The Long Search for a 9mm DA Auto

[Mordoc]

For ten years I have been searching for the perfect DA 9mm auto.
I have a Browning HP and a Glock 19 and I like then both especially the HP but I wanted a double action. First was the Browning BDM. It was near perfect. It was accurate. It fit my hand well and it was reliable. At about 200 rds the extracter broke. Browning fixed it. At about 500 rds the safety would no longer decock the hammer. The dealer took it back. So much for the BDM. Next was the Beretta 92. Nice gun but it was just too large for my hand. The HKs never appealed to me. Then there was the Ruger P-89. It was reliable but still too large. Then the Sig P-239. Very nice! It was very accurate, it was small enough to carry, it was reliable. I could never shoot the Sig as well as I wanted. It just seemed to set too high in my hand. Then I picked up a Smith and Wesson 915. It was OK. It was reliable It was reasonably accurate. It had a heavy trigger (spoiled by the Sig on that score) It was still large. I kept it and stopped looking. Later I picked up a Smith 457. It was nice. Not too big and a pretty good trigger. Accuracy was OK for its intended mission. I liked it much more than the 915. I was thinking about a Walther P-1 when I came across a nice used S&W 908. It felt good it was nice and thin and the trigger was pretty good. So no more 915. I took the 908 to the range today. It is accurate enough and so far 100% reliable and it is small enough to carry. I think it's a keeper.

 

[Marko Kloos]

I have a Browning HP and a Glock 19 and I like then both especially the HP but I wanted a double action.

I can't believe you haven't tried the most obvious choice based on your preferences...the CZ-75. Ergonomics on par with a Browning HP, a nice DA trigger, and a $300-400 MSRP. I went through lots of Glocks and SIGs and the like before I discovered just how well the CZ-75 fit me.

 

[dude]

IMI Baby Eagle compact 9mm

........it fits some folks hands like a glove (like me), it's cheap, relaible, easy to get hi-caps for and as accurate as my P7

 

[Mordoc]

I've never seen a baby Eagle. The CZ line interests me.

Does the frame mounted safety function as a decocker as well as a safety? Does anyone carry them in East TN? Who sells the Eagles in the same area?

 

[stretcharmstrong]

The 75BD has the decocker. The 75B has a safety.

 

[Handy]

Sounds like you're happy with your 908. Here are some other options:

The CZ line is either safety or decocker, not both.

The Baby Eagle comes with either a slide mounted safety/decocker (like a Beretta-the safety is applied only once the hammer is down), or a frame mounted safety.

Both are relatively heavy for all steel guns. But CZ does make the alloy, compact PCR (looks like the compact in the picture). All of these guns have low bores and little muzzle flip.


If you want to wade into the world of polymer, the P99 has a smooth trigger.

Beretta triggers are decent, as you know, but the compact 92M model has a reduced single stack grip.

An off the wall choice, but certainly my favorite DA pistol, is the old HK P9S. This steel framed gun (has a plastic grip and triggerguard) is astoundingly accurate, has an excellent trigger and a lever that both cocks and decocks the hammer. The barrel is fixed and uses the locking system from the German G3 rifle. 9mm copies can be found in great shape between $600 and $900. I've never known anyone who fired one and wasn't impressed.

 

[bikerp97]

What about the P95?

Have you thought about the Ruger P95? They are as reliable and accurate as the P89 but in a smaller package. I just bought one a couple of weeks ago. They feel very natural in my hand. I also own a P97 .45. I think if you havent checked out a P95 it would be worth a look..

Kevin

 

[DonGlock26]

Sig P225

 

[Handgun]

If you like the S&W 908 you'll love the S&W 3913 or 3914.

 

[firestar]

Try out these:
Ruger P95
Kahr K-9
Kahr P-9
Beretta Vertec

 

[Logistar]

Just remember that if you try out a Beretta Vertec that there are EASY ways to make the trigger better. A simple hammer spring switch will likely take care of it.

Logistar

 

[Ala Dan]

The Perfect DA 9m/m Auto-

The M11, better known as the SIG-Sauer P228!


