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AR15.COM
1/28/2014 9:06:58 PM EDT
I will be purchasing a new handgun soon. Going to go with a 9 mm this time. I am stuck at a point where I cannot narrow my choices any further.

The current finalists are:

Glock 17
Some variant of the Sig Sauer P226
Some variant of the Beretta 92
FNH FNX-9

I don't really need to say anything about the Glock. I think we all know about them. I have handled plenty of Glocks. My only issue is how plain and common they are. Plus, I already have one.

I really like the design of the Sig P226. I love the Enhanced Elite and MK25 models. The only downsides to Sigs are their nonconformist rails and their high price. I understand it can be very difficult to find accessories to fit their non-standard rails.

I have heard nothing but great things about Berettas. I love the way they look and how the slide is cut, greatly reducing the rare chance that you get an FTE. My only problem with Beretta thus far is that they put warnings all over the side of their guns.

I have heard many great things about the FNX-9 as well. I got to handle one and it felt very similar to an H&K USPc that I used to possess. I like that you can carry it in a variety of ways and I like its very concealable size.

I would love to buy all four, but I have to pick one. All of these guns hold at least 15 rounds of ammo. All are full size. I will be using the gun for some range fun and it will find itself alternating playing time with my other handguns as a CCW and nightstand gun. Help me out here!

1/28/2014 10:14:04 PM EDT
[#1]
They are all good choices, a little big for CCW but if you can pull it off then no biggie.  I like Glocks but my personal Glocks are all G21 .45acp, I prefer other brands for my 9mm's, although guys like Larry Vickers who know far more than me often refer to the G17 as the best 9mm in the world so that's pretty high praise.

I own a Beretta 92A1 and I LOVE it.  My 92 has low recoil, points extremely well, is accurate and I shoot it well because of all these things.  The 92's just feel like they are made to shoot, obviously that's true but I mean on a different level.  The first time I ever shot one it felt good and didn't require any getting used to, if that makes sense.  Not sure what you mean about the warnings, mine has a single line of lettering for a warning in small letters under the larger model information.  It's hardly noticeable and you wouldn't even know it was a warning without looking at it close enough to read the small lettering.  The 92's are great guns in my opinion, I only use Hogue wrap around grips because they just stick the gun into your hand better than anything I've ever tried.

The Sigs have excellent reputations but it's one of the few brands I've never owned.  I know they make good guns but I've not found one that I liked better than another brand.  All I can say is everything I know about them is very good.  Same thing with the FNH...

There's one you left off that I'm more inclined to recommend over all others and that's the S&W M&P series.  I have the M&P40 and in my opinion it's the best feeling gun I've ever owned.  They are accurate, lightweight, very reliable, versatile and so ergonomic they just feel so much better than any other gun its amazing.  They do have trigger issues but they are easily fixed and even if you got one with a gritty trigger it's still one of the best guns on the market.  If you do get an M&P I would suggest the .40S&W because you can simply buy a 9mm barrel and mags and you have both in one gun. It's also capable of shooting the .357 Sig so the M&P40 is capable of being a 3 caliber gun and in a gun that feels and shoots this good it becomes one hell of a deal.  My M&P40 has quickly become my favorite semi-auto to shoot with the exception of my STI Elektra 1911.

Good luck with your future purchase!
1/30/2014 6:46:48 AM EDT
[#2]
As much as I want a Sig, I think I will have to rule it out because I don't wanna spend over $1000. I could buy any of the other three and then have money left to buy a bunch of ammo. I have handled both the Glock and FNX line. I have never handled a Beretta. From what I have read, most people either really love Beretta or really hate it. Still looking for input.
1/30/2014 7:22:38 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
As much as I want a Sig, I think I will have to rule it out because I don't wanna spend over $1000. I could buy any of the other three and then have money left to buy a bunch of ammo. I have handled both the Glock and FNX line. I have never handled a Beretta. From what I have read, most people either really love Beretta or really hate it. Still looking for input.
View Quote


Have you considered the Sig P2022? Every owner input I've seen indicate they love them and they can be found in the $450 range. I don't believe they have a  "Sig" rail either.
1/30/2014 9:55:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:

I have heard nothing but great things about Berettas. I love the way they look and how the slide is cut, greatly reducing the rare chance that you get an FTE. My only problem with Beretta thus far is that they put warnings all over the side of their guns.
View Quote


Consider M9 or M9A1.
No warnings of any kind anywhere on the gun.


1/31/2014 6:05:45 AM EDT
[#5]
I like the M9. Only thing is the front sight is permanent so no night sights. The 92a1 has two more rounds and removable front sights. You just can't find a holster anywhere for the 92a1 :/
1/31/2014 6:39:17 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I will be purchasing a new handgun soon. Going to go with a 9 mm this time. I am stuck at a point where I cannot narrow my choices any further.

The current finalists are:

Glock 17
Some variant of the Sig Sauer P226
Some variant of the Beretta 92
FNH FNX-9

I don't really need to say anything about the Glock. I think we all know about them. I have handled plenty of Glocks. My only issue is how plain and common they are. Plus, I already have one.

I really like the design of the Sig P226. I love the Enhanced Elite and MK25 models. The only downsides to Sigs are their nonconformist rails and their high price. I understand it can be very difficult to find accessories to fit their non-standard rails.

I have heard nothing but great things about Berettas. I love the way they look and how the slide is cut, greatly reducing the rare chance that you get an FTE. My only problem with Beretta thus far is that they put warnings all over the side of their guns.

I have heard many great things about the FNX-9 as well. I got to handle one and it felt very similar to an H&K USPc that I used to possess. I like that you can carry it in a variety of ways and I like its very concealable size.

