Wanting a new pistol...need some imput

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bang_bang

bang_bang

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Elk Creek, Virginia
I'm itching for a new pistol...except I'm not sure on what flavor to get. I currently own:
Kel-Tec P11 9mm
Rock Island 4-inch 45acp
Dan Wesson 357 4-inch
S&W 22A

The Rock Island and Kel-Tec get carried the most out of the group, the S&W gets shot the most. The Dan Wesson fits in there somewhere, but takes a lot of hunting trips.

I really have a thing for compact and subcompact pistols, therefore I'll be naming several that fit into that criteria. I *almost* considered a LCP, but I'm wanting something cheap to shoot and reliable so I'm sticking with 9mm. When it comes to practice, the Kel-Tec is not much fun due to its light-weight, sharp recoil, and heavy trigger pull; far beyond what I want in an all-around plinking/CCW.

I have picked some options, which I have either looked at or shot. Price isn't as much as an issue, as long as it doesn't get too far over $525-ish.

Ruger SR9 Compact
Glock 26
Sig P250
Possibly a used Springfield XD or S&W MP

I really like the feel of the SR9, but haven't shot one. I've shot a Glock 26 several times, liked the feel and know it's an accurate pistol. The Sig, XD, and MP are pretty much strangers outside of a gunshop.

Thoughts?
 
You can find these used. It's a S&W 3913. Single stack 9mm so it's kind of small but not too small and could be carried easily. Second picture is the 3913 next to a Stoeger (Beretta) Cougar.
SW3913001.jpg
3913comparison002.jpg
 
Also...do any of you think I should look into something chambered in 40 S&W? I'm unfamiliar with the round, but it seems somewhat inexpensive to shoot as well.
 
The only 10mm I would own would be in a 1911 platform. That will come later after I fill in a few gaps like my current issue. Not to mention that 10mm is somewhat hard to find in my neck of the woods.
 
I haven't tried one of these, but how about an all-steel Kahr MK9? It's smaller and thinner than your Kel-Tec P11; I'm pretty sure it has a better trigger. It's a little more expensive, but you can sell the P11 to make up the difference.

http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_mk.html
mdtl_m9093.jpg
 
Is the Mk9 the same as the PM9 only steel?
Click to expand...
Yes, the height, width and length are the same, it's just heavier. The other difference is it has removable grip panels so you have more options to dress it up. If you want a laser, you can use laser grips instead of the type that clips in front of the trigger guard and interferes with holstering. The extra heft would reduce recoil and increase fondleability.

KahrMK9.jpg

lg461.jpg
 
bang_bang:
what I want in an all-around plinking/CCW.
Click to expand...
Hard to beat Glock 27 with Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrel.

My G27 shoots as accurate as my G22 at 7-15 yard ranges and 9mm conversion barrel allows you to shoot the cheaper 9mm rounds with the factory magazine.

As to CCW duty, G27 is the same size as G26 and it is a very carry-able pistol.

I have added Pearce +1 mag base extension for better grip (and +1 capacity), but many shoot without it.

GLOCK263.jpg
 
If you're interested in 40 S&W as a range gun, I can attest to it costing more for ammo. When I say ammo, I really mean bullets as I reload my own exclusively. My 9mms are cheaper to load for though the difference is only $4.oo/100. Shooting lead (at your own risk) reduces the difference further but for those seeking factory loaded ammo, 9mm is the way to go cost-wise.

I bought a S&W M&P 40 Full Size back in March and have since added a 9c and 9L to the M&P collection. Some common traits: 100% reliable thus far, easy to care for, soft shooting/good recoil management, accurate, easy to work on, easy to accessorize.

The first one I bought at Cabelas with a sale price of $550 - a $75 coupon - my Cabelas rewards point for just a hair under $467 after taxes and the only box of factory ammo I ever put through it. It's scratching at 2,000 rounds now and will likely hit that mark next month with zero failures.

The compact 40 has an available 9mm aftermarket barrel for $150, allowing a drop-in caliber change with just a new magazine. S&W has a $50 rebate or 2 free magazines promotion which you could use for different mags. X-Grip makes a rubber sleeve that slips on to a standard magazine (9mm or 40) that acts as a grip extension allowing you to use full size mags in the compact (You can use the 17 round in the compact without it but it feels a bit awkward, I tried it).

