Which 9mm pistol to get?

[New_World]

What kind of 9mm pistol should I get?

I'm open to any suggestions.
I'm also after a 45 as well.
I'm looking at the S&W e-series currently.

[Chain Gang]

First,the caliber.I'm not a big fan of 9mm but I do carry a Glock 26 compact 9mm.With the proper ammo it will work and more concealable than the large frame guns.I would rather have 40 cal.I also love the 45.People debate calibers all the time and I have never seen a clear winner.While I really like most all the the Colt 1911 based pistols including the SW E series.I prefer the Glocks for down and dirty work.Glock is lighter,simpler,higher capacity,and pretty much idiot proof.I speak as a retired police officer that carried a Glock 21 every day.The Glock also usually has the best price point.I have my eye on several 1911 based pistols and the SW E series is being strongly considered.Like knifes and multi tools,there are to many darn choices.There is no"best gun" for everyone.Research,read reviews,and you will fine the "best gun" for you.

[captain spaulding]

I'm on my phone right now so I can't get in deapth  with specifics right now, but what will be your main use for it?  Range gun, home protection, concealed carry?

[Pacu]

I have a Browning Hi power, Ruger P-89, and a Beretta 92.

Browning - awesome accuracy , history, but single action.
Ruger - can be obtained fairly cheaply, not picky with ammo-ramps everything. Built like a brick ****house.
Beretta - awesome accuracy too, magazines easy to get at gun shows, ramps everything..kinda $$$

Dad had a Glock 17 at one time. He wishes he never traded it off.

[New_World]

I'm on my phone right now so I can't get in deapth  with specifics right now, but what will be your main use for it?  Range gun, home protection, concealed carry?

I can't do a concealed carry b/c I'm in Illinois. =(
The 9 would be a range gun or even home protection, but I think I'd get a bigger cal. for home protection though or shotgun.

Also what would you recommend for home protection pistol wise?

[stack]

  Im with Chain Gang. Most department's and military use glock or S&W MP's. They are proven. I also prefer a 40 S&W or 45. I would highly reccomend a glock as I have a model 23 in 40 cal. and it is so reliable. I also own a HK USP Match ( Very accurate and reliable but large in the hand ) in 45 and a detonic's combat master 45. Still I want as Kimber  but cant afford one right now.

[Chain Gang]

For home defense I have a Winchester Defender,8 shot,18 inch barrel,with a pistol grip.A shotgun is deadly at close range and the chance of over penetration is reduced.You are  responsible for the bullet until it stops.You don't want to shoot though a wall and take out you neighbor.For my back up home defense I have a SW model 66,357 mag loaded with Glaser Safety slugs.I know about Illinois gun laws.My CCL is no good there.When I travel there to visit relatives I'm suppose to unload,separate the ammo from the weapon,lock it in a case,and put it in the trunk.That's not going to happen.I'll take my chances.

[stack]

 I also have my ccw and I also like to carry revolver's. I carry  and use for home defence a Ruger sp101 357mag. Also I carry two Colt detective special's. Although they dont have the stopping power of the 40's, they are small and hold 6 round,s. I have many other gun's but these and the glock are what I carry most.

[New_World]

For home defense I have a Winchester Defender,8 shot,18 inch barrel,with a pistol grip.A shotgun is deadly at close range and the chance of over penetration is reduced.You are  responsible for the bullet until it stops.You don't want to shoot though a wall and take out you neighbor.For my back up home defense I have a SW model 66,357 mag loaded with Glaser Safety slugs.I know about Illinois gun laws.My CCL is no good there.When I travel there to visit relatives I'm suppose to unload,separate the ammo from the weapon,lock it in a case,and put it in the trunk.That's not going to happen.I'll take my chances.

I'm thinking about buying this keltec shotgun for self defence.

[Chain Gang]

I really like the Keltec bull pup design but $800 is a little rich for my blood.Very cool looking though.

