Looking for a 9mm range gun.
- Thread starter chetrogers
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sig228
Member
Glock 19. Period. 15 round magazines. Gen 4 comes with three of them. Excellent all around home defense, concealed carry, all purpose gun. Tons of holsters and after market accessories. Rail for lasers and lights. No thumb safety, no grip safety. Nothing to fumble with in the middle of the night. Pick up, point and go!
Hurryin' Hoosier
Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2012
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- 635
CZ-75 or CZ-75 Compact, depending on personal preference and how big your hands are.
chetrogers
Member
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. This is great. I'm looking towards the CZ-75 and a Glock. I am going to hold them in a few days and see how my hand feels. I plan on waiting a month to buy one, just to make sure it will be a sure thing. I will be holding the other pistols that you guys have suggested. In 2004 I took a NRA First Steps Class and I used a Springfield XD-9 for the class. I hated the grip safety. My hands are short but still kinda fat. I remember not to liking the safety. Im still looking for more suggestions. Thanks for your time everyone.
JTQ
Member
I predict you will like the way the CZ feels in your hands. However, make sure you can reach the controls without having to rotate your hand. Moving the gun in the hand to reach the slide release, or the mag release are not big deals, but the trigger reach is long, and so is the reach to the thumb safety.
StrutStopper
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- Jul 5, 2011
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- 636
For a range gun, I'd get a CZ75 BD. The trigger reach is long with the hammer down, but it's better at half cock and just right in SA, at least for me. I don't have one yet, but I will get one for the range and maybe HD one day. Currently have the 75D PCR to carry because of the shorter barrel and lighter weight. I'd want the full size all steel model for a range gun.
earplug
Member
What game at the range?
What do you intend to play?
Figure cost of a good holster and magazines and mag carriers and good belt.
I'd look at what other shooters use.
What do you intend to play?
Figure cost of a good holster and magazines and mag carriers and good belt.
I'd look at what other shooters use.
Matt Dillon
Member
CZ75b or Beretta 92FS
chetrogers
Member
I'm still looking around "mainly till payday". But I have a question about a Glock 17 if anyone shoots them. How bad are the recoils vs the CZ 75. I can see that I might want less recoil, but if i practice with a low recoil will that just be bad when i shoot a gun with more recoil. I was thinking the c75, but maybe I should look at the Glock more.
Range gun, not for carry.
Range gun, not for carry.
rocksolid
Member
Range gun? Easy. Rock Island FS GI in 9mm. 2000+ rnds thru mine and nary a hiccup. Zero, zip, zilch, nadda! Very little felt recoil (my reloads). Lotsa bang for the buck.
JOMHO
JOMHOPGT
Member
Buds has the Tisa's 1911 in 9mm for $399 with "Make an Offer"; I played around and got it to $349. They offer a money back guarantee on them too.
aarondhgraham
Member
Another recommendation for the CZ-75B,,,
Another recommendation for the CZ-75B,,,
It's price of only $541.00 can't be easily beaten.
I have had mine for 3 years now,,,
I still haven't found any ammo it won't eat,,,
And it has the capability to be a competition quality pistol.
By that I mean it is has more accuracy than I can utilize.
An acquaintance who is an excellent shot,,,
Keeps quarter sized groups at 25 yards with mine.
Besides, they are just so danged sexy!
Aarond
.
Another recommendation for the CZ-75B,,,
It's price of only $541.00 can't be easily beaten.
I have had mine for 3 years now,,,
I still haven't found any ammo it won't eat,,,
And it has the capability to be a competition quality pistol.
By that I mean it is has more accuracy than I can utilize.
An acquaintance who is an excellent shot,,,
Keeps quarter sized groups at 25 yards with mine.
Besides, they are just so danged sexy!
Aarond
.
anothernewb
Member
Sti Spartan in 9mm.
mgmorden
Member
Just for shooting informally at the range - CZ-75. At the range you can just shoot it single-action the whole time and the all steel construction really reduces recoil.
mgmorden
Member
I have shot both (still own a Glock 17). The recoil for the CZ-75 will be lower, but the Glock 17 won't be that big of a difference.
