Newbie- 9mm simiauto selection help

[waterwalker]

Hey Guys,
Newbie here looking at purchasing a 9mm for home protection...but so many choices. You guys have years of expertise to my limited knowledge......So
I'm asking for your help..... please comment on the following handguns(positives and negatives). I have selected these based on fitment/style/comfort/metal (no poly).

S&W SW1911 Stnls Pro
Kimber Stnls Pro Carry II
Sig P229 Elite Stnls
Springfield 1911 Loaded Target
Taurus PT92AF Stnls

Thanks in advance for your help!

[LeadFarmer74]

None of those are what I would buy in 9mm. The Taurus is off roster and not for sale from retailers. I would recommend a glock or Springfield XD or beretta 92 or cz.

[BoJackUSMC]

Out of those firearms... I would have to go with Sig p229...
However, if you are very new to firearm, DA/SA might be little tricky to learn on your own. However, with proper training from firearm instructor, it should be fairy easy to learn and know how to operate DA/SA properly.

As for me, I would go with striker fire like Glock, Sig P320, or HK VP9...

[madoka]

Hey Guys,
Newbie here looking at purchasing a 9mm for home protection...but so many choices. You guys have years of expertise to my limited knowledge......So
I'm asking for your help..... please comment on the following handguns(positives and negatives). I have selected these based on fitment/style/comfort/metal (no poly).

S&W SW1911 Stnls Pro
Kimber Stnls Pro Carry II
Sig P229 Elite Stnls
Springfield 1911 Loaded Target
Taurus PT92AF Stnls

Wow, you're all over the map. From the $500 Taurus to the $1600 S&W.

For the record, I own the S&W 1911 Pro, the Springfield 1911 Loaded, and 25 different Sigs though not the P229 Elite Stainless in particular.

None on your list strike me as what I would ever use for HD. But if you insisted, the Sig is probably the best on that list. And frankly, the Taurus should not be even considered.

Now since it's HD and not carry, I wouldn't get the P229; not when you can get the full size P226 instead. The P226 would be a much better HD choice.

Given what you want and your preferences, I would also look at the Beretta 92/M9 and the CZ 75/SP01. Either would be better than most of what you have on your list.

[madoka]

As for me, I would go with striker fire like Glock, Sig P320, or HK VP9...

The OP wants something stainless and no plastic.

[waterwalker]

Wow, you're all over the map. From the $500 Taurus to the $1600 S&W.

For the record, I own the S&W 1911 Pro, the Springfield 1911 Loaded, and 25 different Sigs though not the P229 Elite Stainless in particular.

None on your list strike me as what I would ever use for HD. But if you insisted, the Sig is probably the best on that list. And frankly, the Taurus should not be even considered.

Now since it's HD and not carry, I wouldn't get the P229; not when you can get the full size P226 instead. The P226 would be a much better HD choice.

Given what you want and your preferences, I would also look at the Beretta 92/M9 and the CZ 75/SP01. Either would be better than most of what you have on your list.

Madoka, thanks for your input is there a particular reason why you won't go SW 1911 pro (can you expand)? Try to learn why..rather than listen to salesman BS

[IVC]

Three of your choices are a 1911 which is always a fine gun, but not necessarily the best as the first/only one. Field stripping is a bit more complex and you have to maintain it to keep it working flawlessly.

Taurus has on and off QC issues so it's somewhat of a gamble whether you'll get a decent one. There was a period when their revolvers would simply fall apart. I wouldn't go with Taurus as your first/only gun either.

Sig 229 is a great modern gun, easy to field strip and with double stack magazine. You'll be somewhat limited due to CA law, but of all the ones you have listed it's most suitable to be the first/only gun.

However, someone mentioned that 226 is a better choice for HD. It is the same gun, but slightly longer barrel and slightly larger frame. That's a good option too, although I wouldn't nitpick between the two - many guns come in slightly different sizes (e.g., Glock 17/19, CZ SP01/P01, HK USP/USPc, etc.) where it's just a preference as the smaller one is also suitable for carry.

