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Posted: 9/22/2011 5:57:04 AM EDT
I am asking for the best, In your opinion, full-size 9mm sidearm? I am not looking for a debate about 9mm ballistics.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:13:25 AM EDT
[#1]
Beretta.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:19:57 AM EDT
[#2]
G17 or G34
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:29:32 AM EDT
[#3]
HK P30.  Shown is my P30 L.



From pistol-training.com:

"91,322 rounds 13 stoppages, 0 malfunctions, 5 parts breakages test ended at: 91,622 rounds At 91,300 rounds, the P30 was running strong.

From 1-May-09 to 19-Mar-10 — 322 days — the pistol fired 91,322 rounds.

Of those 322, it spent 130 days at the range, averaging over 700 rounds per trip.

It spent 512 hours at the range, averaging almost 180 rounds per hour. By the way, 512 hours is more than three weeks at twenty four hours per day, seven days a week."

Link: http://pistol-training.com/archives/2668



Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:48:34 AM EDT
[#4]
Glock 17 or 34 cant beat perfection.  In for the flame war
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:52:11 AM EDT
[#5]



Quoted:


G17 or G34


Agreed

 
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 7:04:52 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:

Quoted:
G17 or G34

Agreed  


same
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 8:07:11 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:

Quoted:
G17 or G34

Agreed  


same


This

Link Posted: 9/22/2011 8:15:12 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Quoted:
G17 or G34

Agreed  


same


This



Proof?  At least the HK guy posted something.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 8:25:26 AM EDT
[#9]
In 9mm I primarly see Glock 17's, and SW MP 9's leaving our inventory at a gun store I work at, they are the most popular in the 9mm category at present time. The only diffrence relys in how they feel in the shooters hand. I wish I could tell you that there is only one best 9mm full sized firearm, but then I would be lying. Most of it again relys on the comfortablity of the firearm in the shooter hands and what he/she may perfer in a handgun.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 8:39:58 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
G17 or G34


this or an M&P9L
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:08:55 AM EDT
[#12]
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:39:24 AM EDT
[#13]
Glock 17, P226, HK USP. HK P30, CZ75 in no order
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:40:06 AM EDT
[#14]
XD that's why I bought it.  Too each their own.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:44:39 AM EDT
[#15]
Its a toss up b/w the Glock 17 and M&P9
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:45:35 AM EDT
[#16]
In no particular order...

CZ75B
CZ SP01 Phantom
Browning Hi-Power

Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:45:47 AM EDT
[#17]
I own or have owned Beretta, Glock, Sig, Smith, Walther, Browning, H&K, and probably a couple I can't remember. All of mine work.  What one is best is entirely subjective and based on things like ergomonics that fit you, etc.  

If I had to choose just one, at this point I'd go with Smith M&P but its a close call.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 11:53:01 AM EDT
[#18]
For me? = G17 (or a G34 would be fine too)
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:01:27 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
XD that's why I bought it.  Too each their own.


For about the 20th time on this site now, I'll re-post this: My G26 was stolen in 2004, and after 6 years of ownership and probably 1000 rds, I really liked it and missed it enough to buy a new one. While shopping around, I happened to find a great deal on an XD-9 SubCompact, and it is my favorite handgun out of quite a few in several calibers, including a Colt 1911. I consider it superior to the G26. I liked the XD so much, I recently bought another one in black park-on-od to pair up with the hard chrome-on-black one I already have. I know these aren't full-size, but I'd rather have the compact pistol(s) for CCW ability.

Also fwiw, my friend's out-of-the-box 92fs is the smoothest, nicest, and accurate full-size 9mm I've ever fired.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:11:47 PM EDT
[#20]
Best for what?  Combat/patrol/defence or target shooting or IPSC run and gun games?

Old school Sig 210 for an accurate hand fitted 9mm with craftsman quality and target accuracy that was also issued to a military.

Glock 34 for IPSC.

Glock 17 for general duty.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:18:52 PM EDT
[#21]
A version of the CZ-75 (there are dozens of makers of 75s).  

"Full size"??  The CZ SP-01.

CZ- for the WIN!
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:34:45 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Proof?  At least the HK guy posted something.



