretta meets that criteria.

In addition magazines for the 92FS are commonly available and USGI Surplus magazines are very affordable. I bought 12 surplus mags last month for $5.00 each and at least 6 of them look new.

Of the three only the Beretta has the proven combat history of over 30 years with the military and on the streets. Beretta 92FS and M9's hold their value well so finding a used one for $300.00 may be a challenge.

At the OP's price range I would probably go with one of those Italian Police Beretta Model 92s

Quality wise, availability of parts, proven history I agree. As the 92S has the magazine release on the lower left corner of the grip it does limit magazines choices some. Just be sure the magazine has cut-out for mag release on the bottom corner of it.

The only real downside to the 92S is the sights are on the small size. However some bright orange paint can help overcome that.

 

[lsudave]

In addition magazines for the 92FS are commonly available and USGI Surplus magazines are very affordable. I bought 12 surplus mags last month for $5.00 each and at least 6 of them look new.

if you don't mind me asking, where'd you find that deal? I'd love to get a few myself

 

[35 Whelen]

I'm wanting a 9mm just to have one. Probably won't get shot or carried much as I have other handguns I already carry. I'm really intrigued by the SAR B6P. So far I haven't read anything bad about it. I found an interesting youtube video where a couple of dudes did some pretty nasty things to one.



35W

 

[bgw45]

Canik T120, P120, SAR B6P are all options. AFAIK all will use CZ/nectar mags. Good stuff for the price.

 

[BigBL87]

I wouldn't hesitate to get a SAR B6P. I got one for my first handgun a few years ago. Ended up trading it in for a Taurus PT-92, which I subsequently sold to buy a CZ-75B because I liked the CZ pattern so much after owning the B6P.

For the price, the B6P is really an incredible deal. Mine was more accurate than I am and felt great in the hand. Thanks to its polymer frame, it was also surprisingly comfortable to carry with the right holster (Mine was a Black Arch hybrid).

The only issue I had with it was that the safety lever was on the stiff side. It wasn't overly difficult to switch off, but took some force to switch on. It was certainly manageable and started to lighten with use but was still much stiffer than my CZ-75B.

The only other down side is that EAA's customer service record isn't the best. Most people won't have to deal with it, but from what I've read you typically have to pay for shipping both ways if you send it in, and they aren't the best with communication.

Those two negatives being acknowledged, I'd get another one if I had a chance (i.e. if the wife wouldn't kill me, haha).

 

[Tallball]

"You get what you pay for."

I guess. Maybe there is more than one way to pay. You can pay with money: "This pistol HAS to be good, because it costs $1,000." I think you can also pay by gaining knowledge/experience instead of (or in addition to) paying with money. Thus the OP was wise to ask advice.

As far as I know, the EAA pistols are still made by Tanfoglio in Italy. Tanfoglio makes fine handguns, including match-grade target pistols. My Tanfoglio CZ clone 9mm pistol is Israeli surplus. It was used for military training or by a military-related pistol club (it's marked "Cohai"). The Israeli military is not known for buying junk equipment. It didn't cost me very much money, but it is a very good pistol. I own or have owned pistols made by Browning, Beretta, Colt, S&W, Sig, CZ, etc. My Tanfoglio shoots as well as any of them, and it's any easy guess that it's also been shot more than any of them, too. Just because I was smart enough to get it inexpensively doesn't mean it's a poor-quality pistol.

The two best recent deals in 9mm pistols were both a couple of years back. There was a big batch of Italian Berettas, and a big batch of Star Super B's. I think my FiL paid around $250 for one of the Berettas. It looked like it hadn't been shot much. I got one of the Star Super B's for something like $230. It had barely been shot. My FiL liked it so much that he immediately ordered one for himself. He found a different place and paid a little less than I did. His was NIB with papers and everything!

