Need feedback on my first gun purchase

[TBoliv]

Ever experienced the mag drop issue? That's the only thing scaring me away from this gun.

Nope, not a one. In fact, I've had only maybe 3 or 4 malfunctions in 3-4000 rounds, but those were almost exclusively with reloads. Never had a problem with factory rounds.

Unless I had a father who lived in a state where he could buy it and then PPT it to me if here ended up not liking it...........this is strictly hypothetical though

Maybe your hypothetical father wants to send two...? And maybe a P220 Compact?

Hopefully I can located one at a local range and shoot it for myself to see if that's an issue for me. What's the deal with the mag release? Can you explain how it's so different and headache inducing?

HK's mag release is not a button like on practically every other handgun out there. It's a lever at the bottom back of the trigger guard (ambi on almost all models, I think..I don't have a ton of knowledge about HK's models...). The lever is activated by pushing it "downward" relative to the pistol (towards the floor). It's also intended to be activated with the trigger finger, not the strong hand thumb.

It's not that it is a bad design, it is just different from practically every other gun on the market, and therefore takes conscious effort for ME. YMMV.

I do like the decocker placement on the P2000 V3 though. The button next to the hammer is not likely to be accidentally bumped, and does not add any extra mass to one side of the pistol. I'm guessing it's more Ambi friendly than say the Sig design, but don't know for sure as I've not shot it lefty.

[TBoliv]

Yeah, it came out 11.6.07 but it's not on the CA roster, which by itself isn't an issue for me. However, it's only available in compact at the moment, TTBOMK. But they will be releasing a full size grip for it pretty soon and are actually gearing up for the testing needed to become CA approved, the issues at the moment are the loaded chamber indicator and the mag capacity.

I'm gonna give the Sigs a try and see how I like them. There's a range in Vacaville that I love, they have a lunch special where you can rent a 9mm, get a box of ammo, a target, lane fee, eye protection and ear protection for $22. Not a bad deal if you ask me when you consider lane fee is usually $10 or better and ammo is approx. $12 per box at most ranges. So basically i'm getting the gun/target/eyes and ears for free. And they have a few Sigs in the lineup, so I know what I'll be shooting next week

Which Sig are you interested in? I've got loads of useless info about them.

[909 in 916]

Nope, not a one. In fact, I've had only maybe 3 or 4 malfunctions in 3-4000 rounds, but those were almost exclusively with reloads. Never had a problem with factory rounds.

Wow, that's pretty impressive. Do you have a FS or compact?

Maybe your hypothetical father wants to send two...? And maybe a P220 Compact?

LOL

HK's mag release is not a button like on practically every other handgun out there. It's a lever at the bottom back of the trigger guard (ambi on almost all models, I think..I don't have a ton of knowledge about HK's models...). The lever is activated by pushing it "downward" relative to the pistol (towards the floor). It's also intended to be activated with the trigger finger, not the strong hand thumb. It's not that it is a bad design, it is just different from practically every other gun on the market, and therefore takes conscious effort for ME. YMMV.

Gotcha.

I do like the decocker placement on the P2000 V3 though. The button next to the hammer is not likely to be accidentally bumped, and does not add any extra mass to one side of the pistol. I'm guessing it's more Ambi friendly than say the Sig design, but don't know for sure as I've not shot it lefty.

That's one of the features I like about it too and overall it seems like a pretty high quality, feature packed gun that provides alot of flexability. I hope I can find one around town, and it'd be nice if it works for me too.

Which Sig are you interested in? I've got loads of useless info about them.

The P250 is the one that's really got my attention, but I'm also looking at the 226 and 229 as well.

[Kelvrick]

Hey, you're in sac. Wildsports has the MP9 for 399. That means 50 rebate + 2 free mags.

You're also aware of the gunroom in elk grove right? Might be closer to you, so you should call both and see what they have for rent.

