Acquiring a 9mm Service Pistol - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

KirStang · 10-10-2009, 11:24 AM

Hey All,

So I have two ARs coming in, a M1A, an AK, a shotty and a couple of pistols. I recently realized that I do not have a full sized service pistol in a common caliber (i.e. a 9mm). My first pistol, a 9mm M92FS was taken back by my dad (Dad: "Aha! I see your nice 1911, and will take back the M92 I gave u for ur 16th birthday!"

). I also gave my dad my full sized 1911, so now I only have on hand two pistols. One lightweight, commander sized 1911 for CCW, and a S&W 1006 that's a brick (and apparently broken, according to Crompsin).

Not long ago, I toyed around the idea of a plain jane Glock 17. Good, reliable service pistol, in a common caliber. But Today, I came across a pretty nice S&W M&P9 on Aim surplus for $569 (night sights!

).

When my brother was buying his CCW piece, I toyed around with a M&P40 compact, and really enjoyed the trigger. However, I have never fired a M&P.

Thus my question to the local TFP Gun Experts are:

1.) Good full size pistol that's dead nuts reliable in a common caliber. The lighter weight the better. What's a good gun?

2.) I know I am slightly biased towards S&W (they've got a great rep and a lifetime warranty), but has anyone handled the M&P and what were their thoughts?

3.) Any other suggestions, reccomendations? Should I stick with .45ACP, of which I have a lot of ammo stored?

4.) Trigger. Striker fired is fine with me. I like SA, but most prefer SA/DA.

Favorite 9mm guns.....GO!

ETA: Aim Surplus has some *REALLY* good deals on ammo right now.

Walt · 10-10-2009, 12:49 PM

Im a huge fan of Glocks. I've owned a couple and they've never let me down. If memory serves, you can get a set of Novak Lo-Mount night sights, a Ghost trigger connector and an over-sized slide release (from the Glock 34) for around $200. You really cant beat that package.

All of the major manufacturers are putting out hi-cap polymer pistols these days. In response to the competition, Glock has just released a new model called the G17 RFT2. It has a slightly slimmer grip and factory stippling. IIRC, it also has the front serrations cut into the slide. I had a chance to handle one and its really cool and stays put in your hand. Goodbye skateboard tape.

A friend owns a M&P in 9mm that I've had the chance to shoot. It's more than accurate enough for what you need and well built. I really like the front serrations on the slide. The most noticeable thing is the grip. It's shaped like a standard 1911 and is probably the most comfortable pistol I've ever held. The only downside (for me) is the trigger pull. It's noticeably longer than the Glocks, though I'm sure there's an after-market fix out there due to the increasing popularity of the pistol.

You cant go wrong with with either a Glock or the M&P. From what I hear, S&W just released a new M&P in .45. You might want to check that out and see what you think. For Glocks, I'd stick with the 17 or the 19. The 17 is a longer barrel by about an inch and holds 2 more rounds than the 19, though its a bit harder to conceal. If you're planning on using this pistol as a back-up weapon to a rifle, I'd go with the 19. Its lighter and smaller, equally as accurate and will allow you to carry more ammo for your primary weapon.

Hope this helps.

Plan9 · 10-10-2009, 01:32 PM

Overall, 9mm would be the way to go for fun gunning such as range time, shooting schools, etc. You can save your *cough* "stockpile" *cough* of .45 for training on your concealed carry pumpkin thrower. I wouldn't use it at classes... steel plates don't care if its 115 or 230 grain impacting... they go Ping! just the same. I'm kinda thinking I should go do some of those "tactical .22" classes they have out there now for These Economic Times... but I digress. Another potential thread.

Okay, okay... the S&W 1006 isn't broken. My excuse is it is an ancient slabside with a grainy trigger pull, torturous grip setup, and, for some reason, I couldn't hit a damn thing with it from the ~2 mags I fired the first time I'd ever shot it. It humbled me. Then I went back to plugging 3" groups with the USP 45 to feel better about myself.