The CZ-75's single action trigger will be better than a Glock though, and IMHO the CZ sits nicer in the hand.
Don't get me wrong for a CARRY pistol I'd choose the Glock (because I don't like DA/SA or cocked and locked for carry, which are the only safe ways to carry the CZ), but for range shooting I'd take the CZ.
Most 9mm made today in the $400+ price bracket would be a good range gun. I own a glock 34, CZ75B, M&P9 (full size and compact), and a STI Spartan V in 9mm. I'm looking to add an XD, Sig226 and 250, as well one of the new S&W revolvers in 9mm. Of the group I own and have shot, none of them are worlds better than the rest. Some do specific things better, but typically have a drawback elsewhere that brings them right back to the pack. The best trigger is on the 1911.
The Spartan I have, as well as a few other 1911's in 9mm tend to have the better trigger feel, at least when dry firing. Very crisp single action with positive reset.
The CZ75b I have is next on the list for trigger pull, though I replaced a lot of fire control parts with CGW parts. The pistol was fine before the parts were added, but I bought that gun to drop all the trigger parts into it to see where I could take it on my own. The only drawback is the DA side does require more reset when shooting SA than any of the striker fired or 1911 options. I am a hair slower with it, but only on shots that are very very close and very very large. Anything else and I'm the limiting step.
The Glock 34 is a work horse. I set it up to be more of a range gun than duty and have swapped springs and done some minor common tweaks. The trigger is ok but it feels like a gun I would have to devote myself to to shoot it well. With the bug to collect a bunch and shoot them all rather than own one and shoot it a ton, I tend to not do great with it and leave it in the safe. I'm looking to pick up a few spare trigger assemblies and do the pivot relocation (like Vanek does) to see if that doesn't make the gun easier to pick up and shoot. It's still rather larger and for my medium sized hands, it is a bit uncomfortable. The new Gen4 would be interesting to try as I like their track record.
The last I own is my favorite. The M&P9. Right away I added the full APEX trigger kit with the range/competition springs. I also have the version that accepts the Ram kit (to give much more positive trigger reset). With that done, the trigger rivals the 1911's, is easy for a new shooter or one with no M&P9 experience to shoot well, its reliable, it holds 17+1, and its under $600 with the trigger parts. I don't have anything I'd complain about with that pistol. If you can't stand the hinged trigger, replacements (in polymer and metal) are available. My only complaint is the new version won't accept the Ram kit and has mediocre trigger reset feel. I'll hunt for a version that uses the older housing personally as the Ram is a huge benefit to how I shoot.
I'm still looking to find an XD and a couple Sigs just to round out the selection. I don't expect they will do anything significantly better or worse than the group I have. I would be happy with all of them, though I would probably change the Glock 34 to either a Gen4 or a 19 as the grip is a little big for my hands.
The Spartan I have, as well as a few other 1911's in 9mm tend to have the better trigger feel, at least when dry firing. Very crisp single action with positive reset.
The CZ75b I have is next on the list for trigger pull, though I replaced a lot of fire control parts with CGW parts. The pistol was fine before the parts were added, but I bought that gun to drop all the trigger parts into it to see where I could take it on my own. The only drawback is the DA side does require more reset when shooting SA than any of the striker fired or 1911 options. I am a hair slower with it, but only on shots that are very very close and very very large. Anything else and I'm the limiting step.
The Glock 34 is a work horse. I set it up to be more of a range gun than duty and have swapped springs and done some minor common tweaks. The trigger is ok but it feels like a gun I would have to devote myself to to shoot it well. With the bug to collect a bunch and shoot them all rather than own one and shoot it a ton, I tend to not do great with it and leave it in the safe. I'm looking to pick up a few spare trigger assemblies and do the pivot relocation (like Vanek does) to see if that doesn't make the gun easier to pick up and shoot. It's still rather larger and for my medium sized hands, it is a bit uncomfortable. The new Gen4 would be interesting to try as I like their track record.
