Try this large stickied thread on the same topic. Merged.
I just received my Massachusetts Class A license today and figured that I would ask the fine members of this board if they had any experience with a number of the handguns that I am considering purchasing for my first weapon. So far I've been looking at the M&P 9, Smith and Wesson SW99, Glock 19 and the Ruger SR9....any ideas? I would be using it for concealed carry/home defense.
Try this large stickied thread on the same topic. Merged.
M&P 9 - A better bet is the M&P in .40. that's the round the gun was designed around. The problems found with the M&Ps are primarily in the 9s because of slide speed. But S&W is working those bugs out. I like the M&P a lot
SW99 - NO.
Glock 19 - Yes. Bulletproof.
SR9 - I've played with one, but never shot one. It doesn't do anything better than the Glock and doesn't have Glock's rep.
As with all handgun info, YMMV.
Thanks digrar, I probably should have looked around before posting.
@Laconian...thanks for the advice, I've considered the Sig P239 as well
My favorite 9mm pistol is the Glock 19.
Sounds good, Im also trying to consider something that I can conceal on my person (5' 7" 170 pounds)
A Glock 19 is easily concealable on somebody your size. If you need smaller, M&P comes in a 9C or a Glock 26. A good belt, IWB holster and some sensible clothing choices and you can carry a G19 & a spare mag or 2 all day long
Thanks guys..
what about the 9mm Sigma? Friend carries one for work and was looking to get rid of it, as his company just mandated Glocks, and he has an M&P 40C for his personal weapon.
Last edited by Whitcomb; 10-14-2011 at 11:10 PM.
Sig Sauer P226 Stainless Elite (9mm) with Streamlight TLR-1...
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Hey guys I've been frequenting this site for several years now and just got an account a few months ago so bare with me on my first thread.
Anyway, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati last Spring and just got my own place that happens to be in a sketchy area of town, so later on this week I'm heading back to my local gunshop and I'm planning to replace my Ruger SR9 with a .40 of some sort. I've narrowed my choices down to 3 different guns based on performace and of course, aesthetics (c'mon who doesn't like a nice looking gun? ). So I would like to get some input from someone who has experience with any of these pistols I've listed below.
I've been looking up the Springfield XD, the CZ 75 Compact, and the new FN FNS (all in .40). If you would like to persuade me otherwise to a different caliber be my guest but I've done a fair amount of research and I feel comfortable with the .40 S & W.
Hope to hear from you guys soon.
Many handgun ranges rent guns. Try to find one nearby that rents some or all of these firearms and try them out. Nothing beats actually shooting the pistols before you buy.
FN makes very nice pistols for a reasonable amount of money, but as Six and Hollis said, try one out to get a feel for what is comfortable for you.
I have the FNX-9 and I love it to death. I have also fired a M&P9, XDM 9, and Glock 17. Glocks are chunky and not ergonomic for people with smallish hands, XDMs look ugly to me, and the M&P9 I just didn't haven enough information on at the time, or else I would have bought that.
Also, don't think a 9mm handgun has less stopping power than a .40 or .45 ACP. 9mm is also is cheaper to practice. It is not the firearm, but rather the user that makes the difference. Make sure you get plenty of range time with it (minimum, once a month) and you know how to react to worse case scenarios (jams, misfires, etc).
Most Glocks fit this description, however the Glock 19 & 23 fit people with small hands better than most pistols. I recommend these pistols to people with smaller hands specifically for that reason.
----------I agree that practice is the most important thing by far, but I disagree about all major calibers being 'the same'. My philosophy is to carry the most powerful firearm I can shoot welll and conceal adequately. I am going to change from a Glock 27 .40 to a Glock 29 10mm as soon as I can afford to buy a new pistol and holsters. You take every edge you can get to bump the odds in your favor as much as possible.Also, don't think a 9mm handgun has less stopping power than a .40 or .45 ACP. 9mm is also is cheaper to practice. It is not the firearm, but rather the user that makes the difference. Make sure you get plenty of range time with it (minimum, once a month) and you know how to react to worse case scenarios (jams, misfires, etc).