Ok, so im planning on buying a new handgun, its actually my first to purchase (inherited many firearms, none semi autoloaders) I love to shoot at the range, so I really don't want a .45 to wear my arm out, but I would keep it in the house, for self defense purposes, so i dont want a .22 either! A friend said a 9mm would be a good calibur (cheap as sin to reload, easy recoil, decent defense) so if I did get a 9mm, what would be my best bang for my buck? I would be willling to dish out between 300 and 400 dollars, maybe a little more if it seemed to be a good deal. Any thoughts on this? I know theres a crap load of 9's out there, but I also know that some of you have favorites! So whats your favorites?!
The First Best Handgun?
- Thread starter jbrown_87
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Well, if you are willing to spend more money than that, you could buy a 1911 type of .45 ACP and get a .22 LR conversion kit for cheap practice. The key with that combination though is to learn safe handling. Well, you need to do that anyways, but with the SA trigger I'd like to emphasize more awareness of what you are doing.
For the $400 range, I would point you to the CZ-75. A fine gun with several variation, including one with a decocker. It is well made and the grips fit most hands well.
For the $400 range, I would point you to the CZ-75. A fine gun with several variation, including one with a decocker. It is well made and the grips fit most hands well.
First do a search on this topic for many many threads that talk about this subject. You will find a wealth of info that should help you out. Try terms like, "best 9mm", "9mm pisto"l and you will find a few.
Second, I think 9mm is a great idea for the beginner or the expert. I am somewhere in the middle and I prefer the 9mm. I like the cheap parctice ammo, lower recoil and the quicker follow up shots. The better penetration of the 9mm over the .45acp or the .40S&W can be a plus or a minus depending on what you need it for. There are so many loads for the 9mm that you can get ones that expand quickly or FMJ which will penetrat better than FMJ in .40 or .45.
You really should also go check out a bunch of 9mms and see what you like. If you fall in love with a $500 gun, it may be worthwhile to save up so you can have what you really want. OTOH, you may find that you really love the Ruger P-95 pr CZ-75 both of which are much less than $500 and are good guns.
My vote? Well, for $235 OTD, it is hard to beat my used S&W 6906. It is SS and alloy with Novaks. It came with a 12rd mag but 5906 15rd mags fit nearly flush and are easy to find for good prices. There is a mag base plate adaptor for the 5906 mags that make them fit flush with the 6906 frame as well. For the money, it is a well made, decently accurate and 100% reliable pistol that packs a lot fo rounds in a small package. Think of it like a metal Glock 19 only more reliable and better quality with better ergos.
Second, I think 9mm is a great idea for the beginner or the expert. I am somewhere in the middle and I prefer the 9mm. I like the cheap parctice ammo, lower recoil and the quicker follow up shots. The better penetration of the 9mm over the .45acp or the .40S&W can be a plus or a minus depending on what you need it for. There are so many loads for the 9mm that you can get ones that expand quickly or FMJ which will penetrat better than FMJ in .40 or .45.
You really should also go check out a bunch of 9mms and see what you like. If you fall in love with a $500 gun, it may be worthwhile to save up so you can have what you really want. OTOH, you may find that you really love the Ruger P-95 pr CZ-75 both of which are much less than $500 and are good guns.
My vote? Well, for $235 OTD, it is hard to beat my used S&W 6906. It is SS and alloy with Novaks. It came with a 12rd mag but 5906 15rd mags fit nearly flush and are easy to find for good prices. There is a mag base plate adaptor for the 5906 mags that make them fit flush with the 6906 frame as well. For the money, it is a well made, decently accurate and 100% reliable pistol that packs a lot fo rounds in a small package. Think of it like a metal Glock 19 only more reliable and better quality with better ergos.
DunedinDragon
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A really good value for the money is the Taurus 92SS. It's based on the well-proven design of the Beretta 92, but at a Taurus price and lifetime warranty. A friend of mind bought one as a first gun and it's been awesome. It always gathers attention at the range although it's probably a bit too large for carry, but for home defense and especially for the range it's nice because the sight axis is long and therefore has great accuracy.
The best part about it being a first gun is, unlike the Baretta, it can be fired in cocked and locked mode like a 1911, or it can be de-cocked and fired like a traditional Sig DA/SA. So you get some exposure to a couple of different configurations. That could be important for the future when you get ready to buy your second gun, your third gun, your fourth gun....etc.....etc.
The best part about it being a first gun is, unlike the Baretta, it can be fired in cocked and locked mode like a 1911, or it can be de-cocked and fired like a traditional Sig DA/SA. So you get some exposure to a couple of different configurations. That could be important for the future when you get ready to buy your second gun, your third gun, your fourth gun....etc.....etc.
usp9
Member
CDNN has great deals on used Sigs, Ruger prices are good, but at $499.99 the new DAO H&K USP Compact is a great buy for a great gun.
