9mm suggestions

[buggybuilder]

My son and I are going to a gunshow this weekend. He is looking for a 9mm. Glock, Springfield, or??
Neither one of us knows what to look for, and what is good or what is bad. (I'm a rifle person)
He probably will not be shooting cast bullets. Need nothing in the $600-$1000 range.
At the range many rave about the Glock 19. What is all this generation stuff?
Please help.

[lefty o]

the one that fits his hand and points the best is the one.

[DonMountain]

My son and I are going to a gunshow this weekend. He is looking for a 9mm. Glock, Springfield, or??
Neither one of us knows what to look for, and what is good or what is bad. (I'm a rifle person)
He probably will not be shooting cast bullets. Need nothing in the $600-$1000 range.
At the range many rave about the Glock 19. What is all this generation stuff?
Please help.

You need to tell your son that the 9mm is a bad choice if he ever plans to reload for it. Its one of the most difficult cartridges to reload for, and the cheapy semi-automatic handguns for that cartridge don't shoot worth a da*&%. Tell him to buy a used 38 Special like a Smith & Wesson Model 10 with a 6" barrel that you can usually get in good condition for less than $300. Since the police stopped using them there are tons of really excellent buys on a really good gun that will shoot far better than any 9mm. Or if he wants to deer hunt get him a 44 MAG made by Ruger, like a Ruger Super Redhawk with a 7-1/2" barrel all ready with scope mounts. Now these are real guns and easy to reload for.

[marlin39a]

Ruger SR9 series or Ruger American. That's a good place to start.

[MT Gianni]

A CZ75 or clone [Tanfaglio] should meet his needs easily. I have not found the 9 difficult to load for with jacketed, in fact it's a breeze. 38 special is a great platform but kids today want autos. Springfield makes a good product, those that like Glocks love them and claim they are indestructible. I don't care for them at all or the trigger. If it doesn't fit his hand it is not going to work. Have him pick it up and set it down several times. Is the grip repeatable? Does it feel awkward? Is he moving it around to settle it in? 9mm factory loads are probably the cheapest out there. I would not run cast through it until it has 250-300 rds of jacketed down the bore and he is comfortable hitting with it. Then there are a ton of posts on what to look for to run cast.

[tazman]

I have had excellent results with the Beretta 92FS, Taurus PT92(Beretta clone), and the Springfield XD-E. I have heard excellent reports of the CZ75 pistols as well as some of the Glock pistols.
The best shooting 9mm I own is a Springfield 1911 Range Officer in 9mm but it may be a bit more than you want to spend.

[Panman213]

Whatever fit his hands best is what he should buy. Keep in mind, it is almost always true that a full or midsize gun will be easier to shoot well, than a small compact one. However, one can become quite good with any of them if they practice enough.

[Larry in MT]

If he is not familiar with handguns, I surely wouldn't start him out with a striker-fired pistol because of the increased possibility of a negligent discharge.

If he wants a 9MM, look into a single action/double action mode of operation. The Beretta 92 comes to mind.

[Petrol & Powder]

The OP wrote: "....At the range many rave about the Glock 19. What is all this generation stuff?
Please help. "

To answer that specific question, The Glock pistol was patented in 1981 and tested by the Austrian Army in 1982. By the mid 1980's, Glocks were being exported to the U.S.A. The basic design hasn't changed over the years but the design has gone through a series of refinements and small changes. Glock identifies those changes as "generations" we are now well into the 4th generation Glocks.

If you picked up a early 1st generation Glock 17, you would find that it operated just like a current 4th generation Glock and basically appeared to be the same pistol. However, there are changes to the design that are apparent to Glock users such as the rail on the dustcover which allows a light to be attached, the texture of the grip, replaceable back straps on the grip, different finishes, etc, etc.


As for the Glock 19, it is one of my favorite "all around" pistols. It is big enough that it is easy to shoot. It is small enough that it can be easily concealed. It has a decent magazine capacity (15 rounds), It has a decent sight radius, it doesn't weigh a lot. In terms of size/weight/capacity/power - it's a pretty good overall package.

As for what pistol you should acquire? You're going to get a phone book's worth of replies. The right one is the right one for you.

I will say that there are a lot of excellent pistols to choose from.