I would love to buy all four, but I have to pick one. All of these guns hold at least 15 rounds of ammo. All are full size. I will be using the gun for some range fun and it will find itself alternating playing time with my other handguns as a CCW and nightstand gun. Help me out here!

View Quote


My thoughts:

1) Glock 17s are common for a reason.  No since in being different to be different, but you also said you already have one.

2) Regarding rails and SIGs, the MK25 has a standard rail, not SIGs rail.  As such you need to make sure any kydex holster you order is specifically okay for the MK25.  And of the p226s, the MK25 is the one I chose to go with.

3) I have no experience with Beretta 92s.

4) Since you are looking at FNHs, also look at the FNS-9.  Great guns.
1/31/2014 6:43:07 AM EDT
[#7]
Have you looked at either a USP 9 or a USPc 9?
1/31/2014 6:49:06 AM EDT
[#8]
I've handled and shot a USPc 9. I liked everything except the mag release style.
1/31/2014 6:55:30 AM EDT
[#9]
Also, I handled an FNX 9 at the gun store and loved it. I like the options for carry, having a manual thumb-safety, and being able to carry Condition 1. It also solves the problem I had with the HK USP mag release style. It holds 17 rounds, holsters are readily available in all types. It's also right around the price of a Gen 4 Glock. I just don't know how it shoots or how the trigger is.
1/31/2014 7:04:37 AM EDT
[#10]
I've owned them all.  Still own them all except a P226.

I would strongly suggest sticking with a striker fired platform (M&P, FNS, Walther, etc).  DA/SA requires more training to reach the same proficiency level in my experience and offers no benefit.

Thoughts in a nutshell:

Beretta: extremely reliable.  A bit large and bulky.  Slide mounted safety is not optimal.   Easy and cheap mainspring replacement can result in a pretty good trigger.   Probably not the absolute best choice for anything aside from simply being a Beretta, though they are eminently serviceable weapons.

P226:   I found the P226 unworkable due to the slide stop location, trigger and sights, and got rid of my W. German example about 12 years ago.  The fact that it flung brass in my face also didn't help.  (I might reconsider a SAO version however.)   I don't recall ever having any stoppages and it seemed OK from an accuracy standpoint.

FNX:  The DA trigger is a good deal heavier than I like.  SA is fine and you can carry it cocked and locked, without ever having to deal with the fact that it has a DA mode.   Accuracy and reliability have been fine.  Ambi mag release is nice.  The safety lever feels a bit soft to me and could be stiffened up some.  The slide is awfully wide, more so than the competition.  IWB carry might be a challenge.   I don't like the feel of the grip texturing but it works OK.  There aren't quite as many part and holster makers that are tooled up for the FNX.
1/31/2014 7:50:04 AM EDT
[#11]
Well the Sig is out. I've narrowed it to three:

Glock 17
FNH FNS 9
Beretta 92A1

I cannot find a holster for the Beretta 92A1 to save my life. I may end up calling them and asking if holsters for other models are compatible.

Some reading and suggestions have swayed me away from the FNX 9 to the FNS 9. The standard night sights are a big plus. Holsters pretty available.

With the Glock, I already have a holster that would fit and I am familiar with Glocks.

SIgh, decisions....decisions....So far I am leaning most towards the FNS 9.
1/31/2014 8:11:32 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
Well the Sig is out. I've narrowed it to three:

Glock 17
FNH FNS 9
Beretta 92A1

I cannot find a holster for the Beretta 92A1 to save my life. I may end up calling them and asking if holsters for other models are compatible.

Some reading and suggestions have swayed me away from the FNX 9 to the FNS 9. The standard night sights are a big plus. Holsters pretty available.

With the Glock, I already have a holster that would fit and I am familiar with Glocks.

SIgh, decisions....decisions....So far I am leaning most towards the FNS 9.
View Quote


Have you even considered a CZ?

http://s882.photobucket.com/user/jscheel1/media/DSC00478_zpsd0d6e37a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=8
1/31/2014 8:20:08 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
Well the Sig is out. I've narrowed it to three:

Glock 17
FNH FNS 9
Beretta 92A1

I cannot find a holster for the Beretta 92A1 to save my life. I may end up calling them and asking if holsters for other models are compatible.

Some reading and suggestions have swayed me away from the FNX 9 to the FNS 9. The standard night sights are a big plus. Holsters pretty available.

With the Glock, I already have a holster that would fit and I am familiar with Glocks.

SIgh, decisions....decisions....So far I am leaning most towards the FNS 9.
View Quote


The night sights as a nice on it for sure, a lot of people complain about the aggressive texture of the grip, but I actually like it.  I love the ambidextrous magazine release on it.  Honestly the only reason I am not more fully converted to FNH is they have yet to make a compact version that would be a little easier to carry.
1/31/2014 8:56:45 AM EDT
[#14]
Just got some feedback from Beretta. The 92A1 has the same dimensions as the 92 series. So I would just need to find a holster that is for either the M9 or 92/96 with rail. That changes things a bit. I have heard the Beretta 92 series is not recommended for people with small hands. I would say my hands are of average size for a male. I really need to handle one. Everyone I have asked has said that Beretta is noticeably more accurate than a Glock. I believe the Army still uses them unless they have changed again. That's gotta count for something.
1/31/2014 10:28:32 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
I believe the Army still uses them unless they have changed again. That's gotta count for something.
View Quote

absolutely not.
military procurement process is dildos
The military (line units) have ignored the side arm for decades. That argument is wildly invalid. Why do cool guy tpes use the MK25, G19/G22, 1911? Because it suits their needs better than a M9.

Why no CZ?
75, P-01, P-07/09

I'd buy a G22 and get a KKM 9mm barrel.
1/31/2014 10:31:41 AM EDT
[#16]
Glock 17. plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. mags are plentiful and inexpensive.  super reliable.