Greatest 9mm Ever Made

[BE Mike]

I can’t speak to why he crosses it off the list but I do because:

- They tend to choke on steel cased ammunition, and while I rarely shoot steel cased ammunition it’s an option that should still be on the table.

- They have a reputation for poor reliability with some shooters. Other shooters think they are just fine. The reality however is that whether it’s due to limp wresting, improper cleaning and lubrication, narrow parameters for ammunition, or a fundamental design flaw, it’s not very reliable for a fair percentage of shooters.

- The P320 was basically a P250 with a striker firing system and as such was a rather cobbled together design. That led to a “voluntary upgrade” program. There were issues with the original trigger not being drop safe, and there were issues with the lack of a mechanical disconnector. The design of the safety lever and sear spring was such that the safety could be left disengaged with the sear not fully engaged, which could cause the pistol to fire if it suffered an impact. It’s been corrected, but there are still un-upgraded examples out there.

The Sig P320 (M-17/ M-18) pistols are extremely reliable. I not only speak of military tests, but my personal experience putting through many thousands of rounds through them. The P365 is on the same plane as its bigger brothers. They aren't perfect and the company doesn't claim that they are, like some other brand I know of! The Sig P322 isn't 100% reliable with the standard velocity .22 ammo that I use in it, but is fine for its intended use.

 

[czgunner]

My HK VP9 was flawless. Sold it to buy a Walther PDP F (small hands). Also good to go.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[bc1023]

I know this is a collector’s forum first and foremost, but calling the BHP anything close to the greatest 9mm is laughable.

The design is weak, the reliability fair, the accuracy unimpressive, and the trigger design horrendous. I’ll admit it’s a nice looking pistol with a lot of history being high capacity (for the time) and not terribly expensive to produce.

As an avid collector myself, I own several Browning Hi Powers and I like it for its history and aesthetics. As a shooter, I think it flat out sucks. Even my GP Competition model is a complete joke compared to even something like a CZ Shadow 2.

Being the owner of basically all the finest pistols from around the world from modern day to several decades in the past, I firmly believe people who think the BHP is a great shooting gun seriously need to try out some high end pistols. After that, you’ll reconsider what you feel is a fine shooting handgun.

Thats the way I see it, which will certainly tweak a few here. However, hit me up if you want to spend some money on a fine shooter and I’ll give you my recommendations.

 

[Imissedagain]

bc1023,
Please post a list with models, prices and availability.
Thx

 

[otis24]

Here is my 1976 vintage Hi Power seen with my favorite knife, a Cattaraugus 225Q. The knife sheath is in great condition for its age. The pistol had VZ thin grips when I purchased it. Not a fan of Houge grips on everything I’ve tried, but they feel great on the Hi Power. I had the blade front sight and the smaller rear sight removed and had the slide dovetailed to accommodate Mark 3 Hi Power sights.

 

[otis24]

I know this is a collector’s forum first and foremost, but calling the BHP anything close to the greatest 9mm is laughable.

The design is weak, the reliability fair, the accuracy unimpressive, and the trigger design horrendous. I’ll admit it’s a nice looking pistol with a lot of history being high capacity (for the time) and not terribly expensive to produce.

As an avid collector myself, I own several Browning Hi Powers and I like it for its history and aesthetics. As a shooter, I think it flat out sucks. Even my GP Competition model is a complete joke compared to even something like a CZ Shadow 2.

Being the owner of basically all the finest pistols from around the world from modern day to several decades in the past, I firmly believe people who think the BHP is a great shooting gun seriously need to try out some high end pistols. After that, you’ll reconsider what you feel is a fine shooting handgun.

Thats the way I see it, which will certainly tweak a few here. However, hit me up if you want to spend some money on a fine shooter and I’ll give you my recommendations.

I think the OP said “finest fighting 9mm” which I personally equate to “finest combat 9mm”. YMMV. I don’t see very many of the world’s armies outfitted with fine tuned competition handguns.

 

[mikerjf]

I’ll vote for the Mauser Broomhandle in 9mm Export.

More powerful cartridge, no magazine to lose, handy shoulder stock, and a barrel that (if bulged due to mud) won’t foul the slide.

Obviously superior.

 

[BAM-BAM]

How about the Sig 220..... a 226 in 45acp.

 

[WardenRoss]

The Sig P320 (M-17/ M-18) pistols are extremely reliable. I not only speak of military tests, but my personal experience putting through many thousands of rounds through them. The P365 is on the same plane as its bigger brothers. They aren't perfect and the company doesn't claim that they are, like some other brand I know of! The Sig P322 isn't 100% reliable with the standard velocity .22 ammo that I use in it, but is fine for its intended use.

I've got an M18 and I am extremely impressed with its accuracy and reliability.


,

 

[alwslate]

Opinions, opinions on and on. My studied opinion is that there are three that are hard to beat as "best" 9mms. The Browning HP, The Beretta 92FS and the Glock 19. I have all three and they are keepers.

 

[otis24]

For those that don’t like how the Beretta 92 fits your hands, try thin grips from VZ or Lok.