I have put together a short-list that I'm researching, and would love your feedback. These are all 9mm pistols, all full-framed instead of compact or sub-compact, currently in manufacture and frequently available used. I'm not hung up on metal versus polymer frame, striker-fired versus hammer-fired, or action type (SA/DA/SAO/DAO). I'm looking to spend under $600, preferably in $450 neighborhood if I can.
He's got a good list of full-sized 9mm pistols listed, from the JMB (PBUH) designed Hi-Power to the Glock 17. Given his price point, pretty much all the guns on the list fall well in that parameter, especially if he's not averse to used firearms. I'd offer up the Ruger SR9 and maybe a used SIG SAUER P226 to the mix, but other than that he's got the major players pretty well covered.
Really, it boils down to whether he wants a polymer-framed gun or a steel-framed gun, IMHO. If the Mrs. is concerned about recoil, a heavier gun might be better suited. If he's looking to carry, then the polymer takes the edge. Other than that, I'd suggest finding a local range that rents a variety of these arms - or perhaps finding some local area bloggers/commenters - and actually shooting a few.
I've been impressed with the M&P and the SR9 so far, although I've only had them out a couple of times now. The Glock 17 - Gen4 issues aside - has proven itself over the past 25-30 years, the Beretta 92 even longer. None of the guns on his list are bad choices; it really boils down to what feels best in the hand and what he and his wife are most comfortable shooting. In this case, I think a test drive (well, test shoot) should be the deciding factor.
Any other thoughts/ideas/suggestions for a full-sized 9mm for Merlin?
That is all.
14 comments:
I love my full size M&P in 9mm. I use is as my main carry gun too. . . have for about two years now.
One thing to note is that Polymer guns seem to have a lot of the recoil adsorption found in heavy steel guns because polymer isn't as ridged as steel or aluminum.
While I own few, I'm a huge fan of polymer framed guns for their practicality, comfort to shoot, and how inexpensive they make the gun.
I want a Hi-Power Practical. So I'm biased.
FNH FNP-9. I absolutely love mine. I think I paid 535 including tax and it came with 3 magazines. I also got the stainless steel slide so that was a bit of an adder as well. My wife has shot it repeatedly with no issues. I have fed it cheap, standard, and +p rounds with no hiccups. It's based off of the hi-power design and uses the Browning cam system. It is extremely light and points very easily.
My only issue is that its a bit thick for IWB, being a double stack 16+1 magazine. The mag well is large as well. I'm 5'7" and have carried it, but admittedly not comfortably. A bigger guy could get away with it. This is a GREAT hand gun for someone interested in IDPA type events.
Buy a usedgun , spend the money thus saved on ammunition and practice, practice, practice.
I gave the thumbs up to the 92FS in his comments, but if there's any others that could be considered it's probably the FNP9(which got rave reviews by Tamara), and Steyr M, which is designed for low muzzle jump and felt recoil, and good accuracy, as well as being supposedly a good point shooting gun. I've never held one, hence my cautious language about it.
m 1911. Build it if you a can, have it made, or find a used one....
sigh......9mm 1911.
Being a 1911 guy, I long resisted the dark side of plastic guns, but after picking up a used G17, I gotta say I like it.
Had a couple of Ruger P series, & while solid & reliable, the Glock has it all over them for shoot-ability & general handiness. There is nothing (auto) simpler in operation.
I got one from G'broker for $345, & the second at a local auction for $300.
The deals are out there, if'n you look.
Got an old S&W 5904 around here somewhere.
Shoots and carries well. Prolly paid 3 bills for it. Holds 16 w/one in the pipe. 'Course here in Kali I only load 10, sorta.
Used SIG P228.
Try it.
You'll like it.
A CZ75 is a nice looking, easy shooting, accurate pistol.
Steyr M9, especially for someone with small hands. It shoots soft, points better then anything I have handled, including my beloved H&K P7M8, the Luger, the Glock, and the 1911. The designer of the Steyr worked for Glock when the G17 was being developed. I find the triangular/trapezoidal sights on the older ones very quick to pick up when shooting fast and the new ones coming into the country have the more traditional sights found on the Glock, 1911, etc. The trigger is 5 lbs or so and less mushy then the Glock. It is a fine pistol that deserves better sales, which I attribute to mediocre marketing and the different triangular/trapezoidal sights, which are easily replaceable if you find you don't like them.
Jay, I recently attended a 5 day Glock school for my job. I shot close to 1500 rounds from a G19 and I learned 1 thing about Glocks. They are reliable. The school's guns are used 40 out of 52 weeks a year by experienced and first time shooters with hardly a hicup. The mags are also great. We would usually do tactical reloads with the mags dropping to the concrete time after time and they still functioned fine. The guns and mags were worn but they all functioned as new. Another plus for a Glock, you can field strip it in 5 seconds for cleaning. I own a Taurus PT 145 and a Ruger LCP but I'm shopping for a Glock maybe 9mm most likely .45. For a defensive tool you can beat them. ANON in NC
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