revolver shooter needs semi-automatic recommendation

[jeffrey]

I'm not sure that this is the right place for this request, but I'll try it here. I am a revolver guy (for carry, plinking and IDPA) but I've gotten the bug to get a semi-automatic pistol, probably a 9mm. I've had some pistols in the past and don't miss the ones that I have traded off (except that BHP, wish I still had it!). What I'd like is a pistol with the same manual of arms as a revolver and with a similar trigger.

I was thinking about a Sig 250 Compact in 9mm, as it has a small frame alternative (I have very small hands), no safety, and a revolver-like double action. I have not been able to try one out, except to dry-fire it at a local store, and I hate to buy a gun that I've never shot.

So, what I'm asking is whether the assembled revolver lovers have any experience with this gun, and whether there is another gun that I should consider. (By the way, I used to have a Kahr K-9, which had a great double action trigger and which I traded off after it's second visit back to factory -- everyone who shot that gun had a FTF every second or third magazine.)

 

[KMB]

No experience with the P250, but you may want to consider HK P2000 V2 (DAO) or V1 (DA/SA). I've owned both versions, but sold off the DAO. Exceptional pistols and similar in size to P250 Compact. I also have small hands and P2000 feels great to me.

 

[Hoptob]

Sig 250 is a classic gun, you really can't go wrong with it if you want a 9mm. But unfortunately it's DA pull is very different from a revolver DA pull. In DA Sig pull is lighter than revo and it's even from start to break, there is no hint of stacking. If you can't find 250, try to find 226 or 229, it will give you a good idea.

I too am a revolver nut but wanted a couple of semi's to stay current. At the end I just went with Glocks... The pull is nothing like a revo but it's just as reliable and relatively cheap.

Mike

 

[peyton]

Springfield XD9, my son has one and loves it. I refuse to join the tupperware crowd so I have Berretta 92 and CZ 75.

 

[Hoptob]

C'mon, peyton, my hammer has a plastic handle too. Semi is a tool, plastic works, what else is there to ask for? Revolver on the other hand is a work of art, plastic in revolver would be... unbecoming.

 

[Spotteddog]

Jeff,
FWIW: I too was a D/A revolver shooter or an S/A single stack 1911' shooter till 08', end of story. My quest too began for a higher capacity, as close to D/A as possible mid bore piece of Tupperware. Brother member Erich (wisely!) suggested trying something in the Sigma/SV line. He was right, they're as close as you'll get to a highly sprung D/A gun! But like you, I too was getting seduced by the ergonomics of the Sig 250. This was right at the end of the difficulty Ruger was having with it's new SR9, so none were available to confuse me even further thankfully! All the medium and full size Glocks met the criteria, but for my hand sucked for fit? So I ended up with an S&W M&P (in my case a 9c). I'm sure countless members are sick by now of reading how desperately I wanted to hate the gun! And I really did want to?
Too bad for me, it dragged me into the 21st century kicking and screaming all the way!
(If price is no object the Sig 250 is a wonderful product!) If it is, the "ergo's" on the M&P are pretty damned good? And you could always order the N.J./N.Y. "cop trigger" variant if you want a desperately long hard pull? Hopefully there'll be an M&P in a rental counter you can try, along with the usual selection of Glockenspiels.
Good Luck! Tell us what you decide on, and why after you do!

 

[pinkymingeo]

21st Century? Autoloaders predate the Hand Ejector. Wonder why they call it a 1911? Far from a recent innovation, jams and stovepipes have a long and colorful career. New materials applied to the same old problems. Somebody on a revolver forum had to say it, so I did.

 

[bassoneer]

21st Century? Autoloaders predate the Hand Ejector. Wonder why they call it a 1911? Far from a recent innovation, jams and stovepipes have a long and colorful career. New materials applied to the same old problems. Somebody on a revolver forum had to say it, so I did.

I wish you were wrong, but I've proven to myself (at great expense) that you are correct. I've had two semi's, a plastic (Springfield) and a 1911 (Colt) and they had reliability issues. More with the 1911. Now I own four S&W revolvers and I don't worry about it any more. I can rest assured I have solid rounds in the cylinder that will back me up when needed, every time, all the time. No brass hitting me in the face, no brass stuck in the gun while trying to eject, and no jams trying to chamber a round. The sad part is, I still want another 1911 for some reason...I keep thinking if I just try a different manufacturer it will be different, but I've already spent a fortune on those things. I will probably just stick with the wheel guns for now. B

 

[danski]

Jeffrey, lo you stray grievously and we can only hope and pray that you are not bringing down a curse upon yourself and your entire family for the thoughts you have been entertaining. Go out and search and find
the truth again before it is too late.

