Conflicted. Girsan MC28 or S&W SD9.

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soulchaser

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Just looking for a budget 9mm that I can let newbies I take to the range to use to introduce them to shooting that will eat anything I feed it, so i don't want anything to expensive.

I know the SD9 has a heavy trigger which may not necessarily be a bad thing for a newbie shooter.

From all the reviews I've read and youtube vids I watched both have advantages and disadvantages. S&W has a well established name and warranty, is bare bones coming in a plain cardboard box, and the extra mags are $50 a piece.

The Girsan MC28 also has trigger issues on the reset, but newbies won't be trying to rapid fire the gun, it's not as well known as Smith & Wesson (understanding full well S&W can also make lemons) but it comes with more extras (hard case, 3 backstraps, oil, cleaning rod ect) and the spare mags are only $34.99, but spare parts are an issue. I know from another thread here one owner lost a front sight and wasn't able to find a new one.

Not really looking for any other models, just opinions of those who own or shoot one or both.
 
soulchaser said:
Just looking for a budget 9mm that I can let newbies I take to the range to use to introduce them to shooting that will eat anything I feed it, so i don't want anything to expensive.

I know the SD9 has a heavy trigger which may not necessarily be a bad thing for a newbie shooter.

From all the reviews I've read and youtube vids I watched both have advantages and disadvantages. S&W has a well established name and warranty, is bare bones coming in a plain cardboard box, and the extra mags are $50 a piece.

The Girsan MC28 also has trigger issues on the reset, but newbies won't be trying to rapid fire the gun, it's not as well known as Smith & Wesson (understanding full well S&W can also make lemons) but it comes with more extras (hard case, 3 backstraps, oil, cleaning rod ect) and the spare mags are only $34.99, but spare parts are an issue. I know from another thread here one owner lost a front sight and wasn't able to find a new one.

Not really looking for any other models, just opinions of those who own or shoot one or both.
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I always thought the SD9's were crap. However I ended up trying out my budy's SD9 a few months back when I stupidly forgot my trigger lock keys at home. My budy handed it off to me to keep me entertained while he shot his other guns. The trigger on that gun is long and gritty. However I shot that pistol extremely well for me. As well or even better then my own nines that im comfortable with. Mind you though im no crack shot. I was pleasantly surprised by the SD9. If I had 300$ to burn on whatever, I would actually consider getting one for myself now.
 
just curious why you would buy a cheep pistol that could have reset issues or the worst trigger on the market to let new shooters try out? why cant they just shoot the pistols you currently own?

I have shot both and IMO they are both horrible . If I had to pick one of them it would be the smith with the addition of an apex trigger kit.... but at that point just buy a used M&P
 
mmcintyre1220 said:
just curious why you would buy a cheep pistol that could have reset issues or the worst trigger on the market to let new shooters try out? why cant they just shoot the pistols you currently own?

I have shot both and IMO they are both horrible . If I had to pick one of them it would be the smith with the addition of an apex trigger kit.... but at that point just buy a used M&P
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Long story short I've had people drop my "good" guns or smack them into shooting bay dividers, and have also had someone squeeze of a second round unintentional I guess due to their adrenaline pumping despite me telling them what to expect and me showing them what to do.

I've taken to just putting one round in the mag to prevent that. A heavier trigger should hopefully eliminate the need to do that.
 
I just shot the SD9 yesterday at my club. A new member had one and he was getting quite frustrated because only about half his shots were hitting the paper. He asked me if I would like to try it to see how I could do with it, I have to say that WOW it has about the worst trigger I have ever tried, honestly I thought the safety was on. I tried 5 shots and they all hit the paper but that's about all. I then let him try my CZ P07 (has a trigger/action job) and he did alot better, not only did he put all of his shots on the paper over half of them were in the black.

The last thing you want to do is frustrate a new shooter, why not even start them on a .22? we have a new shooter at the club who bought all M&P GUNS, He has the pistol in .22 and 9mm plus the rifles in .22 and .223. he loves them and is doing pretty good with them.

The gun I like to start new shooters on that I have is my SIG P226 CLASSIC in .22, I picked it up on sale and it is a good gun for new guys, I left the action stock on it, good gun but not as nice as my tuned CZ85B/KADET.
 
