The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: wisconsin on February 18, 2008, 06:04:37 PM
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I'm currently in the market for a 9mm. I've mostly shot 1911's in 45 acp.There is quite a selection of this caliber out there. So at this point I'm a little confused at the offerings from these companys. Double action then single action ,decockers,Single action only etc. I want to deal with a company that is selling a quality product that I can get right out of the box. I know that this is kind of a loaded question considering the multitude of offerings out there but I value your opinions here on this forum. Not the magazine opnions because I won't get the same firearm at the counter that they get when the company knows there firearm is going to be reviewed. Ever read a bad review?? I have not!! Any help would be greatly appreciated
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I dont shoot 9mm ,but I have had a Glock and would buy one again. Also I would look at Sig, H&K and CZ.
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I agree with 2HOW, all of those pistols are great, but if you are familiar with the 1911, try some of the offerings from Springfield and Kimber, as well as the Browning Hi-Power. These may reduce any transition woes. Whatever you chose, make sure it fits you and your needs well. Good luck!
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I own a few 9mm's...
FN HI-POWER P35 1936 single action JMBrowning design at it's best ( collectors item )
WALTHER P38 1939 first double action to be adopted by a military ( collectors item )
BERETTA 9000S 2001 SA / DA combo...small easy to conceal...my wifes CCW
SIG SAUER P226 1980 DA very accurate, high capacity...conceals well under jacket
S&W M659 1985 DA 15 shot capacity good range gun...but too heavy for CCW
RUGER P-89 DC 1995 DA decocker...built like a tank...weighs as much
though the similarity ends with the caliber...each is a good example of a well made platform for the 9x19 projectile.
And come the next gun show in March, I'm looking to buy a Kel Tec PF-9...a very light, compact and CNC machined 7+1 backup piece...to replace my Kel Tec P32 as my BUG
A few ranges in PA rent guns, and if you can find a range in your area that does, my first suggestion would be to handle and shoot any brand you can get your hands on, to include friends you make a the range. Sometimes I see a member roll up with a firearm that I've never handled or shot...I make it a point to introduce myself...talk about the gun and mention I've never had a chance to check one out, and before ya know it, the guy will ask if ya want to give it a try...that's usually what I do when someone rolls up and politely asks about a weapon in my possesion. I also make it a point to ask questions at gunshops, gunshows, and forums like this to gather any user input about a certain firearm...but I also read alot...owning many firearm reference books, and own a modest collection of firearms ( 35+ ), which enable me to formulate an opinion based on lessons learned
If I had to pick my favorite 9mm ...well, I have listed the ones I own above in order of preference.
Good Luck...let us know which you pick and why... 8)
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Is the FN Hi-power P35 1936 the same design that is available today. They have one for sale here a HP Practical. I heard that some of these pistols made by certain countrys are crap, any thoughs???
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I have had a lot of luck with a Glock 17 and 23 (the 40 and 9 are basically the same frame) shooting IDPA and USPSA. A lot of the guys shoot XDs and M&Ps too. I have been shooting Beretta 92s and Sig 228 (229 with aluminum frame) for years (Navy) and love them.
The biggest question is what you plan on doing with it. A carry gun may give you a different set of requirements than a competition gun or a plinker. I'm looking at getting a Sig P229 or FN FNP-9 since I am looking for a DA/SA for "something different" from all the DAOs I have at home, mainly for competition and plinking. If I was going to get a carry 9 I have been looking at a few different ones but haven't decided (anybody have suggestions?). Leaning towards the Glock 26, Para PDA, Kahr P/K-9 or M&P9C but the Taurus PT111 looks pretty good and fits right (in the hand and budget).
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The GLOCK's gotta be the simplest handgun to learn to operate... Well, ok.. Maybe Second to a revolver. I have a GLOCK 30 in .45 ACP. I LOVE IT! You want a gun easy to learn the controls of, I reccomend the GLOCK. I had a Ruger P85MKII 9MM that was nice. It was a DA/SA. It was easy to learn to use, But I kinda already knew how to operate it, cause I have a P90 which is the same basic gun but in .45 ACP. A friend of mine has a 9mm chambered Taurus 24/7, which he loves. But I have no real experience with it myself. Get the GLOCK. One great thing about GLOCKS is, like 1911's, The mags for the larger Glocks fit in the smaller models of the same caliber. IE, my G30 will take 13 round magazines from the full sized G21. The G26 will take the mags from a G19 and G17, etc. Get a Glock. Another thing, the Glock 17, 19, and 26 are probably the easiest gun to find holsters for. Probably Every holster made is available to fit these 3 guns.