Forget the M9 and Beretta. I haven't known anybody to carry one that wouldn't have preferred something else. It's as reliable as a boat anchor but too big 'n clunky for most. H&K pistols are too expensive and difficult repair (lack of parts). Sigs okay but pricey. Steyr and CZs are good but rare. Taurus makes okay stuff but I'll get booed off the board for suggesting that. Your common sense options are the Glock, S&W, or Springfield.

I use the Glock 34 "Long Slide," as you've seen at that one class. 5" barrel, cut out on the slide, better trigger, longer slide and mag release. I find it accurate and balanced. If it's a "service pistol" you want, you don't need to worry about CC issues. You have that 1911, right?

I'd say the Glock 17 or 19 are your primary choices. The S&W M&P or Springfield XD are also candidates, but you can't beat the Glock for its ubiquitous nature. Another random idea would be to buy a G19 and use Wolf parts to put a longer barrel on it later. That's something I've been thinking about doing for a while. Ammo load for sidearm/primary weapon isn't an issue with Glocks... the G19 can use G17 mags. Or 33 round G18 mags in case you fall into The Matrix. And don't get a Glock C (compensated) model in anything. They're loud and annoying... like the ridiculous fart can exhausts kids put on their Saturn LS coupes in a lame attempt to make them sound like a Porsche.

KirStang · 10-10-2009, 02:01 PM

Yea, I was thinking of using this pistol as a back up to my trusty AR. You guys make the glock sound golden. I'm definitely gonna play with one again when I visit my FFL.

Stare At The Sun · 10-10-2009, 04:26 PM

My favorite 9mm pistol?

Baby Desert Eagle - 9mm. Or the Jericho 941.

Plan9 · 10-10-2009, 04:37 PM

No! Stop it! Stop it right this instant.

I'd rather have a CZ 75 than an IMI.

Hell, I'd rather have an Intratec Tec-9.

KirStang · 10-10-2009, 05:03 PM

Lol, what's wrong with IMI?

And, what makes the Jerico 941 so great? Come on man, You gotta SELL IT to me =P.

Plan9 · 10-10-2009, 07:00 PM

Here's my funtime shootin' school sidearm equipped with too much Hoppes, light, and awesome cat toy:

Just get a friggin' Glock, Kir. You're going to be making like six figures in two years anyway, legal ninja.

And when you wanna upgrade, you can sell your G17 or G19 to me. Heh, I'm a dirty whore like that.

wraithhibn · 10-10-2009, 07:36 PM

I have an MP40 and I really like it. It's incredibly comfortable plus there's the fact that it is a SW (used to have a 5906). The biggest downside to the MP series is the trigger. It takes a while to get broken in, usually under 1000 rounds though. Dan Burwell seems to be the trigger master for the MP's and I've read many recommendations of his trigger jobs. Since the price of ammo has gone up so much I wish I had gotten the 9 instead of the 40, but going up to a 40 was the point of buying the gun.

Plan9 · 10-10-2009, 07:39 PM

I concur with the comfort factor of the S&W M&P. It's a real comfy guy to hold, the swappable backstraps are money (MIAD on my AR). I figure you just can't get any more basic than a 9mm Glock. Everybody has them, uses them, and you're practically tripping over parts and accessories at any gun shop, gun show, or practical shooting event. Mags? Holsters? Triggers? Sights? Other gizmos? ZAHAL.ORG? No problem. If something bad happens... Glock armorers are a dime a dozen and most have parts on 'em. The Glock isn't the most spectacular pistol out there (I prefer the H&K USP over the Glock any day) but you can't beat the Glock on popularity. It's like that kinda plain girl you banged in college... she wasn't a rock star, but she was always there and totally dependable.

remy1492 · 10-10-2009, 08:12 PM

As military we get sweet deals from Glock, smith etc..... as such I bought quite a few Glocks and Smith/Walther guns.
The M-9 does suck. I have a few because CDNN had them dirt cheap, but otherwise, in combat it stays strapped to my leg and will probably never be used. and the M-9 has a manual safety, not good for 4am stumbles with somebody in your backyard.

I love my SIG 9mms (228/229, stay away from polymer sigs). They are the heat, BUT......they are metal and rust. They are so beautiful that I just dont want that to happen to them, so in the safe they stay. If you can afford a Sig, get one.

