decisions, decisions...

[genojr1112]

hiya,

i'm at a crossroads, i've got my revolver fix and am now looking at 9 mm's. too many quality firearms to choose from! i like the m&p 9, walther ppq, glock 19, and ruger sr9c. what the heck am i gonna do? they all feel great, they all are finely made...i'm looking for some personal experiences here. don't just tell me to buy the one that shoots the best...it's usually the shooter that needs improving. my purpose is home defense with some cc. let me know what you think

thanks,

geno

 

[rappa29]

I only have experience with the Glock 19. It's a Gen 2 at that, so can't comment on the Gen 4 and have limited experience with the Gen 3's.

All I can say about it is, it's ugly, has a funny grip angle, is easy and soft to shoot, has tons of aftermarket support (although I like mine stock), will kill zombies all day long if I do my part, is super reliable (had mine since '92 with ##,### rds through it and only replaced mag springs), will serve any purpose (CCW, car\truck\boat gun, HD, competition, zombie apoc, etc), are overpriced new (IMHO), but can be had inexpensively on the used market, easy to maintain...

Bottom line, it really comes down to what feels the best for you and what purpose you want it for. From those 4, break it down to more granular level...ergos of controls, safety features, aftermarket support, price. Heck, there are many folks that won't buy a Glock strictly on principal or looks! As trivial as that sounds, consider that in your criteria.

FWIW, I've gone away from adding any more polymer guns to the armory after owning 3 Glocks and a Kahr. Just personal preference. I only need 1 polymer and my Glock 19 fills that role perfectly for me. YMMV.

 

[Lost Lake]

Handguns are a personal decision. You need to pick one:

1: That fits you well (I don't like the grip of Glocks and the M&P has three different back straps for fitting various hands).

2: That you trust (Glocks seem to be having some problems with their new guns, I've read some abuse articles where M&P's have run over 60,000 rounds with no malfunctions).

3: That look like you want them to look (let's face it, we all want beautiful guns).

4: That you can afford (I love the idea of a Performance Center but it is 3-4 times what I have in most handguns).

5: And finally that will last! (S&W has that lifetime warranty thing going on... and it's made in the USA!)

For me, I have a lot of guns, but lately have been buying only S&W. I have Rugers I love, and could buy another one of those, I even have an old Taurus revolver I love, but wouldn't get a Taurus semi.

I take advantage of the S&W First Responder discount and think I am getting a heck of a deal. So for me, and for now, it's S&W. My next guns will be a 642, a 3913 and a Shield I think. I would not pass up any nice S&W .22's though either.

 

[Maddog 521]

I have been shooting since the early 60's. In the last year I have bought the first 9mm pistols that I've ever owned. The first was a 3914 and the second was a 59. I am very satisfied with both. They might be the last 9mm I ever buy.

 

[vista461]

I'd go M&P, I used to have 2 glocks, now I have a fullsize and compact M&P

 

[SEIndSAM]

The full sized MP9 is the most comfortable, accurate handgun I have ever owned. I have some other 9's, but the M&P is the one everyone goes back to when we are shooting at a family function.

 

[SW_shooter]

Hey Geno,

I've only been a shooter for a little over 4 years now, I came to the party late but I am trying my hardest to make up for lost time. I have bought & sold over 20 pistols in that time.

I have a S&W M&P .40 that I love and its currently my only polymer frame pistol. It shoots great and is more accurate than I will ever be. I also have a ppk in 380 that I bought just because its the "Bond" gun, I don't shoot it much as I have large hands and I've been biten by it already.

Never had a Glock, have tried to buy one several times but they just don't feel right in my hand. I have a buddy that swears by them and he has several. Never had a Ruger, so don't know anything about them. Did have a Beretta 92FS that I liked but sold it when I fell in love with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen Smiths.

I wouldn't tell anyone on here but me and a guy that I go to the range with think our 2nd gen Smiths are 'sexy', and make us look cool. My 469 is my CCW of choice.