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"jnevis" Your right a big question would be what do I plan on doing with it? As with all my 45's I use them for competion/plinking. Sounds like two extremes hey! But I like having that option. As far as carry goes I would my use my PARA LDA Black Watch Companion if this dam state of my ever passed CC. At this point everytime I shoot my 45 I see $$$$ going down range. That is why I'm looking into 9mm's. Taurus is a good fit however, a few of the guys I shoot with have a saying about Taurus" Lifetime warranty. Lifetime wait for warranty work".
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I have fired a number of 9mm but I only own one, a Sig 2022. I've fired over 5000 rounds through it without a hitch, it's easy to break down, and reliable as can be. It's not the most concealable gun, but it's a good one.
Also fired Berettas 92S and variants. They are pretty smooth. Fired XD's and found them to be a nice handling gun in any caliber.
I fired the Springfield EMP (I think that was a 9mm)- It's a mini 1911 with good weight and surprisingly easy to handle.
I also fired an Armalite 9mm which was surprisingly accurate and smooth for an inexpensive gun.
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Ever read a bad review?? I have not!!
I have, When Soldier of Fortune Magazine first reviewed the H&K VP7 squeeze cocked pistol the last photo in the article was of the Author holding it by the barrel as he threw it over the berm !
If you are a 1911 shooter you may not like the triggers on most of the double action only pistols, Best advice is try as many as you can, I've tried Glocks and Sig's, liked both of those, Never fired an FN hi power but it's John Brownings "other pistol" and it's been a popular choice since 1935 so how bad can it be, I have to say though I do like the Glocks and they are nearly indestuctible.
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Re: The Browning High Power. The current pistol has many improvements over the original model of 1935. For instance, there has been an external extractor on the pistol since 1962. Since 1994, when Browning went to a cast frame to handle the .40 S&W round, the pistols have been stronger and more durable. Patrick Sweeney has extensively tested a recent production 9mm High Power. This pistol had endured over 20k rounds without problems. If you want a High Power, buy a new one from Browning/FN and enjoy. That said, the trigger will be rough, it has the damned magazine connect device, and putting better sights on it will require extra expense and work to cut the slide for fitting the sights.
If a steel-framed pistol is to your liking though, the CZ-75 remains a best buy. New ones can be had for less than $500. They are good shooters and a great bargain.
For polymer-framed pistols, I prefer the Glock 17 because it is a proven design, durable, easy to maintain or repair, parts are readily available from many sources, the magazines for it are inexpensive, and new sights for it may be fitted in five minutes. There are many good holsters for the G17 too, and they are easy to find.
The one complaint some shooters have about the Glock is the grip angle, which they find uncomfortable while it causes them to shoot high. If this problem is present, the Springfield XD or the S&W M&P 9mm pistols are good alternatives that work well for folks too.
Yet, these two models are not as extensively supported in the aftermarket. Most repairs require a shipment back to the factory. While both companies provide good customer service in this regard, the bottom line is you are pistol-less unless you have a back up. Most of us reading this forum have other pistols, but, for the shooter who can only afford one pistol, the Glock 17 will respond better to the individual user's efforts to keep it up and running.
My recommendation: Glock 17.
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Well...the FN Hi-Power design of 1935 ( hence P35 ) remains basically unchanged... some minor embellishments withstanding. A SA 9mm with high capacity that can be carried cocked n' locked...with the manual and grip safety features that are found on a 1911. Since you have clarified that it will be a target firearm and not a CCW weapon...I would recommend the HP...made by FN or Browning, as a good choice. The Sig Sauer is also a fine choice for target shooting. I own more 45's than 9mm's...because I shoot the caliber well and love the SA design, not only for target, but also self-defense. I have carried my COLT Gold Cup National Match...but anymore it has been set aside as my range gun now that I carry the more compact Para-Ord P12-45 as my CCW.
I also tend to like steel frames more than polymer...but that is my preference, as a Glock, or XD, or M&P are not as pleasing to my eye. I only own two polymer framed guns...My P32 Kel Tec and my Beretta 9000s...which I gave to the wife as her CCW... all the others firearms in my collection are steel and wood ( or rubber if ya count the Pachmyer grips )
Just my 2 cents.... 8)
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You are fortunate there are many good 9mm guns to choose among.
