I recently got one of these for every-day packing. I’m impressed by its out of the box reliability (in contrast to most semi-auto handguns, which are not firearms, but instead are a warranty claim and a lottery ticket).
Buddy got a HK VP9 for packing, which also has a good reputation for dependability.
If you want a 9mm for carrying, I’d consider these.
You really should preface that with your specific experience.
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You’re right.
I bought a brand new M&P 2.0, 4 inch barrel version. I stripped it, wiped it down, lubed generously with CLP.
Took it to the range and fired:
American Eagle 147 grain fmj
American Eagle 124 grain fmj
Winchester Q4318 NATO 124 grain fmj
R-P 115 grain JHP
I fired it with both the supplied magazines. Worked perfectly. Accuacy was about 4" group at 7 yards, centered about 2: below the point of aim. That may be because it was a “combat” pistol, not a target piece, and I was getting used to the trigger.
That wasn’t what I meant
“(in contrast to most semi-auto handguns, which are not firearms, but instead are a warranty claim and a lottery ticket).”
Buying the Yugo car of handguns and then complaining about “most semi auto handguns”.
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For a new shooter/CCW/aspiring gun dood you need to be shooting not gun smithing. I have warmed to Glocks and the G19 is useable out of the box. Big enough to shoot well, holds enough ammo to get you thru most problems and small enough to carry concealed. My experience with Glocks customer service was excellent.
I don’t own one (yet) but I’ve fired several. I bought a VP9 when I wanted a similar sized gun. Excellent gun, but I’ve spent the the equivalent to the cost of a G19 buying the VP’s magazines at $40/ea! And holster choices are slimmer frequently meaning more expense over the G19 options.
There are a unlimited holster choices, sights, triggers, magwells, barrels, and compensators available. I’d suggest a holster, mag pouch, pile o’mags and case of ammo first. Maybe sign up for a class and see if you find a need before buying add on’s. The G19 is a capable gun for not a lot of money.
+1, solid advice… stay quality, after that opinions are just that.
Question answered, buy a G 19 and drive on.
P30 LEM or MP 2.0
The P30L V1 is my “workhorse” pistol I use. It’s got north of 20k through it. If I could only have one, this would be it.
That being said, the MP 2.0 has impressed me quite a bit. I bought a 5" FDE some time ago for a range only gun; I’ve got over 2500 rounds through it and haven’t cleaned it yet. Liked it so much I bought a 2.0 Compact 4" to carry when it’s warmer out. Great pistols as well.
IMO, For $550-$600: P30>MP 2.0> VP9
If you could stretch your budget a little more, the Sig 226 SAO is a great gun, too… especially since you’re already familiar with the manual of arms of a 1911-esq gun.
A G19 is definitely worth seriously considering. I’ve had a G23 since '99, and the only time it’s ever had a failure of any kind was with a 9mm barrel. I have no idea of the round count through it.
OP, you really should rent or try out as many of the suggested handguns mentioned in the previous posts as possible and see how they feel and what you like or don’t like about them. Then pick the two or three you like and research a little about them, their track record with LE/Mil/CCW users and the available support (like holsters, holster availability, cost of additional mags, etc).
Linking up these three quotes of yours, if I had resources that didn’t allow for multiple units of the same design, already had one gun, and truly wanted to become excellent, I would’ve either got the same type of gun in a 9 mm, or sold the 1911 and got two of the same in 9. Considering the price range on good 9mm 1911, probably the second option. I didn’t do it when I was starting because I wanted to try different, and, in retrospect, I wish I just got a bunch of Glocks.
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the good advice and recommendations. Based on everyone’s good advice, I made the time to go to a LGS and at least put my hands on a few of the firearms. I don’t range close by the rents firearms, but I will probs make a special trip next week.
Anyway, here are a couple thoughts on the various guns I was able to handle:
Glock -
G19: I didn’t like the grip angle (no surprise coming from a 1911), but really didn’t like the pinky placement. When I presented the pistol, I had the tendency to dolphin the gun. However, the gun feels like it’s built like a tank.
G45: The trigger was awesome, compared to a Gen 3 and 4 G19. Presented naturally for me. If I get a Glock, I think this will be it. Plastic sights suck tho.
CZ -
P-10C: Trigger was great. Ergonomics felt good/great. Athough it was roughly the same size as the G19, the pinky placement didn’t bother me. The ****ing slide release was terribly stiff.
P-07: I don’t know how I feel about this gun. This was the gun I went in for honestly, but left confused on the pistol. It is very top heavy and doesn’t balance well, compared to the other guns. Trigger was much better than expected for a DA/SA. I liked it and I like hammer fired guns.
75-B: Loved the ergonomics. Trigger was damn near perfect. Weight didn’t bother me at all. Nice gun.
P-01: Great gun for carry. I liked the trigger, the weight, etc. This is something I want to buy at some point, but not right now.
Sig -
M17: I liked this pistol a lot. Grip felt good, but was a little smooth. Top heavy like the P-07, but balanced a little better. I liked the trigger. The safety was a little small, but whatevs.
S&W -
M&P 2.0: Pointed amazingly well. Frame texture was aggressive. Trigger was surprising to me, but the way the drop safe trigger works felt weird lol.
HK -
VP9: I loved the trigger, but the grip has that big ass bump on the butt of the gun and it didn’t feel good to me. This pistol is out.
FN -
509: Pointed well, balanced. Trigger was gritty and sort of chattered. Overall, it felt good but it didn’t hit me as special.
Overall, all the previously listed guns are really good if not great. I was really naive to think that I would be able to go to a gun shop and I would like one (and only one). They each have different pros/cons. I left the store more confused then ever ,but also released that I can’t really make a bad decision. If I buy a Glock it will be a G45. Decisions.
G19…full stop…
Yeah, the G19 is cheap. I carried G21’s, G30’s, and G35’s for years. However, the P320 military variants offer more for the same price, or slightly more… Use what the US Military uses, and benefit from commonality… My personal choice for combat? My P226 TACOPS… As they say in Maine, “Finest Kind…”
One&Done
Glock 19 or P30, there are no other serious options.
This is literally the stupidest thing I’ve read all week and it’s been a long week. You shouldn’t be allowed to use the Internet.
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Here here!
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Opinions are like sphincters- everybody has one. Your opinion has as much “weight” as mine. The P226 has been proven in combat for over a generation.
The Sig P320 has been thoroughly tested, more so, than any other pistol, before being adopted… Suck it up, buttercup…
One&Done
Not really dude. The Army’s testing was bullshit, they didn’t even test it with the standard 9mm ball that we use and the guns had issues as soon as they were fielded.
If you don’t mind a DA/SA, the Sig Legion 229 or 226 , if you like the SOA the 226 Sig is GTG. So many good guns, I like the HK P30 LEM too. The MNP’s are good …so many good guns. Its about personal preference after you spend $550 to 6 bills. Check out the Legions.
PB
I was originally going to add to the G19 recommendations, but after reading your comments, I will say get the CZ P 01. I was actually going to make that and the PCR my other recommended choices for you.
I mean, if you are going to get one someday anyways, may as well get it now. It will serve every purpose you need.