The SW99/waltherP99 if I read correctly, stay away from it. My P99 felt great but shot like hell. the Trigger sucks. The SP22 trigger is the worst in all mankind, another walther F-up.

The M&P is a trusty pistol, we bought them for Afghansitan and Glocks for Iraq, that says durability. The M&P is a little tall though, compare both pistols side by side.
I went with several glock 9mms instead of an M&P because its a lower slide picture and felt better. I have several G-19s and several G-26s. The advantage is that lighter trigger springs and mods are cheap and sold everywhere. The lighter pull makes groups a lot tigther and shooting a lot more fun (target, not law enforcement).

I hated Glocks until I fired one with a 3LB trigger. After that I put my SIG away and use Glock at the range. And it wont rust, if I drop it, its not a SIG so I dont mind scratches and its plastic so I can hose the thing down if it sits in my dirty pocket too long.

If you are going to get a pistol, get the TLR-1or 3 flashlight and nightsights, better to buy them already ON the gun vs adding them later. Streamlight TLR1 Weapon Light IN STOCK and ready to ship!

Plan9 · 10-10-2009, 08:25 PM

Hah, when I was in Afghanistan those little crooked bastards were getting "Swocks"... the S&W Sigma 9mms. I remember watching them parading around with their blue lunchboxes. I think that was the day my one buddy got his gnarly old Russian Makarov for like $50.

You can do a lot of work on a Glock with minimal expense. Check out: Lone Wolf and Wolff Gunsprings. A zillion other after market sites out there.

Getting your [9mm pistol] with night sights installed and throwing a Streamlight on it would be a good choice as something to do the day you buy it. You need both of those items. I like Streamlight products. I only have the Insight Technologies "tactical illuminators" I do because they were free.

Cimarron29414 · 10-12-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remy1492

The M&P is a little tall though, compare both pistols side by side.
I went with several glock 9mms instead of an M&P because its a lower slide picture and felt better.

This is not only an aesthetic issue, but it increases the recoil on the M&P (and the XD for that matter) compared to Glock. Because the barrel rides higher over the recoil spring, it tends to kick more than a Glock. I still prefer the XD's trigger to Glock, but the recoil is noticably more.

BTW, thanks for your service, guys!

Plan9 · 10-12-2009, 06:01 PM

Mandatory Crompsin Steyr Pistol Plug (MCSPP):

The Steyr M-series has an extremely low bore axis. You can't beat it.

remy1492 · 10-12-2009, 06:44 PM

I like the looks of a Steyr, will have to give it a try. But as far as glocks, yeah, you can mod the hell out of it. For the range a light trigger is great, for home defense, you might discharge it accidentally so choose............wisely.

Fire · 10-12-2009, 08:00 PM

handle and preferably shoot whatever you settle on first- me, I love my s+W 5906- heavy steel for me please- but then, heavy = less felt recoil, and all that jazz - but I have big hands, and not everyone does- likewise, not everyones hands fit a glock......but I have heard no ill about glocks, except from those that just do not like plastic pistols.....

cementor · 10-13-2009, 06:28 PM

To all you fellas thanks for your service.

Do you stick w/ the Glock recs if one of the potential shooters is a woman. I too am in the market for a pistol for both fun and home protection. Reliable , reasonabley inexpensive, fun to shoot at the range and suitble for a woman ( my wife ) in a emergency situation ( with a capital E ) and training and practice.

Plan9 · 10-13-2009, 06:32 PM

I recommend revolvers to people who want something simple and effective. Revolvers may also fit the smaller hand of a female shooter.

cementor · 10-13-2009, 06:44 PM

Momma isn't interested in firing the 357M python or the GI Colt .45, just thinking a glock or like adds to the fun part (for me!) OK I'm busted. finding something comfortable for large varient in hand size may be difficult as well?

remy1492 · 10-13-2009, 06:46 PM

Ditto, revolvers tend to be good for women. Smith has the airweight model, very nice.
I just dont like revovlers so I have semi-autos all over. Any light semi-auto will do the job for a girl, who I assume has small hands.

