I thought I would pick ya’ll brains and ask in terms of muzzle flip, which one of these do you feel is the sweetest shooting 9mm?
-Sig 226
-CZ-75
-FN Hi-Power
-Glock 19
-HK USP 9
-S&W M&P 9
I own a P226 and G19 and have some experience with most of what is on your list.
I would have to say the P226 is still the finest (smoothest) double action service 9mm.
The G17/G19 would be a close (in the smoothest shooting category) second IMHO.
I would not consider any other 9mm for a service gun.
I have never shot a SIG P210 but the way folks talk about it makes me want too.
The H&K P7 series of 9mm are also some really sweet shooters. If they did not BBQ the shooters hand with extended use, I would say they made a great service pistol as well. As a carry piece they are a hit IMO, they are easy to carry concealed and easy to shoot quick & accurate. Price and parts availability also make it a no go as a service style pistol.
I haven’t used a M&P but it seems to have a strong following for an upstart design.
When all is said and done I would probably never give up my 1911(s) or my G19. Though the G19 isn’t as smooth shooting as the SIG P226, it (the G19) is a great all around working mans pistol.
In terms of muzzle flip, you left the winner off of your list: a 1911 in 9mm.
It’s like shooting a .22LR.
The downside is getting one to run properly, but once you do, it’s the sweetest shooter you could imagine.
For least recoil and muzzle flip the CZ75 and the M&P9 are going the feel the best.
I do agree with Rhino that a 1911 in 9mm is like shooting a Ruger MkII .22lr.
M&P 9 all day long. The M&P line is one of the softest shooting guns made. Its butter.
My custom Beretta 92FS (customized by Ernie Langdon and AP&W) is still the most pleasant 9mm I own. It’s got a great trigger and the action is smooth as glass.
My M&P 9mm is a great gun, but I need more trigger time on it to evaluate it against my Beretta 92.
Guys who proclaim that they hate Berettas usually like my 92…it’s a sweet pistol.
gotm4,
Do you think the added thumb saftey (supposdly coming by the end of the year), and riding the saftey a la 1911, will aid even more in reducing muzzle flip?
Glock 34 and 147 gr ammo.
Glock G17C (factory compensated);
M&P9 is a dream to shoot. I’m also testing a M&P45 and once you get past the horrendous trigger, the recoil is so mild it’s surprising.
M&P 9. Mine doesn’t get any rest at the range, everyone likes to shoot it.
For me one isn’t better than the other. As long as you have a good solid proper grip and good stance the gun will move very little.
Just get a good high grip both thumbs pointing forward and you’ll be fine. With an old Glockmeister Glock 17 captured stainless guide rod and a 15lb ISMI spring and 147gr loads my M&P9 easily shoots flatter (VERY little flip) than any other 9mm I own. The only pistol I’ve ever shot a Master class performance (89%) on a classifier was with this M&P9 last Sunday.
(Sometime very soon I’ll have a 5" M&P9 that I’ll be T&E’ing and I’ll writing an article about it)
I own/have owned all of the list. My choice would be the 226, followed by the CZ. I like my M&P9, but I just can’t seem to warm up to it. Not on your list, but I really like the Glocks especially the 34. Least favorite on that list is the HK, too bulky for a 9, in my opinion of course.
G17 hands down for me is the best shooting double action/polimer handgun.
for a single action i would agree with the rest, a fine tune 1911 in 9mm will feel like a .22lr IMHO
I’ll come back to this once I figure out how to quantify a generic criteria for “sweet shooting.”
Operational definition: “Sweet shooting”
A “sweet shooting” handgun is defined as a weapon that possesses at least two of the following traits:
- Has a relatively light, clean breaking single action trigger
- If the weapon is double action, the double action trigger pull is relatively light and smooth.
- The action of the weapon is relatively smooth, offering predictable and controllable recoil impulse.
- The weapon is subjectively “easy to use” for the person shooting it.
- The experience of firing the weapon causes hot chicks to flock to the shooter in a state of heightened amorous intent.
How’s that?
Well hell if he wants all that in a 9mm, I say HK P7M8 
To me, the SIG 226 is the finest out of the box 9mm ever made. Might not be perfect in every catagory, but it’s as close to perfection as I’ve ever shot.
Yup. I agree and John Wayne’s number 5 also.
P7 and Fast Women. Wow. All I need is a Cohiba now. 
For me the sweetest shooting 9mm is my Sig P226.
My other 9mm are a CZ-75 Swiss made clone and a Glock 19.
I’ve also had in the past HK P7M8 and Beretta 92FS.
Other 9mm guns I had fired several times that belongs to friends and relatives were, Browning Hi-Power, Browning BDM, Glock 17, Glock 17L, HK P7PSP, S&W 59, Colt 1911, Walther P38 and Luger P08.