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Sidearms & Scatterguns Looking for a 9mm?

BenY 2013

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 23, 2012
1,296
16
29
SW Arkansas
I've been wanting a 9mm handgun for a while and I am trying to decide what I want exactly and thought I would ask your opinions.

I want: 9mm
Rail for mounted light
To be able to upgrade to a threaded barrel for suppressor
Reliable and accurate.
Like to keep it under $550

I have a couple guns in mind.
Taurus PT1911 in 9mm (I know it doesn't meet all the needs there, but hey its a 1911)
Steyr M9-A1 (possibly my favorite so far)
Springfield XD series.

I am not really a glock fan, don't take it personal just not my cup of tea. So anybody have any suggestions? They'd be much appreciated! Thanks
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

S&W M&P

Meets all criteria and a superior product to everything on your list.

9mm 1911s are not as common and Taurus has not had the best reputation with their 1911 series as the initial hype tried to give them. Also 1911s are a very different style from polymer striker duty style pistols. Taurus doesn't make a railed one, and your budget doesn't leave much room for other brands either.

I had a Steyr M40 where the trigger failed completely, otherwise the gun was very unimpressive and was very different ergonomically than other duty style pistols (odd trigger, grip angle, short slide height, etc). The XDs are very unimpressive junk, the XDm is a considerable improvement, but still largely considered inferior to the Glocks and M&Ps.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSwift</div><div class="ubbcode-body">S&W M&P

Meets all criteria and a superior product to everything on your list.</div></div>

KSwift nailed it.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I would seriously consider a Walther PPQ. Meets all of your criteria including price (if you shop around), but has better ergonomics and a better trigger than any striker-fired handgun out there. It's truly phenomenal. I picked one up a few months ago and can safely say it is the best striker pistol I've ever handled and shot, and I've handled and shot pretty much all of them.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

M&P9

You might be able to find an HK USP9 used for that, but you would be much happier with the M&P.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

So it looks like I should look into the M&P series. Never really seen alot on them and kind of forgot they had that model out. Can I get a threaded barrel for it?

I so wish I could afford an HK USP9 that would be top of the list if I could! Thanks and keep the ideas coming please!
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So it looks like I should look into the M&P series. Never really seen alot on them and kind of forgot they had that model out. Can I get a threaded barrel for it?

I so wish I could afford an HK USP9 that would be top of the list if I could! Thanks and keep the ideas coming please! </div></div>

You can get a threaded bbl for S&W M&P 9.

Check this one out:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3587747#Post3587747
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

M&P or xd
NOT the other two.
xd's are not junk.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I don't say much, a lot good advice here, do not rule out a XD I have had on for about 8 years love mine. m&p also great
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Whatever you decide before you buy find a local gun range that rents pistols and try before you buy I liked the looks of several of the pistols mentioned but found several that did not fit my big fat clubs atthe end of my arms as well as others.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

M&P...I did a torture test on an M&P9 for a buddy of mine that works for Smith after they first came out...they supplied me with a pistol and 25k rounds of ammo...I can say in those 25k rounds i experienced zero failures...zero...Im a 1911 guy and I now own 5 M&Ps. They are a great pistol...
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

XD are not Junk, but they cost 60% too much, my HS2000 cost 189.95, they were later renamed XD, given a great marketing campaign, and now cost 500 bucks. If you can't give Glocks a try get a M&P.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Shop around. You might find a good, used, SIG 226 with rail for around $600. I bought one about a year ago through Gunbroker from a shop in Florida; came with an internal guide rod LASER I sold for $150 on that popular evil auction site. Used the money to buy a threaded barrel. Love SIGs.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.



</div></div>

Word.

I don't understand the comment that Glock is just not your cup of tea. Please explain. M&Ps are great guns. Problem is the trigger sucks. And there is no easy (any) fix.
Get the size of Glock that you want and then do whatever it takes to make it yours. That means if you are not comfortable with it stock, you can do lots to personalize it. Why write off the most reliable and durable handguns on the market that are also inherently accurate? Maybe you should try coffee instead of tea. You might find you actually like it better.

To be quite honest, I was like you. Wasn't a Glock guy. Bought M&Ps, XDms etc. Sold the M&Ps, the XDms are safe queens. A Glock is my constant companion. I don't leave home without it.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Glock 19 will def fit the budget better and has more options to customize. I personally like my 3.8 XDM. I installed TFO sights and a Storm Lake threaded barrel to mount my Osprey. heck of a good gun. Like the trigger better than my previous Glock. Having said that the Glock is one hell of a gun.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

There are several aftermarket companies that sell threaded M&P barrels, but S&W themselves sells a factory M&P9 with a threaded barrel, if you like completely stock guns.

