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9mm Semi-auto
BBFisher
Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
Please excuse my lack of knowledge on any form of gun. I am wanting to purchase a 9mm hand gun for my husband and I honestly don't know anything about the different models. He already has a Ruger 357 and a 45 (don't know who makes it). Since this is a surprise I don't want to ask him. I have seen a Cobra and HI POINT 9mm, but because it is so inexpensive I am afraid it is not a good gun? Can anyone advise.
Thanks so much [:D]
Vickie M Payan
Thanks so much [:D]
Vickie M Payan
Comments
Glock 17
Beretta 92
CZ-75 (my personal favorite).
All three of these are highly dependable, accurate, relatively easy to shoot, and used by a large number of military and police around the globe.
SIG is a good choice also, as is the Walther P99, but these are likely above your price cutoff.
For a bit less money, any of these could work well also:
Smith 9mm autos
Ruger
Tanfoglio Witness
Surplus Sig P6/225
The 45 vs 9mm argument has been beat to death.
For your purposes, I'd say a 9mm makes a better choice for a new shooter for several reasons, not least of which is that ammo is a good bit cheaper, meaning you'll get more practice shooting it.
How much better a .45 is than a 9mm is debatable, though I think empirically the modern 9mm+P luger rounds are pretty good. Most of the military and police on the planet don't carry 9mm luger because it "sucks".
EDIT: Responding to some of the below.
I didn't mention revolvers (let alone .40 cal guns) because the question specifically referenced 9mm luger auto pistols for $500.
But since this was broached, I have to agree that for the vast majority of individuals, in my opinion a revolver makes more sense than an automatic for home defense. Revolvers are easier to use (including by spouses), less prone to accidental discharge, more reliable, generally more accurate, potentially more powerful (if you use magnum ammo), require less maintenance and are easier to maintain.
Personally speaking, even though I "could" use an automatic, I pretty much ALWAYS go with a revolver for home defense (for all of the above reasons, especially reliability).
For an adult male, I'd suggest a Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver, ideally in stainless steel (less maintenance). Specific models would include 686, 66 (discontinued, but highly regarded!), 60, 65, and a few others. Most of these are available used in the price range you suggest, if you look around on the auction site here. 4" bbl would be preferred here, though other barrel lengths could work too.
Apart from slightly cheaper ammunition for practice, the only real advantage to a semi-auto is capacity, and I'd argue that if you can't get it done inside your home with 6 or 12 shots of .357 magnum, having another few shots on tap probably isn't going to change anything.
if you do end up going with a .45, look at the para GI expert.
a little over $500 but one of the best 1911 values out there. based on the colt 80 series platform with an excellent trigger out of the box. and it can be upgraded to "custom" levels with readily available after market parts (numerich, brownells etc.)
great gift you're giving!
tom
Good Luck
Best
The abundance of quality handguns on the market is just insane. I don't think at any time in history has a larger choice been available. Its to the point where rather than buying a gun and figuring out how to make it work for you, there is probably one available that will meet your specific needs.
Just generally I will always recommend a Glock 22 .40sw. Especially the new Gen 4 with interchangeable back-straps. Glock is basically where the bar is set. Its been around a long time and is more carried by law enforcement in the US by any other gun. And the .40sw is the most popular law enforcement cartridge.
Yep, another vote for the CZ 75.