The last I own is my favorite. The M&P9. Right away I added the full APEX trigger kit with the range/competition springs. I also have the version that accepts the Ram kit (to give much more positive trigger reset). With that done, the trigger rivals the 1911's, is easy for a new shooter or one with no M&P9 experience to shoot well, its reliable, it holds 17+1, and its under $600 with the trigger parts. I don't have anything I'd complain about with that pistol. If you can't stand the hinged trigger, replacements (in polymer and metal) are available. My only complaint is the new version won't accept the Ram kit and has mediocre trigger reset feel. I'll hunt for a version that uses the older housing personally as the Ram is a huge benefit to how I shoot.
I'm still looking to find an XD and a couple Sigs just to round out the selection. I don't expect they will do anything significantly better or worse than the group I have. I would be happy with all of them, though I would probably change the Glock 34 to either a Gen4 or a 19 as the grip is a little big for my hands.
Captain33036
Member
I have used several 9mm's for range work and competed in local BE shoots with a couple.
Had the M&P 9, and found that the Apex sear did not improve the trigger enough. Also, there was some speculation that the locking lug on it needed some redesign in order to improve accuracy. Went into this one thinking it would be amazing, was very disappointed.
Had a top end STI Duty One 9mm 1911. Great gun. Accurate...expensive. Found that the internals were not really as in spec as a .45 acp 1911, for some reason and could not put in the C&S kit I wanted, to get the trigger pull I wanted. Sold out of frustration.
Glock. Had a 17, tricked it out, rear dove tail mini red dot, it was too easy to shoot accurately, almost boring.
Glock 19, have to say, surprised me and become one of my most favorite guns. The reason to get a Glock is that you can change EVERYTHING about it and make it whatever you want. I put in a new trigger and springs, got the pull to 2lb. Bought a LW match barrel and Carver compensator. It was a Gen 4, so changed out the grips until I found what I liked most. Then, topped it off with adjustable target sights. This gun was terrific and very inexpensive to create. I won a local BE shoot with it. The reason I went with a G19 rather than back to the 17, was that I liked the balance of the 19 better, and, with the extended, adjustable rear sight I installed, the sight radius was about that of the 17. So....went with the 19 and really liked it.
If you are between the 17 and 34, I would just get the 17 and go to The Glock Store, LW or Glockmeister and replace the trigger system, springs, sights, barrel etc.
SIG 226. My absolute favorite 9mm. A little research showed me that a stock 226 will shoot almost ....almost ...as well as their top of the line X5. I bought a match barrel and had a local smith...who knew what he was doing, do a trigger job on this. Then, again, topped it with adjustable target sights. New grip. Tried different brands of ammo. And won again.
So...after 3 pages of this thread...I must confess, I am not sure what you are looking for. If you want a range gun that you can really use to achieve your personal best...and you DO want to mod the gun, then the Glock is your best choice. If you have the money and want an out of the box competition gun, you can spring for a SIG X5. For less, you can get the 226, if you can find a local smith who really knows what he or she is doing.
Both the G19 and SIG 226 are excellent for HD since they are both high capacity and have a rail for a weapon light.
Not sure how much you can mod the other choices that have been recommended. If your goal is to get better, you will need to have a gun you can mod. I surmise that most shooters can achieve their personal best with any new gun, out of the box, fairly quickly. To go farther, you need to be able to mod the gun.
Hope this helps
Best
J
Had the M&P 9, and found that the Apex sear did not improve the trigger enough. Also, there was some speculation that the locking lug on it needed some redesign in order to improve accuracy. Went into this one thinking it would be amazing, was very disappointed.
Had a top end STI Duty One 9mm 1911. Great gun. Accurate...expensive. Found that the internals were not really as in spec as a .45 acp 1911, for some reason and could not put in the C&S kit I wanted, to get the trigger pull I wanted. Sold out of frustration.
Glock. Had a 17, tricked it out, rear dove tail mini red dot, it was too easy to shoot accurately, almost boring.