XD/XDms are both grossly overpriced, and the XDs are absolute junk. I've personally had three (3) XDs with critical part failures. NONE of them were due to OOBs, all from casual misuse and stress. One had a frame crack inside of the top of the trigger guard, the other two had broken control parts. Granted the frame crack was from the gun and box getting knocked off a workbench, but Glocks & M&Ps don't break that easy. (And yes, I've checked to make sure)

At the shop, we sent back more XDs under warranty than any other gun except Kel-Tec and Taurus. Now I understand that the XDm is a vastly improved product, but the old style XD's are junk. Like someone else said before, simply a rebranded Croatian HS2000 indigenous cheap design.

As for the trigger argument, I and most of the competitive shooters I know VASTLY prefer the trigger of the M&P over Glocks and XD/XDms. Most of us including me hate the damn trigger safety lever that sticks out of the blade. The M&P has a smooth faced hinged trigger which has the same safety function but gives you a MUCH better trigger pull.

You need to go shoot or AT LEAST dry fire a Glock/XD to see if you like that dumb lever on the inside of the trigger. 1911 shooters and precision rifle shooters tend not to.

And as for the last guy saying Glock fits the budget better, that's straight bullsh!t. S&W M&Ps have a lower dealer cost, lower street price, and lower MSRP than equivalent Glock Gen3 models. Gen4 Glocks are EVEN more expensive than M&Ps.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

If you don't mind buying a used gun you could pick up a HK USP for $500. I own 2 of them (.40 & 45). The 40 has over 20,000 rounds through it and never experienced and type of failure. The 45 I bought used last year from someone on HKpro.com. They do make factory theaded barrels. The only issue you might have is they have their own rail design and need a adapter to mount any light besides the HK one. The P30 has a standard rail but will cost a little more.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

CZ has exactly what you are looking for. Take a gander at the cz 75 p07 duty. It has good sights, you can get it with a threaded barrel, it has a rail and it has one of the best trigger I have ever felt from a factory gun. You will be impressed with trigger reset. There is also the sp01 phantom. But I don't know if it comes with a threaded barrel. The p07 is cheaper. Local gun shop quoted a friend last night, 499 out the door.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

+1 on the m&p and on 9mm cal, glock or sig also fine
screw the taurus, esp
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boomer@#$</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M&Ps are great guns. Problem is the trigger sucks. And there is no easy (any) fix. </div></div>

The Apex trigger makes the M&P awesome and it is easy to install. Also, add the RAM and the trigger rest is great. Changes the M&P completely.

I had a G17 and unfortunately for me it was a lemon. I sold it for a loss and purchased a Sig. Every since that first G17 I have never looked back. Never planed on purchasing tuperware gun until I saw and shot the S&W M&P that already had the Apex trigger and RAM. I knew when purchasing the M&P that I was getting the Apex kit right away never even fire a round with the standard trigger.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

PM sent on the M&P...
smile.gif


Mike
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I picked up a M&P a couple months ago and really like it. I have also owned a Steyr and their sights take some getting use to.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I am a long time glock shooter and competitor and i would highly recommand the SW M&P
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I picked up an M&P with a threaded barrel (awesome price) to run with my osprey. I've managed to get a couple failures running the suppressor though (my HK's have never had any failures), so maybe the M&P needs a little bit tougher spring when running suppressed. Also, you won't be able to see over the front sites, and there are more high sight options for Glocks and HKs vs the M&P.

I think M&Ps can be wicked awesome, but I think you're going to break your budget going M&P over glock for something you really want to run with a suppressor.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Nothing at all wrong with the XD series of pistols. I am not the Taurus fan I used to be because of some spotty quality issues I have had with some of their pistols. I have not had any experience with the Smith & Wesson M&P's, but I do have experience with other Smith & Wesson pistols and have always been satisfied. Take a look at the M&P series too.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not really a glock fan, don't take it personal just not my cup of tea. </div></div>

Apparently a handful of people are taking it personally - might was well post you want a truck, but not a Chevy...

An M&P sounds like your best bet, but I might keep an eye out for a used Sig P226 as well. You'll be plenty happy either way.

John
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

No questions asked lay your hands on a Glock 19 9mm. This is the best for daily CCW carry and the needs for home/self defense categories in my experience..Now let's start the storm!!!
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhnmdahl</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not really a glock fan, don't take it personal just not my cup of tea. </div></div>

Apparently a handful of people are taking it personally - might was well post you want a truck, but not a Chevy...

An M&P sounds like your best bet, but I might keep an eye out for a used Sig P226 as well. You'll be plenty happy either way.

John </div></div>

I don't like Chevy either lol, I'm a Ford man...just am! Not looking to start a big debate but that is just how I am!

I was at a cabelas this weekend and got to handle the Steyr and I really liked the grip angle and the sights. Still not sure what I'll get but I did like it!
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I bought a M&P with threaded barrel for the same price. Came with two barrels about $560. Trigger fix is very easy. APEX makes a trigger kit. I bought mine at Scottsdale Gun club and they stocked the APEX.