[sixshot]

Not sure why a 9mm is difficult to load for, many of us load thousands of them & it's the #1 reloaded handgun caliber out there! Find a 9 that fits you & you will be very happy with how it shoots & there's lots of very good ammo on the market anymore if you don't load your own.
I happen to like the S&W M&P & it comes with 2 extra grip styles that you can switch out to fit your hand. My gun is ultra reliable & I've shot many, many thousands of powder coated cast bullets through it & it's 100% reliable. I do need to change the front sight out because it's shooting low with my preferred load.
I also have a great Browning Hi-Power, mine was made from 1982-88 & it shoots fantastic also, shoots every bullet I put through it without a problem & at handgun distance 15-20 yds shoots as good as most any quality revolvers. I also had to do some sight work on this one to get it shooting my 128 gr HP's shooting to point of aim. The groups below are at 15 & at 20 yds before & after sight adjustment. Bottom target was 2 different test loads, & I turned the target upside down. Top target I fired 2 rounds then sanded down the sight & fired the next 8 rounds to zero.

https://i.imgur.com/vNXSWW5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vE10lp0.jpg

Dick

[Gray Fox]

The question that hasn't been asked is what the man plans to use the pistol for. Will it be for plinking/target/home/vehicle defense or concealed carry. The size of the pistol and the safety/reliability of the action then become more important. Of course these considerations go along with the fit in the hand and pointability as has been discussed. GF

[CIC]

I will throw another option out there, Beretta px4 storm compact. I like the DA\SA pistols more than striker fired.

[CraigOK]

Springfield xd, xdm, xds, glock 17 or 19 are all guns I've shot, and would recommend. I agree that what feels best to him is the way to go. None of those have a safety, but I only own 1 handgun with a safety, and I dont see that as a problem. They are all treated as loaded so I've not had an issue. Just my thoughts.

[dverna]

If you have time, go to a gun shop with a range that rents guns and try a few out. If he or you have friends that shoot, try their guns out first.

Gun shows are NOT the best place to buy guns BTW. I can get better prices on line.

I carry the Glock because it is one of the finest defensive guns out there...but it is not a great gun (so-so trigger and accuracy). There are a lot of Glock LEO trade ins for not a lot of $$. If you buy a .40 cal you can get a 9mm barrel and mags and have a relatively cheap practice platform. Two calibers on one frame. I carry a Kahr too when a smaller size matters.

The 9mm is not difficult to reload if using jacketed bullets. I shoot cast in mine as well and it is a bit more involved than reloading a .38/.357 where almost anything will work.

[pmer]

Our town has a gun show terminology thread. Probably should study up before you get to the show. :razz: Minnesota has a show at the state fairgrounds too.

[Bzcraig]

9's are no more difficult to reload for than any other caliber, though they can be finnicky if casting. All except one post have given you all the right information to make an informed decision.

[Petrol & Powder]

This thread will rapidly become:
I purchased X brand firearm, I think you should purchase X brand firearm also !

[Reverend Recoil]

CZ 75B, it's one of the very best.

[Houndog]

There's not really such a thing as a "bad choice" as long as you stay with the major brands such as Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Beretta ETC, I'm sure you get the picture. I personally like the full size Smiths for a plinking gun and also own a Smith Shield for carry, but that's just MY preference. There's NOTHING wrong with the 9MM! they are low recoil for the most part, ammo is cheap, and with a little care are easy to reload.

[buggybuilder]

Petrol & Powder....sorry to have offended. I only politely asked for opinions because there is a lot of junk out there!

[Thumbcocker]

Go to a range that rents guns if you can and find one he likes. IMHO pistols are very personal things. If you get one that hits for you that is the best one.

[Tom W.]

I have neuropathy and had to trade or sell my Glocks for something with an exposed hammer. One of the reasons was I could no longer take them down for a proper cleaning. I ended up with a CZ 75 SP-01 and am learning it as I go. I shot a Colt GM 1911 for 50 years and enjoyed it. The only centerfire striker fired pistol that I have is a Ruger LC9s Pro. The Ruger 1911 pistols are nice. I did have some issues with the CZ when I first got it, but it turned out to be my fault, not the firearm's, and I only shoot cast in my handguns....

[Hossfly]

I agree with Reverend Recoil, CZ 75 B or CZ 75 BD with decocker, only thing
it's heavy and doesn't have picatiny rail on dust cover like most like but don't
really need any way. Fits hand really good and is single double action. Can find
on line for under $600. CZ75 P01 alloy frame a lot lighter with all same features.
May be a bit more. Shoots 9MM pc cast just fine. That's just about all I load for
now. Go to the gun show and see what they got then look on line, like Gun Broker
or Buds Guns.

