Handgun Question

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Whaler

Whaler

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Joined
Aug 16, 2005
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Location
Sequim, WA, USA.
I am in the market for a 9mm handgun and have been doing some research. I have narrowed the field down to 4.
1) Walther PPQ
2) Beretta PX4 Storm
3) S&W M&P 9
4) Ruger SR9
I would be interested in any of your thoughts and suggestions.
 
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I don't have that ruger. Had mine so long I don't remember off hand what it is but it has never let me down. Built well and solid guns. I'll have to dig it out and find out What it is.
 
Dick, I saw you didn't have the Glock 19 included. Just wondering why...no argument intended, nothing like that...just curious. I have a Beretta and Browning. Both are solid, fired frequently, have never let me down and were, at time of purchase...affordable. For ease of strip down and cleaning...the Browning wins.
 
I suggest you ask that question here. If I had to choose between your four, it would be #3. Better yet would be #3 in .40SW, and most better yet would be a Smith and Wesson revolver...

Tom
 
Dick please do not take this the wrong way because I have never met you or shook your hand. You are 74 years young, what kind of hand strength do you have and what will it be like in 5 or 10 years? Do you have arthritis? How strong is your wrist? Ok you do turn on a lathe so I would suspect that your hand and wrist strength is stronger than that of your peers. Looking at these things and still not knowing the answer to the questions, I would lead you towards the Walther. Not because it is better than the others but because of the floating barrel. You will have significantly less kick with the Walther and it is a gun that you should be able to use comfortably for many years to come.

I hope that this doesn't upset you - My next gun will be the Walther. I hate the kick of a gun and even more hate the shape of the tang link on the Kimber (Great gun but the tang bothers me). Less kick should mean a quicker and more accurate second shot. It also should mean that range time is more enjoyable.
 
IPD_Mr said:
Dick please do not take this the wrong way because I have never met you or shook your hand. You are 74 years young, what kind of hand strength do you have and what will it be like in 5 or 10 years? Do you have arthritis? How strong is your wrist? Ok you do turn on a lathe so I would suspect that your hand and wrist strength is stronger than that of your peers. Looking at these things and still not knowing the answer to the questions, I would lead you towards the Walther. Not because it is better than the others but because of the floating barrel. You will have significantly less kick with the Walther and it is a gun that you should be able to use comfortably for many years to come.

I hope that this doesn't upset you - My next gun will be the Walther. I hate the kick of a gun and even more hate the shape of the tang link on the Kimber (Great gun but the tang bothers me). Less kick should mean a quicker and more accurate second shot. It also should mean that range time is more enjoyable.
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You made a very good point and that is why the 1911 .45 is being retired. The Walther PPQ is by far my first choice.
 
Never used any of those you list but I did have a Springfield XD 9mm with the 5" barrel. Very good hand gun.
 
Dont forget the H&K USP!

If I had to choose it would be the Beretta but only because I've carried one as a duty pistol for 22 years. Mine is the 92SB, big heavy and pretty accurate.

I also have a Browning Model 35 that belonged to my father - don't carry it much because its single action but still a nice weapon.

What is the weapons intended purpose? If its for concealed carry, smaller and lighter is better - think plastic see thru guns :)

If its for home defense then I'd take number 5, the 8 shot Remington 12 guage!! :D
 
Then why not a .32 - a hit with a .32 is way better than a miss with a 9mm!!

Whaler said:
IPD_Mr said:
Dick please do not take this the wrong way because I have never met you or shook your hand. You are 74 years young, what kind of hand strength do you have and what will it be like in 5 or 10 years? Do you have arthritis? How strong is your wrist? Ok you do turn on a lathe so I would suspect that your hand and wrist strength is stronger than that of your peers. Looking at these things and still not knowing the answer to the questions, I would lead you towards the Walther. Not because it is better than the others but because of the floating barrel. You will have significantly less kick with the Walther and it is a gun that you should be able to use comfortably for many years to come.

I hope that this doesn't upset you - My next gun will be the Walther. I hate the kick of a gun and even more hate the shape of the tang link on the Kimber (Great gun but the tang bothers me). Less kick should mean a quicker and more accurate second shot. It also should mean that range time is more enjoyable.
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You made a very good point and that is why the 1911 .45 is being retired. The Walther PPQ is by far my first choice.
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A lot of the local police forces around here are switching their duty weapons to the S&W M&P in the .40caliber. I have a S&W .40 now and love it. My backup pieces are a Walther 9mm and a baby Beretta .22.

My everyday choice is a 5 shot Ruger .357 SP101 in stainless, I even have worn it swimming.
 
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My main choice is the S&W M&P 9C i've had it a litttle over a year and it has been flawless. I go to the range and never have any problems with any ammo i put through it. I recently picked up the new M&P 9 Shield, nice and compact carry gun and shoots well also. I've ran across a lot of shops where the workers have switch to the M&P as well.

Don Vann
 
My Choice

I own #3 in .40SW. Wow. it is one heck of a sweet tool. It is solid, well built and for a guy, doesn't buck too badly. Personally, I love it and won't be looking for a replacement for a while.