No brainer if you want threaded.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

Another vote for the M&P 9 it is a very reliable and comfortable gun. The trigger reset is a bit mushy but not terrible. See how you like it and get an aftermarket trigger if it doesn't work for you. S&W has managed to carve a significant chunk out of Glocks market with the M&P line.

I'll add that I was not a fan of Glock until I tried the Gen4. The smaller frame makes it fit the hand a bit easier and dosn't quite have as much of that obnoxious glock grip angle.

The XD was a great alternative to the Glock when it came out and I recommended it to a lot of folks. However I recommend the S&W now. The XD hasn't suddenly become a bad gun, the M&P is just a better gun.

Let us know what you got when you finally pull the trigger, or this thread will rise from the grave many times.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

As a former XD owner, its not a bad pistol at all. I traded mine because (I.m.o.) a glocks trigger is better, and the glock 19 ended up carrying better (more comfortable) as well. I have limited trigger time on m&p's but it was a very nice piece. It was an earlier one and the trigger was atrocious. (Since then s&w has fixed that problem.) In the ended, you should at least consider a glock. Either way you will be happy in the end with either a glock or m&p.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

I have a Browning (BDM) a Glock and two XDMs.

The Browning sits in the safe these days. Really nice to carry, feels good, just downright uncomfortable to shoot and not very accurate.

The Glock just didn't fit my hand and not very accurate.

The 5.25" XDM shot okay (better groups than the Glock). The 3.8" XDM shoots as good as the 5.25" comp. model and is easier to hide/carry.

The Glock grips and trigger just didn't work for me. I've removed the darn finger bumps my fingers sit on top of and bought a grip force adaptor to fill that empty spot between the web of my hand and the back to the frame up near the slide. The trigger pull is better than the XDMs but the safety lever does not pull flush with the rest of the trigger and that makes it feel funny/uncomfortable to shoot. I need to do some filing on that thing so it goes flush with the trigger like the XDMs.

The Glock mags can be bought (on sale) cheaper than the XDM magazines. If you want to work at improving the trigger through additional purchased parts the Glock can be fixed much cheaper than the XDM.

I can't help but feel more comfortable with the XDM due to that grip safety though.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSwift</div><div class="ubbcode-body">S&W M&P

Meets all criteria and a superior product to everything on your list. </div></div>

I agree. Nothing better. In that price range of course. If you end up spending more there is nothing better than a Sig 226, imo.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.



</div></div>

Learning how to shoot a Glock requires decent sights and a new barrel. Get a CZ or FNX-9. I've got a FNX-45 myself, nearly as accurate at 20 yards as my early Kimber, can carry condition one like 1911, has DA/SA option, great ergos, and battle quality. Way more accurate than any other off the shelf poly gun at same price or below. XDm may be close, can't speak for hk, as they are higher.

Forget Sig and Glock, stick with CZ or FNX, your hands will thank you and your groups will look better.

Edit: I know you can get threaded barrels for the FNX-45, not sure on the 9 from factory, but there are aftermarket makers.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.



</div></div>

Learning how to shoot a Glock requires decent sights and a new barrel.. </div></div>

so much b.s in that statement....
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.



</div></div>

Learning how to shoot a Glock requires decent sights and a new barrel.. </div></div>

so much b.s in that statement....



</div></div>

Really? Please explain with more than that lame line.

Glock barrels suck almost as bad as the factory sights. If it can't group at or beyond 15 yards, it better fit in my pocket. Adj. sights is all my 92fs needed to be 4"-5" at 25, and first range trip my FNX-45 was doing that bone stock rapid fire. No way the 2 g19's I had could do that with factory barrel, even with Adj. sights.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K_4c</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.



</div></div>

Learning how to shoot a Glock requires decent sights and a new barrel.. </div></div>

so much b.s in that statement....



</div></div>


I'd say there's so much b.s. in this statement:

Learn how to shoot a glock....

G19 is THE all around best 9mm.

It implies you have to learn how to shoot a Glock differently than any other pistol. That logic alone shows your tunnel vision. Glock used to have the rep. for reliability, but those days are past. You could have the same reliability as gen 4 Glocks with much more accurate and ergonomics brands. What good are interchangeable backstraps if the ergos still suck.

These days you can have an m&p, XDm, CZ, or FNX that is just as reliable, more ergonomic and pleasant to shoot, and far more accurate.

The days of the g19 being THE best all around 9mm are over.
 
Re: Looking for a 9mm?

My Browning fits my hand but it just isn't accurate.

My Glock just doesn't fit my hand and isn't very accurate.

My XDM fits my hand a little better and the groups are better than the Glock.

I picked up an S&W M&P at the gunshow the other day and it will be my next handgun purchase. It fit my hand better than the Glock or the XDM. Just have to see how it will shoot.