[New_World]

I really like the Keltec bull pup design but $800 is a little rich for my blood.Very cool looking though.

what should I get instead thats cheaper?
I'm thinking short pistol grip kinda shotgun for self defense.
I'm open to all suggestions.

[Chain Gang]

This is good:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_64_991/products_id/69489/Remington+870+Express+TACT+12+18.5+CYL+PG

[Chain Gang]

This is interesting.A .410 3 inch magnum revolver would be a nice bed stand piece.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_494/products_id/42518/Taurus+M41045C+Magnum+3%22++FO+BL

[New_World]

that Remington looks nice.

you like mossburg?

I really appreciate the links.

I'm going to looking into these.



I'm defiantly getting a shotgun and a pistol sometime soon for self defense.

I'm going to look more into that Remington tomorrow though I'm still considering the keltec.  =)

I'll be back tomorrow.

EDIT: also how does it work when you buy guns online??
I kind of know, but not 100% clear on everything.
and you have to pay a fee at the store as well?

[Chain Gang]

Mossburg is good but the Rem is a little better quality.Either one would work for me.As far as buying on line you have to go through a licensed dealer to do the transaction.A dealer usually charges $25 to do this.Some small time dealers will order your gun for you and usually charge 10% of the whosale price for their fee.

[2xTap]

What kind of 9mm pistol should I get?

I'm open to any suggestions.
I'm also after a 45 as well.
I'm looking at the S&W e-series currently.

In 9mm, particularly as a range gun, I recommend looking at CZ. The CZ-75 and CZ-85 are excellent pistols. If you are eyeing a polymer framed 9mm I would recommend the Springer XD line as well as the Walther P-99's.

As to 1911's, for factory production guns, get a Colt or a Springfield. Might want to take a look at the Ruger SR1911 as well, been hearing good things about them although I haven't shot one of these yet myself. In .45acp, if a 1911 isn't your thing, take a look at SIG's P220 Series.

2xTap

[captain spaulding]

that Remington looks nice.

you like mossburg?

I really appreciate the links.

I'm going to looking into these.



I'm defiantly getting a shotgun and a pistol sometime soon for self defense.

I'm going to look more into that Remington tomorrow though I'm still considering the keltec.  =)

I'll be back tomorrow.

EDIT: also how does it work when you buy guns online??
I kind of know, but not 100% clear on everything.
and you have to pay a fee at the store as well?

when do you plan on buying these? I would like to talk to you before you make your purchase if you don't mind.  PM is fine or we can talk in this thread if you like. I won't be back to my computer until monday so that would be the soonest we could talk. Let me know. 

[Dtrain]

Get the one you feel fits your hand the best...There are alot of great 9mm's out there but for me the only one I have left out of the ones I have owned is my 639...

Dtrain

[New_World]

that Remington looks nice.

you like mossburg?

I really appreciate the links.

I'm going to looking into these.



I'm defiantly getting a shotgun and a pistol sometime soon for self defense.

I'm going to look more into that Remington tomorrow though I'm still considering the keltec.  =)

I'll be back tomorrow.

EDIT: also how does it work when you buy guns online??
I kind of know, but not 100% clear on everything.
and you have to pay a fee at the store as well?

when do you plan on buying these? I would like to talk to you before you make your purchase if you don't mind.  PM is fine or we can talk in this thread if you like. I won't be back to my computer until monday so that would be the soonest we could talk. Let me know. 

I plan on getting them in the next couple months.
just whenever I find some time.

[captain spaulding]

That's great. Take some time to do some research. 

[Mike]

No matter what you decide to get it's about proper training & practice, training & practice, training & practice ....... then train & practice some more.

Best of luck on your quest,
Mike

[Chain Gang]

I agree with Mike 100%.Also,stock up on ammo while you can still get it.

[captain spaulding]

No matter what you decide to get it's about proper training & practice, training & practice, training & practice ....... then train & practice some more.

Best of luck on your quest,
Mike

I completely agree. 

