9MM pistol short list

[Sneakshot92]

Hi all, after taking in suggestions on an earlier post and lots of research I've made my short list to take to the local rent-a-range. Here it is in no particular order:

1. Ruger Security-9
2. Taurus G3
3. Canik TP9sf
4. Smith & Wesson SD9VE
5. 3rd gen S&W police trade-in, most likely a 6906

My wild card if I wait a couple months longer is a CZ75 Compact.

Thanks to all who provided suggestions!!

 

[LiveLife]

If you liked Canik TP9sf, why not Walther Creed? BTW, Creed is hammer fired, like CZ75 compared to striker fired choices.

Good choices on Ruger Security 9 and Taurus G3.

I would replace SD9VE with M&P 2.0 if you want accuracy.

 

[Kleanbore]

What is the design envelop?

 

[jmohme]

What is your intended use for the gun? Self defense, Range toy, or a mix of both?

I think any of the ones you list would be fine, but my personal preference would be your wild card.
I have a full size CZ75b and I'm the compact would be a good gun I am sure.
The only drawback I have experienced to the CZ is that they are addicting.

 

[triplebike]

1 & 3 would be my choice. Walther Creed is a good recommendation and I've owned 5 "just superb" CZ75's.

 

[Sneakshot92]

What is your intended use for the gun? Self defense, Range toy, or a mix of both?

I think any of the ones you list would be fine, but my personal preference would be your wild card.
I have a full size CZ75b and I'm the compact would be a good gun I am sure.
The only drawback I have experienced to the CZ is that they are addicting.

Definitely a mix of both, with a bit more of an emphasis on vehicle carry and home defense. In due time a Kahr CT9 is going to be my IWB concealed carry pistol. In the meantime if I go with the CZ i'll probably be looking for a shoulder rig for CC.

 

[Sneakshot92]

What is the design envelop?

There really isn't much of one besides Glock 19 sized, double stack & either striker-fired or DA/SA or SAO with a manual safety. I'm trying to be as open minded as I can since I don't have as much experience with semi-autos as I do revolvers.

 

[JTQ]

There really isn't much of one besides Glock 19 sized, double stack & either striker-fired or DA/SA ...

Some polymer framed DA/SA guns

SIG SP2022 https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/sp2022/

Beretta PX4 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/pisto...698.647521965.1582835041-915413318.1581883612

HK USP/P2000/P30 https://hk-usa.com/product/pistols/

I like S&W metal frame Traditional Double Action (TDA) pistols, and if this were 1990, I'd say the S&W 6906 would be a great choice. However, they've been out of production for about 20 years and S&W no longer supports them. They are very solid guns, and pretty durable, but I'd not count on a gun that is out of production and no longer supported by the maker.


Edit to add: I had to find your other thread ( https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/inexpensive-9mm.864215/ ), since you didn't specify in this thread exactly what you were looking for. The key feature, at least to me, was the "sub-$400" price. That will eliminate the Beretta PX4 and HK models I mentioned above.

 

[TomJ]

I have a few CZ's. I'd wait and go with the CZ 75 Compact or the PCR, the lightweight version. Add the Cajun Gun Works ultra lite trigger kit for $49 and it's reliable and accurate with a fantastic trigger.

https://cajungunworks.com/product/54420-ultra-lite/

 

[Sneakshot92]

Some polymer framed DA/SA guns

SIG SP2022 https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/sp2022/

Beretta PX4 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/pisto...698.647521965.1582835041-915413318.1581883612

HK USP/P2000/P30 https://hk-usa.com/product/pistols/

I like S&W metal frame Traditional Double Action (TDA) pistols, and if this were 1990, I'd say the S&W 6906 would be a great choice. However, they've been out of production for about 20 years and S&W no longer supports them. They are very solid guns, and pretty durable, but I'd not count on a gun that is out of production and no longer supported by the maker.


Edit to add: I had to find your other thread ( https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/inexpensive-9mm.864215/ ), since you didn't specify in this thread exactly what you were looking for. The key feature, at least to me, was the "sub-$400" price. That will eliminate the Beretta PX4 and HK models I mentioned above.

I'll admit that I forgot to specify that if I purchased any of #'s 1-5 it would be a short term "duty" (for lack of a better term) gun with the intent to shift it to more of a range gun after another planned purchase.

 

[jmohme]

Definitely a mix of both, with a bit more of an emphasis on vehicle carry and home defense. In due time a Kahr CT9 is going to be my IWB concealed carry pistol. In the meantime if I go with the CZ i'll probably be looking for a shoulder rig for CC.

Actually, my CZ75b carries quite nicely IWB in a stick Holster. It is not my EDC, but I did carry it a couple of days just to see how it did, and it comfortable and concealed well.
But then my everyday carry is a Glock 20. Compared to it, the CZ is a compact.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I like my Smith 5906 so the 6906 is its brother ,should serve you well.