My personal favorite; and I've tried many. Person's
with fairly large hands should not have any problems
shooting this baby. Same basic qualities as it's big
brother; the SIG-Sauer P220.

RELIABILITY, ACCURACY, CRAFTSMANSHIP

In my way of thinking, there is nothing better!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[pogo2]

Sig P228

I've got to go along with Ala Dan on this one. The Sig P228 may be the best DA 9mm out there.

 

[cool45auto]

Another vote for the Vertec.

 

[Mordoc]

Perhaps the search is not over

Thanks to everyone who replied to my original post. You have given me some new ideas. I will check out the CZ line. Anything that feels like a High Power has potential. I am pretty happy with the 908 for a carry piece, that or an airweight bodyguard meet my needs. I do like Sigs and wish I could have mastered the 239 so the 228 is possible. What is the difference between the 228 and 229.

 

[renaissance]

A Sleeper DA 9mm

Daewoo DP-51
It's a sleeper!

Don't laugh
Try one
You will like it!

 

[F4GIB]

CDNN is advertising a LDA Browning HP like the para-ord model.

 

[LostOneToo]

Try the Steyr Model M in .40 cal..great pistol!!!!

 

[Ala Dan]

Sig-Sauer P228 vs. P229

Greeting's Mordoc,

Let's start with the P228. Caliber: 9m/m only
Magazine Capacity: (pre-ban) 13 rounds (post ban)
10 rounds

The P228 is a versatile, compact 9m/m DA semi-auto,
with a DA first shot capeability. Standard sight's are
the bar-dot combination; with SigLites available upon
request.

The biggest difference you would notice is that the
P228 has a stamped (sheet metal) slide resting on
it's aluminum frame; making for perfect balance.


Now, on to the P229. Caliber: 9m/m (limited run),
.357 Sig, or .40 S&W Capacity: (pre-ban) 12 rounds
of .357 Sig or .40 S&W (post ban) 10 rounds of .357
Sig or .40 S&W Other criteria is the same as the
P228.

To most critics, the SIG-Sauer P229 feels a bit
"top heavy"; as it's slide is formed from a solid bar
of stainless steel. It is also heavier in weight than
it's cousin, the P228.

*FootNote- I believe that the standard high capacity
9m/m P228 magazines will work in the 9m/m P229!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Tonio]

Just got a CZ P-01 last week and took it to the range.

Put 300 rounds thru it in a couple of hours. Different loads ( 100 Winchester FMJ 115 gr, 100 Winschester Target 115 gr, 100 Blazer 147 gr). Gun loved them all, not a single misfire, very accurate at 15 and 25 feet, very little muzzle flip.

I chose this gun cause I had been plinking for a while with a CZ 75 B and liked the feel of the gun plus the grip fitted my hand just fine. Combined with the price and features, it is a winner.

Check their web site and the latest Gun and Ammo, there is an article in it about it.

 

[1badmagnum]

springfield xd.


http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-sub-compact.shtml

 

[GooseGestapo]

Congratulations on your S&W. A wise investment. Good product and good company support.
Suggestion> replace the hammer spring with a Wolf reduced power spring. I have a PC-5906 that I replaced the hammerspring with a 14lb spring for a 1911. (factory weight is 20lbs) It now has a 8lb d/a trigger pull and 3.5 s/a. I shoot it in NRA PPC so it has to be able to lift a 3.5lb weight from a bench. The Smiths are overlooked in my opinion, but partly because they have become a bit over-priced too. Especially the Cheif Spl. and the 410, 915, which have a lot of plastic parts.

 

[Mordoc]

I had the chance to examine a 9mm Chief's Special last night. It was too small or maybe just too chunky for its size. The replacement spring would be nice. The stock trigger on the 908 isn't bad but a little lighter would be even better.

I also had the chance to examine a Sig 226 at a local dealer. It felt nice and had a good trigger but it is large.

There is a gun show this weekend. I may look for deals on a CZ or maybe a Sig 228. Must be disciplined however for the Great American Train Show is next weekend.