The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Bidah on January 27, 2010, 04:25:33 PM
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So, my oldest is getting to the age where he is old enough, and has earned his own 9mm pistol. So I have started looking, and I am willing to think a bit outside the from what I have. I am expecting this pistol to last him a while, and fit him while he continues to grow.
Criteria:
- I figure a poly frame will probably be in the mix, but is not essential.
- Caliber 9mm
- Need to be ok for smaller hands.
- MUST have a good reputation for service. I expect it to be used a lot, and I am sure it will need service or parts sometime.
He has shot my XD 9 and CZ-75B. He can shoot both equally well, but the DA on the CZ is a bit tough for him now. So he just uses the safety for that one. He has shot my 1911's, but he is not that good of a kid yet :) I suppose it could be an option..
Pistols that I am looking at are the FNP-9, XD, XDM, CZ P07 and P01, Ruger SR9. One of the reasons that I like the CZ P07 is that you can swap out the safety for a decocker and back if you wish (they include the part).
So are there any other pistols/companies that will fit my criteria that I may be missing?
-Bidah
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Hi Power the original Wonder Nine
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The double-action on a CZ-75 is pretty light, so since he's not quite up to that, I'm guessing that he's pretty young still. An action similar to the XD would be nearer to revolver-simple for someone a little newer. Everyone in my house prefers the Glock 19. The arch's location on the backstrap seems to make a difference in speed over the full size models.
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The oldest got an M&P-9 last year but has only shot it a few times. She liked it it MUCH better than the Glocks. She handled a few others (PT111, FNP, and Sig 229 [but that was for me]) but didn't get to shoot them. She'd rather have the 1911 but that will have to have a replacement before she can get it.
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I am partial to both the XD and the M&P. The nice thing about the M&P is the interchangable backstrap. Both companies have good reputation and good service if needed.
Gun choice is a lot like vehicles. There are Ford, GM and Chrysler people out there, and for many it is for no other reason than some sort of personal preferance. What you like best will go a long way toward what he likes best.
Have fun!
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Hi Power the original Wonder Nine
Its a great pistol and I love them. My dad and I share my Grandads. Its circa 1960, Belgian and cherry. Accurate as hell, and still tight enough it takes a bit of elbow grease to chamber a round. Two bad things though. One, its an SA which means a safety, and two it has a mag safety which means it goes "click" if the mag is removed. I noticed you didn't have a Glock on your list. Why? I may have drunk some Kool-aid, but I can still think objectively. For an SD application, where ten yard point and click, idiot proof to avoid a fumble, and accurate enough to do the job is your criterion, why wouldn't you consider a Glock? The G-26 or the G-19 are used by more PDs than I can count. This isn't an accident and it all boils down to three things. They are affordable, easy to use, and go bang every time no matter how badly they are treated. I'm not saying buy a Glock, just at least look at one and have a good reason for why you don't buy it.
FQ13
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Actually I did leave two off of the list. One being the M&P, the second being the Glock. Of course I *knew* someone would plug me for that sooner or later. I was simply looking for suggestions on why or why not. Notice that there are both DA/SA, and striker fired pistols in there. Yes I have my preferences, but I am really trying to be open here. Before I would get a Glock I would have to let him shoot one to see if he likes them. I don't even know anyone that has an M&P to go shoot. Changeable backstraps is one of the reasons for some on the list.
My biggest thing is SERVICE.. The rest he can learn. I know Springfield service, and I know CZ's service. I know zip about the rest.
Oh, and it is not the weight of the DA pull that is the problem , his reach is not quite good enough. He can pull the P22 DA with no issue, and it is heavier than the CZ. Just a shorter reach for him is all.
-Bidah
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Kel-Tec PF-9 is a small hand friendly pistol. Lifetime warranty, very reliable, and cost effective...
Just throwing them out there.
http://best9mm.com/
Stoeger Cougar, Zastava, all on the list. smaller frame as well.
