Good 9mm handgun that can "do it all"?

[mettle]

I'd stay away from a sub compact for your first handgun. Buy a service size model first, learn to shoot it (you can also CC a XD or G19) and work with it. The 4" service guns can be concealed well, and people shoot them at competitions. They cover quite a large area of 'usability'; which, is a plus for a first pistol.

I'm going to the range in the Martinsville tomorrow morning if you live close enough to meet me and shoot both. PM me if so.

The XD's external safety is actually quite effective. Or, get a Kahr pistol that is double action instead of striker fired.

 

[WabashMX5]

FWIW, I'm happy to have started on a Glock 26. You lose a little barrel length (and thus accuracy, velocity, and sight radius), but gain some concealability. Since I was just starting, I figured I had no sense of how a handgun "should" feel, so I didn't mind the pinkieless grip — and even then, just get a G26 mag with an A&G sleeve, which effectively gives you a G19 grip. (Easier to make a gun longer than shorter!)

My wife also loves her Kahr CW9 (and it's got a LOOOOONG, but buttery-smooth trigger) — but Glock reliability (and aftermarket) are hard to argue with. For example, I've got an Advantage Arms conversion kit that turns my Glock into a .22LR pistol — cheap trigger time, just as a rookie like me needs.

But if you don't mind the bit of extra size, a G19 would be a great call, too.

 

[red_zr24x4]

love my sig226, picked it up used with a new galco holster for right at $500

 

[ATM]

Don't listen to all of them...


Just the ones who said XD!


Shoot some more varieties until you are comfortable enough to decide which one is best for you.

 

[haldir]

I have shot several different 9s, my favorite to shoot and in the looks department is my Browning HP.

 

[drd]

I went through the same selection process in January. I found the right 9mm for me by feel. Indy gun show is great for checking out what's out there. I ended up with a Beretta Px4 Storm, with 3 17 round mags. Had it since Jan and have put over 2,000 rounds throught it with out a problem. Maybe some day I'll try a Glock but perfectly happy with my Px4

 

[Mikeh82]

Like most people said on here. You should shoot about any good you are interested in before you buy. Noone on this site can tell you what gun is going to fit in your hand the best. The good thing you have going for you is you have 5000 friends on here with guns. Im sure you can find any gun you would like to try out.

Noone brought up hi points or lorcin??? whats up with that?

 

[Glock Lover]

G19

 

[m2steven]

I think a do it all Glock is the 26/27 series. It's a legitimate conceal carry gun, plus it's rock solid, accurate, and reliable. It's a small army in your IWB holster.

 

[Bigum1969]

Gotta say the G19. For your parameters, it would be a great fit. Good capacity, reliable, easy to shoot, and very easy to conceal.

 

[venenoindy]

G19!!!!!!

 

[theweakerbrother]

Welcome to INGO! Man, your post sounds very similar to the one I made on thefiringline several years ago. Congrats on pursuing your higher education... stick with it and you'll be able to afford many fine high dollar guns. 500 dollars is a very reasonable wiggle-room price that gives you a lot of options. esrice is right on the money about the G19. If you'd like a slightly more active safety, I highly recommend the Springfield Armory XD. It has a beaver tail safety that must be depressed in order to fire the tool. They come in a variety of calibers and sizes and hold their own.

If you don't want to go the polymer route, CZ makes some fine aluminum aircraft-grade pistols in 9mm. Some of them feature safeties and others have decockers. The CZ P-01 is a fine pistol. I see them used from time to time for just shy of 400 dollars. Let us know what you get!

Guns have a way of multiplying even if we think our finances can't initially afford it. It absorbs and soaks up money and time from other hobbies. Stay safe!

 

[pinhead56]

All that being said, you really can't go wrong with the Glock, XD, or M&P. Whatever you decide on, get training on how to properly use it-- THAT is the most important part.

what he said...
it doesn't matter so much whether you choose Glock, XD, S&W or any other... get some basic, proper gun handling training and have some fun! It's not rocket science, but some guidance early on goes a long way! I'd recommend the basic NRA class

 

[indyoshi]

check out the sig sp2022 I have one and its awesome....

 

[U.S. Patriot]

I neither am a fan of Glock. Not saying their not dependable, just to much hype surrounds them. I do really like the Xd, XDm, and M&P's. Also have you thought of maybe a Taurus 24/7? Localy they are right around $400. Only downside to me is they have a manual safety. I would reccomend a 92FS, but they are a bit big. Or how about a CZ P-01?. They come in a compact, and fullsize model. They have a decocker.

 

[baldmax]

Find a S&W 5906. You can get them for under $400. Accurate and reliable. Easy to carry. If you are lookins for something a little smaller, try a 6906. I have had both and regret getting rid of them.

 

[Clay]

S&W M&P

 

[HICKMAN]

Another vote for the G19, the AK of the pistol world.

 

[Indy317]

I recommend the Glock. The only reason I really recommend the Glock in 9mm is because later on, you could buy a sub-compact for deep concealment and a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 for a decent carbine. Plus, with the 9mm models, you can get factory 30+ round magazines for that Sub-2000.

Outside of the above, lots of guns are decent enough in 9mm: XD, XDm, Sig, HK, Beretta

 

[WestSider]

I recommend a Hi-Point. Low price and legendary reliability.

Just kidding. Everyone on here is going to recommend what they personally use. Just get out there and fire as many of them as you can so you can see what works best for you.