I became a big big advocate of the Glock 17 being the finest 9mm while I followed the antics of Chuck Taylor attempting to destroy a G17... he never did and it's still running strong at last report, 300,000+ rounds...


http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/glock-17-9mm-torture-test/

From 1995: http://membres.multimania.fr/shooter/glock/glock4.html

100.000-Round 9mm Torture Test

Written by Chuck Taylor

On four occasions since 1990, I've written articles about a continuing evaluation I've been conducting to ascertain the longevity of the Glock Model 17 9mm pistol. The first of these, appearing in the February, 1993, issue of Combat Handguns, contained my findings as to the weapon's performance and durability after 33.000 rounds fired. At this juncture, I stated:

   "I carried it in the rain, snow, dust and mud. I carried it when the temperatures were over 100 degrees and when they were 40 below.

   "I presented the gun more than 10.000 times from it's plastic slide holster, speed loaded it 2.000 times, performed over 5.000 tactical loads, shot it weak-handed in excess of 2,500 times and field-stripped it 250 times.

   "From the beginning, I resolved to grind it into the dirt, abuse it like no gun I ever had."

   "Why? To find out the truth about Glocks, for once and for all...

   "And I succeeded in doing just that. In a 30-month period, I fired 33.000 rounds, all factory loads, of every imaginable type made–– and it ate them all, almost without a single malfunction. I say 'almost' because on the 32,994th round, I finally had one–– a failure to feed! And this in spite of the fact that I cleaned the gun every 10.000 rounds whether it need it or not!

   "100 rounds short of the 5.000th shot, both factory-provided magazines ceased to hold the slide open after the last shot, although they both continued to function normally otherwise. At round number 11.000 a second set did the same and was replaced by another.

   "By the 500th holster presentation, the left side of the front site was so badly worn that a proper site picture was no longer possible. It was subsequently replaced with a steel version.

   "By round number 16.000, I could see steel through the finish–– but it never did rust, although it was exposed repeatedly to rain, snow, perspiration and even blood.

   "The trigger pull, originally 5.5 pounds, got smoother and a bit lighter, but it never did double or demonstrate a glitch of any kind.

   "And after all this, it still shoots into 3 inches at 25 meters, not much different than when it was new."

Impressed, to say the least, I was still determined to see the test though to the point where the gun failed. So, although the piece had passed the 33.000-round mark without significant negative results or breakage, I continued the test.

The months went by and the test continued. By the end of the summer, 1993, the gun had shot 50.000 rounds without a hitch. Among my additional observations published in Glock Autopistols 1995, were these:

"And now, after 50.000 rounds, nothing has really changed. It still:

   "Functions reliably. In fact, not a single additional stoppage has occurred.

   "Prints inside the 9-ring of a 25-meter pistol target, exactly as it did when it was new.

   "Shows no additional finish wear.

   "Exhibits no bore corrosion.

"Clearly, the Glock M-17 is a heck of a pistol and, as a survival instrument, is well worthy of our consideration. It is well-designed, well-made and capable of surviving a wide variety of environmental conditions. It will feed the entire spectrum of bullet shapes and functions reliably with virtually all power levels of 9mm ammunition. In addition, it resists corrosion magnificently and its design causes minimal wear on working parts, giving it an unbelievable long service life.

"Ugly? Maybe, maybe not! It depends on what's important to you–– cosmetics, or function. Regardless, it's my opinion that the Glock 17 is not only a winner, but may well be the world's best 9mm pistol. Obviously, only time will tell, but in the meantime, I've got 25.000 more rounds of 9mm ammunition to run through it to find out."

25.000 more
And the test continued. By February, 1995, the 25.000 rounds were expended, bringing the total to an unbelievable 75.000! Yet, the gun was still going strong, showing no indications whatsoever of impending failure. I replaced nothing–– no springs, firing pins, connectors or any other parts. In fact, viewed from the broad perspective, the gun had actually outlived it's magazines–– six two-mag sets at that point.