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Actually I did leave two off of the list. One being the M&P, the second being the Glock. Of course I *knew* someone would plug me for that sooner or later. I was simply looking for suggestions on why or why not. Notice that there are both DA/SA, and striker fired pistols in there. Yes I have my preferences, but I am really trying to be open here. Before I would get a Glock I would have to let him shoot one to see if he likes them. I don't even know anyone that has an M&P to go shoot. Changeable backstraps is one of the reasons for some on the list.
My biggest thing is SERVICE.. The rest he can learn. I know Springfield service, and I know CZ's service. I know zip about the rest.
Oh, and it is not the weight of the DA pull that is the problem , his reach is not quite good enough. He can pull the P22 DA with no issue, and it is heavier than the CZ. Just a shorter reach for him is all.
-Bidah
As far as service goes, I've owned Glocks since 1993. 16 years, three 9mm pistols and thousands of rounds and I don't know squat about their customer service. Why? Because I've never had a problem beyond a loose sight on my G-17 that my local gunshop replaced wth a better one for $30. Service is an issue, but honestly I have shot the hell out of these guns with no problem and they are still going strong. I sold my my G-17 to a board member (I'm spacing on his screen name and won't use his real one) and he will tell you the gun I sold him works just fine. Again, not saying buy one, just have a reason why you don't because they are like a Snap-On wrench. Craftsman may offer a lifetime no hassel guarnantee, Snap-on doesn't make theirs as easy, but its because the damn thing will never break. Not the best pistol out there, but the most dependable I've ever shot. It is what it is, but its that way every day and that's what I want in a carry piece.
FQ13 who would be carrying a Smith J frame if not for Glock, and for exactly the same reason
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Take a look at the Walter PPS, I'm very impressed with the one my wife bought.A little pricey I'll admit and extra mags are close to $50 ea.!! but it's a dandy little shooter and certainly good for small hands.
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I have an FNP-40 and really like it to the point I almost bought one in 9mm and .45. The Hi-Power or a 92fs would top my list.
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Now there is one that I had not thought of, Beretta, in particular the PX4 Storm. So how is their service though? Hmm.. time to do some internet searching.
-Bidah
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The Xd 9 comes with a holster, mag pouch and case. The extra goodies ad a lot of value. XDM is pricey in comparison, but the smallest grip panel is smaller than XD grip...
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I like my Walthers. Mostly because of the Mag release placement on the trigger gaurd. They have the interchangable back straps also. Service has been great with them since S&W does the importing of the firearms. Only problems I have ever had though was on my P22 I lost the front sight. There are different trigger assemblies the AS is what I recommend. All are good choices though.
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For a young shooter the M&P really is a good thought. I've taken 7 or 8 young people from 12-16 out to the range for their first experience shooting using the M&P in 40 and have seen some real impressive results. The 9mm would be that much better. It's light with a good trigger for teaching the fundamentals. It's not really anymore expensive than a Glock or XD cheaper than a Beretta. It has an excellent lifetime warranty that S&W backs without question. I sent mine in for an upgrade to the new mag release and slide stop not because the gun was malfunctioning but because they were willing to upgrade to new production standards for free. It works with any ammo I've given it and the gun just keeps going. A great gun. With the small backstrap it feels like a 1911 just a little wider and a lot lighter.
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the New Taurus Slim is getting great reviews
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I have the M&P compact. Asked for a finger extension for my second mag, they sent me a whole new magazine for free. That seems like good service to me.
I am looking for the wife a new 9mm as well and have narrowed my search to these
M&P 9 w/o mag safety
Ruger SR-9
Beretta 92FS
You should really check out the ruger. adjustable backstrap, very thin like a single stack, but holds 17+1. Has the safety right where a 1911 safety is. very comfortable gun to hold and most of the bugs have been worked out.
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Assuming that he is still in growth mode I would look in two directions. Either go cheap or go with models that have interchangeable grip panels.
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I am going to recommend a Ruger Blackhawk .357/.38 with a 9mm conversion cylinder. He will have the gun to pass on to your grandkids and have a blast owning it until that time.
tex
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When my Sweetie was going to GUNSITE, I gave her free run of my gunsafes to choose what she liked best. After shooting all the 9mm service pistols I have (and that's most of them, for sure), she chose an FNP-9 9mm (which she shot excellently at GUNSITE and is now her bedside gun).