I have a friend who has a Beretta in 9mm, and he loves it like I love my S&W. I have fired it and it is a very nice gun. A lot less kick than the .40, but still, plenty of power.

Those 2 would be my top choices, though, honestly, for me, I would buy any of them if given the chance......

As for the Walther, I am still holding out for the original PPK in .380. That way, I can be "Bond, James Bond" :rolleyes:

Cdirto
 
I have never been to fond of the Beretta PX4 Storm. I much prefer the 92FS or M9. If it were my choice I would get an HK USP but not the newer model. In fact, I have both the USP 9mm and the 45 tactical. I prefer both to the Beretta.
 
Jim Burr said:
Dick, I saw you didn't have the Glock 19 included. Just wondering why...no argument intended, nothing like that...just curious. I have a Beretta and Browning. Both are solid, fired frequently, have never let me down and were, at time of purchase...affordable. For ease of strip down and cleaning...the Browning wins.
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Same here. If it came down to saving my life, I'd reach for a Glock 19 or Glock 23 (40 cal), every time. I have some really nice weapons, but when push comes to shove i'll alway reach for the old reliable.
 
This is something that is very difficult to recommend. First, go with a good quality name, and the 4 you listed are, but there are also others. Put them all in your hand and see what feels good.

What i would recommend is that you go with the ergonomics. Try each gun for fit in your hands - can you reach all the controls easily. Does the finger fit the trigger properly do you can pull straight back on the trigger. I think once you have a list of quality manufacturers, the hand ergonomics is the #1 factor - each model us shaped different and no 2 hands are the same. Good ergonomics also helps greatly with how the recoil feels to you (as does gun weight). If you are retiring the 45 due to recoil concerns, then I would recommend a steel frame as it will have more weight (less felt recoil) than a polymer/alloy gun.

Lastly, shoot it before you buy it to verify all of the above in YOUR hand. I good gun shop will rent you a gun, then deduct the price of the rental from the purchase price.

So, FYI on my background, I used to shoot very regularly and regularly attend pistol matches (USPSA) I shot 8k - 10k rounds a year between practice and matches. I shot in "production" division (unmodified factory guns) and shot a CZ 85 9mm. CZ 75 & 85 are known for very good ergonomics for a medium sized male hand, and are quality guns at an attractive price. My gun was ultra reliable.

Pick what you think you will shoot well. Having confidence in hitting what you are shooting at trumps all other concerns. 40 may technically be the ballistics winner, but 9mm is plenty competent and cheaper to shoot (i.e. meaning more practice for the same $) and less recoil can definitely help your shooting too.
 
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I personally own a Springfield XDM and am extremely happy with it. When I did the research, I couldn't find a bad word about the gun. It is available in 9, .40 and .45 and several barrel lengths. The XDM has a visual indicator showing if a round is chambered and if the gun is cocked. It also has a safety grip and safety trigger. Very light weight and 19 + 1 capacity in 9mm. I see a lot of them at the range.
 
Whaler said:
I am in the market for a 9mm handgun and have been doing some research. I have narrowed the field down to 4.
1) Walther PPQ
2) Beretta PX4 Storm
3) S&W M&P 9
4) Ruger SR9
I would be interested in any of your thoughts and suggestions.
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5) CZ 75B:wink:
 
Have you looked at the PPS? Being a 1911 guy myself, I find the narrow grip on it more natural than any of the double stack pistols. The PPS is a VERY nice shooter, too.

I like the rotating barrel design of the Beratta, and it and it's predecessor, the Cougar 8000 are very accurate pistols. The rotating action seems to absorb some of the recoil.

I don't personally like shooting the 10mm Kurz (that's what i call the .40 S&W) as another post mentioned. It's too snappy for me.

-Matt
 
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They are all good choices but my next gun is gonna be the PX4 storm. I hav'nt shot one yet but i love the way it feels in my hand. The walther would be my second option.
 
Dick,

You listed 4 good brands and probably wont go wrong with any of them. Im not fond of the 9mm cartridge or polymer guns. You also might consider a Glock. Its ugly but one of the most reliable out there.

My personal carry is a Kimber Crimson Carry Ultra 45.

Joe
 
As Soligen said: try it on first. Wrap your hand around it and see how it feels. Just like a hammer or a shoe....either it fits or it doesnt. I personally don't like the glock feel. The S&W M&P 9mm is sweet. It will be my next purchase. I think it does not have a safety. Check that out too.
 
soligen said:
and shot a CZ 85 9mm. CZ 75 & 85 are .....
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I once owned a CZ75 - wouldn't touch it with a barge pole! I bought it new, owned it for about a year and the coating started to wear. I was on the range (thank goodness) and the slide disappeared down towards the target after the locking pin snapped.

No thank you!
 
A big, big, big +1 for what Soligen said. So many of these companies make good reliable products, and you would have heard just from these replies if any of them were "suspect." I ultimately purchased a 9mm after firing plenty of 40S&W as well. I determined that the kick of the 40 would have been more problematic in a real emergency, than being able to control the 9mm quickly to get off another shot. But each person differs in their abilities.