Glock's tend to be lighter, the Glock 19 is a good weight gun. The Glock 26 is much much lighter, but it is also only 10rds, compact and has no way to attach a light/laser on a rail.

I like Glocks for the wife because there is no safety. There is also a PPS and a few SIG 228/229s. All of which, also have no safety. For her simple memory, just rack the slide and pull the trigger on ALL the guns.
The Berettas and other small commie guns that have safeties stay in the safe for the range.

The best thing to do is narrow down what you read about, then go handle them at a gunshow, or better, test fire them at a local range. Keep in mind, a big gun like Glock17 is gonna weight a LOT more once its fully loaded whereas a 19 or a Sig228/9 is still pretty light.
EDIT, my PPS is my CCW gun, although it only carries 7-8 rds, it is SLIM and works very well in small hands.

KirStang · 10-13-2009, 08:11 PM

My mom could not squeeze the stock trigger of her Lady Smith in .38SPL. Also bear in mind that lighter weight = higher recoil. Finally, keep in mind that *some* women have trouble racking slides, especially without practice.

Fire · 10-13-2009, 08:53 PM

I know several women that like a cz-82- good for smaller hands, CCW able, 12 round mags- BUT its in 9mm makarov- which lately is easier to find and cheaper than 9mm, but is available in fewer loadings and is weaker and not in HP to often..... but its a good solid little gun that goes bang consistantly, has ambi safeties, and is simple to learn.....

dissonance · 10-14-2009, 06:11 AM

I vote for the Glock 19. It is simple, reliable, affordable and extremely easy to maintain. Most new shooters perform far better with my Glock 19 than any of my other pistols.

Plan9 · 10-14-2009, 06:17 AM

I think the Hi-Point .380 is probably the finest production handgun ever made. Accuracy, power, and machining that you have to see to believe.

FelixP · 10-15-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plan9

I think the Hi-Point .380 is probably the finest production handgun ever made. Accuracy, power, and machining that you have to see to believe.

I'd concur, but I can't type because I blew both of my hands off the first time I fired one.

In all seriousness, I hope someone who doesn't know alot about guns doesn't mistake your sarcasm for seriousness and buys one thinking they're great.

10-10-2009, 11:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
KirStang Future Bureaucrat	Acquiring a 9mm Service Pistol Hey All, So I have two ARs coming in, a M1A, an AK, a shotty and a couple of pistols. I recently realized that I do not have a full sized service pistol in a common caliber (i.e. a 9mm). My first pistol, a 9mm M92FS was taken back by my dad (Dad: "Aha! I see your nice 1911, and will take back the M92 I gave u for ur 16th birthday!" ). I also gave my dad my full sized 1911, so now I only have on hand two pistols. One lightweight, commander sized 1911 for CCW, and a S&W 1006 that's a brick (and apparently broken, according to Crompsin). Not long ago, I toyed around the idea of a plain jane Glock 17. Good, reliable service pistol, in a common caliber. But Today, I came across a pretty nice S&W M&P9 on Aim surplus for $569 (night sights! ). When my brother was buying his CCW piece, I toyed around with a M&P40 compact, and really enjoyed the trigger. However, I have never fired a M&P. Thus my question to the local TFP Gun Experts are: 1.) Good full size pistol that's dead nuts reliable in a common caliber. The lighter weight the better. What's a good gun? 2.) I know I am slightly biased towards S&W (they've got a great rep and a lifetime warranty), but has anyone handled the M&P and what were their thoughts? 3.) Any other suggestions, reccomendations? Should I stick with .45ACP, of which I have a lot of ammo stored? 4.) Trigger. Striker fired is fine with me. I like SA, but most prefer SA/DA. Favorite 9mm guns.....GO! ETA: Aim Surplus has some REALLY good deals on ammo right now. Last edited by KirStang; 10-10-2009 at 02:02 PM.. Reason: coughstockpilecough*