Nothing wrong with the Glock idea save ergonomics (my wife and kids shoot too) but my money goes to American companies whenever possible. Google Sig P250 problems and you'll be scratching it from the list, Ruger is ok with the exception of aftermarket support, the XD is an import as are all SA pistols (I can practically throw a rock and hit their "assembly" facility) and as wbwanzer pointed out the 3rd Gen. Smiths are really nice too, especially for a limited budget.
 
Regarding the OP's four considerations, all but the Ruger would be fine, don't go near a Ruger SR9/C, P345PR, or LCP. All three have distinguished themselves as poorly designed, highly flawed weapons.
 
I have 2 S&W products, one being the S&W 22A and then my MP-15. I am very pleased with both products, that's why I have given S&W an option on my list.

Glocks aren't really my thing, its just they are really good weapons. I admit, as much as I try to hate them, I can't. I have shot a G26, and with the 32 round magazine they are a hoot! :neener: Something interchangeable from 40 S&W to 9mm sounds great. 9mm is easily available to me, plus it can be used in my Kel-Tec.

From what I can tell, a Glock or S&W will run be close to the same price. I want this gun to be dead-balls reliable and accurate, just as long as it is not full-size. A 4-inch barrel would be fine with me, I have concealed a full-size Witness 45 acp before with no problem.

So basically, we've narrowed it down to 2 choices since I want a double stack something.

Glock or M&P?
 
Regarding the OP's four considerations, all but the Ruger would be fine, don't go near a Ruger SR9/C, P345PR, or LCP. All three have distinguished themselves as poorly designed, highly flawed weapons.
Click to expand...

My SR9c must not have gotten that memo....
 
I have both Glock 22 and M&P40. Both are accurate and reliable.

With conversion barrel option being available to both Glock and M&P compacts, the next consideration would be ergonomics and other shooters you may have with you.

With three different palm swell sizes available to M&P, it better suits all the members of my family and ergonomics (mag release/ambi-slide release) are better.

I would gladly recommend M&P too.
 
Ignore much of the internet trashing, and go pick up a Sig P250. Hold it and see what you think for yourself, if the range is a rental rent it and shoot it. Make sure its the new frame model with the 1913 pic rail.d
 
Here's a compact with a full size magazine and X-Grip ($15 or so) essentially a full size with a snubby barrel. Your cup of tea? Tea tastes good! I forgot to mention that you can get a S&W factory barrel for the 40cal in .357Sig that will drop right in for $78 that uses the same mag. as the 40. Make that three calibers in one.

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Glock 19

I would suggest a GLOCK 19 or WALTHER P-99.

They are similar in size. Compact, but not too small. The grip is just long enough to get a solid hold. The barrel and slide are long enough for good velocity, recoil control and distance between sights.

Mini guns like the GLOCK 26 are much harder to grasp and not nearly as enjoyable to shoot.

This size gun in 9m.m. is a very good compromise and I really like it.

I used to carry a GLOCK 19 for duty until my agency went to government issue guns only. I often carry the WALTHER P-99 and keep it for my bed stand gun. The grip is what really sets this gun apart for me. It is nearly a perfect fit.

I also carry the BERETTA 92 Compact and shoot it better than any other pistol. Same grip frame size, but longer barrel and slide. Also heavier, but just as reliable.

Another gun of this size is the SIG-225. These guns can be real bargains. My wife uses mine as her person protection gun. It has the right size grip and is quite accurate and as police trade ins, they can be very reasonable.
DOWN SIDE, they only shoot ball ammo and capped hollow points like the CORBON POWERBALL and GECO BAT round.
GOOD NEWS, they shoot the POWERBALL very well, at least in my gun.

Just my opinions. Good luck with whatever you get.

Jim
 
Of your choices the SIG P250 I the best of the lot IMO, M&P next. One of the best all around compacts is the Glock G19, it would be my choice for a compact. You need to round out the collection and get a fullsize pistol like a SIG 226, Beretta 92FS, CZ 75B, or a G17 or G34. Compacts are good as CCW, subcompacts are good as a last resort, fullsize pistols are good HD weapons and range / IDPA-USPSA pistols. I am at the other end of the spectrum, currently own 13 centerfire pistols with 4 compacts and 2 subcompacts. 7 pistols with 4" or longer barrels, 4 are 5"+.
 
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