Truthfully, I had run out of things to do to the gun. Short of running over it with a car or freezing it into a solid block of ice–– both which I regarded as silly, since they fail to mirror real-world conditions and therefore prove nothing–– I had repeatedly exposed the gun to everything. In the July, 1995, issue of Combat Handguns and Summer, 1995, issue of Glockster, I said:

   "After more than 70.000 holster presentations, I can detect no additional finish wear from that which appeared by 20.000 presentations.

   "The bore is still without corrosion or excessive wear; the piece still shoots inside the 9-ring of a 25-meter pistol target, using the offhand Weaver Stance. In fact, to determine if any deterioration of intrinsic accuracy had occured, I fired it from 35 meters in a Ransom Rest–– the worst groups were 2 inches!

   "As an example of its practical accuracy capability, I offer the following. With the test gun, I was able to perform the following:

1. "Reliably get center-hits on a 18 x 30-inch steel silhouette target at 75 meters, knocking down five such silhouettes in under ten seconds.

2. "Take a whitetail deer with a single shot behind the shoulder at a laser-measured 70 meters.

3. "Successfully pass the ASAA Handgun Combat Master test with it, presenting it from concealed carry, shooting a score of at least 383 out of a possible 400."

My other observations at that time included:

   "Internal parts exhibited no real wear or deterioration.

   "The polycarbonate frame, though it had at one spot worn smooth from holster contact, appeared intact and without discernible deterioration.

   "After more than 50.000 speed loads and an equal number of tactical loads, the magazine well was scarred somewhat but still serviceable.

   "While the 56,103rd round blew a primer, the gun was undamaged. The resulting stoppage, a Type 3 (Feedway) was quickly cleared and the weapon returned to service.

   "The trigger remained at 5.1 pounds, a reduction from it's original poundage of only 0.4 pounds. It was still smooth and had a crisp let-off.

   "It was discovered that magazine service life could be dramatically increased by loading only 15, rather than the rated 17, rounds of ammunition. If a 'Plus-Two' floorplate is utilized, then–– and only then–– should a full 17 rounds be loaded. This prevents the follower spring from being fully compressed, thus causing it to soften and finally 'set', as the expression goes.

   "The Trijicon (tritium) sights installed early in the test were still completely serviceable."

It looked like the test was over. The pistol had survived an incredible 75.000 rounds and was completely intact. I had my desired data-base–– the Glock M-17 was irrefutably a terrific pistol. In fact, I was so impressed that I concluded my article in Combat Handguns with this statement:

"Pretty, it ain't, especially after all it's been through. On the other hand, beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, and to me, the Glock is a tool, not an objet d'art. This being the case, we must view it differently–– function, not aesthetics, is the prime criteria. Viewed from this perspective, there can be no doubt that the Glock M-17 looks mighty good indeed."

Well, I just couldn't leave it alone. My curiosity about just how long the gun could survive continued to be intense. So, from my stores, I broke out an additional 25.000 rounds of assorted 9mm ammo and continued the test.

And now, the fall of 1995, after having fired a total of 100.000 rounds of virtually all kinds of ammunition...

Nothing has changed! The gun looks the same, feels the same, functions the same as it did before. I've done everything within reason to this gun. I've carried it all over the world, quite literally in every environmental condition known to man–– the steaming jungles of Latin America, the windblown deserts of the southwestern U.S., the 40-below zero tundra of Alaska in the winter.

And it worked–– every time. In fact, since I discovered that loading 15, rather than the rated 17, rounds into the magazine prevented the follower spring from softening, I haven't had a single malfunction. Both magazines used in this last 25.000 portion of my test remain strong and completely serviceable. And, by way of confirmation, I replaced the old springs in the magazines that failed during the test with new ones from Glock, and they, too, function perfectly.

I am especially impressed by the lack of apparent finish wear, even after over 100.000 holster presentations. The gun looks exactly as it did at 20.000! I've actually worn out several holsters, finally selecting the M-D Labs "Thunderbolt" (which I codesigned with M-D honcho Kevin McClung) and matching mag carrier as the best. It's super-fast, yet secure and highly concealable, and being made of Kydex, it's by far the toughest rig now in existence.

The magazine well, although slightly scarred from in excess of 100.000 insertions, also remains entirely functional and looks much like it did in the early stages of the test.

