Author Topic: Just a darn nice 9mm (Read 3249 times)

tguil · « **on:** July 27, 2010, 05:34:53 PM »

I've wanted to buy a high capacity 9mm for quite a while.

My 67 year old eyes don't think that a lot of the new stuff is all that pretty to look at. I'm really not into "tacticool" at all. I have sort of narrowed my choices to a blued Browning High Power, a Beretta 92 FS Inox or a polished stainless CZ 75B. This gun will see some range time, will be used to "pop" some of the varmints on my acreage when I feel like using something more than a .22 and will be looked at a lot. I regularly shoot several center fire revolvers and a couple of .22 semi-autos, but my only center fire semi-auto is a WWI Luger (with matching numbers) that I don't shoot at all.

When I do carry the gun, I'll use a good "field style" hip holster or a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster. No concealed carry with this gun.

Double action versus single action is not an issue. Whatever the gun, it will probably be used in the single action mode most of the time. Regular safety versus decocker is not an issue either.

I'm simply looking for just a darn nice 9mm..... something that is reliable, shoots well and a gun that most shooters in my age bracket would look at and think that is a "darn nice gun".

Any suggestions comments?

Tom

FN in MT · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2010, 05:46:03 PM »

IMHO....

williamlayton · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2010, 08:59:38 PM »

Browning High Power.
Check out the double stack offerings from STI.
Blessings

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2010, 01:47:06 AM »

tquil: My 9s are older Lugers and P-38s; go for the High Power, you will be happier. jmtcw.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2010, 02:47:34 AM »

Browning High Power would be my choice , well it was .

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2010, 02:55:01 AM »

I have a CZ75 non-B and thank the world of it but am in the market for a high power, just because of it history.

Savage · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2010, 11:09:19 AM »

I have two of the three mentioned in the original post, the Hi Power and the CZ. I love the Hi Power, and it's not for sale, but when it comes to ergonomics and shootability, the CZ is the ticket for me.
Everyone needs at least one of each, the Hi Power for dress, and the CZ for work! Love them both, either one would be an excellent choice!
Savage

spruce · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2010, 02:27:34 PM »

No contest for me - Browning Hi-Power!

Brett · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2010, 02:49:48 PM »

Quote from: Savage on July 28, 2010, 11:09:19 AM

I have two of the three mentioned in the original post, the Hi Power and the CZ. I love the Hi Power, and it's not for sale, but when it comes to ergonomics and shootability, the CZ is the ticket for me.
Everyone needs at least one of each, the Hi Power for dress, and the CZ for work! Love them both, either one would be an excellent choice!
Savage

These would be my first two choices if I was looking for a full sized service pistol also.

drdougrx · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2010, 03:19:20 PM »

HP for me too...have one in 9mm and 40sw!

NickSS · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:35:12 PM »

I sort of have all three of them though my Berreta is a Taurus clone of the original 92 befor the decocker. For occational shooting, looks and etc buy the HP you just can not go wrong with one of them. If you want a gun that you can shoot day and night with hot loads get the CZ. If you want all of the above get the Berretta. Though I must say that the Barretta is a little fat in the grip for me. The CZ fits my hand the best with the HP a very close second. The only thing I do not like about the HP is the gratty trigger pull that is mostly caused by the magazine safety. I removed this device and my pistol is much more shootable but I do not recommend doing this for everyone but 40 years of 1911s that do not have this device made me off it.

tguil · « **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2010, 03:46:44 AM »

Thanks so much for your replies. They fact that the Hi Power is so popular with a bunch of us older guys doesn't surprise me.

Although I mentioned that a decocker wasn't all that important to me, it might be after all. I get a bit nervous about lowering the hammer on a live round, but I do it frequently with my revolvers. I really don't like carrying a handgun "cocked and locked" but in reality I do it all the time with my Ruger Mark II. I just can't see the hammer.

After messing up the blueing on a very nice S&W several years ago I favor stainless guns a little over blued guns. Never did like "painted" (polycoat) guns at all.

None of my local dealers have all there guns in stock. As a matter of fact the only one in a showcase here is the Beretta Inox. Last time I checked Guns Unlimited in Omaha has all three in stock. It may be worth the sixty mile drive just to "fondle" them "side-by-side".

It appears the all three 9mm are "darn nice guns". It's only a matter of which one would end up appealing most to this old revolver guy who really doesn't like picking up brass all that much.

