Getting another 9c----questions..

[spirit4earth]

I had to sell my last 9c, but I think I'll go back to that model again. I can scrape together the money for a pistol, and I have a bit of ammo on hand. I'm pretty much a newbie, but not totally unfamiliar with a pistol.
I'm looking for opinions on how many rounds should be shot through the gun before relying on it, and then, do a certain number of rounds need to be shot through the gun at some regular interval? The reason for my question comes down to finances. I'll be able to get my carry ammo (I already have some), and some fmj boxes here and there, but i can't go out shoot hundreds of rounds regularly.
Realistically, how often and how much do I need to shoot? I do understand the need to get extremely familiar with the gun.

Also, my last one had no thumb safety, etc. I was okay with that. What do y'all think? Safety or no safety?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Ranger17]

I have a 9c, my only "non-.22" in fact. Have had since last year (only been shooting 2 years total) so am still a newb here as well. To get my "practice" in I try to hit the range at minimum once a month and more often if able. My visit usually starts with 50-75 or so rounds thru the 9c to make sure i'm progressing in my accuracy and comfort level, then the rest of my time is plinking with my .22's.
Considering a box of 50 rounds of 9mm can be had for anywhere from $10 (alum cased at WM) to maybe $11-13 (brass 115 fmj at various locations) I figure that's reasonable enough. I have picked up ammo in larger boxes when on sale to get the cost of the brass 115 down a bit more so i can run more thru the gun.
Not sure if this helps or not, but for me how and when i practice keeps my skill improving at the range, but that is on paper targets only. When i decide to pursue add'l training for carry, i would plan on much more practice and rounds fired.

Oh, on the safety: mine does not have one; doesn't bother me at the range but i'm not sure my feelings for carry. Will have to actually spend more time on that end before i'd be able to give a solid answer. But based on what I've read here, it likely will be personal preference especially if you are newer.

 

[tcanthonyii]

A couple hundred should suffice. Poke around for a used one. I got mine for right around 300.

Shoot as often as you can afford. Dry fire more, assuming you're going to carry the pistol.

 

[jonesy814]

How many rounds you are comfortable with before you trust it is a question only you can answer. When asking on a forum like this you will could get as many different answers as total responses. I have seen people say if they shoot 100rds of carry ammo with no problem they are happy. Others will say they shoot 500 rounds of carry ammo before the trust a gun. Basically there is no right answer because its what satisfies you that matters. Personally, I start with whatever I can get cheap at Walmart when I first go out as kind of a break in. I'll shoot 50 -60 rounds of that then break out the hollow points. I try to have 2 brands with me and 2 boxes of each kind. I then shoot a box of it and enough out of the second to leave me with enough to fill a magazine. The next time I go shooting I''ll shoot what I have been carrying then switch to cheap ammo and end with a magazine of the carry ammo again.After that I only shoot my carry ammo 3 or 4 times a year and its usually just the magazine full I have been carrying. If you have no other concealed carry weapon and you can only afford to shoot 1 box then shoot one box and then strap it on. In my opinion thats better than not having a gun at all. if you do that by all means get good defensive ammo when ever you can and shoot a few boxes

 

[spirit4earth]

Thank you for all the input. I haven't seen any used 9c's around here, so I'll have to go new. I'll spring for a 17rd mag, then shoot 100 rounds or so of fmj. I think I have about 150 rounds of carry ammo---Gold Dot LE 124+p. I had good luck with that in my other M&P.
I'll also need to get another holster. I do have a Vanguard 2, so I can at least cover the trigger until I can afford a holster---probably a UBG Regulator.
I'm going to keep the gun stock. I think they're fine as is.

 

[Ammo First]

My "Opinion" Minimum of 250 rounds, but 400 + always feels better. The advice to practice with dry fire is spot on. Get yourself some snap caps and practice dry firing at least twice a week. I do it 3-4 times a week. Stay Safe and Good Luck.

 

[Ammo First]

On the holster try a Safariland ALS 6378 for a 9/40 full size M&P. I have one and it fits the full size and compact in 9/40/.357 sig. Very versatile. You can find them brand new for $37.00. Syn suede lined kydex holster. Built like a tank for cheap.