What DA/SA pistol would you recommend?

[GKC]

If you were in the market for a DA/SA 9mm pistol, which one would you choose? I am only interested in NEW guns that are CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION (which leaves out S&W 3rd Gens, unfortunately) and which can be purchased for around $600 OR LESS (which leaves out H&Ks and most SIGs, for example.) Please only comment about pistols that you own or have owned, or had significant experience shooting.

I understand that many people don't like DA/SA pistols, think revolvers are the only gun to own, or have other opinions...I respect all those, but for this discussion, please comment with your recommendations on current DA/SA pistols. I've added a poll with a few makes/models, plus an "Other" category. If you select "Other" please indicate the make/model you are recommending.

Thanks for your responses!

 

[SouthstarJeff]

I love my FN's, including my FNP9. Current production version would be FNX9.

I love how these guns shoot. Great capacity, too.

 

[GKC]

I love my FN's, including my FNP9. Current production version would be FNX9.

I love how these guns shoot. Great capacity, too.

Thanks! I had forgotten all about FNs.

 

[Comrad]

Since 3rd generation is not in consideration, and I own one, I voted for the 92FS because that's the one I would add to my collection if I was buying another.

 

[Will Carry]

I can't say the the CZ-75 SP-01 is the best, I haven't shoot them all yet. I will say that it is a fine pistol. Excellent quality and shoots like a dream. 17+1 rounds of 9mm goodness.

 

[Arik]

Cz 75/85, compact, P/SP01.

Sig can be had @ $500 and under as long as you dont mind used police guns. Coincidently those are the only ones I'd look at. Mid 90s - early 00s. After that their QC went down the drain. Basically any Sig thats all W. German or a mix of W. German and Exeter NH parts.

HKs can also be had for under $600. For the same reasons as Sigs, used police guns. I bought a USP 9with with HK light, LEM trigger, night sights, two 18 round mags and a jet funnel kit for $475

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[junglefighter]

If you shoot a FNX,in any caliber,you will never look back.I think they are the best shooting of any pistol.Please,this is my opinion,not a debate.Thank you.

 

[ColbyBruce]

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

The 92F......but, I'd just save up for a Sig P series. I don't know how you could beat a P229 in 9mm.

 

[H Richard]

An answer would depend on just what the intended purpose for the gun is. Is this a carry piece? A target piece? A plinking piece? A home defense piece? You could get a different answer for each different purpose. There is no such thing as a completely satisfactory handgun for every purpose.

 

[Gunslinger808]

I personally like my CZ75B.
If you want something quality but inexpensive, don't forget the EAA Tanfoglio pistols either.

 

[jeffsmith]

My Question is

If we all kill ourselves to Find & Buy Classic "Out of Production" S&W Revolvers
Why NOT Include 3rd Generation Smith DA/SA Autos in your choices?

I know its your poll and your choice
but i just am wondering why?

 

[cmort666]

I don't like DA/SA in a full sized gun.

The only such gun I'd ever consider would be a CZ75 because it can be carried cocked and locked like an M1911.

 

[GKC]

My Question is

If we all kill ourselves to Find & Buy Classic "Out of Production" S&W Revolvers
Why NOT Include 3rd Generation Smith DA/SA Autos in your choices?

I know its your poll and your choice
but i just am wondering why?

I'm actually helping a relative (NOT a straw purchase) and he only wants to consider new guns that are still in production and at or below $600. I thought I'd see if I could get some other opinions, than just my own. I had forgotten all about FNs, for example, so that was a good suggestion.

 

[GKC]

An answer would depend on just what the intended purpose for the gun is. Is this a carry piece? A target piece? A plinking piece? A home defense piece? You could get a different answer for each different purpose. There is no such thing as a completely satisfactory handgun for every purpose.

No, it won't be for concealed carry, so a full size gun is fine. It won't be for target shooting or competition. It's more for home defense and range fun. He might carry it in the car but not on body (he doesn't have a CHL and doesn't plan to get one.) He said the only handgun he has ever fired was a Beretta M9 when he was in the Marines, apparently as part of a training exercise...he wasn't issued one. He wants the same basic style (DA/SA), but doesn't care if it is all metal or a polymer framed gun.

 

[Engine 21]

My personal preference CZ-75. Next Beretta 92.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I've shot every gun on that list except the Sig. I liked the PX4 best. Nice trigger and the rotating barrel dampens recoil.

Not on the list but if you're willing to spend more the Sig P226 Enhanced Elite is awesome.

 

[dcxplant]

I bought an FN FNX40 and love it. It for me is a tool gun. Camping/hiking, motorcycle CCW.

It has fully ambidextrous controls, can be carried like a 1911 cocked and locked on safe or with the hammer decocked for a DA first pull, great for motorcycleing, and the barrel is normally rifled not rifled like a Glock so lead reloads do well.

Also, the disconnector is like a 1911; it is on both the left and right, so the trigger feels very good. On many poly pistols (and my Ruger MK II's and III, the disconnector is on one side which make sear release feel a bit mushy.

Price is right too.

 

[Texas Star]

I voted for the Beretta because it's most likely to have repair faciities in your area and spare parts may be more available. The slide also operates easier than Browning or Petter style locked breeches if a weaker person ever has to use the gun.

My second, very close, choice is the CZ-75B. I really doubt he'd go wrong with either.

But if this is an ex-Marine who doesn't have extensive interest in guns, that's even more reason to choose the Beretta M-92FS or the M-9.

I suggest Federal's HST 124 grain JHP or Speer's 124 grain Gold Dot ammo for defense. That 's what goes in my Beretta and in my son's and his other 9mm's.

Do not buy a PX-4 without seeing if the trigger rides so high that it touches the trigger finger too low. The tip of my finger is right on the tip/end of the trigger, not higher up, as it should be.

Other 9mm's I'd use are not on your list, and only the Beretta and the CZ meet my standards.

These guns do need some hand size and the ability to reach the trigger well in DA mode.

 

[Dragonfly]

The slide also operates easier than Browning or Petter style locked breeches if a weaker person ever has to use the gun.

I recently bought my first Beretta 92F and was amazed at how easy and smooth the slide was to rack—this could be an essential feature. If the desire was for a DA/SA with a decocker I'd pick the 92F. It's big, but I've got small hands and have no issues manipulating any of the controls. I swapped the hammer spring out for a D spring and both DA and SA trigger pulls improved (especially the DA pull).

My second, very close, choice is the CZ-75B. I really doubt he'd go wrong with either.

Agreed—I've owned three CZ-75s: an original 1980s Pre-B, an SP01 and a Shadow. The latter two would be a challenge to carry (although the SP01 is nice with factory night sights and light but not too light SA pull and rail if a light or laser was desired). This or a 75B or even Pre-B would be my choice if the desire was for a pistol that could be cocked and locked.

I also like the SIG P226 a whole lot--they go for around $700 used but in good shape here; what would be pricing in your neck of the woods?