Full Frame 9mm Recommendations

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Indiana

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • GunErgy

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Apr 4, 2018
    101
    18
    Westfield
    Hey all need some advice. I've been looking at several full size 9mms since letting go of my old Ruger P944 in .40 cal. Looking to to spend +/- $700. I have been looking at Glock 17 and 34s, Beretta P92, and Ruger SR1911, but I am wide open. I'm not looking to carry this it will be a range/home protection gun. I've been piggybacking on a few threads, but received advice to start my own. Thanks!
     

    ECS686

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Dec 9, 2017
    1,702
    113
    Brazil
    As far as Styker fired I have really liked the S&W M&P series. Got a 45 about 11 years ago and was the softest shooting 45 I have used. Beating my SIG 220. Then I got the M&P 9 and 9c. Just picked up a M&P 45 2.0 this week and it shoots as good as my first on. Also I never had any issues with the triggers like some complained about.

    I have my share of Glocks too but I'M HOPING the M&P are better out of the box, unless you get the Glock with night sights the S&W stock sights are actually functional.

    The FN products are pretty good as well.

    My favorite though is the SIG 226,228,229 series but that's a little over your $700

    Find a range and rent a couple.
     

    WebSnyper

    Maximum Effort
    Rating - 100%
    56   0   0
    Jul 3, 2010
    15,417
    113
    127.0.0.1
    So will this be your only gun, or do you have other besides the Ruger that you sold off? If you have others, what do you have? That may help with this discussion.
     

    mcapo

    aka Bandit
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Mar 19, 2016
    20,558
    149
    East of Hoosier45 - West of T-dogg
    Rentals are a great place to start. You'll need to decide if you want striker fired, hammer fired, SA/DA, etc. 9mm/40/45? Plastic, steel, alloy. 4+" or 5" barrel?

    I'd look at the plastic wonders such as the M&P 2.0 (5" and Compact), Glock 17/19/19x, CZ P10/P09, Walther PPQ, HK VP9 etc. $700 would leave you room for trigger, upgrades, holster, etc.

    Take a look at some steel/alloy frame pistols CZ-75, Beretta 92, etc. You might want to spend a little more on a 1911 than $700 though the Ruger is decent enough. I might recommend a $1000 -$1200 budget for 1911.

    What caused you to sell the P944?

    The more you narrow down your specifics, they better input you'll get from people here. We all have opinions and seem to want to share them. :laugh:

    If you want a shorter list: Rent an M&P 2.0, a Glock 19, a Ruger 1911 and a Beretta 92. Let the gun tell you which one likes you.
     

    IndyDave1776

    Grandmaster
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Jan 12, 2012
    27,286
    113
    Full frame? Have it milled out so there is room for the magazine and the fire control parts inside the frame. :):
     

    Doublehelix

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    15   0   0
    Jun 20, 2015
    1,874
    38
    Westfield
    Some folks love the Glock format, and others not so much. They are a very polarizing gun platform for sure.

    If the Glock fits your hand and you like the trigger, that is probably the smart and safe way to go, but you will never know until you shoot one, so the advice to go and rent some different options is really the best advice.

    I am a huge fan of the SIG P226 SAO, but as mentioned already by @ECS686, they are probably out of your price range.

    I personally prefer the S&W M&P platform to the Glock, but that is me. You will need to compare them side-by-side to really tell. Picking up one by itself is not the best way to test, you need to see a few options all at once and try them back and forth.

    Best of luck.
     

    VERT

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    23   0   0
    Jan 4, 2009
    9,800
    113
    Seymour
    The Glock 17 or 34 will serve you well. The Ruger SR1911 9mm is a decent gun as well. 9mm 1911s have their quirks however and I hesitate to recommend them for personal protection. Take that but of advice from a guy who frequently carries a 9mm 1911, whose wife keeps a 9mm 1911 next to the bed and who shoots 9mm 1911s in USPSA. The Glock will serve you well out of the box.

    A M&P Pro or 5” Walther PPQ will serve you well also.
     

    DocIndy

    Master
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    38   0   0
    Mar 30, 2010
    1,930
    149
    Franklin
    The full size Beretta 92 is a great option under $700. You can add 18 round MecGar mags and have some coin for ammo. Don't look at the Wilson Combat Berettas or you will be expanding your budget. My Wilson 92G is one of my favorites. You can run 1000s of rounds through Berettas without worries. There is a ton of parts and accessories available too.
     