[bob208]

don't over look a browning hi-power. I have been carrying one for the last 12 years in a iwb holster. 124 gr. Remington golden sabers. for targets it handles cast without a hitch.

[Petrol & Powder]

Petrol & Powder....sorry to have offended. I only politely asked for opinions because there is a lot of junk out there!
You're not offending me at all. I'm just pointing out that these types of threads often become exercises in Ford v. Chevy discussions.

You have received some good advice: rent guns, try different guns, find what fits, etc.
I also agree that a gun show may be a good place to see and hold a lot of different guns but it may not be the best place to buy a gun.
I agree that the intended use of the gun will play a big role in the selection of the gun. Will it just be for target shooting? Will it be carried, if so, will it be carried concealed? Does it have to be a new pistol? Or can it be a used gun?
If you go the internet route, don't forget to factor in the additional costs of shipping and transfer fees to your total price.
I do not agree that a striker fired gun is inherently more dangerous than a traditional DA/SA design with a hammer.

I will say that if you're looking at a new gun solely for target shooting, the CZ-75 has a lot going for it. They are all steel, well made, durable and very accurate. The downside is they are a bit heavy by today's standards for a concealed carry pistol. It can be carried, but there are just lighter/smaller options out there.

If you're looking for a duel use pistol (informal target shooting and concealed carry weapon), The Glock 19 is hard to beat.

If it will be an informal plinker, perhaps a good used pistol will save some money. I picked up an old Star Super B that needed a little work but turned out to be a great shooter!


There are a lot of good options out there. Good Luck.

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got a glock 19, full sized M&P, a berretta storm, a glock 43 and a smith shield and my wifes lc9. there all basically good guns. If I had to choose one to walk out the door into shtf it would be the 19. It to me is just the right size, feels right and goes bang EVERY TIME you pull the trigger and will eat about any ammo I stick in it. Even with cheap 10 dollar aftermarket mags it doesn't miss a beat. As a matter of fact if I had to get down to one defensive handgun it would be between my 19 and my 23 and the 19 would probably edge it out. Probably a reason most police forces are switching over to 19s today. If I could keep two it would be another hard choice between the 23 glock and my full sized M&P. All that said theres some real bargains out there. One is the storm. I picked mine up like new but used with 4 mags for 275 bucks and would buy 5 more of them at that price. Another price saver today is a 40. most times I go in the gun shop they sell a 40 for 50-75 bucks less in the same platform used. Sometimes even more. If hes looking for a ccw gun palmetto arms has 40 springfield xd compacts very cheap right now. Same thing for 40 shields I see at the gunshops. Ive seen them as low as 300 bucks new and that's a heck of a bang for the buck.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

You need to tell your son that the 9mm is a bad choice if he ever plans to reload for it. Its one of the most difficult cartridges to reload for, and the cheapy semi-automatic handguns for that cartridge don't shoot worth a da*&%. Tell him to buy a used 38 Special like a Smith & Wesson Model 10 with a 6" barrel that you can usually get in good condition for less than $300. Since the police stopped using them there are tons of really excellent buys on a really good gun that will shoot far better than any 9mm. Or if he wants to deer hunt get him a 44 MAG made by Ruger, like a Ruger Super Redhawk with a 7-1/2" barrel all ready with scope mounts. Now these are real guns and easy to reload for.

I know I am a bit late with my reply, but.....

My CZ75 clones shoot everything I feed them....98% handloads. 100% reliability if good magazines are used and ammo is within spec.

I can recommend either Witness or SAR.....the SAR brand is just Turkish made.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

This thread will rapidly become:
I purchased X brand firearm, I think you should purchase X brand firearm also !

And it/I Did! [smilie=s:

[Rcmaveric]

My cheapy 9mms shoot just fine and pretty accurate. All 4 drop plates at 25 yards with untuned loads. 9mm can be finicky but trail and error can solve the problem. If your getting a conceal carry gun, get the one that fits your hand, I got the Taurus G2 wife got a Sccy. We also have High Points and i have the Taurus PT 809 as a full size. All guns were brand new for about 200 bucks each.

[str8wal]

If concealed carry is going to be involved I highly recommend that you try the Ruger American compact. I have and have had many semi auto pistols but none felt as good in my hand as the RAC. It is my glass slipper. Right out of the box the sights shot to POA and quickly sent 200 trouble free round into a 3" circle @ 10 yards. So far over 500 into the berm and no problems. Just MHO