 

[URIT]

I like the S&W 6906 for the home, vehicle, every day carry. You may still buy the KAHR down the road but until then the 6906 will fill all the roles.

The 6906 is accurate, reliable, and loads-out at 12+1 and is a superb EDC choice for IWB carry. There are plenty of parts available for most shooter's needs. I carried a 6906 for over a year in a Don Hume H715-M WC #28-1 RH open top for a round trigger guard with a Hughes Holsters 1.5 inch double stitched gun belt. I changed over to an S&W 3953 (I prefer DAO for EDC) and the holster and belt rig work with this gun too. I bought my 6906 on the big online gun broker site for $350 +$25 S&H + $25 FFL. I have a salt and pepper set in models 6906 & 6904.

Remember, these S&W Gen3 guns were engineered to take some abuse while used as duty weapons. Another $20 for new recoil spring and magazine springs and it was good to go for thousands of rounds. The trick is to get a lightly used gun. I think mine spent most of its life in a sock drawer.

You might have a hard time finding some of your 5 choices at the rental counter but it doesn't hurt to ask if the guy could put you in touch with someone who owns one. Check local pawn or gun shops too. You don't have to buy from them to see if a candidate fits your hand properly. Good luck!

 

[Spats McGee]

Hi all, after taking in suggestions on an earlier post and lots of research I've made my short list to take to the local rent-a-range. Here it is in no particular order:

1. Ruger Security-9
2. Taurus G3
3. Canik TP9sf
4. Smith & Wesson SD9VE
5. 3rd gen S&W police trade-in, most likely a 6906

My wild card if I wait a couple months longer is a CZ75 Compact.

Thanks to all who provided suggestions!!

I've shot exactly one pistol on that list, and it was your wild card. That said, the light bulb went on over my head about 3 rounds in and I thought, "Now I get it." The ergos were fantastic. But I've also had my eye on a 3rd Gen Smith for a while, so that might also be a possibility. Out of the ones you've listed, that is.

Definitely a mix of both, with a bit more of an emphasis on vehicle carry and home defense. In due time a Kahr CT9 is going to be my IWB concealed carry pistol. In the meantime if I go with the CZ i'll probably be looking for a shoulder rig for CC.

For your intended uses, there are a metric ton of good pistols out there. G19, M&P, M&P 2.0 Compact, Shield, G48, CZ P07C, P10C, ... It would help to know how you narrowed your list down to those specific pistols. You've got hammer-fired, striker-fired, polymer, steel .... a whole assortment of different features. It would also help to know your budget, if you don't mind sharing.

 

[George P]

Definitely a mix of both, with a bit more of an emphasis on vehicle carry and home defense. In due time a Kahr CT9 is going to be my IWB concealed carry pistol. In the meantime if I go with the CZ i'll probably be looking for a shoulder rig for CC.

I would look at the SIG 365 if you're looking at that Kahr. More capacity, nice and compact package for easy concealment.

 

[Sneakshot92]

I've shot exactly one pistol on that list, and it was your wild card. That said, the light bulb went on over my head about 3 rounds in and I thought, "Now I get it." The ergos were fantastic. But I've also had my eye on a 3rd Gen Smith for a while, so that might also be a possibility. Out of the ones you've listed, that is.

For your intended uses, there are a metric ton of good pistols out there. G19, M&P, M&P 2.0 Compact, Shield, G48, CZ P07C, P10C, ... It would help to know how you narrowed your list down to those specific pistols. You've got hammer-fired, striker-fired, polymer, steel .... a whole assortment of different features. It would also help to know your budget, if you don't mind sharing.

I guess i'm a little green at the art of the internet forum. My budget is shown in a post i made several days ago titled Inexpensive 9mm?.
This post was mainly to share the short list of sub $400 that I chose to try out and see what i like, plus one wild card to save for if i'm not comfortable with the others.
I'll also say again that i'm trying to be as open minded as possible to figure out what is right for me. The variety of different features is just a way to help me work that out better. My local FFl's all are in too much of a hurry to point out why they don't like certain guns instead of why they like the ones they like.

 

[Sneakshot92]

I would look at the SIG 365 if you're looking at that Kahr. More capacity, nice and compact package for easy concealment.

I'll have to check it out. The Kahr is mainly there because it's the only auto brand i have any experience with.

 

[Buckeye63]

I have 3 9mm pistols, that I truly diamonds in the rough... often overlooked.. but should not be underestimated ..

Taurus G2

SD9VE

Ruger P95

 

[George P]

I'll have to check it out. The Kahr is mainly there because it's the only auto brand i have any experience with.