Glock 19, have to say, surprised me and become one of my most favorite guns. The reason to get a Glock is that you can change EVERYTHING about it and make it whatever you want. I put in a new trigger and springs, got the pull to 2lb. Bought a LW match barrel and Carver compensator. It was a Gen 4, so changed out the grips until I found what I liked most. Then, topped it off with adjustable target sights. This gun was terrific and very inexpensive to create. I won a local BE shoot with it. The reason I went with a G19 rather than back to the 17, was that I liked the balance of the 19 better, and, with the extended, adjustable rear sight I installed, the sight radius was about that of the 17. So....went with the 19 and really liked it.
If you are between the 17 and 34, I would just get the 17 and go to The Glock Store, LW or Glockmeister and replace the trigger system, springs, sights, barrel etc.
SIG 226. My absolute favorite 9mm. A little research showed me that a stock 226 will shoot almost ....almost ...as well as their top of the line X5. I bought a match barrel and had a local smith...who knew what he was doing, do a trigger job on this. Then, again, topped it with adjustable target sights. New grip. Tried different brands of ammo. And won again.
So...after 3 pages of this thread...I must confess, I am not sure what you are looking for. If you want a range gun that you can really use to achieve your personal best...and you DO want to mod the gun, then the Glock is your best choice. If you have the money and want an out of the box competition gun, you can spring for a SIG X5. For less, you can get the 226, if you can find a local smith who really knows what he or she is doing.
Both the G19 and SIG 226 are excellent for HD since they are both high capacity and have a rail for a weapon light.
Not sure how much you can mod the other choices that have been recommended. If your goal is to get better, you will need to have a gun you can mod. I surmise that most shooters can achieve their personal best with any new gun, out of the box, fairly quickly. To go farther, you need to be able to mod the gun.
Hope this helps
Best
J
Captain makes some good points about Glock's customizability (is that a word?). I don't feel strongly about Glocks one way or the other though, your personal preference should decide. All the mods in the world won't make a Glock a CZ if you prefer CZ's.
My personal favorites are the CZ-75 and the Beretta 92 series. I rented four .45's at the range a few months back and the CZ felt like a 9mm, and accurate too. I imagine in 9mm recoil would be nil.
Beretta 92's are big, heavy pistols. Some folks see that as a negative; I don't, especially not for range guns. I own two, the first was ~$600 new on salefrom cabelas. The second was used, $376 after shipping and transfer (I won it for $321 on Christmas eve )
There are plenty of Berettas out there for less than $600, particularly if you don't mind used.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-...pe=1&NoReserve=1&Sort=4&bl=200003&mfg=1000038
Police trade-in for $350
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=402269675
My personal favorites are the CZ-75 and the Beretta 92 series. I rented four .45's at the range a few months back and the CZ felt like a 9mm, and accurate too. I imagine in 9mm recoil would be nil.
Beretta 92's are big, heavy pistols. Some folks see that as a negative; I don't, especially not for range guns. I own two, the first was ~$600 new on salefrom cabelas. The second was used, $376 after shipping and transfer (I won it for $321 on Christmas eve
)There are plenty of Berettas out there for less than $600, particularly if you don't mind used.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-...pe=1&NoReserve=1&Sort=4&bl=200003&mfg=1000038
Police trade-in for $350
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=402269675
Jlr2267
Member
Another vote for CZ75. Just got my first this year. To be honest, it is the best "range gun" I've ever owned, by a wide margin.
Bentonville
Member
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2006
- Messages
- 527
Beretta 92FS
7mmb
Member
For an all around 9mm in your price range I'd say go for the CZ 75 but for just a range gun the Witness Elite Match is the way to go. Same ergos but a much better SA-only trigger which will give you better practical accuracy. In a range gun that's all that matters.
Lj1941
Member
M & P
Smith & Wesson M & P 9. Apex trigger if you think you need it. We need to buy AMERICAN while we still are able.
Smith & Wesson M & P 9. Apex trigger if you think you need it. We need to buy AMERICAN while we still are able.
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