I had the MP9 for a while, but it just didn't feel as comfortable to me as my old sig p229, so I sold it and got a new P226. S&W customer service was top notch and I'm thinking about getting the compact but I prefer an DA/SA and so have moved over to the Glock 26, p2000sk or other.

I really like the P2000, but like many others, I find the magazine release awkward.

Just rent a lot before you buy. You seem to like polymer frames, so what about the springfield xd, beretta px4, glock 16 or 19, sig SP2022 or SP2009, walther p99, magnum research baby deagle.

You said recoil is an issue, why not go metal framed classic P series from sig for heavier weight for more recoil absorption?

[TBoliv]

909: My M&P is a FS. I put about....1100 rounds through it, then sent it off to Dan Burwell. Money well spent!

It was for a while my UPSPA production pistol, but I went back to my 226 because the sights I had installed I finally realized were not lined up correctly (See! It wasn't my fault I missed those steel plates so many times!).

I've got a new rear sight on it now, and if the POI is back where it should be, it will probably be my main production pistol again.

The 3 dots that come stock are pretty accurate, I just can't stand them. I hate them on my 1911 too...but that's another story.

[j1133s]

909 -- have you shot any of those guns? Have you at least held them?
I have no experience w/ the sig you mentioned, but the other 2 are fine pistols. In fact, the HK used to be my carry weapon.

[909 in 916]

Hey, you're in sac. Wildsports has the MP9 for 399. That means 50 rebate + 2 free mags.

They still have that sale going? I thought it was for the Thanksgiving weekend only, I'll have to stop by sometime and check them out. Do they have a range there?

You're also aware of the gunroom in elk grove right? Might be closer to you, so you should call both and see what they have for rent.

Yup, my favorite local range. I'll be there tomorrow so I'll see if they have any of the guns, besides the M&P, that i'm interested in.

I had the MP9 for a while, but it just didn't feel as comfortable to me as my old sig p229, so I sold it and got a new P226. S&W customer service was top notch and I'm thinking about getting the compact but I prefer an DA/SA and so have moved over to the Glock 26, p2000sk or other.

See, I have limited exposure to other guns so the only thing I have to compare it to is a S&W 909. That being said, I thought it was the be all, end all in guns but I guess I need to get my paws on some more so I can make a good decision.

Just rent a lot before you buy. You seem to like polymer frames, so what about the springfield xd, beretta px4, glock 16 or 19, sig SP2022 or SP2009, walther p99, magnum research baby deagle. You said recoil is an issue, why not go metal framed classic P series from sig for heavier weight for more recoil absorption?

Part of the reason I'm leaning towards polymer is I concluded that they were better for me as far as recoil absorbtion in concerned. I came to this conclusion by comparing my dads 909 to the M&P9 I shot. Is this generally true or did I jump the gun?

909 -- have you shot any of those guns? Have you at least held them?
I have no experience w/ the sig you mentioned, but the other 2 are fine pistols. In fact, the HK used to be my carry weapon.

I've only shot the M&P so far. Your guys' input is just part of my research, not the final say in what I decide to go with. Most of you guys here have tons more experience with guns than I do so I was hoping to find out the general consensus on the guns listed and maybe be turned on to other guns that may fit my needs that I have yet to consider.

What's your current carry weapon and why did it replace the HK?

[Kelvrick]

Yes, check their ad every thursday in the sports section of the sac bee. They also have great ammo prices, 5.99 for a 50box of blazer brass 115 gr but you need the coupon from that ad. I generally drag my friends with me and buy about a case each trip since its a limit of 5 boxes per coupon.

That, and from talking to some employees, it seems that once they have a sale on something, they'll generally give you that price again if you just ask even if it wasn't in that week's ad.

You've probably seen the threads about best this and that gun and it should be obvious that everything is from personal taste. Rent as many as you can before you buy. What sucks about the gunroom is that they charge you for each rental. I forgot how it is in vacaville. You should call to see if they have a one time fee and you can use as many rentals as you want.

