9mm plinker pistol?

[OkieCruffler]

I've been holding onto 500 rounds of reloaded 9mm with the thought of having a Contender barrel built but now I'm wondering about getting a pistol just for range plinking. 25yrds for the most part with the occasional Hail Mary 50yrd shot. I must admit my experience with 9mm pistols is scant. I've had two Kel-tec P11's which were great carry guns but not great range guns and one Taurus 92 which was a pretty decent shooter and the gun I reloaded these rounds for. So what's out there that's fairly affordable and accurate enough for light plinking?

 

[Darker Loaf]

Pretty much any modern full sized 9mm auto pistol will do the job. What type of guns do you like? How much are you willing to spend?

I'd say Glock 17's, Glock 34's, CZ 75's, Rock Island Armory 1911 in 9mm's (pretty affordable), M&P's, Sig 226's, Glock 17L's, XD's and XD(m)'s, and more will serve you well. For plinking, I like adjustable sights and longer sight radius, so for me that generally means swapping the sights, but factory sights can be good for plinking, too.

I like XD's, Glocks, 1911's, and CZ 75's because you can get custom triggers and sights, which in my opinion make for a better plinker. Sky's the limit, really!

 

[OkieCruffler]

This will be a bone stock pistol for chasing a soda can around at 25yrds. Anything that requires more precision than that, well I have pistols better suited for such things. I do like the Cz75 and the copies there of and I have become a fan of the 1911 platform so I'll probably lean in that direction. I absolutely hate plastic (even tho I carry it) so either of those would work. I've budgeted $500 for the Contender barrel I'm not having made so that's pretty much all I want to spend.

 

[pturner67]

I'm a CZ guy, but you're looking for a "fairly affordable" and "accurate enough for light plinking" 9mm.

Using just those specs, I feel your best bet is a Glock 17 or S&W M&P 9mm. Go to the store or range and see which one feels best.

Edit: Just read that you hate plastic. But, you've budgeted $500. I dunno. Getting into unicorn territory. I tend to spend a little more and have zero regrets.

 

[PT-92]

I picked up a Zastava CZ999 for $299 and it's been rock solid.

 

[carguychris]

...I have become a fan of the 1911 platform so I'll probably lean in that direction. I absolutely hate plastic (even tho I carry it) so either of those would work. I've budgeted $500... that's pretty much all I want to spend.

Rock Island Armory full-size 9mm Tactical.

You could get the GI version and save a few bucks. The main downside of this version is the tiny GI sights, but for this mission, they could add to the challenge.

Glad I could help.

 

[pat701]

Sig P226, either CPO, or used. New would be better if you can afford a new one.

 

[marine6680]

That CZ99 mentioned is a Sig copy out of Turkey I believe. Could be a good shooter for not a lot of cash. (Edit: Yugo/Serb made)

I would say spend a little more that your $500 and get a CZ 75. They can be had for around $550.

For a plinker, get a lighter main spring, say a 15lb from Wolff, costs about $5... Or a kit with several weights to see what you like.

You can go even lighter, but you Start getting into ignition reliability without changing but he firing pin spring and maybe other changes.

Also a light buffing of the FCG parts... Combined, and you will have an excellent trigger pull for the range.

 

[Oruglock]

Just a thought, but you have 500 rounds of 9mm to use which would cost around $150 if bought new, and you want to spend $500 so you can shoot them?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy an SR22 for around $325 (all my prices are from my LGS), and use the remaining $175 to buy 22LR ammo? I know there's a supposed shortage, but everyone's finding it when they try hard enough.

OK, that said if you're looking to buy new a Ruger SR9 is $420, and a fine pistol. Looks like a 9mm RIA 1911 could be had for $360 plus S/H from Slickguns, but extra magazines would add a bit.

Glock, S&W M&P, XD, Walther are all around $550 and up, Walther P99 is a nice pistol but over $600. You might check out the second hand market locally, that shaves a bit off everything.

 

[weblance]

Since you say no plastic... A Ruger P89 would serve you well. Its large and strong. Your not going to wear it out anytime soon, so used examples are fine. Look on Armslist for a local deal, I have seen them sell for around $350

 

[marine6680]

Yeah... Most of the pistols around $500 are poly framed.

The CZ is close the budget.

There are clones like the one mentioned above, and the clones of the CZ 75 that can be had as well.

Just depends on what is being looked for.

 

[Xfire68]

I would say spend a little more that your $500 and get a CZ 75. They can be had for around $550.

How about $475 shipped?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_82/products_id/716006965

 

[Worc]

There are quite a few good models to choose from.

Beretta 92's
Beretta PX4
CZ P-07
CZ P-09
FNH FNX
FNH FNS
Sig P-250
Sig 2022
Steyr M9-A1
Steyr L9-A1
Walther PPQ
Walther P-99

If you go used a Sig 226 would be a great option as would something from HK.

For a budget 9mm the Walther PPX is pretty decent.

 

[marine6680]

The Beretta 92 is an option as well, though I think it is a bit more than the listed budget.


The used market is a different thing entirely.

 

[Darker Loaf]

Sounds like from the OP's tastes and needs that a Rock Island Armory 1911 in 9mm would fit the bill. He doesn't need it to be super accurate (thought the RIA is probably adequate enough), hates plastic, and likes 1911's as a type. The fit and finish of the RIA seem like a real bargain in the 1911 world, and I've heard nothing but good things about them.

I'm not sure if he can find one for under $500, but I bet he can come pretty close.

I'm not a fan of CZ clones since I got burned on an EAA clone. I'd say spend the bit of extra money to get an actual CZ if our OP is going to go the CZ route. CZ 75's are awesome, though. I want one!

 

[carguychris]

Just a thought, but you have 500 rounds of 9mm to use which would cost around $150 if bought new, and you want to spend $500 so you can shoot them?

Give'm a break. I've used flimsier excuses to justify gun purchases.

 

[BigJimP]

1911's would be my first choice too.../ there are lots of them out there...Springfield, STI, Wilson Combat...etc....

 

[loose_holster_dan]

cz 75b or pcr
sti spartan v

if those are still too pricey, look at the ruger sr9 or sr9c

the 75b is the middle and pcr is on the bottom

here is the sti spartan v in 9mm

 

[NavyVet1959]

Here's a 10" 9mm Contender pistol barrel for $255:

http://www.edstc.com/hot.html

 

[souther33]

I really like my Springfield XDM 40cal they carry them in 9mm as well. my barrel length is 4.5. It shoots great never had a issue with it. but I have been considering a new Beretta 92. looks like a pretty solid built gun