Budget 9mm...PPX M1

[mustangman]

I am in the market for a 9mm full size gun, mainly becaue I don't have one. Since I don't really need one, I'm just looking for a good value, bang for your buck, plinker/car/house gun. Not wanting to spend over $350, I was looking at a SD9VE, when I came across the Walther PPX M1. CDNN has it for $279.99, plus a $100 worth of freebees from Walther, so I can drive out for the same price as the Smith. Looks aside, what I'm really interested in is the quality of gun I'm getting for the money. I'm not concerned with weight, or high bore axis, I have a Sig SP2022 .40, which is no pocket pistol, so no biggie. I've read and watched a bunch of reviews on the PPX, and everyone seems to love the trigger. I'm leaning PPX, because I feel that I'll be getting the most value for my $300, but would like to hear other opinions as well.

 

[JaPes]

The PPX is odd looking but feels good in the hand. The higher bore axis does give more muzzle flip than other pistols. The PPX allows you go get your hand high and deep into the grip which helps. The DAO trigger pull is decent. It's not the best DAO trigger I've felt on a hammer fired semi auto. That award goes to a Sig P250. Though I can't really call the PPX 100% DAO. The hammer is pre-cocked a bit. Pull the trigger, hammer falls, pull the trigger again and nothing happens. The slide has to cycle to pre-cock the hammer and reset the trigger.

It's not clear how many mags are issued with the Walther PPX. I suspect that it's issued with one magazine. The $100 in free gear includes one magazine, a holster and a mag carrier. Who knows how useful the holster and mag carrier truly are.

Another suggestion for best bang for the buck full size 9mm, try an EAA Witness P. CDNN has them for $239.00

CDNN SPORTS - EAA WITNESS PS 9MM POLYMER - EMAIL SPECIALS

It's a polymer frame CZ clone. I owned one for a couple years. I put around 2,500 rounds through it before I let it go to fund a different handgun purchase. The trigger is decent. Low bore axis gives it less muzzle flip and less perceived recoil. If I already didn't have a CZ 75B stainless on order, I'd jump on the EAA Witness P (a.k.a. Tanfoglio Force) at $239.99 right now.

Here are a bunch of pictures that might help you decide.

The slide nestles into the frame. This is the amount of slide
you're able to grab onto when racking the slide.
Power stroking the pistol takes just a little getting used
to. A couple mag changes is all I needed to get used to it.

The feed ramp is steep.

But it has no problems feeding rounds. I fed it a variety of hollow
point ammo without issue.

Comes with a bronze and a polymer brush.

Some things to keep in mind:

There is no parts interchangeability between the EAA Witness P and a CZ. I believe CZ magazines will work in the EAA Witness. When I owned it, I didn't know this. The only place I found magazines was through the EAA website. The price of mags is the same as most other mags.

I have one picture of a target I shot. The notes say it was at 30 feet, 115gr WWB FMJ's.

 

[mustangman]

Thanks for the info and pics. I'd been eyeing that gun as well, but it was only $10 less than the PPX this morning. After reading your response, I checked my e-mail, and there it was. At that price, I may just have to take a second look.

 

[LVSteve]

That Witness is a great bargain IMHO.

 

[alwslate]

The best bank for the buck in a used full size 9mm auto is likely a
Ruger P series auto. Very strong and reliable. A bit ugly and chunky
perhaps but indestructable.

 

[Derosa]

I vote for the Witness. A quality CZ knockoff. I had one in 10 mm in steel. Also, I bought a 40 S&W barrel and had options for other variations. If I am not mistaken, you can interchange calibers on the polymer version, too. So for the price of a slide/barrel/magazine, poof, your shooting fun multiplies. CDNN is a reputable. I would not hesitate. Go spend and practice.

 

[MOONDAWG]

Personally I like the looks and feel of the S&W SD9VE.

The ergonomics were so good that after a test drive I bought two within 10 days of each other.

Basically about 1/2 the cost of a GLOCK 19 with in my opinion better handling qualities.