Single stack 9mm?

[mk2dave]

Reading about the P6, the feed ramp is designed for FMJ and may not tolerate JHP well. Anyone have experience with this? JHP need to be an option.

I'd love to talk him into a HK P7, but cost and cost prohibit it at a contender.

[naz]

G43x, G48 (basically a g43x with longer slide) and p365xl are all off roster and will be $1100-$1500. (Op said it should be on roster)

With no disrespect meant, if OP doesn’t understand or can’t accurate articulate things like the difference between single and double stack form factor semi auto, or on vs off roster guns, I think they should check themselves on whether they are the right person to advise a noob

[sigstroker]

P6 is probably not on the roster. I think they quit making it around 1980.

[Karch]

I personally like the 1911 size/feel/style.

I too found limited selections on the roster, so I bought a Rock Island in 38 Super as it will shoot 9mm (supposedly with stock barrel, but unconfirmed).

I took this as a means to also shoot 10mm, but then found a 1911 in 10mm so decided to list it all as a package.

The weight and feel of the 1911, not to mention versatility, are all good things to consider.


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[morrcarr67]

Are larger Kahrs good? I have a PM40 for carry, but have yet to manage 2 magazines worth of reliable fire. It is currently at the factory. Again. While this isn't a huge deal for me, I could see this as incredibly frustrating for a new owner. My PM40 has yet to prove itself reliable for more than a paperweight.

I was looking at the SA 1911, but the cost and single action for a newer shooter are concerns. Although this would be high on my list of options.

I've heard good things about the CZ and I know they have different grips, and at least want him to put hands on one. Sounds like XD and PX4 may be in the same situation. Double stack, but may work. He liked the way the Beretta 92 and Ruger P95 (for sale) shot, just too thick to manipulate.

The Shield I've seen is significantly smaller than my USP C, although the latter isn't a small compact. A larger frame would be better, but it's hard to discount the pro's.

The P6 could be a winner, and the cost is appropriate. P239 also worth a look.

LC380 is a bit small, but a contender. He shot larger frames better.

Isn't the P365XL a double stack? Hopefully a thin one?

A BHP is on MY "to buy" list. Again, the cost and SAO for a new shooter are concerns, but it does check all the other boxes.

I am not a Glock guy, but thats personal preference. What are their options? G43x, G 48, anything else?

I have a PM9 that's my EDC and I've not had any problems with it. I would have him look at all of them.

Another one to look at would be the single stacked S&W 3rd gens. I also have a 908 that I carried for 4 years. I replaced it with the above mentioned Kahr. They are off roster but worth looking for. The 908 can be had for around $500 and the 3913's will add a couple of hundred to that.

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[SandHill]

The p239 is an awesome platform and a great shooter. I have three, and personally prefer to shoot .40 and .357 Sig from them. 9mm feels like 22 so a good choice for a beginner. Personally, I prefer a full size pistol for home defense (and I like a shotgun with buckshot even better) but if your friend likes the p239 and it feels good in his hand it is a great choice for the role. The p239 9mm holds only 8 rounds in the mag, so he is giving up a couple rounds available in other platforms, but if he likes it and shoots it well it could be worth it for him.

As previous poster noted, Gen 3 S&W's offer lots of choices, but not on roster and availability in CA is pretty hit or miss.

[mk2dave]

No disrespect taken. Please note, my first list specified it was copied from an earlier thread on the same topic, and the double stack pistols both specify thin grips. I figured suggestions would go that way, and low and behold! I'm familiar with on/off roster, and while I can't recite what is on roster, I'm following up for info based on what contributors are suggesting. You are right, I'm not looking up the roster every time someone suggests something new. Maybe I should.

[L84CABO]

Just FYI...I believe there are thin grips for the beretta...and I think the Vertec grip is generally a bit thinner than the standard beretta grip ...and there are thin grips for the Vertec too. But I don't know if this would work for him...and I don't know if there's a Vertec model on the roster.

[ProRoad]

I have been walking a friend thru this same search lately. I have had him shoot my S&W Shield, Springfield XD 9, Springfield mil spec .45, and Kimber Eclipse 10mm. Guess what? he Loves them all, especially the .45. He has also rented several and will do more this coming week in AZ, (not sure why as we live in Cali) Bottom line is you have to shoot it to see what you like. I love my shield, so that, and my XD 9 (red dot conversion) will be principal carry. In the woods will carry my .45 or 10mm.

[OCEquestrian]

I got a buddy who is looking to get his first pistol. He's shot a variety of my firearms in an effort to find out what works for him and what doesn't. It looks like we are looking for a single stack 9mm in a full size or compact frame. Could be metal or poly frame. This would be for range and home defense, and carry is not a concern at the moment. I searched, and found the following list as a start:

Full size guns:
- 1911 9mm with slim grips
- Sig 239 (not quite full size, but metal frame)
- CZ 75 or P-01 with thin grips
- Beretta 92fs with slim grips and short reach trigger

The Beretta in stock form was too thick for him.

What other on roster options are there? Off roster may work, but for his first piece, we need to keep costs reasonable and off roster premiums may be a tough putt.

Is the Shield offered in a non-subcompact? Trigger leaves a bit to be desired, but otherwise that could fit. How about the Springfield XD?

Are there other options I'm not thinking of?

Everybody, your friend included, should learn to shoot with a full size pistol. Something the size off G19 is as small as I would recommend. Any smaller and they will be fighting to control the gun before they learn the basics of marksmanship and weapons manipulation.

[Mtndewking]

Best kept secret. The sig P6 is still on the roster. Pretty rare to find one in a shop but they are readily available on gunbroker.

The P6 has amazing ergos and looks bad *** and will hold its value if you get a decent example if its kept in shape.

Also recommend the 239. Much more available and still on the roster.

92fs can seem huge but the mods you recommend (thin grips, trigger) actually make a huge difference for most people. Again, steel and on roster and common.

But..... unless he needs a gun urgently...

I think the best thing would be to buy a cheaper polymer pistol like an XD, shield, glock and a ton of practice ammo and double the range time/training. And obviously keep letting him shoot/revisit your collection to broaden his perspective.

[gunsnrovers]

Love my P225, but if you're shopping now you will have the joy of tracking down decent mags. The aftermarket ones suck. Nothing new out there so you're digging through surplus to find reliable ones. There were know to split/crack so you have to watch you inventory.

[G-forceJunkie]

Glock 48 or kahr K9

[mag88]

An option is getting a Rock Island 1911 in 38 Super and then buying 9 mm barrel for $70 from RIA to convert it. I did that with mine and love it. The 38 Super mags work with the 9mm decently for range use but if it’s going to be used solely in 9mm I do also suggest getting 9mm mags for it.

[mk2dave]

Best kept secret. The sig P6 is still on the roster. Pretty rare to find one in a shop but they are readily available on gunbroker.

The P6 has amazing ergos and looks bad *** and will hold its value if you get a decent example if its kept in shape.

Also recommend the 239. Much more available and still on the roster.

92fs can seem huge but the mods you recommend (thin grips, trigger) actually make a huge difference for most people. Again, steel and on roster and common.

But..... unless he needs a gun urgently...

I think the best thing would be to buy a cheaper polymer pistol like an XD, shield, glock and a ton of practice ammo and double the range time/training. And obviously keep letting him shoot/revisit your collection to broaden his perspective.

Now I think I want a P6! Luckily for me, only the imported by P.W. are on the roster. Those imported by CAI are not on the roster. He doesn't need anything urgently. The P239 certainly looks like a contender.