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I like my SD9. But...a new shooter wont hit the broad side of a barn with an SD9. If right-handed, they'll likely be low and left, and off-paper at just 15 yards. You have to squeeze the trigger more than expected. By the time it goes bang, you are way-off. With practice, you can be very accurate with the SD9. Economically speaking, it would make no sense to buy one, then up-grade the trigger. Move into (at-least) a good used M&P at that point. Remember, the "SD" stands for something, and the pistols stiff trigger-pull was designed with that in-mind. I would say (although the SD9 is a cheap gun), it is built for an experienced shooter whom has already developed exquisite trigger control. A new shooter or 1st-time shooter may find this particular pistol frustrating. They will describe it as "inaccurate" and as having a "terrible trigger", when actually, the SD9 does not have a "terrible" trigger. To the contrary, it has a very "purpose-built" trigger. Definitely requires a lot of practice.
 
The Girsan MC is new enough and not as well known enough that not too many people will have shot one.
But many have shot or owned the S&W.
Not much needs to be said. All the above posters are correct. I’ve shot one belonging to a CGN member. The trigger definitely has earned a correct reputation. My friend even upgraded to the Apex trigger on it and it was just....less bad. A stock, used M&P, as mentioned above, is the correct answer if your only choices are these two.

I can group fine with it and actually shot a clean Dot Torture with it but you are constantly reminded of that awful trigger. And something about the grip feels odd too. Kinda feels like the gun leans forward to me.
 
had the Girsin. Sold it. An unusual event for me.

Tried the S&W. Surprised at how bad it was for target shooting.

The Canik, on the other hand, is great.

For newbies, a revolver works well. Excellent trigger for an aimed shot but the next shot would be long heavy double action.would
 
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I have an SD9VE. I bought it new and I have made it my mission to wear it out. I really like shooting it. I have other more expensive guns but this one has an attraction to me for some reason. I however don't like Turkish guns. Seems to be too much of an issue finding parts once a model is discontinued. the SD9 however should have parts available for a long time.
 
Also the SD9 is made for defensive use and the trigger is long on purpose. It is essentially the safety. If you change it out for the aftermarket one it is A LOT easier to shoot.
 
Letting newbies shoot a really crappy gun seems like a great way to frustrate a potential new shooter. Make their experience a good one, not frustrating. A .22LR is a better introduction to shooting. They won't flinch as much, so they will generally shoot more accurately, and it's cheaper. :) Once they are used to the .22LR, then move to a 9mm. I've been through this many, many times, and also have witnessed shooters bring newbies to the range. I've seen many newbies get turned off shooting when their introduction is done poorly, and I've seen many newbies leave with the biggest smiles when it's done correctly.
 
My point exactly. that new shooter was completely depressed after shooting the SD9 he bought until he tried out my P07, he is now going to try out my .22 p226 classic to get him started. SD9 is not a starter gun,
 
Well if you must have a striker fired gun than why not look for a Gen1 M&P FS on the EE. I have seen them go for as low as $400. The M&P is going to be a much better buy used than either of your choices new. You might also look at the Girsan Compact or FS used. The Girsan Compact, a clone of the 92F Compact is a well made tight pistol. I bought one and enjoy the gun. Most Beretta parts interchange with the gun. The Girsan Compact would be a better choice than either of the pistols mentioned in the 1st post.

Take Care

Bob
 
rci2950 said:
I have an SD9VE. I bought it new and I have made it my mission to wear it out. I really like shooting it. I have other more expensive guns but this one has an attraction to me for some reason. I however don't like Turkish guns. Seems to be too much of an issue finding parts once a model is discontinued. the SD9 however should have parts available for a long time.
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How many rounds are through it?
 
S&W. the SDV9 is entry level protection in the US. Not to be confused for a target pistol. I can’t see a new Girsan being better in any way than a carefully used and not abused M&P9. Even if it was abused S&W will handle any issues. Chances are the trigger will feel better......(cough -whispers- used Gen 3 glock cough cough)
 
I’d buy a new or used m&p9 over both your choices, I’ve shot the sd9ve and if someone offered my one for free I’d say no thanks.


If you’re really hell bent on one I can put you in contact with a friend of mine in the lower mainland with one for sale cheap, very low round count. He’s getting into precision rifle shooting and never shoots his pistols and is selling both, I think he had it on the ee awhile ago but there was no intrest. Which should tell you how crappy they are to shoot lol.
 
You guys know that the Girsan MC28 is going for $289 at Tenda's right? It's incredibly cheap and it'll run M&P holsters and CZ mag pouches. Yeah, a polymer framed, striker fired pistol isn't a cushy ride for a new shooter, but it's a great way to show flaws in form.

And $289??
 
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