Question About Pistol Choice

[BrianinMD]

I have been away from shooting for a little over 10 years, I wanted to get back into it. Trying to decide on what to get, want to stick with either a 9mm or .45 ACP. I have suggestions from friends for Sig P226 or something in the HK line. This will be for target and during the warmer months some competitions. Looking for something reliable, and accurate. Living in the MD I will not be able to carry it so that is not a concern. Any thoughts?

[Senko lover]

I love shooting a 45, but that's just a personal thing. I would see if you could try out both a 9mm and a 45 from a friend. That would help make your decision.

[68camaro]

Lots of good choices out there. If used mostly for competition 9mm ammo will be cheaper to compete and practice with than .45. I have heard good things about the P226 but never shot it. 

 

If you can get to range to try some 9mm and 45's out it may help you decide. Don't limit yourself, keep mind open to different brands. Guns are a bit like rods, can't stop at one:)

[cbass12]

In 9MM I would check out the Glock 34.

[MidTNKayakAngler]

_{My wife and I both shot IDPA, and 9mm wouldn't knock down the steel poppers all the time. I shot 40, and 45 and had no issues with knocking down poppers. If she hit a popper low it wouldn't fall sometimes. I won't recommend particular firearms, but I would go with a 4.5 or 5" barrel to aid in accuracy. I like the 45 better it seemed like it wasn't as snappy, and I could stay on target easier.}

[desmobob]

I'll put in a "+1" on the CZ-75.  I have an older model from back in the day when they were hard to get, and it quickly became a favorite for me.  I later bought a Cadet .22LR conversion kit and that makes the pistol very versatile.

 

But as for competition, I'll echo MidTNKayakAngler's thoughts... the nine will sometimes leave steel targets standing if you don't make a solid/high hit.  You make up a little with shot-to-shot recovery times, but you also have to deal with stricter scoring rules if you're not shooting a major caliber.

 

If competition is going to be a big part of using the pistol, I'd prefer a .45 (or .40).  As for your brand choices, I don't think you could go wrong with either a Sig or an HK!

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[badhatharry]

Some people hate them....I love all of mine.   Glock 21.

[desmobob]

Some people hate them....I love all of mine.   Glock 21.

 

 

I bought a Glock Model 22 (.40 S&W) several years ago and found out what all the fuss was about... I loved it!  It was the most ergonomic, fool-proof, easy-to-use handgun I owned at the time.  I started saying that if the poop hit the fan and I had to grab just one of my handguns, the Glock would be the easy choice.

 

So...  I then bought a Glock Model 21 (.45 ACP).  It felt like a brick or 2x4 in my hand; just the opposite of how well the Model 22 fit (and I'm a big guy with large hands).  I tried very hard to like it.  It was very accurate and reliable, but I ended up selling it.  To date, it's the only handgun I've ever sold.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[papajoe222]

I prefer a longer slide/barrel for shooting paper. Springfield offers an XD 5" that fits the bill for me. Decent sights and trigger and that extra inch or so makes a big difference in accuracy.

[BrianinMD]

Thanks for all the input!!!

 

I am scheduled to take my Handgun Qualification License class the beginning of January, the HQL is one of many hurdles in Maryland. After that I will be able to buy so have some time. Went to a local indoor range and shot a Glock 17. Not bad but a little small for my hands. Will go back there and try some different things to see what I like. Have some time to figure things out.

[K_Mac]

The Sig 226 in all versions is a fantastic pistol. It should be for the price. You must have huge hands if a Glock 17 is too small. That is a big handgun!

My semiautomatic handguns are striker fired and polymer framed. They are carry weapons. If I were going to use a semiautomatic for plinking or competition it would be a single action or DA/SA like a 226. Good luck!

[C0lt]

Don't mean to resurrect an older thread, but I figured I would chime in. 

 

With all the research and development that's been put into the 9mm over the past 30 years, and with all the carry and combat loads, +p hollow points, etc. I don't subscribe to the old notion that you're undergunned unless you carry a 45. I know theres guys out there, probably even some on this forum, who would fight to the death over their 45 and how its the most potent carry caliber, and thats fine, I just feel with so many compact, light, and most importantly EXTREMELY RELIABLE 9mm's that we have available today (Shield, block 43, xd come to mind) that most people are better off going with a 9mm, especially if you haven't been around the sport for a decade.

 

Plus 45 is expensive these days lol

 

EDIT:

In a haste I forgot that you weren't asking about carry. my mistake. However I still stand with the 9mm. If you're into the p226 go for the mk25  ​ 

[BrianinMD]

Did another round of practice at the indoor range last night, this time rented a Sig P226. It felt great, shot grouping was a lot better, still have a ways to go to get "good". But I am pretty much settled on the P226 once I get past my handgun qualification class on Jan 10th.

[Crappiebasser]

4 hours ago, BrianinMD said:

Did another round of practice at the indoor range last night, this time rented a Sig P226. It felt great, shot grouping was a lot better, still have a ways to go to get "good". But I am pretty much settled on the P226 once I get past my handgun qualification class on Jan 10th.

If you like the P226 you should consider the Sig x-five. Same feel has a 226 but more accurate and much better trigger feel.

[XpressJeff]

Do both...

 

Sig 220 is .45

Sig 229 is 9mms

 

Both great weapons that use the same holsters!

 

If a 1911 fits your hand better that is a also available in both calibers!

 

Find a GOOD firearms shop, or a nut like me that has both and try them out.

 

Just please be responsible and get some training!

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

[Mr Swim Jig]

I am a diehard Sig Sauer guy, I have a P226 9mm, P229 9mm, P320 Compact in 9mm and a P320 Compact in Sig 357.  The P320 is quickly becoming my favorite pistol, the P320 Compact 9mm is my every day carry pistol as well.