[Styerman]

One thing many civilians don't know about semis, in a close defence/ CCW situation - push the muzzel into a belly or armpit ( most encounters occur 3-7 feet ) ; the slide goes outta battery . this is why many LEO backup guns are J frame snubbys . Always been a fan of a good wheelgun for basics , 4" S&W K frame with good sights makes a great range gun . Also, easy to recover brass .

Chris

[captain spaulding]

One thing many civilians don't know about semis, in a close defence/ CCW situation - push the muzzel into a belly or armpit ( most encounters occur 3-7 feet ) ; the slide goes outta battery . this is why many LEO backup guns are J frame snubbys . Always been a fan of a good wheelgun for basics , 4" S&W K frame with good sights makes a great range gun . Also, easy to recover brass .

Chris

Also a very good point and something to consider. I love revolvers for many reasons and reliability is one of them. You know when you pull that trigger the gun will fire. If not just pull the trigger again and you get a fresh round. Of course there is a chance the cylinder will not rotate but honestly I will take my chances. Much more reliable in my mind that a semi as you do not have to worry about your firearm being in battery, not having the slide rails properly oiled, or worrying about magazine springs.

[gustophersmob]

Random thoughts:

I don't have a 9mm, and don't have much experience with the calibre.  My dad has a Taurus copy of a Beretta M9, which is a really nice gun to shoot.  The full metal frame soaks up the recoil, so something like it would make a good range gun, IMO.

I second the recommendation of a shotgun for home defense.  The wall penetration thing always makes me nervous.  With a shotgun it is mitigated to an extent.

I wholeheartedly recommend a good revolver, especially if your wife/SO may be using it.  Very simple manual of arms, very reliable. I have a Ruger LCR that my wife loves to shoot.  We used to have a Ruger SP-101.  Now that was a nice gun.  The double action trigger was a little heavy for her, though.  I hihgly recommend Ruger's wheelguns, though.

[Styerman]

If i were you , I'd get a .357 , use .38 Specials for range work , full house maggies out of a 4" tube are a potent package . S&W and Ruger are both good , personally I prefer S&W .

S&W offers .357 in the K , L, and N frame . The J frame .357 Snubbies are no fun to shoot , and are in no way a range gun . For a range gun , I prefer the N frame , heavy , comfortable to shoot lots of rounds , will handle hot .357 loads .

Chris

[665ae]

If i were you , I'd get a .357 , use .38 Specials for range work , full house maggies out of a 4" tube are a potent package . S&W and Ruger are both good , personally I prefer S&W .

S&W offers .357 in the K , L, and N frame . The J frame .357 Snubbies are no fun to shoot , and are in no way a range gun . For a range gun , I prefer the N frame , heavy , comfortable to shoot lots of rounds , will handle hot .357 loads .

Chris

I agree with Chris.  Then again, I'm an admitted revolver lover

For home defense, don't use a handgun.  12 gauge pump shotgun, buckshot, and shoot from the hip.  Just about everyone knows what a shotgun sounds like when you pump it, and the noise alone can be enough to scare someone off.

[captain spaulding]

If i were you , I'd get a .357 , use .38 Specials for range work , full house maggies out of a 4" tube are a potent package . S&W and Ruger are both good , personally I prefer S&W .

S&W offers .357 in the K , L, and N frame . The J frame .357 Snubbies are no fun to shoot , and are in no way a range gun . For a range gun , I prefer the N frame , heavy , comfortable to shoot lots of rounds , will handle hot .357 loads .

Chris

I agree with Chris.  Then again, I'm an admitted revolver lover

For home defense, don't use a handgun.  12 gauge pump shotgun, buckshot, and shoot from the hip.  Just about everyone knows what a shotgun sounds like when you pump it, and the noise alone can be enough to scare someone off.