I have or have had these and found them to be very satisfactory over many years:
FN High Power P35 -- wish I still had it. It shot very well and fit my hand well. Would eat any ammo I tried to feed it reliably never a bobble. That included some hot WWII sub machine gun ammo. I got this when 9mm pistols were not widely available as they are now. It was the 9mm wonder pistol in the days before the Illinois State Police discovered the caliber in the S&W M39.
The German Police P1 which is actually a Walther P38 with an alloy frame. These are easy to find and fairly inexpensive right now. But the design is dated and the magazine release is on the butt -- in the wrong place for us. But I have had two of them and they have both been tight and accurate. But I would say that for me this is just a fun gun to shoot.
My current favorite 9mm is a SIG P226 with night sights. This is one good gun. I bought it used for a reasonable price. When I was at SIG for a course I had them do a trigger job and install a short trigger. I have been using this P 226 for league for the past several years. At a different SIG Academy course I put over 1,000 rounds through this gun in a single day with no problems at all. I had no chance to do immediate action drills with it and had to set them up artificially so that I could do the practice.
SIG P225 or P6 police pistol. Nice gun. The P6s are available now for a reasonable price. I saw that Gander Mt. has them now for less than I paid them for mine a while ago. I put a short trigger and night sights on mine. It is a single stack and MB used to say it was his carry gun. Mine shoots like a charm with nice groups. I like the grip on the single stack a lot.
I have used, but never owned, an XD9. I really like my XD45. I can recommend the XD9 based on my limited experience with it, and my experience with the XD45.
I have been happy with the ones I listed and can recommend them. Keep in mind I shoot mostly standard cheap Winchester and Remington ball ammo at paper targets. But I shoot every week at least one day. The ones above all work with Winchester Ranger, Speer Gold Dots, and Federal Hydra Shock as well. But I hardly ever shoot the hollow point stuff.
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Many Thanks ;D to all who have posted to my question. As I already know there are quite a few selections in this caliber and all companys that you suggested I have review. Still no easy choice. Glocks are mentioned quite often in all forums" Excellent Firearms" as are the others, but the Glock I can't seem to just pick it up and shoot to center of target. I know that is the 1911 in me. Para's LDA is close choice for me, but the one I own in 45 takes some getting use too,as far as getting to the point of knowing were the trigger reset is without going full forward to fire again. I will take your advise and go to as many places as possible and try as many as I can before commiting this caliber. The one thing that does keep coming up here in your suggestions is to stay with one with a similar grip angle as 1911's. I am leaning toward Browning HP, Springfield XD, maybe S&W MP. Feeling comfortable in my hands has always served me well. I say it again! Your opinions count more than those that do the reviewes in the magazines.
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I've got one that's just a wee bit ::) off the wall for ya.
Hi Point 9mm Compact (ducks and runs).
Seriously. I have one. Never fails (2500 plus rounds of many flavors including reloads), the only thing I did was put a 'sleve' on it because the grip was a little 'greasy' in my hand. Love it, and it shoots straight.
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As far as carry goes I would my use my PARA LDA Black Watch Companion if this dam state of my ever passed CC
hello wisconsin, as i understand you like the LDA trigger but want the 9mm then stick with PARA. If a model has blown me away its the Tac-5. The only thing its missing is a fiberoptic front sight. hope it helps man.
tex
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I've got one that's just a wee bit ::) off the wall for ya.
Hi Point 9mm Compact (ducks and runs).
Seriously. I have one. Never fails (2500 plus rounds of many flavors including reloads), the only thing I did was put a 'sleve' on it because the grip was a little 'greasy' in my hand. Love it, and it shoots straight.
And very inexspensive
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I've got one that's just a wee bit ::) off the wall for ya.
Hi Point 9mm Compact (ducks and runs).
Seriously. I have one. Never fails (2500 plus rounds of many flavors including reloads), the only thing I did was put a 'sleve' on it because the grip was a little 'greasy' in my hand. Love it, and it shoots straight.
In regards to what I said about magazines and truth in testing. I should say there is a publication that is worth a look at and that is Gun Tests www.gun-tests.com they don't accept any commercial advertising and they buy their test guns right off the counter the same as we do, then give there opinions.They have no problem telling you if its a piece of crap or not. There review of Hi Point 9mm was as they put it was BUY IT.It certainly has its own look. But as cookie62 said its priced right.