10-10-2009, 12:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Walt I'm calmer than you are, dude Location: North Carolina	Im a huge fan of Glocks. I've owned a couple and they've never let me down. If memory serves, you can get a set of Novak Lo-Mount night sights, a Ghost trigger connector and an over-sized slide release (from the Glock 34) for around $200. You really cant beat that package. All of the major manufacturers are putting out hi-cap polymer pistols these days. In response to the competition, Glock has just released a new model called the G17 RFT2. It has a slightly slimmer grip and factory stippling. IIRC, it also has the front serrations cut into the slide. I had a chance to handle one and its really cool and stays put in your hand. Goodbye skateboard tape. A friend owns a M&P in 9mm that I've had the chance to shoot. It's more than accurate enough for what you need and well built. I really like the front serrations on the slide. The most noticeable thing is the grip. It's shaped like a standard 1911 and is probably the most comfortable pistol I've ever held. The only downside (for me) is the trigger pull. It's noticeably longer than the Glocks, though I'm sure there's an after-market fix out there due to the increasing popularity of the pistol. You cant go wrong with with either a Glock or the M&P. From what I hear, S&W just released a new M&P in .45. You might want to check that out and see what you think. For Glocks, I'd stick with the 17 or the 19. The 17 is a longer barrel by about an inch and holds 2 more rounds than the 19, though its a bit harder to conceal. If you're planning on using this pistol as a back-up weapon to a rifle, I'd go with the 19. Its lighter and smaller, equally as accurate and will allow you to carry more ammo for your primary weapon. Hope this helps. __________________ Calmer than you are...

10-10-2009, 01:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Overall, 9mm would be the way to go for fun gunning such as range time, shooting schools, etc. You can save your cough "stockpile" cough of .45 for training on your concealed carry pumpkin thrower. I wouldn't use it at classes... steel plates don't care if its 115 or 230 grain impacting... they go Ping! just the same. I'm kinda thinking I should go do some of those "tactical .22" classes they have out there now for These Economic Times... but I digress. Another potential thread. Okay, okay... the S&W 1006 isn't broken. My excuse is it is an ancient slabside with a grainy trigger pull, torturous grip setup, and, for some reason, I couldn't hit a damn thing with it from the ~2 mags I fired the first time I'd ever shot it. It humbled me. Then I went back to plugging 3" groups with the USP 45 to feel better about myself. Forget the M9 and Beretta. I haven't known anybody to carry one that wouldn't have preferred something else. It's as reliable as a boat anchor but too big 'n clunky for most. H&K pistols are too expensive and difficult repair (lack of parts). Sigs okay but pricey. Steyr and CZs are good but rare. Taurus makes okay stuff but I'll get booed off the board for suggesting that. Your common sense options are the Glock, S&W, or Springfield. I use the Glock 34 "Long Slide," as you've seen at that one class. 5" barrel, cut out on the slide, better trigger, longer slide and mag release. I find it accurate and balanced. If it's a "service pistol" you want, you don't need to worry about CC issues. You have that 1911, right? I'd say the Glock 17 or 19 are your primary choices. The S&W M&P or Springfield XD are also candidates, but you can't beat the Glock for its ubiquitous nature. Another random idea would be to buy a G19 and use Wolf parts to put a longer barrel on it later. That's something I've been thinking about doing for a while. Ammo load for sidearm/primary weapon isn't an issue with Glocks... the G19 can use G17 mags. Or 33 round G18 mags in case you fall into The Matrix. And don't get a Glock C (compensated) model in anything. They're loud and annoying... like the ridiculous fart can exhausts kids put on their Saturn LS coupes in a lame attempt to make them sound like a Porsche. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 10-10-2009 at 04:40 PM..

10-10-2009, 04:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	No! Stop it! Stop it right this instant. I'd rather have a CZ 75 than an IMI. Hell, I'd rather have an Intratec Tec-9. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 10-10-2009 at 04:41 PM..

10-10-2009, 07:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Here's my funtime shootin' school sidearm equipped with too much Hoppes, light, and awesome cat toy: Just get a friggin' Glock, Kir. You're going to be making like six figures in two years anyway, legal ninja. And when you wanna upgrade, you can sell your G17 or G19 to me. Heh, I'm a dirty whore like that. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 10-10-2009 at 07:13 PM..

10-10-2009, 02:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
KirStang Future Bureaucrat	Yea, I was thinking of using this pistol as a back up to my trusty AR. You guys make the glock sound golden. I'm definitely gonna play with one again when I visit my FFL.

