Author Topic: Need advice 9/.40 SS/Blue (Read 761 times)

marylandeer · « **on:** February 19, 2006, 01:05:37 PM »

I'm in the market for a new pistol. I just sold two long guns today at a gun show. I now have $400.00 burning up my pocket :grin: . I didn't see anything at the show that pushed my buttons (that I could afford) anyway. I stopped at the local gunshop on my way home.
I really liked the Taurus PT92B-17 (the Beretta clone) the price is $399.00
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=92B-17&category=Pistol
I didn't do it yet, I decided to go home and do a little research on the net first. After checking out the Taurus website I now like the Taurus PT101SS-11. They didn't have this one in stock but I know he can order it for me.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=101SS-11&category=Pistol

My questions are, is this a good weapon? It would be for home protection and some range plinking.
Does the .40 CAL. make a better round than the 9MM.?
Are there any other/better considerations for me in the $400.00 arena??
Thanks in advance, marylandeer

NavyLT · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2006, 01:48:18 PM »

I have a Taurus PT-92 and love it. I've shot about 2000 rounds through it with one minor jam. I also shoot the Beretta in the military and like the Taurus better - I think the seperate de-cocker/safety function is better and the Taurus is more accurate.

I personally think the 17 round 9mm is fine for home defense - some would disagree. The .40 is a more powerful round and will cause more damage, but it is more expensive. I would rather see someone practice more and be more proficient with the smaller 9mm because they can afford more than just shoot occassionally. In other words, have faith in the shooter's ability instead of the bullet.

Hope this helps,
NavyLT

marylandeer · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2006, 03:33:26 PM »

Thanks NavyLT, and welcome to Graybeards.
Three more questions if you don't mind me asking.
Do you prefer blued or stainless?
Do you think the adjustable sights would be a needed feature?
Do you think $400.00 is a good deal?

NavyLT · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2006, 02:17:11 AM »

Hi,

I don't think there is much difference between blue or stainless, except over time the bluing will wear off in places. So if you want a gun that will show it's wear less and probably hold more resale over the long run, then you will want the stainless.

I replaced the rear sight on my PT-92 with an adjustable from www.precisionsights.com (TPU model). I don't think it is necessary, but it will improve your target shooting accuracy. The factory rear sight can be adjusted side to side (windage) by a gunsmith, but you cannot adjust elevation. The factory sights are just fine for everyday use. I think you can also get the TPU model rear sight from www.brownells.com.

$400 is a pretty good price, especially for the stainless model. I would take off probably $25 to $50 for the blue gun.

corbanzo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2006, 10:54:43 AM »

My buddy has the 92, 9mm in blue, which he found at a shop for $330, which isn't unheard of. I've shot it quite a bit and love the feel and how it shoots, good gun to buy. The blue or stainless really depends on your preference. If you take care of a gun like you should, you shouldn't have rust problems, so it all depends on the look you like. I prefer the .40 for home protection (it's what I use), just because it hits harder, more lead, and I like the upper hand. But NavyLT is exactly right, it's better to be proficient with a round. If you can't shoot it well, its no good.

marylandeer · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2006, 03:33:08 PM »

Thanks, I finally found the one I wanted and started the paperwork process. I put half down and will pay the rest when I can pick it up. I found a PT92 AR in brushed or (matte) stainless. I thought this must be a pretty rare finish because I looked at a lot of PT92's in the last week or so and all were blue or (glossy) SS. I went to the Taurus web site and nothing about this model in a Matte finish. I called Taurus today and asked them what was up. They told me they released a limited number of these to one certain distributor as an exclusive model for them. After hearing that I went back to the shop and bought it. After all said and done the grand total will be :cry: $470.00. :cry:
The only two things I don't like about it are.
#2 the magazine only holds 10 rounds of 9mm. It looks like it's been blocked and the shells are only allowed to half way down.
#2 it don't have adjustable sights but I know where to get some of those thanks to NavyLT.
Can I get high cap. mags. for this gun??

marylandeer · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2006, 03:34:30 PM »

Thanks, I finally found the one I wanted and started the paperwork process. I put half down and will pay the rest when I can pick it up. I found a PT92 AR in brushed or (matte) stainless. I thought this must be a pretty rare finish because I looked at a lot of PT92's in the last week or so and all were blue or (glossy) SS. I went to the Taurus web site and nothing about this model in a Matte finish. I called Taurus today and asked them what was up. They told me they released a limited number of these to one certain distributor as an exclusive model for them. After hearing that I went back to the shop and bought it. After all said and done the grand total will be :cry: $470.00. :cry:
The only two things I don't like about it are.
#2 the magazine only holds 10 rounds of 9mm. It looks like it's been blocked and the shells are only allowed to half way down.
#2 it don't have adjustable sights but I know where to get some of those thanks to NavyLT.
Can I get high cap. mags. for this gun??

NavyLT · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2006, 02:55:10 AM »

Sounds like you got a great gun!

Taurus offers 10rd and 17rd versions of their guns. The only difference is which magazine they include with it. You can get a factory magazine from Taurus directly, but probably at a premium price. I think I have seen Taurus factory magazines at Bass Pro for $45-50 but it was blue.

Ajax Grips has tons of magazines. http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/taurus Nickel plate would probably match the gun fairly well. Up to 17rd magazine will fit flush with the bottom of the hand grip. Anything over 17rds and the magazine will extend past the hand grip. Many gun stores carry AjaxGrips and one of them may be able to get it cheaper than on the website.

Brownells also sells magazines and the adjustable sight I mentioned earlier. http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/catsearch.aspx?k=taurus&ps=10&si=True Be careful, the Millet adjustable sights also require front sight replacement, the PSI adjustable rear sight uses the factory front sight. Brownells offers a pretty hefty military discount.

The cheapest ammo I have found is Academy Sports. www.academy.com Their stores have lots of guns and accessories at good prices.

Finally, you can get a .22 conversion. They aren't cheap $200, but would let you shoot .22LR ammo with your Taurus. http://www.22lrconversions.com/ber-pg.htm

Can you tell I love my PT-92? :-)

marylandeer · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2006, 10:40:26 AM »

Good links, thanks again LT.
Yes I can tell you like your Taurus. I also have a Taurus model-44 .44 mag 8 3/8" S.S. barell that I like a lot, very accurate.
There sure isn't a shortage on the accesories I can spend my money on for this baby (PT-92) is there? Lights, sights, holdsters, ammo, extra clips, lasers, .22 conversions GEEZE look out Visa here I come.

Savage · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2006, 12:08:15 PM »

Marylandeer,
Sorry dude, you'll have to live with the neutered mags. Your state does not allow the evil full capacity magazines. Enjoy your new pistol, stainless is the way to go!
Savage