If you were going to buy a 9mm pistol in the $500-$1000 range

[Rot 911]

What would you buy? I've got around 3000 rounds of 9mm and the only 9mm pistol I presently own is a 1952 Walther P38. Looking more for one to fire at the range as opposed to a carry pistol, although I certainly would not be opposed to one that would serve both purposes. Not looking for another pocket pistol. Selling all of the 9mm ammo would make more sense, but would be less fun.

[Rick Lee]

Sig p226

[Scuba Steve]

Palmetto State Armory has Italian police trade-ins for $289 (Beretta 92S). I know a couple of people who bought one and enjoy it. They were marked down a little more on black friday and I ordered, but it isn't in yet.

edit: I know it's under the price point, just throwing that one out there.

[id10t]

Local range/pro shop has a CZ75BD on the shelf for $500. 3 mags, has had trigger work done, VERY nice.

I'd also be tempted by the EAA Witness a CZ clone. Get the large frame and convert between 9mm, 38 super, 40S&W, 10mm, 45acp, and 22lr.

Sig is always good (226 or 228). Rock Island makes a nice 9mm 1911. The 3rd and 4th gen S&Ws are nice.


Notice no mention of plastic stuff... just my personal preference.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Scuba Steve

Palmetto State Armory has Italian police trade-ins for $289 (Beretta 92S). I know a couple of people who bought one and enjoy it. They were marked down a little more on black friday and I ordered, but it isn't in yet.

These have the Euro style heel mag release if that matters... Here's a review of 'em

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379289

[Rick Lee]

CDNN has SIG P226s for under $500 now. Pretty sure they have everything and their prices are some of the best around.

[JavaBrewer]

For a range gun you don't need to spend that much money. As stated Sig 226 is pretty much the standard for high quality all metal sidearm and will almost hit your price limit. The Sig P2022 is the plastic option for half the cost. If you like Sigs, personally I don't like how they feel and it can't hit crap with them, you can't go wrong. For ~ $500 I would advise trying out the Smith & Wesson M&P line. I have shot those in 9/40/45 and they all felt great in my hands and I was very accurate with them.

[red-beard]

P226 in .357Sig/.40S&W and then buy the 9mm Barrel kit.

[cashflyer]

A friend recently bought a Springfield XD-9 that he really likes. $349
Springfield Armory XD9 4" 9mm, with Gear Package XD9101HCSP06

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Browning Hi-Power. Delete the magazine safety and you have what is arguably the best 9mm pistol ever made.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Sig p226

Amen to that, it's on the short list for my next purchase. I love the metal Sigs, my CCH is a P938. The P938 is great for a compact single stack 9mm, but not nearly as much fun to shoot as a full sized pistol. The only other that I put on the same level is an H&K USP, which is at the top end of your price range.

If you want a plastic gun, the Springfield XD line is quite nice. Not my cup of tea, especially for a fun range gun.

[Z-man]

I'm a left-hand dominant shooter, which is why ambidextrous controls were a high priority when I purchased my spoon. I chose the HK P30, and after a year and ~3000 rounds, I'm very pleased with it. It is on the higher end of your budget, but it is utterly reliable - it goes bang every time you want it to. And everything is ambi on it - external safety, slide lock, mag release.

The mag release is on the trigger guard, which takes some getting used to. It does have a captured spring on the rod, so it's easier to field strip - less worries. It comes with three different backstraps and sides for the grip, making it easily customizable. The ergonomics of the P30 are amazing -- most comfortable spoon I've fired: it makes a glock feel like a 2x4 in your hand. There are several variants of the HK, including DA only, SA/DA with or without external safety...etc.

Of course a Sig P229 is also a great choice. Or a 1911 variant. And that 92FS mentioned above is dirt cheap for a very reliable Italian spoon. So many choices....

-Z

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

If you want a plastic gun, the Springfield XD line is quite nice. Not my cup of tea, especially for a fun range gun.

As for plastic guns, when I was shopping for an XD, I impulse bought an FN FNS. Better bang for the buck, shoots better, looks better. It's my main carry gun going on a year now. But for range-only work, I'd steer clear of plastic.

[70SATMan]

Just a couple of weeks ago I was visiting the mothership in Scottsdale and I always make a lunch time trip to the Scottsdale Gun Club with a couple of my compadres.

Shot a 92 FS, SA XD9 back to back along with a SA XD in .40 and a Colt 1911.

Of the 9s, I prefered the Beretta. Haven't shot the Browning 9 or the Sig but, it's on my list to do soon. I'm going to buy a 9mm myself to add to the safe.

Timely thread!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

If the Hi-Power is good enough for a Prince of England, it's good enough for you.

[diverdan]

Sig 226. Why pay more?

Dan

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by diverdan

Sig 226. Why pay more?

Dan

Yep. Great weapon for sure.

[HardDrive]

This.

Sig p226

[gr8fl4porsche]

My next will be a CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Target.

A little over your budget but a sweet shooter.

I ran 150 thru my FNS-9 this morning. Great gun. Can be bought for less than $500 online.

[cashflyer]

You may like the CZ-75B.
I really love mine, but you don't find them in every gun store.
http://cz-usa.com/product-category/handguns/75-85-series/

The Hi-Power is also on my list of guns to own.