Trying to choose a 9mm

[SureThing]

I really suggest the CZ line, but you either get a Safety only or a Decocker only. I find the grip small, and the gun is heavy because it is all steel, and the reciol is quite low IMO.

I would say Taurus 92 since it has both, but the grip is quite large.

 

[Disaster]

This is a tough one. Both the FNP and the 2022 have pretty big grips, which aren't too conducive to small hands. I've read the FNP-9m is a little smaller...but I haven't held one and I suspect it is just as fat around. The 24/7 feels fantastic and shoots well. However, Taurus doesn't have a sterling reputation.

Here are the pros and cons as I see them (some related to new shooters or shooters with small hands.)

FNP-9

Pros: Visible hammer, decocker, Resale will be decent after surplus guns gone.
Cons: Somewhat chunky grip, less common...accessories more limited.

Sig 2022

Pros: Visible hammer, decocker, will probably hold resale after supply is gone.
Cons: Somewhat chunky grip, fragile takedown pin, discontinued...part availability and accessories limited.

Taurus 24/7

Pros: Small comfortable grip. Lot of them and Milleniums out there so many accessories available. Least expensive.
Cons: Taurus reliability and service. No visible hammer. No decocker. Poorest resale vs. new price.

 

[RPCVYemen]

I picked up an Armalite AR 24 "Tactical" for right at $500. I got a patent award at work, and liked the all steel feel of Armalite, so I decided to go for an "upscale" CZ.

You should also look at the Beretta/Stoeger Cougar - that looks like a very good price on a really good gun. If I hadn't gotten a patent award, I would probably have gone for this one.

I think that the Ruger SR9 is one of the thinnest out there. If I wanted a purely functional carry piece, this would probably have been it.


Hand size is a funny thing - make sure you can handle before you buy. I don't think that I have small hands, but I have a relatively big palm and stubby fingers. Some guns fit and some don't.

Mike

 

[PhilA]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I added the Ruger P95 to the list as well, and will look at some of the other suggestions.

As for .22, that's not an option for me. While I understand the notion of working a new shooter up using a .22, I don't have the money to buy 2 guns as training tools right now. My hope is that I can get my wife to begin shooting with me more if I get her a gun that has less recoil than my .40 or .45s, but that she can also start carrying if and when she decides that's in her best interest (I'm slowly and gently trying to steer her that way).

 

[rellascout]

Let me throw a wrench in there for you.

BHP The perfect 9mm for smaller hands. It is cocked and locked gun and will serve any shooter with smaller hands.



Sticking to your list FNP hands down. At about $400 out the door with a mail in rebate for a Kydex hoster, Mag pouch and training barrel. Along with the 3 mags its a steal.

The Sp2022 is a good gun but it is too big in the grip and it is too big for its capacity. IMHO. I do not think that they have been discontinued as others have stated.

 

[mgkdrgn]

"As for .22, that's not an option for me. While I understand the notion of working a new shooter up using a .22, I don't have the money to buy 2 guns as training tools right now. My hope is that I can get my wife to begin shooting with me more if I get her a gun that has less recoil than my .40 or .45s, but that she can also start carrying if and when she decides that's in her best interest (I'm slowly and gently trying to steer her that way)."

There is nothing that says you can't sell/trade the 22 when she decides to "move up" (if she does). She'll (imho) be much more likely to "stick with it" if she doesn't start out with something that (to her) is going to have a wicked kick to it.

And if she doesn't want to "move up", the 22 will at least be better than nothing or a pointy stick.

 

[aquapong]

Of those choices, I would pick a Sig P2022. To be honest the other two wouldn't even enter the picture for me. The grip on a P2022 is rather fat though and the double action trigger pull is a mile long. I think there are better starter pistols out there, namely the inexpensive PD trade in S&W's that are around now.

 

[Water-Man]

XD9mm. Reliable, accurate and a good price.

 

[jocko]

kahr

cw9, super handgun, should serve her well, if she can pry it away from you after you shoot it..great gun.

 

[MacTech]

I've shot a limited number of handguns myself, and here's my general impression, recoil-wise;

Glock 17 9mm; Snappy, quick recoil, wants to flex at the wrist
1911-chassis .45 ACP (not sure of brand, a fellow shooter let me have a courtesy magazine with it); very smooth, manageable recoil, as has been described by others, more of a push backwards
Beretta 92 and Taurus 99; these seem to fall somewhere between the snappiness of the Glock, and the push of the 1911, it both pushes backwards and rises, but it's controllable and not snappy
Glock 10mm; *VERY* snappy, much moreso than the 9mm, somewhat unpleasant to shoot
Ruger GP100; .38Sp had a snappy recoil, but not painful , quick muzzle-rise, .357Mag had at least double the snap, a quick, whippy recoil, and a concussive muzzleblast
.44 Magnum; *MAJOR* recoil, both backwards and up, not so much snappy as a very insistent push backwards and up, and a very noticeable shockwave from the muzzleblast, I loved the power of this one, but hated the recoil

If I had to reccomend one of the firearms from the above list to let an aspiring shooter try, I'd go with the Beretta/Taurus 9mm, as it had the most manageable recoil, and the weight of the gun soaks up a good deal of the recoil

 

[lloydkristmas]

My brother just bought the SIG SP2022 (or Sig Pro as its sometimes called) and I must say I reccomend it over any mid/full sized 9mm out there right now. We put about 400 rounds through the brand new gun, it was flawless. Accurate, good trigger, accessory rail as well. It comes with 2 interchangeable grips, one is skinny one is fatter. It also comes with night sights. Also comes with 3 magazines. All for 485 from Buds. IMO thats an unbeatable deal in every sense of the word.

 

[Scott_S84]

The Browning Pro -9 fits the bill

There is also the Browning Pro-9 to consider its a variant of the FNP so it uses the same holsters, mags, and many of the parts. It however has a 3 position manual/safety de-cocker meaning it can be carried cocked and locked or de-cocked for hammer down carry. Very few pistols have such a feature and it is otherwise identical to the FNP. To bad its out of production but there seems to be a used one on Gun broker right now that's right in your budget range. . .

 

[j1979]

As far as ergonomics and a nice solid feel Id go with a CZ SP-01. I havent shot it yet, and just got it today, but it feels awesome! Very differnt from my Glock, in a good way. I still like my Glock but this thing is just sweet!

 

[rob45]

FNP-9

Pros: Visible hammer, decocker, Resale will be decent after surplus guns gone.
Cons: Somewhat chunky grip, less common...accessories more limited.

No disrespect intended but you have GOT to be kidding. The FNP-45 has a darn near dainty grip compared to most double stack pistols 9mm's included. The FNP-9 is even smaller. They are long but as far as thickness and front to back/trigger reach...they are small and VERY comfortable.

 

[pistolero6869]

Right now the surplus SigSauer P-6 P-225 9mm is one fine hand gun even used, some Gander mountio stores have three and four at a time they are selling fast. will be gone soon. the sig 2022 is a nice choice. CDNN has some nice police trade in that wont break your budget a ffl dealer must order them for you, Good luck.