Going out pistol shopping..

[Bidah]

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

[mudman]

Hi Power the original Wonder Nine

[Rob10ring]

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.

[jnevis]

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.

[MikeBjerum]

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!

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

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

[Bidah]

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

[twyacht]

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.

[fightingquaker13]

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  

[Bic]

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.