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5/9/2026 8:53:57 PM EDT
So I recently discovered a P320 full-size that I had never bothered to take to the range shoots REALLY flat and soft. I’d almost say the slide feels very lazy.

I have no interest in Glocks. I’ve tried them so many times, and as much as I want to love them, I can’t. I also have no interest in any Glock clones.

I know the full-size metal guns are going to be a very mild gun to shoot, but what about the other full-size polymers? They going to end up shooting the same as the P320?

I’m thinking M&P, Echelon, Caniks, P10s.
5/9/2026 8:58:55 PM EDT
[#1]
Full length slide 1911/2011s in 9mm can have a nice, leisurely "shuk-shuk" slide impulse.
5/9/2026 10:22:54 PM EDT
[#2]
Star 30M. All steel gun, very soft shooting.
5/9/2026 10:48:41 PM EDT
[#3]
P320 probably shoots more like an XD than an Echelon based on the weight / bore axis. That being said, I've put a decent number of rounds through both the XD and Echelon platforms and I really don't notice much of a difference-- though I haven't shot them back to back yet.
5/9/2026 10:53:20 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By armoredman:
Star 30M. All steel gun, very soft shooting.
View Quote


I was leaning more towards polymer handguns.

I’ve always loved the Beretta design so if I’m going all metal it was going to be a 92 of some flavor.
5/9/2026 11:04:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dmk0210][Edited] [#5]
The full size P320 does shoot really nice. It has a light trigger too though kinda soft, maybe even spongy.

The P10 series has a lower bore axis and better grip ergonomics than an OEM Sig frame (though I really like the grip ergos of a P320 Wilson Combat grip module, but that only bandaids the high bore axis).

With a nice aftermarket flat trigger (like an HBI Theta), the P10 is an absolute pleasure to shoot.

If you're into hammer fired guns but want a polymer frame, the P07/P09 series guns are also really nice shooters. I have a second gen P07, which fixed all the early issues the guns had, but the current gen P09s are supposedly even better.

Also look into the Beretta PX4, expecially the G-SD and Compact Carry 2 (or the Langdon guns). These guns are grossly under rated and under appreciated. It has a twisting barrel instead of a tilting barrel. It has a really good recoil impulse.



5/9/2026 11:23:12 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By dmk0210:
The full size P320 does shoot really nice. It has a light trigger too though kinda soft, maybe even spongy.

The P10 series has a lower bore axis and better grip ergonomics than an OEM Sig frame (though I really like the grip ergos of a P320 Wilson Combat grip module, but that only bandaids the high bore axis).

With a nice aftermarket flat trigger (like an HBI Theta), the P10 is an absolute pleasure to shoot.

If you're into hammer fired guns but want a polymer frame, the P07/P09 series guns are also really nice shooters. I have a second gen P07, which fixed all the early issues the guns had, but the current gen P09s are supposedly even better.

Also look into the Beretta PX4, expecially the G-SD and Compact Carry 2 (or the Langdon guns). These guns are grossly under rated and under appreciated. It has a twisting barrel instead of a tilting barrel. It has a really good recoil impulse.



View Quote


I always wanted to try the PX4, but in my dumb youth when they were going for dirt cheap, I told myself hell no since it can’t be suppressed!

Now that I’ve figured out that suppressing pistols really isn’t that great, I hate how much they go for now!
5/9/2026 11:30:13 PM EDT
[#7]
For polymer I'm a fan of the M&P's. They shoot well. For steel guns, nothing is much softer than my Shadow 2 with the heavy brass LOK grips.
5/10/2026 8:27:44 AM EDT
[#8]
P10F all day
5/10/2026 10:49:01 AM EDT
[#9]
HK USP has a pretty low cyclic rate/slide velocity.
5/10/2026 11:00:48 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Lost_Phil][Edited] [#10]
The Canik SFx Rival and the Walther PDP 5 inch are flat shooters I would recommend you to look at, and nether of these will break the bank as well.
5/10/2026 11:02:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: dmk0210][Edited] [#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By -OdieGreen-:
HK USP has a pretty low cyclic rate/slide velocity.
View Quote
Actually a lot of (probably most) hammer fired guns have slower slide velocity than striker guns.  