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I like the CZ-75 PCR. Good decocker, the trigger is a smidge long for my taste, but I have no problems with DA/SA.
I think of it as a 21st Century HiPower.
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the great deal right now is from Smith-wesson.com is the SW9VE. Along with the gun,2mags,box and papers you also get $50 rebate and 2 more mags, which are $41 from Smith-n-Wesson for a total of $132 off of the low over counter price if me math is on. The 9VE went through an Crazy test of 20,000 rounds. great pick for short money.
tex
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I have a PT92 stainless steel /gold 9mm Taurus. It's a beauty. I haven't shot much through it .. but I plan on taking it our on Sunday if the weather is good and run some rounds through it.
So I'll have more input about it then.
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I have a personal aversion to the Sigma (SW9VE) series pistols. I helped out part time at a range in Fl and they had a 40 and 9 Sigma when they were first introduced that we could not keep running. From light primer strikes to the sights falling off they were back at S&W almost as much as they were in the shop. S&W would send them back saying nothing was wrong and it would go a few rounds, maybe a mag or two, and do it again. Lately a co-worker bought one and he can't keep the groups within a foot after about half a mag. First few rounds are close but after that the group just keeps getting bigger. I laughed and told him that was why they were basically GIVING them away if you bought an M&P (at the time the offer was $99 for a Sigma if you bought any M&P pistol or the AR).
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I can only speak to what I have experience with. I have the Ruger P89 and the Taurus PT111 mil pro. Both of these weapons have never, I repeat, NEVER, malfunctioned with over 1000 rounds thru each. The Ruger is a great house/range gun but not for CCW IMO. The Taurus is a great firearm though some would find that hard to believe ::) The trigger is light, the slide racks very easily, and it has a double captive recoil spring that makes for a very light recoil. It also has an advantage that many other pistols in it's class don't: A manual safety. You might want to look at the Taurus Millenium or 24/7 compact. They are good inexpensive guns.
Now, that's what I know about. If I had do-over, I would look real hard at that S&W M&P 9mm compact. I haven't shot one, but I have handled one and I liked the feel and trigger a lot. I like a manual safety, but it's not as important to me now as a feature as it once was. The S&W warranty and customer service also strongly influences me.
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I have a personal aversion to the Sigma (SW9VE) series pistols. I helped out part time at a range in Fl and they had a 40 and 9 Sigma when they were first introduced that we could not keep running. From light primer strikes to the sights falling off they were back at S&W almost as much as they were in the shop. S&W would send them back saying nothing was wrong and it would go a few rounds, maybe a mag or two, and do it again. Lately a co-worker bought one and he can't keep the groups within a foot after about half a mag. First few rounds are close but after that the group just keeps getting bigger. I laughed and told him that was why they were basically GIVING them away if you bought an M&P (at the time the offer was $99 for a Sigma if you bought any M&P pistol or the AR).
The opinion adage comes to mind. At the shop i am at the only reason sights(the front) comes off is using the wrong holster. As to your co-workers gun...... put it in someone's hand that can shoot. At 7yds. there is not a problem touching 5 shots and at 50yds. pepper popper fall easy. As to your poor experience with the customer service at S&W i got to say that you were either not involved enough or being told a story because never and I MEAN !NEVER! has their service been rude or unhelpful. Which is why they are #1 rated in the biz.
But if your looking for an opinion spend a little more and get the M&P. I very much like the 5" coming this year. ;) And the reason for the $99 deal is if you a going to buy a great AR(M&P15) you should have a great pistol to go with it ;D
You got to luv them opinions.........
And by-the-by howdy Haz and to all the rest.
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I want to thank everyone for their help and opinions on the 9mm's. I've settled on 3 models. Since I'm a 1911 man and can't afford a 1911 style 9mm I'll have to go to polymer. The Browning Hi Power was my first choice but I can't find any here to shoot.So then its a toss up between the S&W M&P, and the Springfield XD, both in 4". With promotions now running on mags etc. both are a good value and good companys. I shot both and like both. The XD comes right on target no problem. The M&P is only slightly different. So then I asked a dozen or so seasoned shooters this question? If both pistol were in front of you and you could only take one for free which one would you run out the door with?? Well you guessed it the answer didn't favor one over the other. So I'll have this weekend to figure it out. Once again :) THANKS TOO ALL FOR YOUR VALUED OPINIONS :)
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I am a S&W fan but I would have a really hard time picking one over the other for Free. I really believe that M&P , Glock , and Springfield are tied for 1st place.
