What DA/SA pistol would you recommend?

[GKC]

I voted for the Beretta because it's most likely to have repair faciities in your area and spare parts may be more available.

That is one reason he wants a new gun...warranty coverage.

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.

He is mainly interested in rifles and shotguns, and hunts extensively. He's mainly wanting a handgun for home defense, and has never owned one. All the recent craziness have him convinced he should get one now, while he can...especially if it holds more than 10 rounds. He lives in Texas, though, as I do, so that is unlikely to be an issue.

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.

For my own curiosity, what would those be? And as for his hand size, he can palm a basketball...while I can palm a ping pong ball.

 

[gdnagle]

Kahr would be my choice in low capacity mag, Beretta 92FS for larger capacity. But then again I prefer a .45ACP which 92FS is only 9mm. Have a Kahr CW .45 and have never had a problem with any ammo. Beretta might be my next gun purchase. Then again my wife has a Ruger LC9 Lilac small and light 9mm with 6+1 capacity but longgggg trigger pull.

 

[GKC]

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?

I love P229s...but he only wants a new gun; a new P226/9 sells for $800 + in shops around here. I rarely see used SIGs in the local shops, at least not P226/9 models, but the ones I do see are usually not in good shape (at least cosmetically) and still command a pretty high price.

 

[GKC]

Kahr would be my choice in low capacity mag

He only wants a DA/SA action, though. I just thought about Bersa...they make a DA/SA .45, but then he wants 9mm; of course, they make a DA/SA 9mm too.

Then again my wife has a Ruger LC9 Lilac small and light 9mm with 6+1 capacity but longgggg trigger pull.

My wife has a TALO Gold LC9, and hers is 7 + 1. The trigger pull is long, but smooth...and she can rack the slide easily on it, which she can't on most of my pistols.

 

[Dragonfly]

I love P229s...but he only wants a new gun; a new P226/9 sells for $800 + in shops around here. I rarely see used SIGs in the local shops, at least not P226/9 models, but the ones I do see are usually not in good shape (at least cosmetically) and still command a pretty high price.

Well there you go! If it was me I'd go for Beretta 92F or CZ75B or SP01.

 

[GKC]

Well there you go! If it was me I'd go for Beretta 92F or CZ75B or SP01.

Of those three, the only one I've owned is the 92FS. I was leaning toward recommending the SIG SP2022 to him, because I like the trigger and the decocker on it, but since I started this thread, I'm going to go over the results with him and see what he wants to consider. The problem is, finding some of these guns to see in person. I've seen lots of Berettas and SIGs in the local shops, but I don't recall ever seeing a FN or CZ. Maybe they were there but I just wasn't seeing them.

BTW, he said he'd pay for my gas to go around and find some to look at for him...and then he'd come with me when I had them located. Man, I can't believe this...getting PAID (at least for my gas) to go to gun shops and look! I may have just found my new career...

 

[Texas Star]

That is one reason he wants a new gun...warranty coverage.



He is mainly interested in rifles and shotguns, and hunts extensively. He's mainly wanting a handgun for home defense, and has never owned one. All the recent craziness have him convinced he should get one now, while he can...especially if it holds more than 10 rounds. He lives in Texas, though, as I do, so that is unlikely to be an issue.




For my own curiosity, what would those be? And as for his hand size, he can palm a basketball...while I can palm a ping pong ball.

They'd be SIG's or the Star M-30, if I found a really good deal on the Star, which is out of production. But he rightly wants a new pistol with parts and support available.

Most members do not read OP's well and inject their own criteria in answering. I understood your requirements, and answered accordingly.

It is very important to have him handle the gun before purchase. Academy Sports sometimes sells CZ's in Texas. Berettas are much more widely sold. I think Beretta has better QC, as some CZ finishes and grind lines along the front edge of the grip vary. Stainless CZ's may have better uniformity there.
CZ-USA is seemingly doing well now, and their rifles are also well worth considering.

BTW, the M-92FS has a slight radius at the back of the grip, which lets it fit many hands better than the actual M-9. You have to feel the difference to believe it. I tried both at once; bought the FS. I think I paid $450 on sale, with two mags. But that was several years ago.

I've never seen either the M-92 series or a CZ-75 jam. Both tend to be quite accurate.

My son found the issue M-9 to work well even in sandy Iraq, as long as real Beretta or Mec-Gar mags were used.

 

[Dragonfly]

I've not seen a SIG SP2022 but from what I've read it looks like it'd be a fine choice. Too bad about the scarcity of CZs--they're fairly common in Canada (well, as common as a handgun can get here which is to say, not very).