If the OP can find one of those Star Super B's, they are excellent pistols. They look like a 1911 with no grip safety, but they are 9mm parabellum and use the locking system of the Browning High Power. If the OP doesn't mind single-action pistols, I would highly recommend them. Mine seems very well-constructed. I don't believe that I will ever wear it out. (Though the Stars admittedly don't meet the magazine caveat.) The Berettas are nice, too. They have the annoying magazine release on the heel thing, but they are good pistols. I still see a few of each every once in a while, and they are well within the OP's price range.

lsudave and I seem to think alike. I also own most of the pistols on his list, and paid about the same for them.

One other thing I just now thought of, CDI Sales on Gunbroker has a bunch of surplus S&W 9mm pistols for sale right now. There are 2-3 different models. IIRC they are about $200-$300 apiece, depending on their condition. I have not owned one, but I have heard good things about them and it sounds like a good deal. My experiences with CDI Sales have been very positive.

 

[Torian]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but here goes again....with caveats.

I'm not a big semi-auto fan, nor a fan of the 9mm, but figure it'd be a good idea to have one around so I'm looking for suggestions.

The caveats are I'd prefer a model with an external hammer and to have one whose magazines are interchangeable with other models. For example it's my understanding that there's an inexpensive model (CZ-99?) that accepts Beretta magazines and that the CZ-75 also accepts them.
I'm not totally opposed to the Beretta 92, especially the inexpensive police turn-ins, but the sights look a little small to me. Are they?

What about the EAA Witness? I think it uses a proprietary magazine, but from what I've read it's a really good handgun.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

35W

The EAA Witness Elite Match in 9mm is a superb choice for the money, provided you don't mind carrying a full size weapon. I own it in 10mm, and for 499.00, it is more accurate and softer shooting than other guns worth twice as much in my collection.

I only had one issue with my EAA. I had to replace the trigger pin. Customer service was average, but not a deal-breaker for me.

 

[Taroman]

As mentioned above, the SAR B6P is an excellent bargain, usually <$300.
Accepts CZ75 mags perfectly.
Friend has 2 of them and I can attest that they're great shooters.
ME? I went with a LEO-trade in Gen 3 Glock 22 for $285. Downside, its the now obsolete and discredited .40.

 

[35 Whelen]

I researched the SAR B6P to death and really couldn't find any thing negative about it. As such, one has been ordered from Classic Arms. $249.99 + about $20 shipping. $15 transfer fee from my FFL and I'm in for $285. What's not to love?

Thanks for all the input and advice.

35W

 

[Mayvik]

Star Super B was my input as well. Does Rock Island or ATI make a cheap 1911 in 9?

 

[greyling22]

For under $300 new, canik/ TriStar is about your only option. I know you want a hammer, but the tp9 is nice enough. If the hammer is a must, the cz pattern guns are solid, if a little crudely finished on the internals.

The Elite match is indeed a fantastic gun. However, people discovered them and the days of the $500 match are gone. They are over $700 now.
http://www.impactguns.com/eaa-witness-elite-match-9mm-two-tone-17-rnd-mag-600660-741566111433.aspx

The EAA Witness Elite Match in 9mm is a superb choice for the money, provided you don't mind carrying a full size weapon. I own it in 10mm, and for 499.00, it is more accurate and softer shooting than other guns worth twice as much in my collection.

I only had one issue with my EAA. I had to replace the trigger pin. Customer service was average, but not a deal-breaker for me.

 

[Torian]

For under $300 new, canik/ TriStar is about your only option. I know you want a hammer, but the tp9 is nice enough. If the hammer is a must, the cz pattern guns are solid, if a little crudely finished on the internals.

The Elite match is indeed a fantastic gun. However, people discovered them and the days of the $500 match are gone. They are over $700 now.
http://www.impactguns.com/eaa-witness-elite-match-9mm-two-tone-17-rnd-mag-600660-741566111433.aspx

Wow, you ain't kidding! Talk about a price increase. I guess the word got out.