I need a 9mm! Help me pick one!

SA/DA triggers are what the Taurus 24/7 pistols and their brethren are or are similar. DA/SA triggers are what most of what you listed so far are except the Hi-power clones. And there are a few DA/SA models of those. So which is it that you want?

Let's start with Taurus 92 and it's brethren. This one is, and has been written up in police and tactical journals as a top notch pistol for dureability, price, and accuracy equaling any other similar semi auto pistol. These are suggested as choices for police who have to buy their own pistols.

These have been written up by the likes of Massad Ayoob, Clint Smith, and Chuck Taylor. Their shooting schools have seen many PT92s come through and last all the way through 500 rounds + courses and keep working when many other pistols stop working. These are also used as loaner guns by these shooting schools when other pistols break and another is needed to finish the course. If that is not a endorsement I do not know what is.

All the other brands, makes, and models you listed can have the same said for them as was said for the Taurus PT92.

Then there are the newer Taurus 24/7 pistols that have many satisfied users. These can do just as well as the other pistols you have listed here. Getting used to the light trigger pull that is more like a revolver in figurative terms takes some practice, experience and getting used to compared to DA/SA pistols.

The full size guns are easier to shoot, hit with, and are overall better picks if CCW is not the issue. Longer sight radius, more mass. easier to hold and grip,and easier to hit targets with are the main reasons to go with those.

We have members here who have and like their S&W SIGMAs.

The older used S&W pistols that you listed are ok, but parts, gunsmiths who can work on them, and other factors may make them a secondary choice.

The other Taurus pistols you mentioned will work well also.

What this boils down to is what gun fits you, fills all your needs,and is the easiest to become and stay proficient with. So try as many as you can at the gun shops and gun shows. Get a feel for as many types and brands as you can. We can advise somewhat, but the final decision rests with you.

Take your time in researching this. The internet is a source of info,but not necessarily the best.

I do have experience and have Rugers, Taurus pistols,and the daughter has the CZs. All have served well and continue to do so. Also have limited experience with the S&W 59 & 69 series. Have very limited experience with the other brands,makes and models that are listed. But a bonus in being a competitor is seeing how other's pistols work for them.

So far all the above work well.

HEY!!!! I own a couple of High Point 9mm's and despite their somewhat blocky, rough appearance they are pretty nice, reliable firearms (especially for the cost). Because of the affordable price and ruggedness of them, they are perfect for storing them in out of the way places for quick protection. I keep my 2 High Points scattered around the shop, ready to fire inside a large ziplock baggy (with a dry-lock silic pack for moisture).


Now for my choice of a 1st handgun in 9mm or larger, I would go with the PT92. (Very accurate and reliable) Second choice would be a 24/7 in 9mm or larger (it is also very accurate and reliable, but with a polymer frame). I own a PT908, 945 w/ported barrel, which I really like but I feel you would enjoy the 24/7 or PT92 more. It would be best if you could handle any other the firearms in your list side-by-side if possible. Gunshows or larger gun shops are your best bet for that, unless you have shooting buddy's.

I definitely recommend a PT92 as a first choice, and have one with 22,000 rounds thru it!
Although I do own and operate other 9mm's, the PT92 is my first choice, always!

Bear in mind that the PT99 version has adjustable sights. (My pesonal choice is to avoid Semi-Autos with Adjustable sights as they can, in theory and sometimes in practice, shoot loose.)

Consider also the newer Full Size PT24/7 Pro in 9mm! There is one of these on my ever growing shopping list!

The Taurus PT908 is an excellent handgun, and I have one, just no longer made. The Taurus PT911 is also excellent!

Of some of the other Guns you mention, I have the following opinions.

S&W 59/69 Series - OK, but do not care for the Magazine Safeties

Ruger P Series - OK, very durable, built like the proverbial Tank and you won't break one, don't care for the Magazine Latches on these, but otherwise OK.

CZ75/85 - OK, but consider the newer CZ SP01 Tactical. I also own and operate EAA/Tanfoglio CZ CLones and actually like them quite a bit!

The Models not mentioned here, are not in my preference. They may not be bad or anything, just not my personal cup of tea! Speaking of Tea, it's Tea Time!

Now, for the news..... ???


I went to the gun show this weekend and made a purchase. ;D

Problem is, I still need a 9mm for the range!! :

I saw this gun on a table, not three minutes into the show that drew my attention, and was priced quite right. I just got there, and I wanted to look around the whole place. I walked off and started making my way through the rows of tables and all the choices of 9mm's we have been discussing. I didn't even get all the way across the room and that first gun kept calling me back; "come buy me before someone else does....my price is great...you really want me.....buy me....buy me....buy me...." over and over again. What could I do, I mean, I couldn't just let it sit there. Back I went, at a increasingly hurried rate, finally pushing the drove of people out of my way, and then.....there it was again. I snabbed it like a Mardi Gras dabloon, and yelled loud enough for the dealer to hear me over the crowd noise...."Hey..I'll take this!! Paperwork done...Gun mine.

Yee Haw!!!! ;D ;D ;D

Here it is;













Russian Saiga .308

Me Likey!! 8)