Internal parts, too, look the same. I just can't find any discernible signs of deterioration. The piece shoots just as accurately as it did before and functions flawlessly.

So, in conclusion, the Model 17 9mm continues to defy wear, tear, corrosion and...well, me! I've thrown the whole book of tricks at this gun and yet, as this is written, it continues in service. Obviously, the Model 17 is a terrific handgun–– so terrific that I'd quite willingly bet my life on this one, even after all it's been through. What better recommendation can I give, eh?


Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:35:32 PM EDT
[#23]



Quoted:


G17 or G34


QFT



 
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 12:38:06 PM EDT
[#24]
My preferences in order...... H&K USP, Glock 17, Glock 19, Sig 225, XD 9.  Happy shooting and comparing!!
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 1:03:33 PM EDT
[#25]
G17 for me.

Not that there aren't other great pistols out there. I like the "classic" series SIGs, the Browning HP, the Beretta 92fs/M9, the 3rd Gen S&W autos, the M&P line, HK USPs (no P30 experience). They're all great weapons.

But, for me, I like the simplicity, durability, corrosion resistance, price, ease of disassembly, ease of detail stripping, ease of maintenance, abundance of replacement parts, longevity, abundance of accessories and holster, etc. etc. etc. of the Glock platform over all the others that I respect and like.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 1:06:27 PM EDT
[#26]
No particular order.... HK P7M13, P30 or USP... BHP, CZ75, Glock 17, Smith MP...
I've owned em all and love 'em all.

P7M13 gets my personal nod as "Favorite" 9mm... it does lack in the heat dissipation area and is a bit heavy... but I certainly love mine.
"Best" 9mm I've ever owned/shot/used?... I'd lean to the M&P or USP
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:02:14 PM EDT
[#27]
CZ 75 for me.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:03:14 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
A version of the CZ-75 (there are dozens of makers of 75s).  

"Full size"??  The CZ SP-01.

CZ- for the WIN!




I saw this post and wanted to do a face palm. Looked over figuring it was you, and sure enough...
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:14:07 PM EDT
[#29]
At my age, the ability to fire 100,000 rounds is not of interest to me, no matter what kind of testament to the designers of that pistol.  For me, the Browning High Power is the right combination of capacity, accuracy, ergonomics, and a general sense of thoughtful design that I have found a good fit.  As a history head, the story of this pistol in World War II and beyond is just icing on the cake of practicality.  

Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:23:33 PM EDT
[#30]


Oh God, stop that

I'm on a BHP thing right now.  The custom guns are just amazing looking.  My machine-gun fund is going to get eradicated for a custom BHP.



OP, G17 is THE 9mm
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:25:37 PM EDT
[#31]
P226
G17
Springfield XDM
Beretta 92FS
CZ 75B

Take your pick.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 3:39:30 PM EDT
[#32]

Oh God, stop that

I'm on a BHP thing right now.  The custom guns are just amazing looking.  My machine-gun fund is going to get eradicated for a custom BHP.


Heh, heh.  You're toast.




Link Posted: 9/22/2011 4:56:12 PM EDT
[#33]
Sphinx 3000
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 5:03:07 PM EDT
[#34]
92FS
G17
USP9
P30L
226
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 5:13:11 PM EDT
[#35]
+1 for glocks  
had 3 or 4 sigs,  2 1911s and M9 (army)
now I have 5 glocks

advantage of Glocks over others

no double single action BS... trigger pull is the same all the time and can be made very light
no BS Safety or locked and cocked crap...who needs an extra step in a stressful situation which can be forgotten no matter how much you practice
can be completely broken down into every little part without tools which allows you to clean everything
most reliable
doesnt rust like sigs or other "stainless" pistols
can shoot under water if that matters to you...just hows how well they work in any environment
tons of parts/mods etc...
most mag cap than all others with upto 33rds
inexpensive
flat grips - not rounded which allows you to have more consistant draws IMHO

none of the other pistols (HK, Sig, Beretta....) have all the above.