Moonchigger
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XD 9
I got a new XD 9 at the beginning of the year, my first gun actually, for about $400 and I LOVE IT! My wife and I have put about a 1,000 rounds through it without a problem.
Edit: I read a rumor somewhere that there will be a .22 conversion kit coming out for the XD sometime next year, that would definitely be on my list of things to pick up.
I got a new XD 9 at the beginning of the year, my first gun actually, for about $400 and I LOVE IT!
My wife and I have put about a 1,000 rounds through it without a problem.Edit: I read a rumor somewhere that there will be a .22 conversion kit coming out for the XD sometime next year, that would definitely be on my list of things to pick up.
For your price range, if you want a new 9mm, I'd say CZ, Ruger, or Taurus. If you want to look at used guns your choices really open up.
Like others said, do a search here and you'll find a lot of info.
Go to a gun shop/gun show and see what feels good in your hand.
I picked up a sweet 9mm Browning Hi Power used for $399 and love it. Download CDNN's catalog (you can't view it online, have to download it) and take a look.
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/
Good luck, and welcome to THR!
Like others said, do a search here and you'll find a lot of info.
Go to a gun shop/gun show and see what feels good in your hand.
I picked up a sweet 9mm Browning Hi Power used for $399 and love it. Download CDNN's catalog (you can't view it online, have to download it) and take a look.
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/
Good luck, and welcome to THR!
Phantom Warrior
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I'm going to second wardog's opinion. You don't have too many options new in the $400 range. But you could easily find a number of good guns for a good price used. Find something you like. Beyond that, 9mm is definitely a good choice for a first gun because it's cheap to shoot. I started w/ a .40 (Glock 23) and love the gun but wished I'd gone for a 9mm a couple of time.
Same topic being discussed here... I also gave my views on it there as well...
http://www.handgunforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=801&highlight=
http://www.handgunforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=771
http://www.handgunforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=801&highlight=
http://www.handgunforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=771
1911 guy
Member
My two cents.
Penny number one: While I prefer the .45, the 9mm isn't anything to sneeze at. With modern ammo (post WWII) it fine for SD. In the lower economic end of things, Ruger, Taurus and Springfield make reliable 9mm's. Being willing to toss another 150 bucks will triple your options.
Penny number two: 9mm is so cheap anymore that it's not practical to reload. Kinda like growing potatos. I can, but they're so cheap I don't. Not worth the hassle.
Penny number one: While I prefer the .45, the 9mm isn't anything to sneeze at. With modern ammo (post WWII) it fine for SD. In the lower economic end of things, Ruger, Taurus and Springfield make reliable 9mm's. Being willing to toss another 150 bucks will triple your options.
Penny number two: 9mm is so cheap anymore that it's not practical to reload. Kinda like growing potatos. I can, but they're so cheap I don't. Not worth the hassle.
Ohen Cepel
Member
They are more than the $400 floor you listed. However, the factory refurbed Sig's are a good deal. Seems to be plenty of the 226's floating around.
Or the CZ as mentioned is a great choice.
I like the 9mm also. Great auto cartridge for many reasons.
Or the CZ as mentioned is a great choice.
I like the 9mm also. Great auto cartridge for many reasons.
Jkwas
Member
For a rock solid range/home defense weapon, the Rugers are hard to beat. Little big for ccw.
david_the_greek
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in my opinion if you truly want the best 9mm you can get then save up and purchase a browning high power. that being said in your price range I would very much look at the cz product line. they offer everything you could want (setup wise). I have a compact alloy framed CZ PCR. the gun fits so comfortable and it looks beautiful (could just be mothering syndrome). I also bought the 22 conversion for those times you feel line even 9mm is too much money.
Black Majik
Member
I agree with going with a 9mm for a first handgun. Very cheap to shoot, and its better to shoot a bunch than just a little
A few come to mind for around $400.
XD9
CZ75
Glock 17 or G19
If you can spend slightly more go for the SIG Sauer P226 CPO (Certified pre-owned). They're factory reconditioned of older P226, which are better than the new ones IMO. Most are the stamped slide versions and internal extractors. Big pluses IME. Good luck!
A few come to mind for around $400.
XD9
CZ75
Glock 17 or G19
If you can spend slightly more go for the SIG Sauer P226 CPO (Certified pre-owned). They're factory reconditioned of older P226, which are better than the new ones IMO. Most are the stamped slide versions and internal extractors. Big pluses IME. Good luck!
Texfire
Member
For a polymer frame gun I've heard good stuff about the XD9 line, but don't have any experience with it, as all my 9mm are steel frame models.
For a full sized steel frame pistol you can't go wrong with a CZ 75/85. It's a nice pistol that can be carried either single action "cocked and locked" or with a lowered hammer for an initial double action shot. Very accurate, light recoil and a real treat to shoot.