 

I have tried several Glocks and just don't care for them, I was at the range a couple weeks ago and tried the HK VP9 and was very impressed with this pistol.

 

I would go to a range that allows you to rent fire arms and try them out, but I would take a good look at the Sig P320.

[Way2slow]

Either by renting at indoor ranges or shooting friends and neighbors, I probably shot a dozen different makes.  I knew from the start I wanted a semi-auto so I didn't mess with any revolvers.  I was not set on one particular caliber.  I was just seeing what gun felt the best, with the most natural feel that I felt I could shoot the best.   After trying several different guns in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45auto, I shot my neighbors Colt Delta Elite 10mm and I was hooked.  I knew it was going to have to be a 10mm, but there were no Delta Elite's to be had.  I even waited a couple of months looking for even a good used one.  I had also shot a Glock 20 10mm he had and liked it, but not like the Delta Elite.  Then a new Glock 20SF came along at a deal I couldn't pass up (out the door for $435 ) and I got it. This was about six years ago.  I still keep wanting to get that Delta Elite or a Kimber 1911 10mm, I've just got to convince myself I need two pistol the same caliber but I do luv the look of the 1911.  I also have very large hands, like I wear 2XL gloves, so the Glocks SF grips work pretty good for me.

 

I also reload everything I shoot so I can tailor loads to my liking and that 10mm gives me a lot of flexibility.  

 

I would just suggest you keep renting and shooting different ones until you find that one the feels natural.

[XpressJeff]

On 12/17/2015 at 4:59 AM, C0lt said:

 

With all the research and development that's been put into the 9mm over the past 30 years, and with all the carry and combat loads, +p hollow points, etc. I don't subscribe to the old notion that you're undergunned unless you carry a 45. I know theres guys out there, probably even some on this forum, who would fight to the death over their 45 and how its the most potent carry caliber, and thats fine, I just feel with so many compact, light, and most importantly EXTREMELY RELIABLE 9mm's that we have available today (Shield, block 43, xd come to mind) that most people are better off going with a 9mm, especially if you haven't been around the sport for a decade.

This is a good point that many folks will still argue about, especially traditional 1911 guys!

 

I was brought up shooting .45 in the Marines and absolutely hated the move from the 1911 to the Baretta so I was of that belief for many years. Other reasons too!

 

Technology with ammunition has come a long way and so have the firearms. Just being able to carry 17 rounds in a package that's lighter, recoils less and stays on target better is incredible.

 

Although a 9 with good ammo can now make a hole as big as a .45, I have NEVER seen a .45 make a hole as small as a 9!

 

Now that I have aged I appreciate both - Sig 220/229 are a Great comparison. Also Kimber has provided me 1911s in both calibers.

 

I love the choices available now!

[SneakyPete]

On 11/27/2015 at 11:25 AM, BrianinMD said:

I have been away from shooting for a little over 10 years, I wanted to get back into it. Trying to decide on what to get, want to stick with either a 9mm or .45 ACP. I have suggestions from friends for Sig P226 or something in the HK line. This will be for target and during the warmer months some competitions. Looking for something reliable, and accurate. Living in the MD I will not be able to carry it so that is not a concern. Any thoughts?

It's all personal preference, all the guns you talk about are great.  Having gone to Sig, HK, and Glock Armorer schools, Glocks are the easiest to take down and clean. 

[Tin Man]

I shoot a Springfield XDM 40 for target / practice,  a Colt 1911 for competition and for carry I go with the Springfield XDS 45 with extended mags. Have had nothing but problems with my Glock 21. Would not recommend it. The Glock was so bad that I wound up turning it into a 22 rim fire to teach gun safety and grip placement. 

[Gooldy]

This goes for everyone: don't buy a 226/9. The triggers are atrocious. If you want DA/SA get yourself a CZ variant (P09, SP01, Shadow, CZ75/85, etc). If you want striker fired, the G34 is a great choice if you can stand glock triggers. The XDm 5.25 is nice as well, and the trigger is significantly better. 

 

But really, get yourself a 1911/2011 and go about your life and be happy. Life is too short to shoot crappy guns. 

[K_Mac]

Gooldy a Sig 226 is a very fine pistol that is high on my wish list. I have shot several and the trigger is far from "atrocious." Making recommendations based on what you like and why is a good thing, but like fishing equipment, one man's junk is another's treasure. 

[Skeeter Dan]

What ever fills good to you weight wise and gun size . I prefer Walter P 99 40 cal.

[XpressJeff]

Everyone has their own interpretation of what feels good and works for them.

 

What's the purpose TARGET or SELF DEFENSE?

 

What is the skill level of the shooter?

 

Stay away from anyone with a closed mind because this is a decision that WILL hurt you if you take it lightly.

 

I would suggest you find an enthusiast with an open mind and discuss/shoot/decide what works.

 

Good luck, and be careful!

 

 

[Gooldy]

On 3/16/2017 at 9:34 PM, K_Mac said:

Gooldy a Sig 226 is a very fine pistol that is high on my wish list. I have shot several and the trigger is far from "atrocious." Making recommendations based on what you like and why is a good thing, but like fishing equipment, one man's junk is another's treasure. 

The triggers in all of the Sig DA guns (with the exception of the X5) have the exact same clicky pen/springy feel to them, are extremely long take up and reset, and are much more difficult/expensive to make lighter and smoother than other DA/SA guns in my experience. 

 

I would agree with the poster above, find somebody with a bunch of different guns and a good knowledge base to let you test as many as possible to see what feels good, and discuss your options. A good target gun can be a good self defense gun and vice versa, but you need to figure out what you need and want out of it before you choose.