Oh, what gun is my most used right now? A Ruger Mark II stainless with a 5 1/2 bull barrel and HiVis sights. It's my "go to critter exterminator" and is carried daily.

Tom

Brett · « **Reply #12 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:33:48 AM »

Just out of curiosity why 9mm and not .357 Sig, .40 S&W or .45 ACP? If you are going to get a full sized service pistol why not go for something with more knock down power than 9mm? IMO the 9mm is about ideal for compact and subcompact concealed carry weapons. If I'm going to lug a bigger heavier gun I want to make it worth my while.

tguil · « **Reply #13 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:59:10 AM »

Good question. The main reason is cost of ammunition and its availability. Also I really don't need a gun with knockdown power. I have two .357 magnum revolvers and a .44 magnum revolver. The 9mm mostly will be a full size "plinker"...and a nice one.

Tom

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:45:03 PM »

I owned a Beretta 92 G for a while, very soft recoil, very easy to shoot, great ergo's.
The High Power never tripped my trigger. Doesn't fit me well.
Never fired a CZ, but sure would like to try. No decocker on those.
One that's not on your list but should be considered is a Sig P226. Best ergo's of the bunch for me, best accuracy, soft recoil, plus I really like Sig's decocker and slide release.
One pistol I miss more than all of them was my west German made P226, smooth, good looking and very accurate. No rail either.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2010, 03:18:20 AM »

I have not owned or shot a CZ , they look and feel nice and are infact somewhat a copy of the Browning HP in part at least. I have owned a Bretta 92 and a taurus copy, Sig 226 and 229 and 228 , a colt 1911 in 9mm , glocks and others . None felt or shot as well as the Browning hp. It has been offered that the 1911 would have been built more like the HP had the army not insisted on features like the grip safety etc.
I would suggest getting the blue top end model . The military/police model has a spray on finish .

ctrout · « **Reply #16 on:** July 31, 2010, 07:35:51 AM »

I had a CZ-75 that I purchased in Germany in 1992 and imported back to the states with me so it had no import markings. What an awesome gun that was. It is in the same class as the High Power and 1911 as far as quality and history goes. It is the most highly cloned DA/SA pistol in history for a reason. It has an awesome trigger in comparison to anything I have ever shot with the exception of a tuned 1911. My gun would hold 2.5" groups at 25yd and it had about 30,000 rounds through it before I tragically sold it in 1999. That is one of the great guns that I truly regret selling (along with my Interarms PPK/S and Ruger MK-II KMK678). The gun fit my hand like a glove. I mean that, I can't stress enough how nice that gun felt in the hand. The balance was sensational. I LOVE my 1911s but they don't hold a candle to that old CZ as far as shooting comfort. One of the current clones of this gun that you might also want to look into is the EAA Witness. I have seen one in 40SW and it holds true to the CZ design and ergonomics. Another one to consider if you can find one is the Springfield P9. I don't think they make them anymore but if I recall, its as close to an exact copy of the original as you will ever find.

Savage · « **Reply #17 on:** July 31, 2010, 07:48:10 AM »

Quote from: ctrout on July 31, 2010, 07:35:51 AM

I had a CZ-75 that I purchased in Germany in 1992 and imported back to the states with me so it had no import markings. What an awesome gun that was. It is in the same class as the High Power and 1911 as far as quality and history goes. It is the most highly cloned DA/SA pistol in history for a reason. It has an awesome trigger in comparison to anything I have ever shot with the exception of a tuned 1911. My gun would hold 2.5" groups at 25yd and it had about 30,000 rounds through it before I tragically sold it in 1999. That is one of the great guns that I truly regret selling (along with my Interarms PPK/S and Ruger MK-II KMK678). The gun fit my hand like a glove. I mean that, I can't stress enough how nice that gun felt in the hand. The balance was sensational. I LOVE my 1911s but they don't hold a candle to that old CZ as far as shooting comfort. One of the current clones of this gun that you might also want to look into is the EAA Witness. I have seen one in 40SW and it holds true to the CZ design and ergonomics. Another one to consider if you can find one is the Springfield P9. I don't think they make them anymore but if I recall, its as close to an exact copy of the original as you will ever find.

I have to emphatically agree with everything written here. The CZ design is "Top of the Heap"!`

Savage

tguil · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2010, 10:03:52 AM »

I heard from Guns Unlimited in Omaha and was given this price quote. "....The Beretta Inox is $699.99. The Browning Hi Power with adjustable sights is $979.99 and 13 rounds in magazine. The Browning Hi Power Vigilante is $914.99 and 13 rounds in magazine. The CZ 75B stainless is $734.99. All are available and ready for pickup...." Do I pick one up?