Good luck,

Shooter

 

[piano2ner]

Geno,

I'd go with the M&P 9c. It's easy to conceal for carry. It has a rail for a light or laser attachment which is a great option for home defense. You can also get the 9c XGRIP version. It comes with a XGRIP® magazine adapter that allows the use of full size magazine in compact frame.

I own all three of the M&P's, the Full size, the 9c and the Shield. The 9c is the way to go if you’re just starting out with a 9mm semi auto. I have a grip extension that allows me to use the full size magazines in the compact. This is an excellent and very convenient option. I can store the 9c bedside for home defense with a light attached and a 17 round magazine installed. When I carry concealed I simply swap the magazine with a compact one, take off the light, and I am ready to go about my daily routine with a very reliable and accurate pistol by my side.

I also own a 1911 Officer Model, Kahr CW9, and a Glock 17. I like them all, they are accurate and reliable. I intuitively shoot my M&P's consistently better than any other pistol I own. I have shot the Ruger SR9C and liked it very much but didn’t find it to be as reliable as my Glock, CW9, 1911, or M&P’s.
I highly recommend the M&P but strongly encourage you to find a way to shoot all the guns you mentioned in your post to determine which gun is for you.

I would also like to add, BUY AMERICAN made products you’ll feel better about your purchase and sleep soundly at night knowing you did so!

 

[Silversmok3]

hiya,

i'm at a crossroads, i've got my revolver fix and am now looking at 9 mm's. too many quality firearms to choose from! i like the m&p 9, walther ppq, glock 19, and ruger sr9c. what the heck am i gonna do? they all feel great, they all are finely made...i'm looking for some personal experiences here. don't just tell me to buy the one that shoots the best...it's usually the shooter that needs improving. my purpose is home defense with some cc. let me know what you think

thanks,

geno

Go forth to Gunbroker.com, and type S&W 6906 into the search box.When thine pilgrim has received the bounty in 7-14 business days, you and your progeny will thank us, the Hallowed Order of the Third Generation.

Walk,and consort no more with the heathens made of polymer.

 

[Quentin]

I have ten 9mms, including a S&W 5906. My favorite is the Browning Hi Power. But if you forced me to have just one it would be the Glock 26 since it's good for CCW and can grow large with 15 rd mags.

Nice thing though you don't have to select only one!

 

[Titegroups]

I own more than a bunch, one gun will not do everything, a gun that you think will do everything probably wont be ideal for either role. Dont buy a gun until you shoot that particular model. If target time at the range is what you're looking for then buy a full size model, not a cc sized piece etc..

 

[Lost Lake]

Go forth to Gunbroker.com, and type S&W 6906 into the search box.When thine pilgrim has received the bounty in 7-14 business days, you and your progeny will thank us, the Hallowed Order of the Third Generation.

Walk,and consort no more with the heathens made of polymer.

LOL!!!

It will take 7-14 days for the covered wagon to get that old gun to you....

Just kidding, a 6906 is a fab gun.... I'm just starting to build a 3rd gen inventory now. I wish everyone would forget about them completely and let me buy them!!!

 

[genojr1112]

great stuff guys...i'm still undecided, ha. i wish it were easy because i think the grass is always gonna be greener. if i pick s&w, i'd want the ppq...and on and on. i'll let the feel of the gun be the guide because they all have a lot of pros and limited cons.

thanks again!

geno

 

[wlp624]

I'm new to the forum, and have been away from shooting for many years, but I recently got the urge to pick it up again (too much time in retirement?)

I've been looking for the 'perfect' 9mm too, and I've narrowed it down to the S&W Performance Center 952 and the Sig P226 X5 L1. The Sig is still in production, but not the S&W. I'm keeping an eye out on the auction sites for a 952 in fine condition, so if anybody on here has one, or knows anyone who does, and would consider parting with it, please let me know.

Bill
[email protected]