Need advice: which 9mm?

[Double-O-Dave]

Good people,

I could use your thoughts and advice as to my next 9mm purchase. Currently, I have only one 9mm, an H&K PSP. It was on my grail-gun list for many years, and I am very pleased with it. I find that for self defense, my needs are largely taken care of by a J-frame and .32ACP Seecamp. If I feel the need to pack heavier, a K-frame will suffice. I find I prefer revolvers because of hand/wrist injuries and arthritis. Oddly, the H&K tends to work well for me. I do have a 4006 and a Sigma 40F, and I find the polymer Sigma seems to work better for me. I've thought about expanding my 9mm inventory and lately have come across several interesting options. Now, the rub...I don't really need another 9mm, but I can afford one (and only one) at this time. Which of the following would you recommend, and why:

* S&W 496 - it's in pristine shape, looks like it's never been fired. One magazine, $350.00 (+ 8.25% tax); no docs or box;
* S&W 696 - used, and has been carried, but in good shape, one magazine, no docs or box; $298.00 (+ 8.25% tax);
* S&W M&P - I haven't decided between the full size of compact version. I'm thinking of getting the .40S&W caliber and then a 9mm conversion barrel. Locally, used versions are going for $450 -$500
* Browning Hi-Power - per a previous posting, I've viewed some of the Israeli Police surplus models at around $400.00 each (add $25.00 FFL fee + $15.00 shipping)

Cost is a concern in that I can only afford one gun at this time. Self defense is always a consideration, but as I stated earlier, I have that concern covered for now. I keep going back and forth and would love to hear from you folks.

Thanks for your time and advice.

Best regards,

Dave

 

[bubbiesdad]

I have shot a Browning Hi-Power after hearing about them for years. at the prices you've posted, I would go with the Browning.

 

[S. Hammer]

Probably sacrilege on this forum, but the Browning HP is one of those guns that just feels great in the hand. Accurate as well. Just about every nation in the world used them at one time. Parts/mags easy to get. Timeless design by John Moses Browning. The Smith 669 is a great pistol, just sold mine, but it's ergonomics feel like a brick compared to the Browning.

 

[ralph7]

i gotta go w/the browning, also.
it is one pistol that to me, felt superb w/pachmayers.

as far as cheap, i have a star bm that was less than $200 and is a solid performer.

 

[old bear]

IMHO, the Browning H.P is to auto loaders as the M-27 is to revolvers, hands down simply the best.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Guess I'll be the odd one and recommend the full size M&P 9. With the small grip insert it is the best gun I've laid my hands on.

The Browning is a great gun. But notoriously have bad triggers and mag disconnects which must be dealt with.

 

[k22fan]

Dave,

I'd first decide what type of trigger action and size of gun you want, then look at specific guns for sale.

If you decide on a SA 9mm that will be holstered cocked and locked The Browning is the only one on your list but in its place I have settled on CZ 75s & 85s as the best affordable choice. The CZ 75 handle shape is as good as a High Power, surplus High Powers all have the old military shaped tiny safetys and hammers that chew up the web of your hand and you can buy the CZs new and still get a low price. Also CZ's .22 conversion unit is better than the others except for ones that cost more than you want to spend on the base gun.

Let us know what you pick out and how it works out for you.

Best Regards,
Gil

 

[GatorFarmer]

Hi Powers are something that a specialist will have to work on if anything goes wrong, and I've no idea whether an old Izzy surplus gun would feed JHP.

If I wanted a BHP, I'd buy one with the Browning logo on it that was offered for commercial sale in the U.S.

For what you're interested in, try to find a Glock 19. New, used... doesn't matter. It's the handiest of the Glocks. Working on one is just swapping out parts. Fairly idiot proof, mags and accessories are every where.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have owned a good number of 9mm pistols, and have several right now. For a shooter/toter, I would opt for the BHP. I recently sold my S&W #469 because I liked it less than my #908 or my Sig P225's and P228. My #469 lived in a shoulder holster hanging off a bed post and deserved better than that. Currently I have a HK P7 PSP, three Sig P225's, Sig P228, S&W #908 & #5946, and a Browning HP that I rotate through.