 

[Wee Hooker]

consider total ownership issues

With some of the lesser named/popular guns, finding extra mags and aftermarket grips, sights, upgradeparts/support and holsters can be limited (or expensive). Been there -Done that-Won't again. Of those mentioned, I've owned the Beretta 92 and the CZ75. Neither impressed me enough to keep around.
Personally I would go with the Sig 2022 of those mentioned. I like the interchangeable grips and aftermarket support is plentiful. I have a the 40 cal flavor of this gun and it's a keeper!
Curious though that you didn't include a 2nd/3rd gen S&W? I'd match many of those against most of your list.
My advice would be to go handle (and shoot if you can) before you buy from spec. Otherwise you'll likely be disappointed in whatever you buy.

 

[CH47gunner]

CZ - I like this one a lot.
Their compact with an alloy frame, light rail, 14rd. mag (ten in Cali.). I have the TLR3 mounted on mine.

CZ75 P-01

 

[UncleEd]

Look at used market Sig 226s (or 229s) and Beretta 92FSs.

Essentially same size and handling characteristics with essentially same feel in the triggers for DA and then for SA.

Weights are also comparable although the 226 is slightly smaller than the 92.

I've fired both extensively, I mean extensively, which is how I've come to the above conclusions.

 

[GKC]

I've not seen a SIG SP2022 but from what I've read it looks like it'd be a fine choice.

IMO, they are. I think the trigger on them is better than the metal SIGs, or at least as good. I have two very minor quibbles with this pistol:

1) the magazines are expensive, and the gun usually comes with just one

2) the take down lever/slide stop is different than on metal body SIGs, and it's a bit awkward IMO. Still not bad to handle, but just a bit different to take down.

 

[BigCityChief]

Beretta PX4 Type F

 

[wildenout]

I have to cast my vote for the Springfield XDsc, I have carried it now for 3 years and love it. I hear great things about the XDS also now available in 9 where you can find it. Now, I know they are technically "Glock knock offs" but I personally like the feel and the function of the XD's over Glocks and taht is just my opinion. But Glocks and XD's should not just be swept under the rug, give them a shot!

 

[GKC]

Curious though that you didn't include a 2nd/3rd gen S&W?

My brother-in-law (whom I'm helping to find/select a gun) only wants a new gun that is currently in production. That unfortunately eliminates used guns and otherwise very fine guns like S&W Gen3s. We've talked about it quite a bit, and he is pretty set on what he wants (new, and in production.) Of course, finding a good S&W Gen3 locally is harder than finding new guns.

 

[GKC]

I have to cast my vote for the Springfield XDsc, I have carried it now for 3 years and love it. I hear great things about the XDS also now available in 9 where you can find it. Now, I know they are technically "Glock knock offs" but I personally like the feel and the function of the XD's over Glocks and taht is just my opinion. But Glocks and XD's should not just be swept under the rug, give them a shot!

There are many polymer frame/striker fired guns I would recommend for him to consider, especially S&W M&Ps, Glocks, and SAs, but he only wants a DA/SA action.

 

[wildenout]

There are many polymer frame/striker fired guns I would recommend for him to consider, especially S&W M&Ps, Glocks, and SAs, but he only wants a DA/SA action.

Whop...I skipped that part of the article I spose. Haha sorry! Then I would definitely say Beretta, my dad just picked one up and it is saweet!!

 

[D Binx]

The Beretta 92FS would be my choice. I own that and the Px4 Storm and the 92 is my favorite gun to shoot. It fits my hands perfectly and is dead accurate. The only thing I don't like about Beretta guns is there warranty.

 

[GKC]

The only thing I don't like about Beretta guns is there warranty.

If he does settle on a Beretta, then I will encourage him to order it from Gun Genie. They may charge a little more than some other vendors, but they do provide their own lifetime warranty. That is worth it, IMO...for the guns I buy that don't have a lifetime warranty, I buy them from Gun Genie if they have them. They don't carry SIGs or Kimbers, but most everything else...of course, like most places, their stock is very low right now.

 

[M29since14]

I would vote for the 92FS, too. The newer ones actually seem to shoot better than the older ones, and no one seriously questions the quality or reliability. My only concern is the trigger and it can usually be managed without too much trouble if precision shooting is not a requirement, or improved as needed - sometimes with nothing more than a slightly lighter mainspring.

For someone who already has had basic training with the pistol and who does not plan to wear it, it seems like a natural choice.