Which one is better?
I am currently looking to purchase my first Handgun and also attempting to way all of my options. I am wondering which gun will hold up the best while also being concealable. The guns that I am looking at are: Beretta 9000S, Glocks, Steyr M-series, and Walthers P99. Each gun can be found in either 9mm or .40 S&W. Any help will be great.
[?] Gotdeere
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[?] Gotdeere
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There are pages and pages of debate in these forums on the question you have asked. You couldn't go wrong with a 2" J frame S&W revolver.
Remember Ruby Ridge.0 -
A revolver is the most reliable handgun and as the other reply stated a 2" S&W is an excellent choice. A revlover has less moving parts and does not jam as an auto sometimes will. A revolver can fail to fire but on a double action just pull the trigger again where as an auto must be cleared before trying again. I am not talking up revlovers because I don't like autos, I have more autos than revolvers, but for a first handgun the revolver is the best choice in my opinion. 0 -
My advice, is go to several gun ranges that rent out guns and just try all of them that fits what you think you'd like. Many larger cities have numerous ranges with different offerings at each one. This can give you some nice hands on experience at least to narrow it down. It really comes down to what you feel comfortable with.
Revolvers are reliable and I like the idea (on double-actions) to be able to just keep pulling the trigger instead of having to clear the chamber as jmich said. However, any good quality auto shouldn't have any trouble when properly maintained. I also feel autos are easier to reload (especially in the dark or panic situations) and generally carry more ammo. [}:)]This isn't meant to undermine the simple fact that a few good well-placed shots can't be replaced by flinging a whole clipload of ammo, but not everyone reacts the way they practice when a life/death situation is at hand so clipsize can quickly become an issue...
It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...0 -
Ya'll that really helps. But is there anyone who is knowledgable about any of those autos? Or any pros and cons to them or the two different calibars?
Gotdeere
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The 40 S&W is considered to be a better 'stopper'. As for the 'best' weapon, that is in the eyes of the beholder. It's like buying cars. They will all get you there, but what do you like. I have owned or used almost every hand gun you can think of, but what works for me may not for you. The best advice is above, if you can shot the verious guns you will 'feel' the 'right' one for you.
PS: Shoot both auto and revolvers in your quest, you may be suprised in what you find!![;)]
Self defence is an ablsolute and natural right. Keep your powder dry! J. Rau, Alaska0 -
Well for a small Pistol with alot of firepower I have a Beretta 9000S
in DA only,or type D.I carry it as my backup weapon on Duty.It holds 13+1 RDS of 9mm.Or you can buy the adapter and it will accept 15RD Model 92 Hi cap mags,butit defeats the compactness of the gun and looks odd so I dont use it.I carry the 135 gf Federal Personal Defense aammo in it.If you want a full size gun,The Glock 22 or23 .40 is a good choice.One excellant gun you may want to try is one of the Ruger P-series guns.Or the CZ 75 is a gun you cant hardly beat.Good Luck!
Best!!
Rugster
Toujours Pret0 -
I am looking into trying to find a range in the area where I may be able to "test shoot" a few pistols. Thanks again.
Gotdeere
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You asked for particular experience with one type of gun... (not to say this is better or anything)...
I have a Glock model 20 in 10mm. It is basically a hopped-up .40. It has ballistics nearly on par with the .357 and .41 mags so the stopping power is definately there. You can still find the 15 round magazines (for a princely sum of around $125 bucks).
I have mine fully outfitted with a Lasermax internal laser, night sights, and under-slung tactical light.
Many people complain of the recoil of the 10mm, but my 135# wife can shoot it one handed, so I am not sure what they are complaining about... If the recoil is too much, Glock offers a lot of their guns in a C model (compensated to reduce recoil)
The glock safety I think is perfect in the home defence role since you won't be fumbling for the safety in a panic situation, but for concealed carry, I'd recommend carrying hammer down over an empty chamber.
Overall, I'd still stick with what I said earlier, try as many types, brands, and calibers of guns as you can and find what feels good to you - the rest of us won't be there (with our guns) to help ya... [;)]
It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...0 -
Thanks for your suggestions
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If you want the best get a Sig 220 or an H&K in 45 auto. 0 -
A Glock 23 is hard to beat. Thirteen + 1 .40 S&W in a compact pistol. If the .40 is too much recoil, the Glock 19 in 9mm is the same size but carries 15 + 1 of 9mm. JMHO
As someone else said, you need to test fire as many different models as you can and find what feel good in your hand.
Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....0 -
Of the pistols listed I'd say a Glock model 23. But if this is your first handgun I'd advise against a pistol in favor of a revolver a Smith model 37 .38 spl with a 2" barrel loaded with 158 gr LHP is ideal. As is a Smith model 10 .38 with a 3" barrel. Either way goodluck and welcome to the sport. 0 -
I like my Sig 229. Like what was said before, just because I like it doesn't mean you will. If you can't shoot them first at least go to gun shops and handle as many as you can. This way you can get a feel for what you like. 0 -
Thanks again for all of your help. I have shot on numerous occassions. My Dad has a .380 ACP that he messes around with. WIth that auto pistol I shot pretty well. I 9mm shouldn't be too much difference and with practice a .40 won't matter.
But does anyone know anything about that Beretta 9000s or the Walther P99 I liked how they felt. Don't get me wrong now the glocks also fit really well.
Thanks again
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Luckily Captian Kirk is away or else we'd be locked out on this topic by now. I am strictly a 9mm man, although I do own a couple of .45's.
I do not care for Glocks simply because they do not fit my hand comfortably and I can't stand their trigger- there is however nothing wrong with the pistol itself and I would not tell you to pass one up if that is what you want. I have yet to find any Steyr handgun that I have ever liked and the Model M is no exception- the sights are strange and the feel of the pistol is all wrong to me. Steyr should just stick with their rifles- they are excellent and that end of the business is the company's strength (if it survives).
The Beretta 9000 Couger is an interesting pistol and I was impressed with the way it handled the first time I fired mine. I have small hands for an average size man and I found the Couger fit them far better that any of the Beretta 92's (5) which I own. The short recoil system with the rotary barrel takes some getting used to if you were acustomed to the Model 92, but it is just a matter of adjusting to it. I had a hard time reassembling the thing the first time. I would have perfered if Beretta had found a way to adapt the Couger take the Model 92 magazine as that would have cut down on costs. All and all the Couger is a good solid pistol and Beretta quality shows throughout.
Of the pistols you have mentioned I find the Walther P99 very much to my liking. The fit of the grip (with its interchangable backstraps) is perfect for me. The adjustable rear sight is light years ahead of the Glocks and the trigger pull is pretty good. The fit and finish are well above any Glock I've ever seen- but of course you pay a premium for that. The decocker at the upper left side of the slide is not in the best spot, but if you use a two hand hold you can easily use the thumb of your off hand. I own nearly 100 handguns and I only keep what I like- the P99 is a keeper...I really like the green frame!
Other fine handguns in 9mm are the SIG/Sauer P226- a personal favorite of mine and the HK USP- rather bulky, but a good pistol and very accurate. If money is a consideration you might take a look at the CZ-75/85 which are fine guns for the money. For something a bit smaller, the Walther P5 and SIG/Sauer P225 are both highly recommended by me. The Walther is very expensive but it one of the finest automatics ever made. These are just my opinions based on what I like and what I've been selling for the past 20 years- others will no doubt feel differently.
Mark T. Christian0
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