Introduction

[Profiler]

Hi All...

I am new to firearms, finally decided it was time ti get in the game..., just in case... !

After a few lessons, my instructor recommended a Beretta 92 FS Brigadier, and it is a very sweet piece! I love it!

Now I am looking for a cow firearm. Here in Los Angeles, the cow is a bit of a dream... but I plan to apply. And now I am looking for the right firearm.

I have a few requirements, 9 mm.. and I'd like to avoid polymer, but that seems near impossible. I am considering two:

Sig Sauer p239 SAS 9 mm

Beretta Nano 9 mm

So I'd love your opinions... What do you carry and why do you like it!


Thanks in advance!

Profiler

[Profiler]

Oh 1 more...

I recently learned of the Beretta PX Storm, in a sub compact version... so if you are using any of these, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks in advance,

Profiler

[grantar2]

I think it's really going to matter what feels good in your hand, sights well to your eye, and if you like the way it shots. Both companies produce high quality products.

If you know someone who has one and will shoot with you, it would be worth doing that. Finding a range with any of those guns available for rent may be a little more difficult, however shooting before you buy is definitely worth it.

Not sure what a COW is in relations to firearms. Perhaps you mean CCW, which in LA is a very steep hill to climb.

Only shooting will tell, but in general the smaller the gun, the hard to acquire targets, the more the muzzle flip so the harder to get back on target.

Also consider how your going to carry.

Good luck, and no capes

[Profiler]

Thanks for your reply...
COW autocorrected from CCW, LOL!

Am considering the points you raise... Will see and play with. Px storm tomorrow, we'll see how it feels!

Profiler

[BonnieB]

Profiler, my bestie, ElDub, has an M&P Shield and he thinks it walks on water. It's just a little bigger than a Glock 42 (.380 caliber), so it would be easy to conceal, and Shield is 9mm, if that's what you want. It is polymer, but behaves like an all metal gun, IMNSHO. What a sweet gun. ElDub let me shoot it and he dang near didn't get it back!

But as usual, I suggest that you find one to rent somewhere and shoot it before making any decisions. In fact, invest a little, and rent and shoot any of your short-list guns. It's more than worth it not to spend $500 on the wrong gun...

And WELCOME ! We're glad to have you here, the Women's Forum is one of the best on Calguns. Tons of good stuff for women. And check out the Recipe thread. We have COOKS here.

[grantar2]

I should ask is there a specific reason you prefer to avoid polymer? I can think of a couple, such as in ability to exchange grip panels, or the fact that most are striker fired and that bothers some people.

Just wondering what the reasoning is behind avoiding polymer guns.

Fortunately in 9mm there are a lot of great guns, both metal and polymer.

As a example one that I am working on borrowing for my wife to try out is the Khar CW9. The example my friend owns, shoots very accurate, and has virtually no recoil. But will only know after she shoots it. Nice part is the price from Bud's guns runs around $300 + FFL fees.

[Profiler]

Thanks for all your input.

My avoidance of polymer is probably just a psych thing. The 2-3 guns I've shot that were polymer, I didn't shoot well. The all steel guns I've shot and the one I bought I shoot very well. It's just caught in my head, recoil, my (little) experience. All adds up to less confidence in polymer.

But just yesterday I bought my second, a Sig p239. It felt like butter in my hands! I'm now in countdown mode...

Profiler

[movie zombie]

howdy!

I don't like polymer guns at all....why: I want the weight in my hand to help with recoil [depending on the pistol] but more to have the weight in my hand to remind me it is there and I've got a tool if play and destruction to be responsible for.

[Off the Roster]

Once you have more time in, muscle memory, and shooting muscles built try a few rental polymers and you may find that you shoot them better (than before). Steel guns have less muzzle jump from their weight. If you like steel, buy steel, but shoot as many different guns that you can get your hands on. Being safe and good with your gun is #1, but being able to pick up and shoot an assortment well is also a good skill to have.

There is also the middle ground of alloy.

[Off the Roster]

Thanks for all your input.

My avoidance of polymer is probably just a psych thing. The 2-3 guns I've shot that were polymer, I didn't shoot well. The all steel guns I've shot and the one I bought I shoot very well. It's just caught in my head, recoil, my (little) experience. All adds up to less confidence in polymer.

But just yesterday I bought my second, a Sig p239. It felt like butter in my hands! I'm now in countdown mode...

Profiler

Did you go to Oak Tree's Summer Blast Event? My credit card was seduced too!

[movie zombie]

lol, I don't like alloys either!

[BonnieB]

Everything has its pro's and con's. Everything.

I think it's true that steel guns are easier to shoot. But they're heavy and not easy to carry concealed. So, maybe an all-steel 1911 for fun and eventually competition shooting, and a smaller polymer in a high caliber to carry. Why polymer in a high caliber? Because the weight of the ammo actually stabilizes the gun for the first 7 rounds of a 10 round magazine. Really.

I split the difference, with an all steel Colt Mustang, .380. Which is totally contrary to what I just said. But not really. It's a balance between the weight of the gun and the weight of the ammo.

I wouldn't make a decision on a first gun until I had shot quite a few. Depending on where you are, you can put out a request in the Calguns local groups, for people to meet up with (always being very careful) who will let you shoot their guns. Expect to provide your own ammunition. People's generosity only goes so far.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Once you have more time in, muscle memory, and shooting muscles built try a few rental polymers and you may find that you shoot them better (than before). Steel guns have less muzzle jump from their weight. If you like steel, buy steel, but shoot as many different guns that you can get your hands on. Being safe and good with your gun is #1, but being able to pick up and shoot an assortment well is also a good skill to have.

There is also the middle ground of alloy.

^^^This.

Shoot and become familiar with as many different guns as you can. You'll eventually find which type of gun suit you best. And it could turn out that you'll like the polymer.

I too prefer the weight of an all metal gun, but I like the plastic stuff too. I'm an equal opportunity enthusiast.

[movie zombie]

and i'd add that your first gun may NOT be your carry gun.
you may buy something that you like to shoot and fits your hand but as BonnieB noted above find that you want something lighter as your CCW. remember: there is no such thing as the one perfect pistol for all scenarios.....and guns are like shoes/purses: one is never enough!

[DIVINE]

Welcome,
Bonnie said this earlier the S&W MP Shield is like heaven sent lol, my uncle let me shoot his when I went up to go visit him down in texas, talk about love at first sight. As for CCW in los angeles well thats a tough cookie that we all (anyone in the los angeles county) are battling.