For all I know, polymer does absorb recoil better htne steel, but in the end, mass is mass and so a heavier gun moves less from the force of the ignited gunpowder.

The beretta PX4 my friend has is the tamest of hte 9mm's I've personally shot, polymer frame or not. Since the list doesn't matter much, you might want to take a look at the sig elite series too with the srt triggers and beavertails.

[909 in 916]

909: My M&P is a FS. I put about....1100 rounds through it, then sent it off to Dan Burwell. Money well spent!

Nice! If I end up with one, it's definitely getting a Burwell trigger job, it's a must.

Yes, check their ad every thursday in the sports section of the sac bee. They also have great ammo prices, 5.99 for a 50box of blazer brass 115 gr but you need the coupon from that ad. I generally drag my friends with me and buy about a case each trip since its a limit of 5 boxes per coupon.

Will do.....I didn't realize they placed an ad in there every week. I guess if I read the paper as often as I buy it I'd have realized that by now. My job has me on the road alot so I usually buy the paper in the morning when I hit the road but sometimes I get so busy that I don't even bother to open it up.....Sick price on the ammo too, I guess I know where I'll be buying my target practice ammo from, from now on. I've been buying the WWB from WalMart for $15.72 for the 100ct boxes.

That, and from talking to some employees, it seems that once they have a sale on something, they'll generally give you that price again if you just ask even if it wasn't in that week's ad.

How cool is that? Sounds like a cool place to do business with. It's a bit of a drive for me, but their prices are lovely. I'll make sure to take a couple buddies with me so I can stock up on ammo when I finally make the trip out there.

You've probably seen the threads about best this and that gun and it should be obvious that everything is from personal taste. Rent as many as you can before you buy. What sucks about the gunroom is that they charge you for each rental. I forgot how it is in vacaville. You should call to see if they have a one time fee and you can use as many rentals as you want.

Yeah, you now what they say about opinions......The ranges in Vacaville are the same as the Gun Room, which sucks, but what can you do?

The beretta PX4 my friend has is the tamest of hte 9mm's I've personally shot, polymer frame or not. Since the list doesn't matter much, you might want to take a look at the sig elite series too with the srt triggers and beavertails.

I'll check them out. Sounds like you're a fan of the SRT trigger, what's so special about them? Remember, i'm a noob

[Kelvrick]

Wild sports tends to have good prices in my opinion but service is kinda iffy. I've never had bad service, but sometimes they haven't been very helpful. They also are quirky with their rules on purchases. Don't take utility bills but will take a fishing license (?). Their ammo used to be 5.99 for blazer aluminum which is still a great price. Then it went away for a while with prices being on par with walmart, but then when the brass shows up for 5.99, I try to load up as I don't know when it'll go away again. You need the coupon. Since I work downtown, I usually go to the sac bee itself and just buy as many copies of the paper as I think I can use, clip out the coupon and then dump the rest in a recycling bin. As I said, they seem to be a quirky place.

I've never had experience with the SRT trigger, just read about them. Too bad sigforum seems to be down right now. A lot of members there know much more then I do about the guns. I just happen to have some local tips for you.

[retired]

I wasn't going to mention the XD, because you said DA/SA, but since someone else did, I will.

I have had a XDSC9 for 4yrs. I carry it daily for ccw since I retired from le. I am left handed and that is one, among other reasons I didn't buy the Glock. It has an ambi mag release and I have no problem using my index finger on my left hand to release the slide release.

As far as the action, it basically (I know it isn't really) like carrying the revolver that was first issued to me; you pull the trigger it fires. It has a grip like the 1911, a grip safety also, plus the trigger safety like the Glock.

Mine came with Heinie Pro Slant 8 (I know that isn't in the right order, but oh well) night sights because LAPD orders them that way. Nice sight,but at my age, I would have rather had the stock ones. I had Tru Glos TFOs put on and I can see the front sight again!

I fully intended to get a Glock when I retired and shot 3 subcompacts in various calibers. Didn't feel right, limp wristed and they didn't have the ambi mag release. Not saying Glock is bad, just not for me. The 40 is snappy as was said.