I gave the other P7 to my son, sold off a few Beretta 92 F/FS's, S&W #459, Astra A75L, Ruger P89 and P95dc that I didn't care as much for as I did the one's I kept. I like the Beretta's but their size did not suit me.

I do not care for polymer frame guns but do own a Glock #31 .357 Sig because I wanted to play with the cartridge. I can't see myself buying another one.

You might look for a 908/908s, 3913/3914 or a 6904/6906 too. Deals are out there.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I've traded out of at least five Glock 19's and three Glock 27's. I can always get another 19 or 27, but where am I gonna find that nice older S&W revolver they want to trade for? I'll make do on my M&P's in 40 and nine (Louisian Joe got the 45) until I find a deal on another 19 or 27. Did I mention the Glock 32 is starting to look nice?

 

[Farmer17]

Don't make a purchase without atleast trying a CZ-75.

 

[Batjac]

Choosing from the guns on your list, go with the M&P. My wife carries a M&P 9 compact, and it has never failed to go bang. My only complaint is my pinkie finger hangs over the end of the grip.

Personally I have to second the recommendation for a Glock 19.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks all for your replies so far. Good stuff that has given me a lot to think about. I should mention that Glocks (at least the old ones) just don't fit my hand. I tried one years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. A local LEO told me that a lot of female officers, and "small statured men" in his department couldn't handle the Glocks and had to have a dispensation in order to allow them to continue using their revolvers until they switched to S&W semi-autos. Sigs don't work for me either as they just sit up too high in my hand. Keep the responses coming!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[ElToro]

you dont like sigs and glocks... of the choices offered, i'd go browning. its single action though. i have all 3 and if i had to pick one, to live with itd probly be my 1994 vintage german sig228 although my early 80s Belgian two tone is lovely. glocks are.. well glocks. they run but no soul... glocks have the least complicated manual of arms

i'm just not a fan of S&W or ruger semi autos and not really a fan of HK autos either. sorry. not aestheticially pleasing to my eye.

 

[epj]

The M&P 40 with a conversion barrrel sounds like a good choice to me, given your parameters.

 

[tom turner]

Of the ones you listed, by far a genuine Browning Hi-Power is the most desirable 9mm pistol. The Hi-Power is one of the historically great handguns of all time.

Speaking of Browning 9mm pistols . . .

I just stumbled across an identical model replacement for one I'd traded off years ago . . . a Browning BDM (Browning Double Mode) "Practical" model.

It was a totally different design, and has a selector on the left side to instantly convert the pistol from a conventional double action pistol to a "revolver mode" pistol. Being a double action S&W revolver fan, I'd really enjoyed having a BDM with its nice, smooth trigger. In a lot of ways its trigger pull is a lot like a Para LDA pistol.

It came with its box, appears in almost perfect new condition, has all the original cards and manual, PLUS the rare 15 round magazine for it. I simply could not pass it up.

Best wishes in finding the right 9mm for you. Hopefully, I have . . .

Here's how it looks . . . and its dirty and oily after a nice trip to the range this afternoon . . .

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I am a "Basic Revolver" guy, but when it comes to "Bottom Feeders" I like high capacity double stack Glocks. For smaller hands there are single stack Glocks.

 

[cmort666]

1. Browning Hi Power
2. S&W M&P

I don't like double action autos, so that rules out the rest.

 

[NFrameFred]

* S&W 496 - it's in pristine shape, looks like it's never been fired. One magazine, $350.00 (+ 8.25% tax); no docs or box;
* S&W 696 - used, and has been carried, but in good shape, one magazine, no docs or box; $298.00 (+ 8.25% tax);
* S&W M&P - I haven't decided between the full size of compact version. I'm thinking of getting the .40S&W caliber and then a 9mm conversion barrel. Locally, used versions are going for $450 -$500
* Browning Hi-Power - per a previous posting, I've viewed some of the Israeli Police surplus models at around $400.00 each (add $25.00 FFL fee + $15.00 shipping)

Think ya better check yer model number there, cuz ! Or if you don't want it I'll take a dozen of those 696's for $298 each !

 

[ladder13]

For deep carry, hard to beat the Kahr PM9, likely my next handgun purchase. Saw one at a gun show over the weekend, it's not much bigger than most 380's, if that.