old-timer needs a 9mm

[elm_creek_smith]

I made the mistake of selling my Springfield Armory.

I have a Tisas US ARMY M1911A1 in 9x19mm that, except for the caliber, seems identical to what I carried for 16 years in the Army until they issued us M9A1s. It came with two 9-round magazines and over time I've added three 10-round magazines. The initial purchase a few years back was less than 4 C-notes. I carry it when my 5 & 6 shooters don't seem to be prudent. Like my old GI .45s, it hasn't missed a lick in function with acceptable accuracy.

Just my 2¢.

 

[JMD999]

Standard CZ 75B

 

[65-2x2]

There are so many good choices. If I were in the market today, I would be looking at some of the Turkish imported Hi-Powers. CAI markets one called the Centurion for around $400.00. Rock Island has a very well reviewed 9MM 1911, Or you could always go with a CZ 75 or Beretta 92. There is a healthy supply of Glock police trade-ins available as well. Just go poke through some of the Big on-line sellers, you are sure to find something that catches your fancy. I recently bought a couple of SAR pistols in 9MM and I think that they are outstanding.

 

[M29since14]

I'm also a senior collecting social security. I'm of Scottish decent and was raised by flinty New Englanders so I too don't like spending too much money. When I bought my Sig P210 I almost hyperventilated. But after owning it for a few years I consider it money well spent… We're not getting any younger so you might as well splurge for once.

Great looking P210! You’re right about not getting any younger.

Interesting that you’re using lead bullets. I need to try that some day.

 

[noonster]

Those Tisas 45’s are a good bang for the buck. I haven’t tried them in 9mm but suppose they’d be top notch, too. That being said I’m REAL bullish on my Star BM. Was so impressed I went back and bought another one. They’re a great bang for little bucks, are SOLID (steel) ergo the recoil is very managable, and mine shoot well. Low price is the added advantage. Many came over here is real good shape. And they’re low $$$ enough you can monkey around with them (your GS can).

 

[pasound]

My carry is a S&W 3913. Great pistol, but not in this mix.
Sig 365XL is a good one that is proven, carries well, and fits several sizes of hands.
For a 1911 version, the Tisas 9mm, or a Rock Island 9mm are good choices.

 

[Kenneth07ex]

Another vote for the 92fs. The only downside of the Beretta is the fat grip. But it sounds like it won't be a problem for the op.

 

[acthomas]

IMHO... One gun, two letters & two numbers...

CZ75

Cheers!

CZ 75 SA / single action only is one of the best CZ 75's ever made

 

[bph9]

I made the mistake of selling my Springfield Armory 1911 A1 in 9mm. Some years ago I had taken it to a local gunsmith for new sights, I wanted a fibre-optic front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight. The gunsmith sold me on having a Novak wide notch rear sight, not adjustable, on the grounds of not having to mill a new dovetail. I said OK, and asked that it be sighted for zero at 15 yards, for plate shooting. When done I found that when I shot it at 15 yards, with or without a rest, I was hitting on center but about 6 inches low. I had some friends shoot it, and they ere right on with it, so there was evidently something weird about my sightline. Anyway I sold it, and now I don't have a 9mm. I have large (long fingered, not beefy) hands, 2XL gloves, I am 6'3" with long arms and long hands. I am a long retired senior and do not want to spend a ton of money. I have owned a S&W M&P in the past, and various 3rd generatioin Smiths. Never owned a Glock. Have owned S&W 9mm revolvers, not interested in going back to them, a 940 and a 547. I value accuracy, and want a comfortable grip and decent trigger. Old school, not interested in threaded muzzles or other fancy extras, just want a comfortable (for me) and reasonably accurate pistol. High capacity is not a requirement. I will not be carrying this, just range shooting, but I may keep it bedside. Suggestions?

For a bedside pistol you need a "safe" pistol. This rules out any striker fired pistol without a manual safety. Getting up half asleep in the middle of the night accidents can happen very quickly when grabbing for a handgun.

I recommend the H&K P30s or P30sk or Beretta 92 or the subcompact 92. Both have a manual safety which can be put on with a round in the chamber. Both have good trigger pulls and the H&K is perhaps the safest 9mm ever invented and has a very, very, good trigger and outstanding accuracy. Both are very reliable.

Both have a decocker so you never have to touch the trigger,, and both must be locked open to disassemble. To many striker fired guns make you pull the trigger before disassemble, an accident waiting to happen and happen it does all the time.

If you want junk then skimp on the price, if you want something you can hit with and is dependable spend a few pennies more and buy something decent.

If you want a lower price you may be able to find a used Star BM or Star Starfire M43. Both are 1911 type pistols but smaller is size.

 

[Doug M.]

For a bedside pistol you need a "safe" pistol. This rules out any striker fired pistol without a manual safety. Getting up half asleep in the middle of the night accidents can happen very quickly when grabbing for a handgun.
*

The platform is less of an issue than your training and the manner in which you are awakened. In fact, the firearm should be the least needed (even if critical) portion of home defense.