Also, since 9mm is less expensive and you have the problem you mentioned, you will be able to afford practicing more which is good.

I have no experience with Sigs or H&K, but realize they have fine reps.

Oh, meant to mention, when we transitioned to semi autos, we were issued the 92f. The dept. changed the mag release to the right sight for me, it has the decocker and it's DA/SA. Love the gun, bought it when I retired. Just mentioning it because someone mentioned the other Beretta. Very accurate.

The newer XDs have the same finish as the Glocks tho it is called Melonite, so you don't have to worry about any finish problems like some of the earlier ones had, tho I haven't.

I'll stop rambling now.

[TBoliv]

I'll check them out. Sounds like you're a fan of the SRT trigger, what's so special about them? Remember, i'm a noob

SRT stands for Short Reset Trigger. It is a trigger that...resets...shorter.

One of the big complaints about the Sig trigger had always been the length you had to let the trigger out after firing for it to reset for the follow up shot. People coming from 1911's (which generally have super short resets) would short stroke the trigger and the Sig wouldn't go off.

Bruce Gray developed a way to modify the trigger reset for competition guns, then eventually for carry guns as well (his competition trigger job is for Range guns only). Sig finally got around to designing their own answer to this problem as well. Bruce's trigger job and the SRT i've been told are "similar" but not the same.

I've had Bruce perform his carry trigger job on my 226 and absolutely love it. I didn't want his super short & light competition job, and the carry is a great improvement over factory.

I have another shooting buddy who ended up with the SRT on his new CPO 226 and I have dry fired it a few times and was pleasantly surprised. It was much better than I expected it to be. So much so that I'm considering sending my 220 and 225 to Sig for the conversion.

In my opinion, Bruce's work is superior to Sig's SRT. The advantage the SRT has is that it costs half as much ($210 vs $100, respectively). And Sig has better shipping prices if you use their "VIP Shipping Plan". I LOVE my Bruce Gray trigger job, I just don't feel it is worth over $200 when Sig is offering a "similar" service for half that much.

[909 in 916]

Wild sports tends to have good prices in my opinion but service is kinda iffy. I've never had bad service, but sometimes they haven't been very helpful. They also are quirky with their rules on purchases. Don't take utility bills but will take a fishing license (?).

Yeah, I'd say that's quirky. So basically what you're saying is don't go there expecting to be educated, just go there to make the purchase if the price is right?

I wasn't going to mention the XD, because you said DA/SA, but since someone else did, I will.

XD was the first gun I considered, but it's lack of ambidextrous controls turned me off.

At the moment, the CZ 85 Combat tops the list. I've read tons of reviews on the thing and the overwhelming majority sing nothing but praise for it, and it is ambidextrous to top it off! I'm going down to the dealer today to see how it feels and hopefully put some rounds downrange.

[M. Sage]

Yeah, it came out 11.6.07 but it's not on the CA roster, which by itself isn't an issue for me. However, it's only available in compact at the moment, TTBOMK. But they will be releasing a full size grip for it pretty soon and are actually gearing up for the testing needed to become CA approved, the issues at the moment are the loaded chamber indicator and the mag capacity.

I'm gonna give the Sigs a try and see how I like them. There's a range in Vacaville that I love, they have a lunch special where you can rent a 9mm, get a box of ammo, a target, lane fee, eye protection and ear protection for $22. Not a bad deal if you ask me when you consider lane fee is usually $10 or better and ammo is approx. $12 per box at most ranges. So basically i'm getting the gun/target/eyes and ears for free. And they have a few Sigs in the lineup, so I know what I'll be shooting next week

Ah, I thought it was new.

That sounds like a hell of a lunch special.

[909 in 916]

Ah, I thought it was new.

That sounds like a hell of a lunch special.

Less than a month old isn't new?

It's the best lunch special in town! Mainly cause it keeps me from feeding my face