Need advice on a 9mm

[Mrs.Osokne]

Greetings all!

I got the chance to shoot a few diff types of pistols this past weekend. A friend (whom I still thank in abundance) loaned us his 9mm, .40 and a .38. I had a blast shooting the .38 but feel more in tune with the 9mm.
I am a novice shooter and still just getting my feet wet with pistols. I am looking to purchase a 9mm as my primary handgun. I really don't want a Glock so I am looking into others.
Ladies(and gents), what is your primary handgun and what were the reasons you bought it? I want to know especially why you purchased a 9mm.

In other news, my new rifle went on it's maiden voyage! It shoots beautifully.
I still need to work on getting my shots nearer to the bullseye but dang, if I had a body target, every shot would have been a kill shot

Thanks in advance ladies and gents

[jdewolf]

My honest suggestion would be to goto the range and rent as many 9mm handguns as you can. Everybody is built different and has their own unique preferences.

I have a G17, and I purchased it because it was one of the first 9mm's I tried. I'd always goto the range and rent 2-3 guns and the G17 was my "reference" from pretty much the moment I rented it. I.e. it was my favorite and I'd compare all others to it.

I went 9mm because the ammo is cheap and in abundant supply. There are other advantages such as increased capacity, etc... but they don't apply so much here in CA. Thank you 10rd magazines. Plus with a modern and quality HP's the focus is on shot placement as opposed to "my bullet is bigger than your bullet" type of BS.

[bjl333]

what is your primary handgun and what were the reasons you bought it? I want to know especially why you purchased a 9mm.

I echo jdewolf on gun rental.

I bet my llife on a Sig P228, its the gun that gels with me the best. I am sure lots of people would recommand it, but it has to fit your hands and style of shooting. BTW, Did you take any shooting instructions? Arm with the knowledge of a good pistol class, your views might change as to what you thought you liked.

I agree with jdewolf again on 9mm ammo cost. The more bang for your buck trigger time the better you will understand your gun. A 40 might kill better, but the shells will kill your wallet better also. There is nothing that can replace lots of good practice time. Dry firing can teach trigger control but actual firing a gun will help you bond with your gun.

Glad you found Calguns !!! Welcome.

[Steyrlp10]

Mrs. O, you have gotten great advice so far, and as one of the girls responding to you, you won't go wrong with trying out as many different models in the 9mm as you can. In the long run, you'll save money and not lock yourself in with a gun that you don't really like.

Personally, I don't own a gun in that caliber because I don't compete with one. However, I've shot my GF's XD and as I've mentioned in other threads, it's a nice gun straight out of the box. I prefer it over a Glock. For me, it shoots low, but is still accurate. The only thing I don't like are guns with fixed sights, but that's me.

My better half has an XD in the .45. Same thing -- shoots nice -- and I like it better than his Glock in a .45.

You're the one who needs to be comfortable with the grip and weight of whatever gun you choose. Look at the process like buying shoes

Have fun... you'll enjoy killing all those targets in your quest!

[Recession]

I agree with everyone else. Try before you buy. I HIGHLY recommend you try out the CZ 75 series. Shoots like a dream!

[stphnman20]

I agree with all of the above.

My first handgun was a G19. Compact and cheap ammo is what caught my eye.

[hefedehefe]

I bought an XD40 because it fits nice in my hand. I bought a 9mm drop in barrel so I can shoot both. I use it in 9mm most the time because I shoot better with nine than .40 So I would recomend going with the XD9 for you. However, if you want to try something supper sick. Get yourself and mpa930 or it's begger brother. Love that gun and it's really really acurate

[onequickshift]

MrsOsokne, I originally way way back when, was looking at a Kimber concealable pistol as well a hog. Fired them a few times and liked them, didn't like capacity. Anyways, I settled on a Glock 26 cause munitions as many have just stated is cheaper and abundant.

Yesterday I left intending to get a Glock 21, I shot at the range a few fire arms, each with variants in 9 40 and 45. Honestly I don't like 40 much but thats just me. Anyways, after firing all the guns, from Kahr, Sig, Glock, etc. I decided for fit and price, atm. I went with a Springfield Armory. Don't get me wrong, I love my G26, its small stubby cute in a retarded blocky kind of way. Yes I said cute. I didn't go with the Glock 21 because it was freaking huge! It didn't feel right in my hands. So thats what put me off. The 1911's I fired in 45 and 40 weren't hard to handle at all, and I have near no muscle aha! I went on the scale this morning I am 87 pounds barely 5-1 or 5-2 in height lol. I ended up buying a Springfield XD45. Why you may ask? Well the glock felt like a huge block in my hand, not the same feeling from a 26, So I opted against it. And again as some stated its not size that matters its placement in end situation. Well I can control the XD better than the glock, dunno why, so please from anyone else no flaming.