I have to dis agree. While a shotgun can be a great home defense gun picking the right ammo is tricky. I would definitely shy away from Buckshot of any kind for wall penetration purposes. I also would not suggest using bird shot as you are not going to have the proper stopping power. I would also stay away from shooting from the hip. I see no advantage to shooting from the hip. It makes taking a accurate shot very difficult and does not lead to a quick follow up shot if needed. The racking of the slide of a shotgun sounds the same in every language and has the possibility to scare off a potential intruder, but I personally would not loudly rack the slide. If I know there is a intruder in the house the last thing I want to do is give away my position or make him aware of me knowing he is in my house. With all that said a shotgun can and is a great home security gun. I would personally recommend a revolver for the OP's needs for a range gun and a home defense gun. As suggested above a .357 would be great as you can shoot the cheaper .38 Special's as well as the more powerful .357 magnum's. That's just my .02 cent's though. 

[665ae]

If i were you , I'd get a .357 , use .38 Specials for range work , full house maggies out of a 4" tube are a potent package . S&W and Ruger are both good , personally I prefer S&W .

S&W offers .357 in the K , L, and N frame . The J frame .357 Snubbies are no fun to shoot , and are in no way a range gun . For a range gun , I prefer the N frame , heavy , comfortable to shoot lots of rounds , will handle hot .357 loads .

Chris

I agree with Chris.  Then again, I'm an admitted revolver lover

For home defense, don't use a handgun.  12 gauge pump shotgun, buckshot, and shoot from the hip.  Just about everyone knows what a shotgun sounds like when you pump it, and the noise alone can be enough to scare someone off.

I have to dis agree. While a shotgun can be a great home defense gun picking the right ammo is tricky. I would definitely shy away from Buckshot of any kind for wall penetration purposes. I also would not suggest using bird shot as you are not going to have the proper stopping power. I would also stay away from shooting from the hip. I see no advantage to shooting from the hip. It makes taking a accurate shot very difficult and does not lead to a quick follow up shot if needed. The racking of the slide of a shotgun sounds the same in every language and has the possibility to scare off a potential intruder, but I personally would not loudly rack the slide. If I know there is a intruder in the house the last thing I want to do is give away my position or make him aware of me knowing he is in my house. With all that said a shotgun can and is a great home security gun. I would personally recommend a revolver for the OP's needs for a range gun and a home defense gun. As suggested above a .357 would be great as you can shoot the cheaper .38 Special's as well as the more powerful .357 magnum's. That's just my .02 cent's though. 

Here's the thing... In every "home defense" discussion I've ever been a part of (and it's been a lot) just about everyone wants to discuss the pros and cons of the guns to use.  Very few people, if any, ever think about the person using the gun, or the reality and stress of the situation.  I firmly believe that 90+% of people, regardless of training, will still be scared smurfless if they are ever in a situation where they believe their life is in danger and they have to grab a gun to defend themselves.  Unless you're a hard core tactical operator, you're not going to be thinking about giving away your position, clearing rooms, and accurate follow up shots.  It's a shotgun, and when you're scared out of your mind and someone may be coming after you, shot spread is your friend   All you're going to want is for whoever is in your house to get the hell out.  You're going to grab the phone, call 911, wedge the phone between your shoulder and ear, grab your defense gun, hopefully make sure it's loaded, and pray that the cops get there as fast as possible.  If you're shooting from a traditional stance (gunstock at the shoulder) for most people it's going to interfere with staying on the phone (which 911 will want you to do until the cops show up.)

For example... I've been shooting handguns competitively (local range competitions and IDPA) and recreationally for almost 20 years.  I love doing situational shooting.  Even with all my "experience" (and I use that term loosely) the one time someone tried to break into my house in the middle of the night, I was shaking so bad on the phone with the police that I don't think I could have hit more than 10' away with my handgun.  It turned out that it was just some kids trying to force open the basement sliding glass door because they thought I wasn't home.

Finally, back to revolvers.  The .357 is my absolute favorite revolver.  The ability to shoot .38's will save you a little in the pocketbook for range time.   I just don't know about using it as a "home defense gun."  Anything is better than nothing though