Please suggest some 9mm pistols

[adamjay]

Alright friends,
Im trying to help a buddy buy his first pistol. I haven't bought a pistol in quite a while, and most of my go to's seem to be off the roster by now. I'm hoping I can lay out some criteria, and you guys can suggest some likely candidates that are currently on roster. I know that PPT is an option for off roster pistols, but prices on those seem to of gotten a little ridiculous lately. Still, I'm open to whatever suggestions you have.

He would love to get a Walther PPQ, he shot mine and it was perfect fit. I thought the Smith & Wesson M&P9 would be a decent substitute. As you know those are both off roster and prices are through the roof, so I don't think those will work.

Here's the criteria my buddy has laid out for me:

9mm semi automatic.
Polymer frame (hammer or striker).
Full size handgun.
Ergonomic, contoured grip (doesnt like the Glock block).
Railed for a light is a bonus, but not required.
Budget around $600.

So, what do you think? I'll gather some suggestions and we will try to get hands on. Thanks in advance, team.

[Euphoria526]

Czp09

[559BearDown]

XD9

[zapatito92]

XD9

plus one for this. not many polymer options at that price range that aren't glock

[SkyHawk]

Well if we are limiting this to on-roster, the XD9 Service and Tactical models are a little more ergo than a Glock. Also check the Sig SP2022 if he wants a hammer gun.

I have scored great deals on these PPT. Got a NIB XD9 for $230, a barely used XD9 Tac for $380, and a SP2022 .40 for $250.

[Maht_g]

M&p 9... can be had for 600 ppt if you watch...

[KahrMan]

Glock 17, although I like my Kahr mid sized CW 9 alot.

[AO3]

Anything CZ.

[SkyHawk]

M&p 9... can be had for 600 ppt if you watch...

But will usually always be the formerly rostered, CA nanny state versions with mag disco for that price. The free state M&P 9 go for more if the seller knows what he has. There are at least 12 or more 'M&P 9' full size, not counting the Pro, CORE and PC models, and no one ever posts the SKU so you can see exactly what the config is (internal lock or no, mag disco or no, 6 or 10lb trigger, external safety or no).

I have zero interest in a CA neutered M&P 9 - what an abomination. And since they were on roster at one point, they are almost always the ones that come up for sale. Smart folks got the real deal with SSE, but fewer of those come up for sale.

If you are looking at M&P 9, always get the SKU from the box and research it to see what the configuration is.

[osis32]

Sig 2022

[Litespeeds]

If his budget is just $600, then I would recommend buying 3 cases of 9mm ammo and just go shooting with you instead of owning his own gun. I'd much rather shoot a PPQ with my buddy then to own a cheaper gun and not have enough money to spend for shooting.

[adamjay]

Allright, thanks everybody for the suggestiins so far. Please keep em coming!

If you are looking at M&P 9, always get the SKU from the box and research it to see what the configuration is.

Thank you, great tip.

If his budget is just $600, then I would recommend buying 3 cases of 9mm ammo and just go shooting with you instead of owning his own gun. I'd much rather shoot a PPQ with my buddy then to own a cheaper gun and not have enough money to spend for shooting.

Yeah, I hear what you are saying here. $600 is his ballpark budget for the pistol only, and probably a little flexible. He is aware that ammo, holsters, gear, etc. goes quite a bit further. Since his primary objective is HD, this option doesnt quite fit, but thank you for this perspective. I assume that when he finds the gun he likes, he'll find the budget to make it work, but this is our starting point.

[adamjay]

I have scored great deals on these PPT. Got a NIB XD9 for $230, a barely used XD9 Tac for $380, and a SP2022 .40 for $250.

Oh man, please stop it! My fear is that while helping my buddy, I'll end up buying more pistols that are too good to pass up!

[LeadFarmer74]

I second the XD.

[GlockN'Roll]

Alright friends,
Im trying to help a buddy buy his first pistol.

I haven't bought a pistol in quite a while, and most of my go to's seem to be off the roster by now. I'm hoping I can lay out some criteria, and you guys can suggest some likely candidates that are currently on roster. I know that PPT is an option for off roster pistols, but prices on those seem to of gotten a little ridiculous lately. Still, I'm open to whatever suggestions you have.

He would love to get a Walther PPQ, he shot mine and it was perfect fit. I thought the Smith & Wesson M&P9 would be a decent substitute. As you know those are both off roster and prices are through the roof, so I don't think those will work.

Here's the criteria my buddy has laid out for me:

9mm semi automatic.
Polymer frame (hammer or striker).
Full size handgun.
Ergonomic, contoured grip (doesnt like the Glock block).
Railed for a light is a bonus, but not required.
Budget around $600.

So, what do you think? I'll gather some suggestions and we will try to get hands on. Thanks in advance, team.

Take him shooting. Holding a gun in a gun store is no way to choose a pistol.

I have held plenty ergonomically gripped pistols that shot much worse than my Glocks and for that matter, many other pistols.

Everytime I buy a new pistol, I shoot everything available in the category I am considering.

A trip to a range in a free-state may result in interest in a off-roster choice. It did for me.

Most recently, that meant a .45 shield followed me home.


Take him shooting and tell him to leave his preconceived notions about pistols at home...