As for the trigger, 1911 is single action only - the best of all of them, but requires that gun be "cocked and locked" if you want to have it ready (many will keep it without chambered round at home.) Sig will be DA/SA, so your first trigger pull is *different* than the consecutive pulls. Striker fired pistols (not on your list) will have consistent pull, but it will be mushy and a bit longer. You should try different types of guns so that you can narrow it down based on functionality before you get to the the brands and variations of each design.

[LeadFarmer74]

The OP wants something stainless and no plastic.

No where in the OP does he state that. Edit: I see now it says no poly.

[SB1964]

You wanna "learn why" go shoot what you've listed. Don't listen to salespeople at all. I did the same thing 25+ years ago & went through quite a few guns impulse buying, selling off what I didn't like. You've listed one caliber, spend the money trying, actually shooting before you buy. It's cheaper in the long run.

The first trait of the guns listed was "fitment" you mean holding it at the counter??? Go shoot them!

[madoka]

No where in the OP does he state that. Edit: I see now it says no poly.

He narrowed his list down according to the "style" he likes and all five of his choices are stainless, so it doesn't take a scientist to realize that's what he wants.

[madoka]

Madoka, thanks for your input is there a particular reason why you won't go SW 1911 pro (can you expand)? Try to learn why..rather than listen to salesman BS

Just as a practical consideration, do you live in CA?

If so, I don't think the S&W is on the roster. It was a rare find for me.

Besides availability, I'm not a fan of 1911s for HD. I own several 1911s, but if my family's safety was on the line, I'd pull out a Glock 17 without hesitation.

[elx144]

I would stay away from the Taurus. Everything else on your list is good, but what one do you personally shoot well? You should be able to get your answer with a little range time.

One other thing to think about is bullet weight. Some guns shoot better with 124gr, some it doesn't matter. It wouldn't hurt to buy a box of 115gr and a box of 124gr for each gun you want to try.

[Tere_Hanges]

Ok, since the primary purpose is home defense you should be looking for a tool, plain and simple.

You dont want your $1K+ gun tied up with law enforcement while you try to get it back because you had to use it. That pretty much negates an all metal stainless requirement.

Get what most pros use, a Glock 17 or 19 with nightsights and a light. Sure its ugly, but its utterly reliable and simple to use. Just make sure there is one in the chamber and pull the trigger. No DA/SA or safety/decocker to think about. Its the closest you can get to fool-proof.

[RaiderNation]

Three of your choices are a 1911 which is always a fine gun, but not necessarily the best as the first/only one. Field stripping is a bit more complex and you have to maintain it to keep it working flawlessly.

Taurus has on and off QC issues so it's somewhat of a gamble whether you'll get a decent one. There was a period when their revolvers would simply fall apart. I wouldn't go with Taurus as your first/only gun either.

Sig 229 is a great modern gun, easy to field strip and with double stack magazine. You'll be somewhat limited due to CA law, but of all the ones you have listed it's most suitable to be the first/only gun.

However, someone mentioned that 226 is a better choice for HD. It is the same gun, but slightly longer barrel and slightly larger frame. That's a good option too, although I wouldn't nitpick between the two - many guns come in slightly different sizes (e.g., Glock 17/19, CZ SP01/P01, HK USP/USPc, etc.) where it's just a preference as the smaller one is also suitable for carry.

As for the trigger, 1911 is single action only - the best of all of them, but requires that gun be "cocked and locked" if you want to have it ready (many will keep it without chambered round at home.) Sig will be DA/SA, so your first trigger pull is *different* than the consecutive pulls. Striker fired pistols (not on your list) will have consistent pull, but it will be mushy and a bit longer. You should try different types of guns so that you can narrow it down based on functionality before you get to the the brands and variations of each design.

Op IVC pretty much summed it up. If I were in your shoes I would try to rent as many of your choices as possible. I wouldn't buy a gun because a gun fits you (feels good in your hand) or works well for someone else. I would also really consider adding a polymer gun as an option. Good Luck - Post Pics when you get your baby.

[DDM4556]

First of all, do yourself and your family a HUGE favor and eliminate the Taurus from the list.

Second, strongly consider what others have said - Beretta or CZ. If you can afford Sig, then more power to you. Stay away from 1911s for HD. You don't buy a Ferrari for the safety features...

Also, strongly consider Glock and Springfield. Keep in mind if you ever have to actually use that Sig for HD, you'll probably never see it again.