What Too look for when Purchasing a 9m?

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RyanFLE

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Hello everyone, first ill start off with im new to the forum; My name is Ryan and I plan on going into FLE in the next year. I have decided to get a head start on guns, and to get comfortable with them. I have shot several shotguns, 22s, .40 and other rifles; but sadly I do not know what to look for when purchasing one. If anyone could please give me some pointers on this or some suggestions. Im looking into spending around $300 to $450 use/new a bonus...
Thanks,
Ryan
 
Hi Ryan,

Welcome to The Highroad. Great folks here. I would wager that this message board is one of the single largest compilations of firearms knowledge available to the public.

Anyway, you've for advice that many of us wanted when we were new to guns. There's a universe of gun information out there, a universe that's probably best explored through research and experience and asking lots of questions. At this point, however, you may find you aren't even sure what questions to ask. I'm very familiar with that feeling. I invite you to spend just a few days reading through a slew of threads you find interesting and use the search feature to brush up on things that are new to you.

Enjoy your time here.
 
I assume you wish to buy a pistol for the first time. I suggest you don't jump into a 9 but start with a 22. Ruger and Browning make excellent relatively inexpensive 22. If, you are bent on buying a 9 see which one fits you best and my personal suggestion is stay with the "name brands". Take a look at Ruger P95-it's built like a tank, impossible to jam, fairly accurate and is in your price range.
 
If you can go to a range where you can rent or try a bunch of different 9mm and get a feel for what you like in terms of features such as single action, double action, safetys, no safetys, de-cocker, etc. Ask the people there about different features and the pros and cons. You will find a great deal of bias for what people like (I certainly have mine). Then figure out what feels good in your hand - what fits well for you. That's your gun.

Enjoy as well. It's really a hoot to go the range shoot 200 rounds.
 
FLE - federal law enforcement? If so it is very likely your handgun will be issued to you by whatever agency you go to work for. That is irrelevant to weapons for your personal enjoyment on your own time, however.

I do think you will need to up your price point a bit. Good new 9mm pistols start at around half a grand. I've had very positive experience with Glock, SIG-Sauer and S&W (both the "traditional" double-action and newer M&P) pistols, myself. H&K and CZ pistols also get favorable reviews, but I've never tried these. Look for something that fits your hand and has an operating system you will be comfortable with. If you are new to handguns you may find that what I like to call "short-stroke DAO" will be easiest for you to adapt to quickly.
 
Florida law enforcement, thanks for the advice guys. Im afraid I cant add up the price much more. Im on a budget so ill just have to take what I can or just continue too save. (but i wont, im too eager) I will probally head up to the range this saturday to check out their pistols. Im thinking that since this is more of a recreational use, ill go with a single action aswell. please keep any advice or product suggestions coming!
Thanks
Ryan
 
Since you're trying to get a head start, I'd find out what the department you're looking at issues, and get that.

If it's just for fun, go rent at the range and see what you like the best. I enjoy my Sig a lot, but I also really enjoy Glocks, SA, S&W, Walther, etc. :D
 
Since you're trying to get a head start, I'd find out what the department you're looking at issues, and get that.

If it's just for fun, go rent at the range and see what you like the best. I enjoy my Sig a lot, but I also really enjoy Glocks, SA, S&W, Walther, etc. :D
 
I would look intoa 22lr wheelgun & learn to shoot it double action only. Then regardless of what you shoot down the road, your skill level will be able to transition smoothly into it -- sorry, it's not the most sexy of guns, but you will get the most benefit!
Good luck on your career path & welcome to THR ;)
 
Simple Answer:

Springfield Armory XD-9

Flawless Reputation and Fantastic fit it most hands.

You can find them around around 400.

Go to Gunbroker dot com and give it a search.
 
First off, I'm biased, but with your price range, you might think about Taurus.

24/7 can be had for $399 or less. PT92 (Beretta 92 knock off, built in old Beretta factory) is usually on sale for $389.

I've got the PT-92 and the PT-111-- both are 9mm. I love my PT-92, and have never had any issues with it, but it's a little hefty. The PT-111 would instantly be my fav of the two, but I've had a number of fail to fires. The second strike capability took care of it, but not something I want to have to rely on in SD situation. (That's why the PT92 is trusted for HD, when it comes to the family.)

FWIW, though, I am looking to go with some "higher end" brands in the future with a Kimber .45 and either a Sig, SA XD, or M&P.
 
Welcome to THR! If you start with a CZ75, you will be spoiled rotten by time you get your duty weapon:D "Why cant I hit with this Glock?" Just kidden. A P95 or CZ will fit in your budget, CDNN usually has Glock trade ins near your price range, and Budsgunshop has M&P 9mm, for around 430.00 shipped:)
 
I wouldn't worry about a professional gun to much at this point. You have a lot to go through before you even get there!!
The only information I would get at this point is finding out what caliber they issue then go from there!! You have not posted any location so I can't help you! My guess is that it probably will be .40S&W. That seems to be the going thing with departments these days. Although, they might still use the 9mm Parabellum!!

Now, as to guns.
On the high side of your budget, you should be able to pick up a used Glock. Don't worry about it being used!! I have four Glocks and only two of them were purchased new. The work just fine!!
I would stay away from Taurus.
You probably can find a new Ruger P95 in your range. I would go with that as a first nine. My first 9mm was the Ruger and I still have it.
It's a good solid starter pistol and you may even want to carry it professionally if you can get permission or it's on the approved list! Nothing wrong with that!! I understand that Massad Ayoob carries a Ruger P97 professionally, which basically is the P95 in .45acp.
 
I read some advice once that suggested if you are entering LE and have little or no experience with firearms that you would be better off waiting to be trained by the agency. That way you won't develop any bad habits that need to be changed during your training. I know that it would be hard to wait, but there is a lot of knowledge and skills that might serve you better for the long haul, physical fitness, legal, etc.
 
Flroida State Trooper

I will be going into The FLHP (highway patrol), I dont see the point in waiting I go to the range every other week as it is with a friend; so I have probally allready started bad habits, O well :). Anyway I've been looking online and i think im geting curious about purchasing liek some of you said a used glock, or a New Cz' or S&W. Thanks for all of your guys help, keep the suggestions coming ill be stoping by the range this saturday so we will see if they have any I like.
 
I asked which 9mm to buy on another forum. I even listed the ones that I had looked at: S&W M&P, Springfield X-D, Beretta, Rugers. I got some different answers, but the most consistant answer I got was CZ-75.

I bought a CZ-75 stainless and am very happy with it. A friend of mine that has two Kimber 45's went with me the first time I shot it. When we got back from the range, he ordered one.

I made some 120 grain cast bullets and loaded with 5 grains of Unique. Shoots better than factory rounds and feeds with no problems.
 
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