I was surprised to see that the stainless CZ 75B cost more than the Beretta Inox.

As far as this thread, I was surprised by the fact that both the CZ 75B and the Hi Power are so much more highly thought of than the Beretta.

Another fact that just entered my "purchasing picture". I received notification that Davidson's has the .44 mag Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter that I have been lusting after. I would probably actually use this more than the 9mm. I could afford to buy all of them......but my wife of 46 years may not agree.

Oh, I already have a very nice .44mag Redhawk that I use for hunting. Don't really know why I want the Blackhawk too.

Tom

ctrout · « **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2010, 09:42:38 PM »

Well, incidentally, I paid $258 for my CZ75 brand new. Another reason that I regret selling it. I bought it before the world knew what it was. I don't even know if they were being imported into the US at that time. Anyway, the MSRP for the stainless EAA Witness 9mm is $541. That's a pretty good deal in this economy I guess.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #20 on:** August 03, 2010, 12:51:59 PM »

I think you should get the Bisley Hunter while you can and then when the proper time has passed between purchases go for the 9mm. Your Ruger Target 22 sounds like a great gun. What is your go to load for the field in the 22?

1marty · « **Reply #21 on:** August 03, 2010, 03:51:34 PM »

I've had my Browning Hi Pwer for many years. I've bought and sold several pistols but the Browning is the sweeeeetest pistol I've ever fired. My wife says I love that gun more than her. She always asks me tough questions.

nobodylies2.45 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 07, 2010, 09:10:48 AM »

I have a CZ75 B and that thing is a tank and I love it, although I would love a HP just for the simple fact that is a HP lol

MGMorden · « **Reply #23 on:** August 13, 2010, 08:26:14 AM »

While from a technology standpoint I tend to prefer the newer polymer guns, I must admit that you'll be hard pressed to find a better looking gun than an authentic Browning HP. If you want an older design with a lot of style, I'd say go for that.

tguil · « **Reply #24 on:** August 13, 2010, 08:45:01 AM »

Just an update. Both the Hi Power and the stainless CZ are still on my list. In the meantime, I bought that .44mag Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter. I plan to get a scope on it in the next couple of weeks. I figure that I actually would use the darn thing quite a bit more than a 9mm. Nebraska has a "ton" of firearm deer permits this year. I live on forty acres with another 160 across my fence that I have permission to hunt. All excellent habitat. The 9mm may just be Christmas gift to myself.

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

mrussel · « **Reply #25 on:** August 20, 2010, 09:41:28 PM »

Quote from: FN in MT on July 27, 2010, 05:46:03 PM

IMHO....

Absofriggenlutely. Id take the Hi Power over any of those others. Its a classic. If you want a 9,that's the way to go. If you want a 40s S&W however,then they make one in that too. Everyone who handles a Hi Power loves it.

mauser98us · « **Reply #26 on:** August 21, 2010, 06:45:58 AM »

Lotsa good choices here. Hi-power one of the best. Instead of the CZ,just cause of price,you could look at the Witness series of pistols,CZ clones at less money. Don't forget the Star Model B's and Model 28/30. All are excellent pistols. Can't go wrong with any of them.

mrussel · « **Reply #27 on:** August 21, 2010, 07:22:40 PM »

Quote from: mauser98us on August 21, 2010, 06:45:58 AM

Lotsa good choices here. Hi-power one of the best. Instead of the CZ,just cause of price,you could look at the Witness series of pistols,CZ clones at less money. Don't forget the Star Model B's and Model 28/30. All are excellent pistols. Can't go wrong with any of them.

I saw a brand new FN High Power at the gun show today for about 550. It was in all respects identical to a Browning Hi Power except it had FN roll marks. I almost bought it but I ended up going home with a Ruger Super Blackhawk. I dont understand why it goes for so much less than a Browing since FN actually MAKES the Browning ones,but Im not complaining. Im planing on getting an FN one in a couple of months. You cant get a USED browning HP for that price.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2010, 02:58:45 AM »

another fan of the high power. Out of your choises id take it hands down over the others.

mauser98us · « **Reply #29 on:** August 22, 2010, 06:51:35 AM »

I forgot the Hungarian FEG is a clone of the hi power. Don't know the quality,but I imagine you could find it at a lower price aswell.