The XD45 fit the web of my hand as well my fingers could firmly grasp around its handle like a 1911, the glock made itself sit in my hand like I was trying to strangle it. However now I have realized for my Pistols? I will be going with 9mm and 45acp all the time. These will be my trade offs between back and forth. Try as many guns as you can, I was fortunate enough that my bf's friend had a stockade full of guns. Crazy guy! lol.

My own shopping list now is still going to get a G23 just for the hell of it, may be my only 40sw pistol. But a G19, XD9sc, smith&wesson small revolver .357, springfield armory 1911 45acp. Sig 220 45acp, sig 556/22 plinker, custom ar build, an ar pistol. And lastly a rifle in .308 of some kind, before it was between socomII and repr, but after trying to play with a repr, I don't like how one removes or replaces the magazine, as well, how to release the bolt/action? It pinched me pretty good oddly when sales guy was showing it to me. I am thinking maybe the rifle was just really screwy. But eh. Repr isn't exactly affordable, but still looking for something that eats .308 in autoloading form. Lastly got a pump shotgun from big five sporting goods, now I am looking at a semi auto version. Mossberg has this nasty looking little "tactical" version with a crendilated tip, ganna look into that guy. I am not so quick with the pump, Maybe its cause I am not that strong, as well the whole holding the button by the trigger guard, while pulling back, is ganna take me some time to get used too...wish I was bigger.

But thats me. Enjoy the process of finding which and what gun you want! It is a fun experience! I am loving it!

[9mmepiphany]

can we take that you didn't like the Glock because of the polymer frame or it's lack of a hammer?

one of the best buy's right now are the LE trade-in Sig P6 (LE version of the Sig 225) which are going for <$400. They have an alloy frame and a DA/SA trigger...very accurate and reliable.

if you're looking for something a little larger, there are still some used Sig 226s out there for <$450

If you don't mind polymer, but just want a hammer and DA/SA capability the SigPro 2022 is a great buy at ~$400

for something smaller, I'd recommend you take a look at the Kahr line...excellent quality and workmanship

[ilsrwy27]

What do you mean by 'primary handgun'? Is that goig to be range and home defense? Are you going to carry it at some point down the road? My wife and I shoot mostly 9mm. The ammo is reasonnably priced, it does the job, allow for good magazine capacity and the low recoil helps with fast return on target.

[Mrs.Osokne]

Thanks for all the suggestions The nearest places I can rent is in Vacaville or Millpitas. I do want to try several types of 9mm's until I find one that fits my hand and shooting style.

ilsrwy27: By primary handgun, I mean which one do you find you pick up the most often? Which one are you the most comfortable with?

Kahr and Sig seem to be the most popular here...I'll check them out Thanks again everyone!

[Steyrlp10]

Thanks for all the suggestions The nearest places I can rent is in Vacaville or Millpitas. I do want to try several types of 9mm's until I find one that fits my hand and shooting style.

ilsrwy27: By primary handgun, I mean which one do you find you pick up the most often? Which one are you the most comfortable with?

Kahr and Sig seem to be the most popular here...I'll check them out Thanks again everyone!

You'll like the Tubbs who own Center Mass in Vacaville -- if you haven't met her yet. Mrs. Tubbs is a shooter and very supportive of women getting into the shooting sports.

[pinwheels]

Thanks for all the suggestions The nearest places I can rent is in Vacaville or Millpitas. I do want to try several types of 9mm's until I find one that fits my hand and shooting style.

Not sure what they have at Vacaville. Bullseye in San Rafael has a bunch of pistols in the rental case, including lots of 9mm. When I was looking, they had various versions of Glock, XD, Beretta, Sig, H&K, S&W. Maybe others. Call and ask what's currently available if you don't find a full catalog in Vacaville.

[angelina]

I have a glock 19 9mm. I've shot a lot of 40's and 9mm's and I can honestly say that I love the way my glock shoots. I wanted a 92fs but when comparing them with the glock - i found the glock was superior. I really didnt want a glock at first...i thought they were kind of meh...but it seriously grew on me. i'd suggest going to a range and renting a bunch of their guns and seeing what fits you the best.


best of luck, girl!

[jdewolf]

I have a glock 19 9mm. I've shot a lot of 40's and 9mm's and I can honestly say that I love the way my glock shoots. I wanted a 92fs but when comparing them with the glock - i found the glock was superior. I really didnt want a glock at first...i thought they were kind of meh...but it seriously grew on me. i'd suggest going to a range and renting a bunch of their guns and seeing what fits you the best.


best of luck, girl!

My buddy just bought a 92FS. I liked everything about it other than the location of the safety. Regardless...

Glock Girls =