Also before the folks that chime in and say USP triggers suck, try the Expert (long slide FTW) or Tactical models. Reset is long though but there is a short reset kit that somewhat mitigates that.

As an aside, I just bought a P30SK with a LEM trigger. It's kind of like a hammer fired gun with a striker trigger feel (but no spongy). Now I really want a P30 (G45 size) and P30L (G17 size) with that LEM trigger. I bet a P30L with a LEM Match Hybrid trigger would be really sweet.


5/10/2026 11:41:07 AM EDT
[#12]
I put an m&p comp slide on a new steel HD frame and its amazing.  Feels like shooting a 1911 (overwatch trigger kit).  Easily my favorite gun now
5/10/2026 1:26:33 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Lost_Phil:
The Canik SFx Rival and the Walther PDP 5 inch are flat shooters I would recommend you to look at, and nether of these will break the bank as well.
View Quote


I would assume the longer barrel helps but I was avoiding the PDP because all I ever read online is how flippy it is
5/10/2026 1:33:51 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By dmk0210:
Actually a lot of (probably most) hammer fired guns have slower slide velocity than striker guns.  

Also before the folks that chime in and say USP triggers suck, try the Expert (long slide FTW) or Tactical models. Reset is long though but there is a short reset kit that somewhat mitigates that.

As an aside, I just bought a P30SK with a LEM trigger. It's kind of like a hammer fired gun with a striker trigger feel (but no spongy). Now I really want a P30 (G45 size) and P30L (G17 size) with that LEM trigger. I bet a P30L with a LEM Match Hybrid trigger would be really sweet.


View Quote


I have the P30 trio setup with NiB plated short-reset LEM triggers
Awesome config that always gets a comment when I let people try them



5/10/2026 2:51:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: -OdieGreen-][Edited] [#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Survey_Dude:


I would assume the longer barrel helps but I was avoiding the PDP because all I ever read online is how flippy it is
View Quote

The PDP (like a lot of new guns) uses a compact recoil spring. They just drill/mill the longer slides to be lighter so they can make more money off using the same parts. As such, they get reputations as being flippy, and they are. I’d also lump the VP9 in with it from guns I owned and thought they shot noticeably bad.

Everyone is trying to replicate the G19’s slide and recoil spring weight combo, but love it or hate it, it doesn’t work as well without the grip angle. A full length guide rod will have a lower cyclic rate in most situations, but there are many who argue that short faster guide rods equate to quicker follow ups as it forces the muzzle back down. I’m quite the opposite in that I prefer muzzle stability over relying on the pistol to correct me.

ETA: To be fair to the PDP, the aftermarket has mostly addressed it. You can now get full length guide rods for them but I believe only for the metal frame guns. Germany made Walther go back to the drawing board and make a full length guide rod for their plastic frame PDP/P14 contract, but as far as I know it’s not available to anyone else.
5/10/2026 3:53:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dmk0210][Edited] [#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stiglitz_actual:I have the P30 trio setup with NiB plated short-reset LEM triggers
Awesome config that always gets a comment when I let people try them
View Quote
@stiglitz_actual

That sounds really sweet. Where did you get those?

5/10/2026 3:55:20 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By dmk0210:
@stiglitz_actual

That sounds really sweet. Where did you get those?

View Quote


I had Rick Holm / LazyWolf guns do his action work on them which includes the plating
5/10/2026 4:03:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FoxValleyTacDriver][Edited] [#18]
The king of slow impulse is the Walther pdp with the zrt long slide guide rod.

It let's the slide go past the magwell, going an extra inch or so back before reversing motion over a stock guide rod.

