Looking for a "modern" 9mm pistol

[Rick the Librarian]

I have the hankering for a "modern" 9mm pistol. Two I'm looking at are the CZ75 and the Smith & Wesson M&P, both in 9mm. Any opinions on either or both?

Any other suggestions? I admit I don't like the Glock - I tried one and I didn't like the feel.

I'm not looking to spend the money that requires a second mortgage, either. Maybe the $400-600 range.

Thanks in advance!

[Emri]

Try a Ruger SR9, $489; Springfield XDE or XDS $509 ( at our store, local prices may be different ) The Walther PPQ is a nice one also. It is $629, but Walther has a $100 mail in rebate until 9/15.

HTH,

Emri

[Rick the Librarian]

I'll have to take a look - I admit "ergonomics" is a big factor for me.

[Tuna]

The CZ75 is still one of the best combat handguns going. Then there is the tried and true Browning Hi-Power. The last one is one of my favorites and that is the older S&W 5906. All stainless steel, accurate and will feed anything that fits in a 9mm case even a fired case from the magazine. I do like all steel pistols and not the plastic ones in vogue today. They just don't feel right to me.

[Allen]

Have you considered a 40cal over the 9mm? They're more powerful, what law enforcement and most other people are switching to and there is a much better variety of pistols to chose from.

[Art]

The CZ75 is still one of the best combat handguns going. Then there is the tried and true Browning Hi-Power. The last one is one of my favorites and that is the older S&W 5906. All stainless steel, accurate and will feed anything that fits in a 9mm case even a fired case from the magazine. I do like all steel pistols and not the plastic ones in vogue today. They just don't feel right to me.

+1 on the CZ 75. It is truly a modern pistol for a traditionalist. All steel and extremely well made. A bit beefy for a 9mm but it also can be had in .40 S&W. The pistols give you the option of long trigger pull first shot double action or cocked and locked carry. The only fly in the ointment is the classic CZ 75 doesn't have a de-cocker. The prices are very reasonable and I think they still come with two extra magazines (don't quote me on that though.) The price is astonishingly reasonable for the quality of the weapon.

[gwp]

I realy like the CZ pistols and the clones. I purchased my first CZ 75 .40 S&W in 1999. I realy like SIG pistols and I purchased a Browning DBA .45 (SIG P220) in 1980, but they became a little too expensive. I purchased more SIGs when I found them for a realy good price. The SIG CPO (Certified Pre Owned) inspected and refinished by SIG is a good value.

The CZ pistols fit my hand very well and they are very accurate. I was disappointed with the test targets included with the CZs until I found they were shot as a function test, not for absolute accuracy. There are many CZ clones available. I like the steel frame Canik and Sarsilmaz pistols manufactured in Turkey.

The CZ pistols are a little more expensive than the clones but they are better supported by aftermarket suppliers. If you are looking for a special CZ check with:

http://czcustomguns.com/

or

https://cajungunworks.com/

[Sunray]

"...a "modern" 9mm pistol..." What's your definition of 'modern'?
When the CZ first came here(35 plus years ago), every one of 'em had a factory test target in the box. None of 'em grouped over 2". Don't recall at what distance. Only issue with 'em is the size. They do not fit normal sized hands. Trigger's too far forward. Isn't exactly 'modern' anyway, being a sort of BHP clone. Would have bought one in a heart beat except for the size thing.
The only pistol Smith makes right is the Model 41 and it's picky about ammo.

[Former Cav]

I bought an EAA K2P or some such thing. 3.3 barrel plastic frame and holds 17 rounds of 9 mike mike
IT shoots okay, is light weight, was cheap enough something like $269
Sights are adjustable, although a little too small for my old eyes. take down is easy for cleaning.
IF you LIKE a 9, there is not much "to NOT LIKE" on this weapon.
I bought it at cdnninvestmetnts dot com
I know the sportsmans guide has them on sale frequently also.
Goood luck.
If you live in Phoenix metro, I will let you shoot it.
I personally prefer a 45 and don't know why I bought it.
my CCW is a double stack 1911 plastic Kimber polymer target that holds 14 + 1 of glorious 45 acp!

[Art]

"...a "modern" 9mm pistol..." What's your definition of 'modern'?
When the CZ first came here(35 plus years ago), every one of 'em had a factory test target in the box. None of 'em grouped over 2". Don't recall at what distance. Only issue with 'em is the size. They do not fit normal sized hands. Trigger's too far forward. Isn't exactly 'modern' anyway, being a sort of BHP clone. Would have bought one in a heart beat except for the size thing.
The only pistol Smith makes right is the Model 41 and it's picky about ammo.

I figure "modern" to mean post WWII and especially post 1960 pistols, emphasizing the high capacity models. Of course opinions on that will vary. I suppose some would consider any all steel pistol that isn't striker fired "old school."

I'd never suggest anyone buy a pistol without handling it. I don't have huge hands but the CZ 75 fits mine fine. Jeff Cooper, after handling one said that he thought it was the best pistol in the world except that it wasn't a .45. I do find the reach for the trigger a bit long in double action but have that problem with a lot of double action autos. If I actually owned one I'd carry it "cocked and locked." I've shot our son's CZ 85 (stainless '75) many times and did enjoy it. It's accurate and very controllable for me. My only issue is that like the Beretta 92, it's a bit of an oversized platform for 9mm.

I would suggest, if one of these is your choice, to buy CZ and not a clone. Customer support is better and you are getting the original.

Sooo, Rick--let us know what you pick.

[S.A. Boggs]

Right now AIM has Sig police turn in [40 smith]for less then $500 and mags at $15.00
Sam

[IditarodJoe]

Rick - What will the pistol be used for? Concealed carry, target shooting, home protection, hunting? Makes a difference. What are your criteria and preferences? You mentioned ergonomics, what about weight? What about mag capacity, SA/DA, hammer fired/striker fired, decocker, sights, rail, etc? Answering these questions will all help you narrow the field. I personally won't buy a new firearm (or anything else if I can help it) that isn't manufactured in the USA, but that's just a quirk of mine.

I've read that many law enforcement agencies have become disenchanted with the .40 S&W and are returning to 9mm. Anyone else heard this?

[gmg1183]

Joe
In Minnesota about 5 years ago a lot of the sheriff's dept.'s and police dept.'s were trading in there glock22's for glock17's. I picked up a couple of glock 22's with night sights and 3 mags for around 400 dollars.
Steve

[blackhawknj]

The Browning HP was pretty "modern" when it was introduced in 1935, as was the P-38 a few years later.
I recommend a CZ with their Kadet 22 conversion unit.

[p246]

Rick the CZ 75 has been commented on here heavily so I will add you can't go wrong with one. I just did a T and E on a Smith and Wesson 2.0 along with several other stricker fired guns. I really liked the grip angle on the 2.0. The trigger was much better than the last M and P I tried several years ago. I shot one of my better targets at the 25 yard line with it. I think it's a good pistol and would buy one. I like the steel body magazines over the all polymer.

Good luck in your purchase.