    Last edited:

    Xterminator

    Marksman
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Mar 11, 2018
    297
    28
    Terre Haute
    Gun for home defense or competition..check out CZ brands. P10C for striker fire, p09 is a large polymer pistol but DA/SA. Both are excellent. But like everything else try one in the hand. But for $700 check out Sig's, Glocks,CZ , they all r great guns.
     

    rkwhyte2

    aka: Vinny
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    37   0   0
    Sep 26, 2012
    21,053
    77
    Sheridan
    Take a look at the CZ SP-01. Available either with a safety or a decocker. Great gun out of the box that also has huge potential with after-market parts.
     

    GunErgy

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Apr 4, 2018
    101
    18
    Westfield
    I went to Point blank and rented a few different handguns before buying, I suggest that you do the same.

    Copy that venenoindy. I have shot a P92 before and liked it. I went last week to the Carmel Point Blank and shot both the Gen 4 Glock 17 and 34 (liked both and couldn't tell a $100 difference between them). I have never shot a 1911 before, but I love their history, styling, and function.
     

    GunErgy

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Apr 4, 2018
    101
    18
    Westfield
    So will this be your only gun, or do you have other besides the Ruger that you sold off? If you have others, what do you have? That may help with this discussion.

    I have plenty of other firearms some old some new. I like to have at least one of everything :patriot:, which is why I need to replace my large frame handgun opening.
     

    Carmel Corn

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Nov 27, 2013
    108
    18
    Carmel
    The Glock 17 or 34 will serve you well. The Ruger SR1911 9mm is a decent gun as well. 9mm 1911s have their quirks however and I hesitate to recommend them for personal protection. Take that but of advice from a guy who frequently carries a 9mm 1911, whose wife keeps a 9mm 1911 next to the bed and who shoots 9mm 1911s in USPSA. The Glock will serve you well out of the box.

    A M&P Pro or 5” Walther PPQ will serve you well also.


    I cannot get past the reliability, simplicity and yes....even feel of the Glocks myself. If I was looking for a full size for around the house (vs. Carry)...the 34 really intrigues me. I have 19s and the 17 is maybe too close to my 19 overall.
     

    VERT

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    23   0   0
    Jan 4, 2009
    9,800
    113
    Seymour
    I cannot get past the reliability, simplicity and yes....even feel of the Glocks myself. If I was looking for a full size for around the house (vs. Carry)...the 34 really intrigues me. I have 19s and the 17 is maybe too close to my 19 overall.

    Get a 34. Put a good set of sights or front sight on it. Drop on a - trigger connector if it doesn’t already come with one. Enjoy.
     

    GunErgy

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Apr 4, 2018
    101
    18
    Westfield
    Rentals are a great place to start. You'll need to decide if you want striker fired, hammer fired, SA/DA, etc. 9mm/40/45? Plastic, steel, alloy. 4+" or 5" barrel?

    I'd look at the plastic wonders such as the M&P 2.0 (5" and Compact), Glock 17/19/19x, CZ P10/P09, Walther PPQ, HK VP9 etc. $700 would leave you room for trigger, upgrades, holster, etc.

    Take a look at some steel/alloy frame pistols CZ-75, Beretta 92, etc. You might want to spend a little more on a 1911 than $700 though the Ruger is decent enough. I might recommend a $1000 -$1200 budget for 1911.

    What caused you to sell the P944?

    The more you narrow down your specifics, they better input you'll get from people here. We all have opinions and seem to want to share them. :laugh:

    If you want a shorter list: Rent an M&P 2.0, a Glock 19, a Ruger 1911 and a Beretta 92. Let the gun tell you which one likes you.

    Sold the P944 as I had it for ~10 years, .40 was getting more expensive to shoot, and I'm looking for something new to tinker with. I think I should hold on the 1911 for now as I really don't want to go above $1000 and I'm set on 9mm. The Beretta 92 fits me well and is fun to shoot, but there doesn't seem to be much I could do to make it my own (like with a Glock or S&W).
     

    mcapo

    aka Bandit
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Mar 19, 2016
    20,558
    149
    East of Hoosier45 - West of T-dogg
    but there doesn't seem to be much I could do to make it my own (like with a Glock or S&W).

    Oh sure there is. Only one person claims this 92...

    b35cd1e8977a85a1d5590fe2a42889f6.jpg
     

    GunErgy

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Apr 4, 2018
    101
    18
    Westfield
    I cannot get past the reliability, simplicity and yes....even feel of the Glocks myself. If I was looking for a full size for around the house (vs. Carry)...the 34 really intrigues me. I have 19s and the 17 is maybe too close to my 19 overall.

    A good buddy of mine just picked up a 19x in flat dark earth. It's a great looking setup, but I don't get the purpose of the 17 slide on a 19 frame. I'm a big fan of the Gen 4 Glocks - they fit my hand perfectly. I don't like that the Gen 5's do not have the finger grooves.
     
    Top Bottom