 

[jpwhel]

Jeffrey - I do not have the P250 but have handled it on occasion, I do have several Sigs however, a few in 9mm. The P229 is a great gun and can be had in DAO. It has a double stack magazine so the grips are a little thick. I also have the P225 which is the single stack magazine which results in thinner grips. Since I also have smaller hands I much prefer the the P225, but I think it comes only in DA/SA.

If you ask this question in the S&W Semi forum, you will get much advice and experiences of the members to the S&W semis, both on the metal guns and the plastic. I do have a S&W M&P 9c which is the compact 9mm which is great to shoot.

I like my S&W revolvers but also like to shoot the semis also. Depends on how I feel that day. And my cc is a semi.

 

[1066]

One thing you gotta admit about the autos, when it comes to cleaning there is no contest. Every time I clean a revolver and a semi at the same time, I remember why I like shooting autos.

I don't have a SIG 250, but I do have several double action only S&W pistols. Take a look at a used 3953 or 6946, they are much cheaper then the SIG. These DOAs go for about $400. There are several 6946s on Gunsamerica right now for $370. It is tough to beat this gun at that price.

The Glocks, XDs and M&Ps are DOA, but my personal opinion is that they do not have anything like a revolver trigger. Not saying these triggers are bad, just different. They are a little more then a used 3953/6946, but they are new, and are priced at less then the SIGs.

 

[RidgwayCO]

My Beretta 8000F weighs 33 oz, or about the same as my model 696. 15+1 rounds of 9mm Luger is not the highest capacity, but is comforting... What I've always liked about the Cougar is how well the grips fit my (average-sized) hands, and how gentle the recoil is due to the rotating barrel. I believe they're made in Turkey now under the Stoeger name. Find one and shoot it, if possible, to get an idea of the feel.

 

[Capt Steve]

Another recommendation for the MP9C. I too have smallish hands and with the small back strap the MP9C fits like a glove. The trigger is excellent right out of the box but just keeps getting better and better. You won't have to refi the house to buy one is another good reason to look to the MP. As noted you should have no trouble finding one at most ranges so you can try it for yourself. After a couple of thousand rounds with zero problems I like it more every time I shoot it. It is ideal for CCW as well. For the record I still love my 649 and 357 Ruger.

 

[JamesArthur60]

You might want to consider the Walther P99QA. IIRC, it's a DAO (8# pull) trigger. Quality built firearms and many times overlooked. It's also sold/serviced via S&W here in America.

 

[JSR III]

Model 39 and for those with larger hands the Model 59, my personal favorite.

 

[Hofstet]

Sig and H&K design and manufacture some of the finest auoloaders available IMO. I own a few of each and find them to be a pleasure to shoot.

 

[stevieboy]

I've been a revolver guy since forever. This year I was briefly intrigued by the idea of getting a semiauto. I tried out at least a dozen guns. I was reasonably comfortable firing the M & P 9 and the Springfield XD but neither of them really turned me on. I hated Glocks. For whatever reason I really liked the Ruger SR9. I'm not sure why because its trigger is nothing to write home about. The thin grips were a desirable feature, along with the low price. In any event, I almost bought one. At the last minute, however, I went in a different direction and purchased a Smith 1911. I find the 1911 to be superior to all of the striker-fired guns. However, in my heart I'm still a revolver guy and after all of my shopping, trying out, and ultimately, buying, I continue to do 90% of my shooting with revolvers.

 

[clang444]

I would also suggest a 3rd Gen DAO S&W -

3953 (compact alloy single stack)
6946 (compact alloy double stack)
5943 (full size alloy double stack)
5946 (full size stainless double stack)

Many also came in TSW varients qand there might be a carbon steel version of one or two of them.

If you want to go polymer - there are several great choices out there that can be had in some form of DAO: SW99/P99, Glock, M&P, FN, etc. Just pick the one that points most naturally for you.

 

[G2240]

The best semi-auto for you is the one that feels best in your hand. I have a Glock 19 and a Glock 22 and they're absolutely the best guns-- for me. They feel right in my hand, I consistently get excellent groups and neither of them has ever missed a beat. But most of that is irrelevant for you, as is anything else you'll read-- except for factual statements about a particular gun being unreliable. You read all kinds of BS written by people who "hate" a particular gun, and while those people are certainly entitled to their opinions, that's all they are- opinions. I don't think you can fault the quality of any of the guns produced by major manufacturers. So the best advice is to rent the make and model gun you're thinking of buying. Then you'll have a good idea of what to expect after your purchase. I didn't do that prior to buying a Taurus 24/7 Pro and I regret it. There's not a thing wrong with the gun, it has never jammed or misfed, but I don't like the trigger feel, and my patterns are 2-3 times the size of the ones I get with the Glocks.

 

[Dogguy]

Try a Glock 19. If it fits your hand, you'll have a hard time finding a more reliable 9mm at any price.