5/10/2026 4:15:10 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GunDisaster][Edited] [#19]
Any full metal 9mm guns. Full steel even better. Heavier the better. 1911/2011, Hi-Power, Beretta 92, Sig P226, S&W 5906, Sig P210, CZ75. For polymer I'd say HK USP Expert.
5/10/2026 4:47:55 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stiglitz_actual:I had Rick Holm / LazyWolf guns do his action work on them which includes the plating
View Quote
Cool. Thanks.
5/10/2026 5:56:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SquatchAv8][Edited] [#21]
If you're interested in comp/ported:
-P10C Ported
-Rost Martin RM1C Comp. Subjective opinion but I think Rost Martins have the best triggers in the striker fired market.

Attached File


Otherwise I HIGHLY recommend the Grand Power Q1 MK23 (striker fired) or P1 MK23 (hammer). Very unique pistol with the rotating barrel.

Attached File



5/10/2026 6:46:19 PM EDT
[#22]
My old P09 9MM is so soft I remember wondering, while shooting it, if it was firing.  The holes in the paper, the smell of burned powder, etc. let me know it really was firing.  But the recoil, after firing other guns was just so soft.

My old 1.0 M&P 5" 9MM is the same way.  Within the first 3 or 4 shots my mind is letting me know "something is different" and it's much lighter recoil.

Probably the longer slides/barrels do give you a sense of reduced muzzle flip.
How you live your life is important. Just be sure the memory of how you died doesn't overshadow the tales of how you lived your life.
5/10/2026 6:56:59 PM EDT
[#23]
From my collection, I would say my TZ-75. I have the long slide ported model and it’s very mild shooting.
“That’s not how it works. You buy more tools and power than you need and as you fuck everything up you gain the knowledge to become a better carpenter.”

Tveddy
5/10/2026 7:29:01 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GunDisaster:
Any full metal 9mm guns. Full steel even better. Heavier the better. 1911/2011, Hi-Power, Beretta 92, Sig P226, S&W 5906, Sig P210, CZ75. For polymer I'd say HK USP Expert.
View Quote

I'd say the Echelon is a "lazier" shooting than a 9mm 1911-- but that's because I feel like I can track the sights better and I'm back on target more quickly. With 9mm I'm not sure there is really enough felt recoil with most full-size pistols to see a significant difference though.
5/10/2026 8:52:58 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By NN300BLK:

I'd say the Echelon is a "lazier" shooting than a 9mm 1911-- but that's because I feel like I can track the sights better and I'm back on target more quickly. With 9mm I'm not sure there is really enough felt recoil with most full-size pistols to see a significant difference though.
View Quote


It isn’t the recoil that is an issue. I’ve got air weight 38s and some micro 9s that absolutely suck to shoot. But I still do and can hit the target.

My P320 simply seems like it has a very gentle back and forth of the slide, no muzzle flipping. That’s with standard 124 and +p 124.

That’s what I’m looking for. It just made for a much more fun range time.
5/10/2026 9:06:20 PM EDT
[#26]
For me
320/M18
Sig 228
Springfield XDM w PRP trigger
5/10/2026 9:19:04 PM EDT
[#27]
The 5.25" Canik's are another to consider.  SFx
5/11/2026 5:48:14 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By NN300BLK:

I'd say the Echelon is a "lazier" shooting than a 9mm 1911-- but that's because I feel like I can track the sights better and I'm back on target more quickly. With 9mm I'm not sure there is really enough felt recoil with most full-size pistols to see a significant difference though.
View Quote

My experience as well with Echelon.  Shot all manner of platforms in LE, metal framed BHP, 1911, Beretta 96, then the poly guns...SigPro, Glocks, XD9, and my full size is now an Echelon. We're in sweaty gulf coast and the OEM grip texture is really nice. Points very well for me and muzzle stays on target easily.
Crap Magnet Extraordinaire
5/13/2026 12:15:45 AM EDT
[#29]
Czp09 is a pretty nice gun to shoot.
Just need to get a dot put on mine.
" Don't cry, nobody shoots Glocks anymore."

"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."

"is like C Class in IPSC!"
5/13/2026 6:50:54 AM EDT
[#30]
Full size 2011’s, the Beretta 92, the P226, and the M17 come to mind.
You see that head come apart?

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