10-10-2009, 04:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stare At The Sun Eh? Location: Somewhere over the rainbow	My favorite 9mm pistol? Baby Desert Eagle - 9mm. Or the Jericho 941.

10-10-2009, 05:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
KirStang Future Bureaucrat	Lol, what's wrong with IMI? And, what makes the Jerico 941 so great? Come on man, You gotta SELL IT to me =P.

10-10-2009, 07:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
wraithhibn Dopefish Location: the 'Ville	I have an MP40 and I really like it. It's incredibly comfortable plus there's the fact that it is a SW (used to have a 5906). The biggest downside to the MP series is the trigger. It takes a while to get broken in, usually under 1000 rounds though. Dan Burwell seems to be the trigger master for the MP's and I've read many recommendations of his trigger jobs. Since the price of ammo has gone up so much I wish I had gotten the 9 instead of the 40, but going up to a 40 was the point of buying the gun. __________________ If you won't dress like the Victoria Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

10-10-2009, 07:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	I concur with the comfort factor of the S&W M&P. It's a real comfy guy to hold, the swappable backstraps are money (MIAD on my AR). I figure you just can't get any more basic than a 9mm Glock. Everybody has them, uses them, and you're practically tripping over parts and accessories at any gun shop, gun show, or practical shooting event. Mags? Holsters? Triggers? Sights? Other gizmos? ZAHAL.ORG? No problem. If something bad happens... Glock armorers are a dime a dozen and most have parts on 'em. The Glock isn't the most spectacular pistol out there (I prefer the H&K USP over the Glock any day) but you can't beat the Glock on popularity. It's like that kinda plain girl you banged in college... she wasn't a rock star, but she was always there and totally dependable. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 10-10-2009 at 07:43 PM..

10-10-2009, 08:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
remy1492 Crazy Location: CA TX LU	As military we get sweet deals from Glock, smith etc..... as such I bought quite a few Glocks and Smith/Walther guns. The M-9 does suck. I have a few because CDNN had them dirt cheap, but otherwise, in combat it stays strapped to my leg and will probably never be used. and the M-9 has a manual safety, not good for 4am stumbles with somebody in your backyard. I love my SIG 9mms (228/229, stay away from polymer sigs). They are the heat, BUT......they are metal and rust. They are so beautiful that I just dont want that to happen to them, so in the safe they stay. If you can afford a Sig, get one. The SW99/waltherP99 if I read correctly, stay away from it. My P99 felt great but shot like hell. the Trigger sucks. The SP22 trigger is the worst in all mankind, another walther F-up. The M&P is a trusty pistol, we bought them for Afghansitan and Glocks for Iraq, that says durability. The M&P is a little tall though, compare both pistols side by side. I went with several glock 9mms instead of an M&P because its a lower slide picture and felt better. I have several G-19s and several G-26s. The advantage is that lighter trigger springs and mods are cheap and sold everywhere. The lighter pull makes groups a lot tigther and shooting a lot more fun (target, not law enforcement). I hated Glocks until I fired one with a 3LB trigger. After that I put my SIG away and use Glock at the range. And it wont rust, if I drop it, its not a SIG so I dont mind scratches and its plastic so I can hose the thing down if it sits in my dirty pocket too long. If you are going to get a pistol, get the TLR-1or 3 flashlight and nightsights, better to buy them already ON the gun vs adding them later. Streamlight TLR1 Weapon Light IN STOCK and ready to ship!

10-10-2009, 08:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Hah, when I was in Afghanistan those little crooked bastards were getting "Swocks"... the S&W Sigma 9mms. I remember watching them parading around with their blue lunchboxes. I think that was the day my one buddy got his gnarly old Russian Makarov for like $50. You can do a lot of work on a Glock with minimal expense. Check out: Lone Wolf and Wolff Gunsprings. A zillion other after market sites out there. Getting your [9mm pistol] with night sights installed and throwing a Streamlight on it would be a good choice as something to do the day you buy it. You need both of those items. I like Streamlight products. I only have the Insight Technologies "tactical illuminators" I do because they were free. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 10-10-2009 at 08:32 PM..