BTW its not the cal its the shot placement that matters. 9mm is what I carry
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 5:58:42 PM EDT
[#36]
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:05:17 PM EDT
[#37]
H&K P30
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:08:57 PM EDT
[#38]
Glock 17... again.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:19:47 PM EDT
[#39]
There can be only one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
RLTW

Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:22:36 PM EDT
[#40]
After going owning a couple CZ75Bs,3 M&Ps, and an HK P30S v3, I've settled on a gen 4 G17. Despite not being the most ergonomic (the P30 is as close as you get to perfection in this category), having the best trigger (M&P9 with Apex DCAEK) or being the sexiest (any of them look better than the G17), it's the one I went back to. It's simple, cheap, reliable, and out of the box the only things I want to change are the slide stop and sights. Mags are cheap and plentiful as are holsters and spare parts. The trigger breaks in well and offers a decent pull and a short, forceful reset that makes it easy to get good hits at speed. The grip texture is on the rough side, which I prefer, and the controls are all easily operated. I've added a grip force adapter, which has made recoil control more positive and eliminated the possibility of slide bite. Eventually I will probably cut the grip to G19 length, undercut the trigger guard, and relieve the grip behind the mag release. None of these are a necessity, but they make a very good pistol a little bit better for my need.

In reality, everyone is going to have a different opinion. Some will have valid reasons, some won't. Ultimately it's up to the individual to make their choice and live with it.
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 6:45:23 PM EDT
[#41]
Hi-Point 9mm

Yeah, thats right, I said it.  

Besides, it can also double as a small fishing anchor when you're out on the lake...
Link Posted: 9/22/2011 7:32:33 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
Hi-Point 9mm

Yeah, thats right, I said it.  

Besides, it can also double as a small fishing anchor when you're out on the lake...


After reading the first few posts I said to myself: "I gotta be the first to write HiPoint"....   But nnooooo, there had to be another jokester out there.

But really M&P9.
Link Posted: 9/23/2011 6:25:38 AM EDT
[#43]
Browning Hi-Power
CZ 75
Beretta 92
Glock 17/34

Link Posted: 9/23/2011 6:58:19 AM EDT
[#44]
Another vote for HK P30
Link Posted: 9/23/2011 7:24:48 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Quoted:
G17 or G34

Agreed  


same


This



Proof?  At least the HK guy posted something.


What sort of "proof" do you want? Number of units sold? The guy asked for opinions and that's what he's getting.

I would also choose the Glock 17.

Link Posted: 9/23/2011 7:04:56 PM EDT
[#46]
you can't go wrong with any of these three:

CZ 75B
Glock 17
Beretta 92FS

of the three, I like my CZ the best
Link Posted: 9/24/2011 3:09:40 AM EDT
[#47]
Quoted:
+1 for glocks  
had 3 or 4 sigs,  2 1911s and M9 (army)
now I have 5 glocks

advantage of Glocks over others

no double single action BS... trigger pull is the same all the time and can be made very light
no BS Safety or locked and cocked crap...who needs an extra step in a stressful situation which can be forgotten no matter how much you practice
can be completely broken down into every little part without tools which allows you to clean everything
most reliable
doesnt rust like sigs or other "stainless" pistols
can shoot under water if that matters to you...just hows how well they work in any environment
tons of parts/mods etc...
most mag cap than all others with upto 33rds
inexpensive
flat grips - not rounded which allows you to have more consistant draws IMHO

none of the other pistols (HK, Sig, Beretta....) have all the above.

Nails it!
I'll just add the low bore axis as an extra benefit.

Link Posted: 9/24/2011 9:50:27 AM EDT
[#48]
Glock 17 (striker)
CZ 75B or CZ 75BD (hammer)
Link Posted: 9/24/2011 10:43:30 AM EDT
[#49]
Here is my 2 cents.
Since you stated "for carry" I recommend a single stack 9mm.
Maybe even a 1911 in 9mm.
Most of the 9mm are double stack and can be a bit bulky.
Link Posted: 9/24/2011 2:19:08 PM EDT
[#50]
There are several PROVEN 9mm out there

ANY ORDER
S&W 5906/6906  USA first D/A HiCap 9mm
Beretta 92F/M9
SIG P226/228/M11
GLOCK 17/19
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