For something you can conceal in steel frame, the best deal you can find right now is the FM M95 Detective Hi Power from Sarco. You can get it for $299, plus shipping, plus whatever fee your FFL charges for transfers. Easily under your budget cap and maybe a little cheaper than the CZ. It is a quality lisenced copy of the Hi Power with a 3" slide. Mine is every bit as good as my FN Mark 3. Very accurate, good ergonomics, and quite concealable if that's a consideration. One warning about Hi Powers, some people get bit by the hammers on them to different degrees, just like the older pattern 1911s, as the beavertail is a little short. Doesn't do it for everyone and can be fixed by replacing the hammer with a "no bite" model, but might be a consideration.
Tex
For a full sized steel frame pistol you can't go wrong with a CZ 75/85. It's a nice pistol that can be carried either single action "cocked and locked" or with a lowered hammer for an initial double action shot. Very accurate, light recoil and a real treat to shoot.
For something you can conceal in steel frame, the best deal you can find right now is the FM M95 Detective Hi Power from Sarco. You can get it for $299, plus shipping, plus whatever fee your FFL charges for transfers. Easily under your budget cap and maybe a little cheaper than the CZ. It is a quality lisenced copy of the Hi Power with a 3" slide. Mine is every bit as good as my FN Mark 3. Very accurate, good ergonomics, and quite concealable if that's a consideration. One warning about Hi Powers, some people get bit by the hammers on them to different degrees, just like the older pattern 1911s, as the beavertail is a little short. Doesn't do it for everyone and can be fixed by replacing the hammer with a "no bite" model, but might be a consideration.
Tex
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
"The First Best Handgun"
is the one that fits YOU, and that YOU can shoot well~!
is the one that fits YOU, and that YOU can shoot well~!
A trip to the range narrows the field...sorta...
Yesterday I was able to go out with my girlfriends dad and shoot some of his pistols, to kinda get a feel for what I might like. I didn't shoot a 9mm, but I did get to play with a 40 cal S&W, a 38 special revolver, a kel-tec 380, and a 45 that I believe was a Beretta. My favorites of course were the 40 and the 45. They both performed great, but the Beretta, was waaaay out of my price range....at least for now... The 40 cal was an all around blast to shoot though. And, seeing that he reloads all of his ammo, its actually really cheap to shoot to. I still may go with the 9mm, either the smith and wesson model SW9VE, or the CZ-75B...Both are sweeet pistols! I have heard great things about the CZ, but not much about the S&W. I did go to a local shop and get to handle the S&W, but they didnt have any CZ's in stock Oh well, after my experience I may just go ahead and buy the 40, both the 9mm and the 40 cal are the same price in s&w, its just a question of whether or not to reload.
And no, even after 100 rounds, the 45 did not come close to wearing my arm out....
Yesterday I was able to go out with my girlfriends dad and shoot some of his pistols, to kinda get a feel for what I might like. I didn't shoot a 9mm, but I did get to play with a 40 cal S&W, a 38 special revolver, a kel-tec 380, and a 45 that I believe was a Beretta. My favorites of course were the 40 and the 45. They both performed great, but the Beretta, was waaaay out of my price range....at least for now... The 40 cal was an all around blast to shoot though. And, seeing that he reloads all of his ammo, its actually really cheap to shoot to. I still may go with the 9mm, either the smith and wesson model SW9VE, or the CZ-75B...Both are sweeet pistols! I have heard great things about the CZ, but not much about the S&W. I did go to a local shop and get to handle the S&W, but they didnt have any CZ's in stock
Oh well, after my experience I may just go ahead and buy the 40, both the 9mm and the 40 cal are the same price in s&w, its just a question of whether or not to reload.And no, even after 100 rounds, the 45 did not come close to wearing my arm out....
stiletto raggio
Member
Taurus PT 99 or CZ 75/85. Far and away the best ergonomics of their class. The CZ has more of a cult following, but the Taurus is every good as a beretta and with a logically located safety and decocker.
In the morning I will go and price a few of the ones you have recommended. This line up will include the CZ-75B, S&W 9mm and 40 cal. along with a few others I have in mind. Agian, thanks for the help, it has been invaluable. I'll be posting back soon, I may have a new gun tomorrow morning! That is, if the price is right...
Marshall
Member
Browning/FN Hi Power
Springfield XD-9
CZ-75
Springfield XD-9
CZ-75
Ok, earlier this morning a checked a local shop that has a reputation for good deals. What I found was quite interesting. No one in our area stocks CZ's... I am told they just arent popular around here... I then found that the Browning hi power is a great fit, but just a clip above my buget... yes I could get it, but I wouldn't have any money left over to buy ammo... or food for that matter... BUT, I did have one bit of luck! He had 3 smith and wessons (one 9mm and two 40's) and he was willing to let them go for a price that just suited me! Tomorrow I plan to pick it up, but I was told to try one more place in town because he might be able to order it and get it for a few bucks cheaper, so I may check it out to. Anyways, thanks for your help!
Tomorrow I plan to pick it up, but I was told to try one more place in town because he might be able to order it and get it for a few bucks cheaper, so I may check it out to. Anyways, thanks for your help!- Status
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