Good luck man.
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Wisconsin - you said it yourself - the XD goes right on target for you, the M&P less so.
From your experience, the XD is your baby. (I like the XD alot when I shot it.)
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"jnevis" Your right a big question would be what do I plan on doing with it? As with all my 45's I use them for competion/plinking. Sounds like two extremes hey! But I like having that option. As far as carry goes I would my use my PARA LDA Black Watch Companion if this dam state of my ever passed CC. At this point everytime I shoot my 45 I see $$$$ going down range. That is why I'm looking into 9mm's. Taurus is a good fit however, a few of the guys I shoot with have a saying about Taurus" Lifetime warranty. Lifetime wait for warranty work".
I will agree to most of this statement above. I do have a 24/7 in 45 have not had a problem with it ever. So I can't judge Taurus's warrenty work I also have a 38 by them and the same with that one. but I am looking into the para carry 9 with the light double action trigger. i do have a Glock 19 which is a good gun easy take down , easy to use. I have a sig in 9mm same thing, easy take down , easy to use. but your back to what will the gun be used for. there is my two cents. RGJ.
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I have a buddy of mine hat has a H&K P9 that is amazing he was once useing it in a match when the extractor and the ejector broke and the gun kept on running! Now thats what I call quality And H&K fixed it for free and it took less than a week turn around time. If he ever sells it he better know to ask me first! And by the way he won a Glock with it and guess what he carryes his H&K and wants to sell the Glock! And I do not blame him.
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Well, if it's not too late to add my two cents worth - Para Carry 9. Dandy little carry gun with 1911 ergonomics and controls and that nice LDA action. I find its three inch barrel to be as accurate as any of my full size ones. As much as I'd like to, I can't blame my bad shots on the gun. It is pricey but when I'm talking about my own hide I tend to be a little less frugal with the funding. I currently have it at Para taking advantage of their $99.00 night sight upgrade. And man, do I feel nekid without.
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I am such a fan of my Kimber Pro Aegis II chambered in 9mm. It truly is a fantastic firearm. The styling of the gun is beautiful. Its rich dark wood grips continue the lines cut into the slide for grip. Contrasting grip and slide make for dynamic appearance.
The best part of the Pro Aegis II is the reliability out of the box. Mine remains stock with countless rounds of ammunition and will still put rounds right on the money.
Weight and balance are classic 1911. The 9 round single stack magazine makes for seamless transitions for smaller hands.
Breakdown is easy and requires only a small pin that comes with the gun.
My only gripe is that it came with only one magazine. You will need to buy another because the 9mm Kimber Pro Aegis II is a blast to shoot.
-Scott
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Don't forget about the new ruger RS-9 pistol try it you may like it ... I know I do !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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CZ 75 B the most carried pistol in the world. YahooooooooooooooooooooCZ75BDme ;D :D :o
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Everyone will have a different opinion of which is the best or their favorite gun,to me its a MATTER OF PREFERENCES,that being said,i recently bought a FNP9M that I absoloutely love from the FNH family of firearms.I will go as far as saying that i like it better than my Glock26 which i could never get rid of,great gun.The FNP9 is in the mid price range and a lot of bang for the buck,love the trigger action and it's DA/SA with a decocker.The FNP9 had 16 round mags and the FNP9M has 15 round mags.The grip and the barrel is slightly smaller on the FNP9M than the FNP9 but is a good size for CCW or duty carry.My only complaint is that it's a little harder finding holsters for them.
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Don't forget about the new ruger RS-9 pistol try it you may like it ... I know I do !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As with the LCP, wait a year, till all the bugs get worked out.
CZ 75 B the most carried pistol in the world. YahooooooooooooooooooooCZ75BDme ;D :D :o
Where did you come up with that info ? I would have bet money on either the 1911 or something Chinese (Because there are a lot of Chinese ;D )
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What ever is comfortable and you can shoot accurately and operate safely is the one to choose. Some are better than others but don't get hung up on a name.
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Is the FN Hi-power P35 1936 the same design that is available today. They have one for sale here a HP Practical. I heard that some of these pistols made by certain countrys are crap, any thoughs???