After testing a whole case of guns at the gun range, plus many of my friends, I ended up with a Kahr MP9. Small and concealable, light and gave me the best accuracy. I am not suggesting it for everyone, but for me it was perfect.

I would not put a lot of stock in the fact that a certain gun is being used by law enforcement, or that more are going to that particular gun over others. There's plenty of politics that goes on with those gun "choices" and a huge discount price is often most of the "selection process."

I almost bought a Walther one time, because I like how if felt in my hand. I decided to rent it at the range, whenever I felt the need. They keep it clean and lubed, and I pay a few bucks whenever I want to use it! I hope this helps you decide.
 
As previously mentioned, go with what fits you....you can't go wrong with any of your options. Something else to consider is whether you're looking at a full size, compact, or subcompact, as experiences even within the same product line will differ between the models.

My duty carry is a Beretta 92, but I carry the sub-compact PX4 as a backup. I've found that the rotating barrel results in the 40S&W packing less punch than a 9mm in the 92 (both full size models).

That said, my off duty is a full size Kimber 1911.

All depends on what you're looking for. When you pick 'it' up, you'll know :)


Be safe,
Sam
 
OOPS said:
I would not put a lot of stock in the fact that a certain gun is being used by law enforcement, or that more are going to that particular gun over others. There's plenty of politics that goes on with those gun "choices" and a huge discount price is often most of the "selection process."
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True.
 
Look into a CZ75 P01. I bought mine as a classroom gun as I am an instructor. There have been thousands of rounds run through mine between my use & the students that have used it & is still in perfect condition. I never expected it to be my primary carry gun when I purchased it. I put it on more than my Sig, Beretta, Baby Eagle, etc. The P01 actually was designed for the Chek national police, and is a NATO standard firearm. I carry it teamed with a High-noon holster. I know at least a dozen long time shooters that have tried mine & gotten one for themselves.
 
Great advice from all around. I have shot all four and thought all four would be a good purchase. Of the four, I own the M&P and I have found the recoil to be light due to how low it sits in the hand while firing. Once you purchase, be sure to tell us what you bought and how you like it.
 
Whaler,
You will always get a lot of "advice" on guns...I am reaching the end of my LE career. I have carried many guns in my career. I currently carry on duty a Glock and love it. We recently had a class for the Commanders wives...my wife was not able to drop the slide via either method on my Glocks. She suffers from Myesthenia Gravis, a nuero musclar disease. Her hand strength is maybe 50 to 60% of normal. She eventually used a couple of revolvers I had "from the old days". And they worked well. I had a .38 SW Chief that I used to carry but she had difficulty with the stiff trigger pull. I have a model 66 SW 357 that she operated fine....in fact...I now sleep in my vest when she is mad at me.

I do have a 9mm Sig Sauer compact P232, that I carry a lot. It shoots better and easier than my Glocks. The mag exchanges are not as convenient as a combat carry weapon, as the mag release is on the bottom next to the mag. It is also kind of pricey at 950.00 but is truly the best weapon I ever carried and I have many guns, SW 40's, 4 different Glocks, Rugers, Colt 1911's and this one. Look at it sometime...
 
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I have the S&W 40 and have loved it for over 7 years BUT Mikes comment is why I am also looking for a different gun to carry. My wrists ache enough that range time is no fun either. Thanks for bringing this up as I am going to research your choice also. I know here in Utah that concealed weapon carriers get a lot of grief but it is worth it to protect my family if I can.
 
I noticed the LC9 is not on that list? If it's a range gun I understand, but for a CCW, the LC9 is pretty sweet! I have the LCP and it's a very comfortable, accurate, light weapon.
 
Woodnknots said:
I noticed the LC9 is not on that list? If it's a range gun I understand, but for a CCW, the LC9 is pretty sweet! I have the LCP and it's a very comfortable, accurate, light weapon.
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I guess I should have been more specific. My main use will be range and home defense with concealed carry last.
 
I have the SR9, good gun, very thin for a double stack. Had a trigger job done as the trigger was "gritty". I heard that the compact (SR9c) has a much better trigger and, if you plan to carry, more concealable.

I heard good things about the SW M&P, a bit big to carry but should be a quality gun.
 
This might be self-evident to you, and if so, then just ignore the post. However, if you plan to do a fair amount of range shooting, let me suggest you also have a good .22 as well. Learning and maintaining proficiency with handguns means regular repetition, and 9 mm ammo can get expensive if you shoot frequently. In contrast, a .22 is far more economical, yet still gives you the practice when it comes to aim, holding the gun still, etc. When I go to the range I always shoot my 9 mm so that I remember the recoil feel, but do plenty of shooting with my .22 as well. It keeps it economical enough that I can go more frequently. Incidentally, I thought it was advantageous, while learning, to shoot a .40 S&W too. The added kick gave me a bigger challenge to control, and then the 9 mm seemed easy to handle, in contrast.
 
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