Make your home as unwelcoming to the uninvited as possible. Fence the yard. Have lights. I like dogs, preferably larger (with my lessened capacity and slowed recovery, Rottweilers are about as big as I can go, but I would have a pair of Boerboels if I could). Even our Boxer X, who is too small to fight off a person, is alert and she has a different bark for something suspicious. I have had the Rotts wake me up growling and it is quite effective. I am not at all uncomfortable with a bedside Glock, but I have also had a lot of formal training with them and all of the nearby pistols are holstered.

 

[The Preacher]

If you're Old School you might save some money and look for a used Ruger P95. Double action/single action. They are a bit large to carry, but they can be had on the used market for $300 or less, give or take (doesn't appeal to the current generation). A full size 9mm. Built like a tank and accurate, but folks say big and bulky, and they are but I don't mind that as they feel good in my hands. Oh, 15 round magazine and easy/soft to shoot. Would make a great range toy as well as a fighting tool or something to put in the nightstand by the bed. Just something to consider.

 

[walkin' trails]

New or used? There seems to be a steady supply of Gen 4 Glock 17 police trades and I’m sure one could be ordered and delivered to an LGS near you. They’re relatively inexpensive and work well as range toys and even night stand duty. They have interchangeable back straps for hand sizes. Magazines, sights, and other accessories are cheaper and usually easier to find. Gen 5 trades are also starting to show up now that the Gen 6 is out. Some Gen 5s have the optics cut slide. That’s one option. Palmetto State Armory has some pretty good deals on new handguns across the price spectrum that could also be shipped to an LGS in your neck of the woods. Anyway, take another stab at Springfield Armory cause they still make 9mm 1911s. If you’re comfy with the 1911, the newer models are greatly improved, including sight options.

 

[Bevo84]

I am aware of the SA35, but have never seen or held one.

First time shooting mine. It's a simpler version of a 1911 style platform in that it's easier to disassemble for cleaning. I'm glad I purchased it.

 

[max503]

I was well into my 60's before I got my first 9mm - a Taurus 92. Wish I hadn't waited so long.

 

[bgbmagic]

If you're Old School you might save some money and look for a used Ruger P95. Double action/single action. They are a bit large to carry, but they can be had on the used market for $300 or less, give or take (doesn't appeal to the current generation). A full size 9mm. Built like a tank and accurate, but folks say big and bulky, and they are but I don't mind that as they feel good in my hands. Oh, 15 round magazine and easy/soft to shoot. Would make a great range toy as well as a fighting tool or something to put in the nightstand by the bed. Just something to consider.

One of the most accurate out of box Rugers ever made!!!

 

[MRPMRP]

Those Tisas 45’s are a good bang for the buck. I haven’t tried them in 9mm but suppose they’d be top notch, too. That being said I’m REAL bullish on my Star BM. Was so impressed I went back and bought another one. They’re a great bang for little bucks, are SOLID (steel) ergo the recoil is very managable, and mine shoot well. Low price is the added advantage. Many came over here is real good shape. And they’re low $$$ enough you can monkey around with them (your GS can).

I've never owned one, but the Star always struck me pistol that punches above it weight, and I'm someone who is okay paying pemium prices for a nice pistol. It's just that the Star seems to be a great pistol that just happens to sell for a good price, I really need to pick one up while they're still below the radar.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

My finest and best shooting 9mm is a Sig P210. I first fondled one at the Sig Armorers School in 1985. Fell in love, decades later I had one of my own. It was worth the wait and the cost.

 

[Phenix]

I made the mistake of selling my Springfield Armory 1911 A1 in 9mm. Some years ago I had taken it to a local gunsmith for new sights, I wanted a fibre-optic front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight. The gunsmith sold me on having a Novak wide notch rear sight, not adjustable, on the grounds of not having to mill a new dovetail. I said OK, and asked that it be sighted for zero at 15 yards, for plate shooting. When done I found that when I shot it at 15 yards, with or without a rest, I was hitting on center but about 6 inches low. I had some friends shoot it, and they ere right on with it, so there was evidently something weird about my sightline. Anyway I sold it, and now I don't have a 9mm. I have large (long fingered, not beefy) hands, 2XL gloves, I am 6'3" with long arms and long hands. I am a long retired senior and do not want to spend a ton of money. I have owned a S&W M&P in the past, and various 3rd generatioin Smiths. Never owned a Glock. Have owned S&W 9mm revolvers, not interested in going back to them, a 940 and a 547. I value accuracy, and want a comfortable grip and decent trigger. Old school, not interested in threaded muzzles or other fancy extras, just want a comfortable (for me) and reasonably accurate pistol. High capacity is not a requirement. I will not be carrying this, just range shooting, but I may keep it bedside. Suggestions?

Glock 48.
Light, slim, and trim.
Long enough sight radius for ease of hitting.
Glock 43 if you want shorter but will have a little more recoil.

 

[BE Mike]

As you want a "range gun", if money isn't a concern, then the Sig P210. If you are like the rest of us, I'd suggest the SA 1911 Garrison Target.