I have an all Belgium Browning HP that when I bought it, it would not feed ball ammo. Was not a concern because I had already planned to get it tuned. Now, it's one of the few guns that I will never get rid of. The late great Austin Behlert did his magic on this back in the early 80's. It's had the mag safety removed, rounded Bomar sights sunk into the slide, speed safety and a great trigger. Gun will feed any 9mm round I feed it and shoot it accurately. I am a big fan of the Browning HP.
With that, I would recommend you rent a few different 9's at your local range to see what you like. I am also a huge fan of anything by SIG. If you are looking for a full size 9mm, the P226 is fantastic. Want something a little smaller, the P239 is outstanding (possibly the next gun I buy too).
Whether it's a Glock, SIG, S&W or Browning ... They're all good. Just got to find one that makes you smile.
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I have an all Belgium Browning HP that when I bought it, it would not feed ball ammo. Was not a concern because I had already planned to get it tuned. Now, it's one of the few guns that I will never get rid of. The late great Austin Behlert did his magic on this back in the early 80's. It's had the mag safety removed, rounded Bomar sights sunk into the slide, speed safety and a great trigger. Gun will feed any 9mm round I feed it and shoot it accurately. I am a big fan of the Browning HP.
If a guy was interest in buying a BHP. Which one would you stay away from. Such as the BHP made by a certain country and it turned out to be of poor quality.
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I'll throw my wrench into the works to help your confusion/decision process ;D. I own one 9mm and it's a Beretta 92fs. It was my first pistol I purchased, I liked the safety features, the thumb safety and the decocker since my 2 boys would be learning on it also. I have sent many rounds down range without a problem, it is a bit heavy for ccw but seems to be sturdy. After that I purchased 2 - .45 auto's, an M&P and a Taraus. Good luck ;)
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I'll throw my wrench into the works to help your confusion/decision process ;D. I own one 9mm and it's a Beretta 92fs. It was my first pistol I purchased, I liked the safety features, the thumb safety and the decocker since my 2 boys would be learning on it also. I have sent many rounds down range without a problem, it is a bit heavy for ccw but seems to be sturdy. After that I purchased 2 - .45 auto's, an M&P and a Taraus. Good luck ;)
I HATE Berretta. I mentioned in another post, I had an Egyptian clone of the Model 51 (Helwan Brigadier ) Wonderful pistol but because of the open top slide it deposited the empties on my head EVERY TIME. Thats darned annoying and I will never buy another Berretta. (Well maybe a stampede ;D )
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If a guy was interest in buying a BHP. Which one would you stay away from. Such as the BHP made by a certain country and it turned out to be of poor quality.
I have not heard of any systemic problems with the FN Belgium/Portugal Brownings. I have heard that the Argentinean DGFM’s clones can be a little rough. I think I read one or two posts at the SIG Forum where I guy said he liked his Charles Daly HP.
If you do get one that is a little rough, like any gun …in particular 1911’s … you can have one smoothed up, ramped/throated, new sights and in the case of the HP, the magazine safety removed and have a custom gun that you will never part with.
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Thanks! your info makes me a little more comfortable in looking for one. Just don't like getting burnt.
I have not heard of any systemic problems with the FN Belgium/Portugal Brownings. I have heard that the Argentinean DGFMs clones can be a little rough. I think I read one or two posts at the SIG Forum where I guy said he liked his Charles Daly HP.
If you do get one that is a little rough, like any gun
in particular 1911s
you can have one smoothed up, ramped/throated, new sights and in the case of the HP, the magazine safety removed and have a custom gun that you will never part with.
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Thanks! your info makes me a little more comfortable in looking for one. Just don't like getting burnt.
Browning HP's are great guns. Like any great gun or anything that is man made, they sometimes can have a problem. Usually they are easy to fix and a lot of times they will come back from getting fixed they will exceed your expectations.
Like I previously mentioned, my HP wouldn't feed ball ammo when I first got it. Today it is one of a handful of weapons I would never part with. It's actually a little magical. I have BoMar sights on it and I don't think I have ever adjusted them because it's always throwing a tight group in the X with any ammo! I have a SW M41 that would not breakdown but after I got it back, it's unbelievably accurate. Same with my SW 629DX. It went back twice for locking up (it's a pre-lock gun too!). Today it will still throw five shot groups into a quarter at 25m. Moral of the story is if there is a problem, they can be fixed AND be better than you ever hoped for.
You will enjoy the Browning!