I have the CM9 - nice smoooooth but looooong trigger pull that ain't bad, but the SIG is a LOT shorter, quick reset, and with the 12 round mag fits my hand perfectly. And now with a 15 round mag available, that would hold double your Kahr

 

[Spats McGee]

I guess i'm a little green at the art of the internet forum. My budget is shown in a post i made several days ago titled Inexpensive 9mm?.
This post was mainly to share the short list of sub $400 that I chose to try out and see what i like, plus one wild card to save for if i'm not comfortable with the others.
I'll also say again that i'm trying to be as open minded as possible to figure out what is right for me. The variety of different features is just a way to help me work that out better. My local FFl's all are in too much of a hurry to point out why they don't like certain guns instead of why they like the ones they like.

Ah. I remember that one. For reference (yours, mine and other readers'), it can be found here: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/inexpensive-9mm.864215/

Hi all, after taking in suggestions on an earlier post and lots of research I've made my short list to take to the local rent-a-range. Here it is in no particular order:

1. Ruger Security-9
2. Taurus G3
3. Canik TP9sf
4. Smith & Wesson SD9VE
5. 3rd gen S&W police trade-in, most likely a 6906

My wild card if I wait a couple months longer is a CZ75 Compact.

Thanks to all who provided suggestions!!

The list does look like a good variety of things to rent, to figure out what you like. I have to give you that. When I read the list (and I apparently didn't read carefully, because you were certainly clear enough), I read it as a list of possible contenders for purchase. I would make some pretty significant changes to that list, were it for purchasing, and less for experimentation.

For the jack-of-all-trades gun (CC, range gun, truck gun, etc.), I think you'll find it hard to beat a compact-class polymer. This will include the G19, M&P, the SD9VE, Ruger Security 9, SR9c, etc. Those pistols are large enough to shoot well, but small enough to conceal. The caliber/capacity/weight/target-radius calculus is about as it gets. The downside is that they're jacks of all trades, master of none. There's always a pistol that has a longer sight radius, or more capacity, or is a better target gun, or .... or .... or.... But if you want one gun that does it all reasonably well, this is the sweet spot, IMHO.

If you're planning on carrying regularly, I would absolutely add a Shield to that list. It's not a secret that I'm a big fan of my Shield, and (again IMHO) it's one of the best values in carry pistols on the market today. Mine eats everything I feed it, shoots like a bigger gun, and is capable of better accuracy than I've been able to wring out so far.

So, free advice being worth what you pay for it, and all that .... YMMV.

 

[hotshot357]

Take a "good look" at the CZ's. I bought a stainless 75 B and I simply LOVE it !!!!

 

[Sneakshot92]

Ah. I remember that one. For reference (yours, mine and other readers'), it can be found here: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/inexpensive-9mm.864215/

The list does look like a good variety of things to rent, to figure out what you like. I have to give you that. When I read the list (and I apparently didn't read carefully, because you were certainly clear enough), I read it as a list of possible contenders for purchase. I would make some pretty significant changes to that list, were it for purchasing, and less for experimentation.

For the jack-of-all-trades gun (CC, range gun, truck gun, etc.), I think you'll find it hard to beat a compact-class polymer. This will include the G19, M&P, the SD9VE, Ruger Security 9, SR9c, etc. Those pistols are large enough to shoot well, but small enough to conceal. The caliber/capacity/weight/target-radius calculus is about as it gets. The downside is that they're jacks of all trades, master of none. There's always a pistol that has a longer sight radius, or more capacity, or is a better target gun, or .... or .... or.... But if you want one gun that does it all reasonably well, this is the sweet spot, IMHO.

If you're planning on carrying regularly, I would absolutely add a Shield to that list. It's not a secret that I'm a big fan of my Shield, and (again IMHO) it's one of the best values in carry pistols on the market today. Mine eats everything I feed it, shoots like a bigger gun, and is capable of better accuracy than I've been able to wring out so far.

So, free advice being worth what you pay for it, and all that .... YMMV.

I had intended to lump the shield in with the sd9ve or G3 depending on with or without a safety. But i'll certainly heed good advice.

 

[Sneakshot92]

Take a "good look" at the CZ's. I bought a stainless 75 B and I simply LOVE it !!!!View attachment 896116

She's purdy!! Makes me wonder if the compact is available in stainless. With my smaller hands I'd probably have an easier time with it over the full size.

 

[Spats McGee]

I had intended to lump the shield in with the sd9ve or G3 depending on with or without a safety. But i'll certainly heed good advice.

Fair enough. Just bear in mind that the SD9VE and the G3 are both quite a bit larger than the Shield.

 

[needmorecowbell]

If criteria is under 400 the XD has to be on the list. Great gun for the money.