which 9mm would you prefer

[twyacht]

Thankfully, gun manufacturers are "getting it", although some slower than others, but there is a wide variety of "good/great" 9mm's out there.

Everyone has their opinion, and chose a pistol for grip, # of rounds, price, etc,....

XD, Glock, M+P, Sig, Taurus, Para, etc,... (my beloved FN9  ), are all well suited for years of use.

For the OP which mentioned "frontier" country, OK,...if that is your choice so be it. All I can add is practice ALOT. A large 4 legged animal, let alone those of a two legged variety will need to be dealt with many rounds.

You will need hits. Especially a bear. Where at least a 12g pump action or rifle should be just about mandatory.

Would I go into the Great White North with a 9mm? ....... No. but if that was my only option, than top shelf ammo, with many pre loaded mags, and many range trips and instruction to boot will be helpful.

Even that super bear pepper spray in the can would be in my bag also.

and a rifle, and a 12g, and a 45Colt,....

 

[Bill Stryker]

None of the above would be my choice.
I have experience with SIG 226 and SIG 225 or P6, Browning High Power, and 2 Walther P1s, aka P38. All are good depending on your mission requirements. If the 9mm is OK.
Regretfully I no longer have the Browning which was one of the best and most accurate pistols I ever had. I had to sell my first P1 to raise money for something. I think it was better than the one I just bought a couple of years ago, but I still like the new one.
The advantage to the 9mm is the ammo is cheaper and the new bullets are pretty good. But the new bullets are good in a .357SIG, .40 or .45 as well.
If you are stuck on one of those three, go with the M9.  BTW I did not vote as there was no none of the above choice and I have no experience with any of those three.
Let us know what you do. And, good luck.

[garand4life]

Beretta 92 parts can be easily obtained versus the parts for a Taurus even though they are nearly identical... nearly... Personally I still prefer the M&P. I would even take one in 9mm just to have one. I love my M&P40 and have every intention on getting a M&P40c or yet another fullsize just to have a backup. It has proven itself for me for nearly 3 years and this is an original release not one that has been revised. Of course I just sent it to be revised for the sake of free!

[L.E. Keeney]

My most accurate 9mm is my Walther P-99. It's the first generation model and I can get the hits a lot better with it than I can with my Glock 19.

The only downside is the cost of magazines.

[Michael Bane]

Just thinking aloud, if I could only have one 9mm, it would be a Browning Hi-Power rebuilt by Wayne Novak. Period. Big ole explanation mark. Of the guns listed, I never  liked the Beretta/Taurus 92-styled 9mms...too fat grips for my girly hands, so I'd take the SR9...as soon as I can get a Ghost Rocket trigger bar for the SR9, I'll get one quick like bunny. and the new XS Sites that Pincus hates.

For carrying in the Great Frozen North, .44 Magnum all the way. Heavy bullet heavy loads in bear country. Even in Colorado, I carry a stoked up .44 Magnum in the spring and fall, when the bears are testy.

Michael B

[Sponsor]

[Majer]

Michael, is that testy or Tasty ?  

And I agree on the Browning HiPower, It's the only 9mm I own...(other than an Old Model Blackhawk convertible with a 9mm cylinder)

[someguy]

Sig 226.  'Nuff said.

[Bill Stryker]

I would add an FNP9 to my list the last time I posted. It is a nice pistol.

[Rastus]

.......
I have been waiting for a good trigger so I'm going to treat myself to an SR9 and a connector for Christmas...I have the 5 Shot leather IWB waiting on it.  It's thin, light and reliable and I really like the safety on the SR9.  I put 1,200-1,500 rounds through it with nary...nary...a failure with any ammo I fed it.

Well, I backed up the post and picked up a new one...black slide.  Now waiting to order the trigger connector from Ghost which they say by email should be available very soon.

Rereading the post, couple of points.  Everyone can agree that you need a big bore for bear.  I've a friend who calls in mountain lion and he says lions drop easy so on his advice the 9MM would be just fine.  Lion may call for a quick surprise shot and you may be better off with the 9MM (of 5.7x28) to get hits on target quicker...not that a bear isn't quick but they are more noticeable and it is likely you would have more notice in general for a bear.  For bear..you need something big to be effective.  I like the 10MM solution as a single weapon to try to do it all.