10-12-2009, 06:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Mandatory Crompsin Steyr Pistol Plug (MCSPP): The Steyr M-series has an extremely low bore axis. You can't beat it. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

10-12-2009, 06:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
remy1492 Crazy Location: CA TX LU	I like the looks of a Steyr, will have to give it a try. But as far as glocks, yeah, you can mod the hell out of it. For the range a light trigger is great, for home defense, you might discharge it accidentally so choose............wisely.

10-12-2009, 08:00 PM	#16 (permalink)
Fire Warrior Smith Location: missouri	handle and preferably shoot whatever you settle on first- me, I love my s+W 5906- heavy steel for me please- but then, heavy = less felt recoil, and all that jazz - but I have big hands, and not everyone does- likewise, not everyones hands fit a glock......but I have heard no ill about glocks, except from those that just do not like plastic pistols..... __________________ Thought the harder, Heart the bolder, Mood the more as our might lessens

10-13-2009, 06:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
cementor Crazy Location: Denver	To all you fellas thanks for your service. Do you stick w/ the Glock recs if one of the potential shooters is a woman. I too am in the market for a pistol for both fun and home protection. Reliable , reasonabley inexpensive, fun to shoot at the range and suitble for a woman ( my wife ) in a emergency situation ( with a capital E ) and training and practice. __________________ Cementor If I was any better I'd have to be twins!

10-13-2009, 06:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	I recommend revolvers to people who want something simple and effective. Revolvers may also fit the smaller hand of a female shooter. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

10-13-2009, 06:44 PM	#19 (permalink)
cementor Crazy Location: Denver	Momma isn't interested in firing the 357M python or the GI Colt .45, just thinking a glock or like adds to the fun part (for me!) OK I'm busted. finding something comfortable for large varient in hand size may be difficult as well? __________________ Cementor If I was any better I'd have to be twins!

10-13-2009, 06:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
remy1492 Crazy Location: CA TX LU	Ditto, revolvers tend to be good for women. Smith has the airweight model, very nice. I just dont like revovlers so I have semi-autos all over. Any light semi-auto will do the job for a girl, who I assume has small hands. Glock's tend to be lighter, the Glock 19 is a good weight gun. The Glock 26 is much much lighter, but it is also only 10rds, compact and has no way to attach a light/laser on a rail. I like Glocks for the wife because there is no safety. There is also a PPS and a few SIG 228/229s. All of which, also have no safety. For her simple memory, just rack the slide and pull the trigger on ALL the guns. The Berettas and other small commie guns that have safeties stay in the safe for the range. The best thing to do is narrow down what you read about, then go handle them at a gunshow, or better, test fire them at a local range. Keep in mind, a big gun like Glock17 is gonna weight a LOT more once its fully loaded whereas a 19 or a Sig228/9 is still pretty light. EDIT, my PPS is my CCW gun, although it only carries 7-8 rds, it is SLIM and works very well in small hands.

10-13-2009, 08:11 PM	#21 (permalink)
KirStang Future Bureaucrat	My mom could not squeeze the stock trigger of her Lady Smith in .38SPL. Also bear in mind that lighter weight = higher recoil. Finally, keep in mind that some women have trouble racking slides, especially without practice.

10-13-2009, 08:53 PM	#22 (permalink)
Fire Warrior Smith Location: missouri	I know several women that like a cz-82- good for smaller hands, CCW able, 12 round mags- BUT its in 9mm makarov- which lately is easier to find and cheaper than 9mm, but is available in fewer loadings and is weaker and not in HP to often..... but its a good solid little gun that goes bang consistantly, has ambi safeties, and is simple to learn..... __________________ Thought the harder, Heart the bolder, Mood the more as our might lessens

10-14-2009, 06:11 AM	#23 (permalink)
dissonance Upright	I vote for the Glock 19. It is simple, reliable, affordable and extremely easy to maintain. Most new shooters perform far better with my Glock 19 than any of my other pistols.

10-14-2009, 06:17 AM	#24 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	I think the Hi-Point .380 is probably the finest production handgun ever made. Accuracy, power, and machining that you have to see to believe. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."