Let's talk 9mm hand guns

[atsah]

I shoot indoors every week all winter and an outdoor range spring, summer and fall. I have an HK VP9 that I like very much and a SW99 walther/SW collaboration in 40 cal which I like even better. The HK I paid $575.00 for and it's a **** good value for the quality you get. I'm not a Glock guy, they just don't appeal to me at all, very reliable for sure but not anymore reliable than my other guns. The trigger on the HK is very good, the SW99 trigger and reset is the best I have ever felt, Walther is often over looked, the PPQ is a top notch firearm as well.

I like the 40cal SW99 for defense for the power of the 40 and the ability to put it in double action, I believe the 9lb full trigger pull in a stressful situation is a good thing, I practice with that gun in double action weekly. My 9mm is more for range shooting, I don't think much of it as a defense round, just not enough power in my mind.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

Another thing that Im contemplating is, hammer or no hammer? Like I stated when I posted originally Ive been a long gun type guy since I was a kid. Of course Ive shot pistols over the years and have a couple cheap 25 autos but these newer pistols that dont have a hammer seem a little odd to me. I can see advantages to both types, hammer and no hammer but Im leaning towards the striker type.

 

[tjkubota93]

Glock makes a single stack 9mm that would be sweet.
I have a g26. They are ugly and plastic, but cheap and reliable.

 

[beowulf]

All well and good... but as Roy pointed out... a stressful situation and you may not behave as well as you were trained. Reliability is definitely unknown vs. stock.

The person who taught my CCW class and qualifies me on the range every two years advised that in a stressful situation you will likely only shoot at 50 percent of your best day at the range - or worse. That may be true - not actually measurable, but clearly the more you shoot at different tempos the more prepared you will be. I know it took a lot of shooting before I became somewhat comfortable with the longer trigger pull with my LC9. At the range I shot very well - surprised myself actually - but in that situation (qualification shooting) I was told to take my time. Much different in a stressful situation with a bad guy - I don't know how I would do then. I know that at the shooting range I built at home, when I try to shoot much more rapidly, I am less consistent. No substitute for practice - I don't do it enough.

 

[RoyJackson]

Another thing that Im contemplating is, hammer or no hammer? Like I stated when I posted originally Ive been a long gun type guy since I was a kid. Of course Ive shot pistols over the years and have a couple cheap 25 autos but these newer pistols that dont have a hammer seem a little odd to me. I can see advantages to both types, hammer and no hammer but Im leaning towards the striker type.

If the gun has a hammer and is SA for the first shot (like a 1911), that means you'll probably carry cocked and locked. That also means you'll have to release the safety before firing. So, imagine a bad guy who already has his weapon at the ready...and you forget to drop the safety. Probably less than desirable results in a self defense situation.

 

[MacLawn]

My recommendation is get something you will carry every day. That usually means something smaller and lighter. Ruger LCP's and similar are very easy to carry and conceal. I also know a couple of people that have the smaller Sigs in 9 mm. They are very nice also but are to big for pocket carry.

Yes, this is key! Something comfortable to carry every day, or you won't keep it with you. I chose the S&W MP 9mm after shooting the Glock 43. It just fit me better than the Glock 43. I keep it in my front pocket, but am looking at those pull out holsters, forgot the name. The kind you just pull up with one hand and get gun with other. Keeping it with you is definitely the most important thing. And practice, safety.

Oh, I also love my little Ruger LGR (? old eyes can't read letters) .22 revolver! I actually keep it in my pocket more than my 9mm now, it's so small and shoots great. .22 hollow point long rifle, I'm fine with that. It's what I like to have on me! Not too many people will be carrying a .44.

 

[Clay45]

If you're not packing all the time you might consider the CZ75.

CZ-USA CZ 75 B - CZ-USA

 

[Zerk]

If the gun has a hammer and is SA for the first shot (like a 1911), that means you'll probably carry cocked and locked. That also means you'll have to release the safety before firing. So, imagine a bad guy who already has his weapon at the ready...and you forget to drop the safety. Probably less than desirable results in a self defense situation.

Ya I agree. People will say not me. But it is still one more motion. I can see maybe the big thumb safeties on 1911s, bit it is still another movement. Not a big deal under ideal situations.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

I like the ones with no hammers for sure.

 

[dragoneggs]

To be honest... I've never been in a 'situation' where I've been stressed in a real life test a particular set up. I carry a shield 9 w/CT laser but something in my gut says that my big ole' 686P revolver might be my best friend when the SHTF. I know that won't fail me but how do I hide that beast! 9mm are a happy compromise. Having a few different 9mm is convenient too.