Building a list of sub-$1000 9mm pistols.

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 96.9%
29   1   2
Location
British Canuckistan
I've got a couple grand burning a hole in my pocket, so one of my thoughts, being the absolute pistol noob that I am, is buy 5 or 6 pistols, run a couple thousand rounds though them and generate a report on what I liked and didn't like...from a new shooters perspective. All I've had the pleasure of shooting is an some STI 9mm from DVC and the Browning 1911-22-A1 I own. I'm looking at metal/polymer pistols, most likely striker fired, as I believe the list below is at this point. no Norinco or SAM or RIA unless their non-1911 clones and readily available in Canada.

I know of the following:
- Ruger SR9
- Glock 17 G4
- M&P9
- Steyr L9-A1
- Beretta PX4
- Springfield XDM
- IWI Jericho
- FMK 9C1 G2

What else is there for consideration?
 
Last edited:
hey Graydog...yes, indeed you are correct, but I'm looking for poly striker fired pistols, not all-steel hammer one's. that might have to be a second run I do, as a not so inexperienced new shooter ;)

graydog said:
You are missing a line of one of the best,
CZ 75
CZ 85
CZ Shadow

Just my two cents worth.

Graydog
Click to expand...
 
I'm curious what criteria you'll be using to judge these pistols? I'd think it would be difficult to judge them since you'll have no frame of reference as a novice shooter. I'm not trying to dissuade you, I'm just curious how you'll be judging them. If it's just a matter of liking one over another, what will it accomplish other than another subjective review?

The other problem is that if you do one pistol at a time, you yourself will probably improve, thus biasing you towards the pistols you shoot last, since they will seem to shoot better.

I'm interested in where this could go, and if I can help in any way, I will. Are you going to do a full write-up here, complete with pictures?
 
What does a Walther P99 run for these days? I bought mine for less than $1,000.
To throw a curveball, have you looked at the polymer frame Viking 446? I shot the steel frame and was quite impressed.
 
Last edited:
Mr. Friendly said:
hey Graydog...yes, indeed you are correct, but I'm looking for poly striker fired pistols, not all-steel hammer one's. that might have to be a second run I do, as a not so inexperienced new shooter ;)
Click to expand...

Why limit yourself from some of the best pistols out there? But, if it's striker fired poly guns you're after, remove the Jericho and Beretta, and add the Walther P99 and PPQ. When CanadaAmmo had them, they were listed under $1000. Or if you are ok with hammer fired, IWI does make a poly Jericho and CZ makes the P07.
 
WRH, that would be the next step. I would likely look up the points that are given by many on what features/functions to consider on pistols, for a first time buyer and list the features/functions each comes with for the experienced handgunner. I'd also likely take a tally of the different things others consider to be important. it's only an idea right now, so stuff is swirling about in my head. :)
 
Don't limit yourself to polymer striker fired guns. You'd be missing out on some of the best gun. I've had a bunch of plastic guns and only one I have left is a Glock 17 gen4, but cant say I like it better than Beretta 92 or CZ 75. I've had dozens of handguns btw.

Instead why not get one of each category to see what type you like best. Plastic (Glock, Grand Power, M&P), steel (CZ), alloy framed (Beretta, Sig) maybe even a 1911 and a revolver. That say you'll have some variety and not a few of the same type.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
WRH, that would be the next step. I would likely look up the points that are given by many on what features/functions to consider on pistols, for a first time buyer and list the features/functions each comes with for the experienced handgunner. I'd also likely take a tally of the different things others consider to be important. it's only an idea right now, so stuff is swirling about in my head. :)
Click to expand...

Cool. Feel free to PM me if you want to bounce some ideas around. I'm no expert, but I'm sure I can help you hammer out some details. This could go a long way towards limiting the "Which first pistol?" threads.
 
Any 9mm in mint used condition should be had for under $1000, just shop around. I love GLOCK's but a P30L would also be a sweet buy.
 
I specifically love the idea of a polymer/striker fired 9mm sub-$1,000 assessment!!! I have some metal and hammer models and a poly/striker is next on the list. I was fortunate to be able to fire a friend's Steyr and Glock 17. I fired the Steyr reasonably well but not the Glock. It was a small test-fire but I am sure there is much more to them both and others. I was not impressed with either trigger, probably due to my inexperience with the striker format. I would wlecome anything you care to post from your research, subjective or not. Good luck with it and have fun.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
I've got a couple grand burning a hole in my pocket, so one of my thoughts, being the absolute pistol noob that I am, is buy 5 or 6 pistols, run a couple thousand rounds though them and generate a report on what I liked and didn't like...from a new shooters perspective. All I've had the pleasure of shooting is an some STI 9mm from DVC and the Browning 1911-22-A1 I own. I'm looking at metal/polymer pistols, most likely striker fired, as I believe the list below is at this point. no Norinco or SAM or RIA unless their non-1911 clones and readily available in Canada.

I know of the following:
- Ruger SR9
- Glock 17 G4
- M&P9
- Steyr L9-A1
- Beretta PX4
- Springfield XDM
- IWI Jericho
- FMK 9C1 G2

What else is there for consideration?
Click to expand...
-Walther P99
-Walther PPQ (with the threaded barrel extension,of course)
-Walther PPX in .40s&w or 9mm
All around $899
 
I'm looking to start from new, not used...so not everything can be had for under $1000, and that's with tax included.

quick question, what is the difference between the Magnum Research Baby Eagle II and the IWI Jericho? they appear to be one the same and the only thing I can fathom different is that one is not all polymer?

also, the reason for the striker fired limitation is more a person thing, having fired hammered pistols, but nothing with strikers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom