Going out pistol shopping..

[tommy tornado]

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.

[Bidah]

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

[LoveMyXds]

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...

[JSC3ATLCSO]

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. 

[garand4life]

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.

[Sponsor]

[ECHOONE]

the New Taurus Slim is getting great reviews

[Walkeraviator]

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.

[WatchManUSA]

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.

[texcaliber]

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

[Michael Bane]

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