That said, you know I like the SR9s because they pretty exactly emulate a 1911 grip. When I went through the GUNSITE 250 class with one a couple of years back my scores were the same as with a 1911.
I would also STRONGLY recommend that you look at the new 4th Gen Glocks...they're built on the slightly smaller gripframe with the option of interchangeable backstraps as his hand grows. I thought the new double spring recoil system made a HUGE difference int he way the gun shot. My Sweetie, who has never been a Glock fangirl, took the G17 4th Gen and was ringing a 12-inch 25 yard plate on quick shot after the other.
Michael B
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You cant go wrong with a Glock. It was the first handgun I bought when I turned 21.
The Glock 26 fits my wife's hands pretty well.... also the mid sized Glock 9mm might work well...... You should also probably give the 4th gen G17 a look. Even thought its a full size grip, from the video footage it looks like felt recoil is next to nothing.
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Thanks to all for the replies. It has given me a bit to chew on that is for sure. I think making the decision is going to be excruciating. I will see about getting as many examples of these in his hands to try out so that should help. I think finding a 4th gen Glock might be an issue right at this time though ;D
-Bidah
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My history is mainly with 1911's. I have owned XD's and the M&P's. The 1911 fits my small hand with the short trigger perfectly. The XD requires me to rotate my hand around the grip. This requires a firmer perch to control the recoil. The pistol is a fine shooting accurate piece. The M&P with the small back strap duplicates the 1911 in every way. I was at home instantly.
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A few quality companies manufacture 9mm 1911's now & they fit real nice in smaller hands.
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Did you make purchase and how is it working for him??
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My H&K P2000 SK (Sub compact) would be ideal, except you said good service was part of your decision making criteria. I shot an SR-9 for the first time and it was great! With the new firing system it is a very good gun and it is priced right. Good luck!
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Got say I'm completely head over heals in love with the M&P9 and 9c pistols. Fit, finish, service from S&W is all awesome! And it's made in U.S.A. ;D
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Got say I'm completely head over heals in love with the M&P9 and 9c pistols. Fit, finish, service from S&W is all awesome! And it's made in U.S.A. ;D
I feel the same toward the M&P45.
tex
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So, my oldest is getting to the age where he is old enough, and has earned his own 9mm pistol.
Criteria:
- I figure a poly frame will probably be in the mix, but is not essential.
- Caliber 9mm
- Need to be ok for smaller hands.
- MUST have a good reputation for service. I expect it to be used a lot, and I am sure it will need service or parts sometime.
-Bidah
One word, GLOCK. Let him pick the flavor. Between the 17, 19, 26, and few others I'm forgetting, he will find a 9 MM handgun that is totally reliable, priced very well, fits into most anyone's hands, male or female. They are very easy to operate, field strip, and clean. Bill T.
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So, my oldest is getting to the age where he is old enough, and has earned his own 9mm pistol. So I have started looking, and I am willing to think a bit outside the from what I have. I am expecting this pistol to last him a while, and fit him while he continues to grow.
Criteria:
- I figure a poly frame will probably be in the mix, but is not essential.
- Caliber 9mm
- Need to be ok for smaller hands.
- MUST have a good reputation for service. I expect it to be used a lot, and I am sure it will need service or parts sometime.
-Bidah
One word, GLOCK. Let him pick the flavor. Between the 17, 19, 26, and few others I'm forgetting, he will find a 9 MM handgun that is totally reliable, priced very well, fits into most anyone's hands, male or female. They are very easy to operate, field strip, and clean. Bill T.
Bill the list said Small hands that would leave the Glock hanging in the wind, cause it doesn't fit small hands nearly as well as the M&P! ;D
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my best advice is,take him with you and let him handle them to see what feels and fits his hand best.
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XD-9 sub compact. I had one hat the house and my 8 year old who has never fired a 9mm. Shot very well with it. And I was impressed with my groops with that little 9. And I dont have one nine in the safe. We went out and shot a 22mag after school today and he wanted me to get that XD-9 sub compact back.