Here I am again - Sold my 9mm
- Thread starter madmo44mag
- Start date
I wanted a 1911. I didn't want to start reloading for another cartridge. I already reloaded 9mm. So....
A used RIA 1911 in 9mm for less than $400.00 (not much less, but less).
Good shooting gun. It's a range toy for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to grab if I needed it. I got no idea what the model is called. I think of it as a "GI" but I don't think it is.
A used RIA 1911 in 9mm for less than $400.00 (not much less, but less).
Good shooting gun. It's a range toy for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to grab if I needed it. I got no idea what the model is called. I think of it as a "GI" but I don't think it is.
I bought one from their earlier batch last year for slightly under $400.00. It was re-Parkerized and looked brand new. What's good about CDI Sales is they show lots of pictures of EACH gun, not just one generic pic with a caption like "representative photo; yours may look different."
marine6680
New member
The new M&P pistols have a much improved trigger over what they were just a year or two ago.
The pro model triggers I could live with as is, but the standard models I would polish up the sear and trigger bar a bit. I would swap the stock trigger with an Apex poly replacement, it's a cheap fix. The factory hinged trigger feels flexible/flimsy.
A simple polish and swap of the trigger was good enough for me with my M&P compact.
My older full size M&P I put in an Apex kit, which really makes for a nice trigger.
The basic XD is a good pistol too, and they can be found at good prices now that the mod 2 has been released.
The pro model triggers I could live with as is, but the standard models I would polish up the sear and trigger bar a bit. I would swap the stock trigger with an Apex poly replacement, it's a cheap fix. The factory hinged trigger feels flexible/flimsy.
A simple polish and swap of the trigger was good enough for me with my M&P compact.
My older full size M&P I put in an Apex kit, which really makes for a nice trigger.
The basic XD is a good pistol too, and they can be found at good prices now that the mod 2 has been released.
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Bersa doesn't seem to be a place most people look for a 9mm, but I recently got a "Thunder 9 Pro UC" new for something like $430. It seems to be a very nice gun, smooth operating, comfortable to hold, just the right size for a 9mm (for me) .... there is a larger version if you don't like compacts. The only thing I would criticize about it is that it has an accessory rail that tends to want to snag on a holster.
Darn, that Rock Island 1911 looks nice for the price though ... I might get one of those.....
Darn, that Rock Island 1911 looks nice for the price though ... I might get one of those.....
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I think 1911 I think .45. I think 9mm I think CZ75B, or maybe a browning HighPower. If you can get a nice HighPower at your budget it would be nice but I still think the CZ has more to offer as a 9mm even if only marginally. If you want to keep it under $500.00 you can go with a TriStar and give up a very small amount of fit an finish over the CZ.
madmo44mag
New member
The Star looks like a good range option and 9mm is a range gun for me.
I CCW a SR40c.
Everyone I ever knew that had a CZ swore by them and Browings are known for being great guns.
My problem is sights.
Low profile sights are hard for me to use.
My eyes are as young as they once were and in low light the low profile sights suck.
The RI sights are not too bad but the CZ sights are taller and wider.
Hmmmmmmm.
So what say the CZ guys.
Which 9mm CZ has the best sights and overall function?
I CCW a SR40c.
Everyone I ever knew that had a CZ swore by them and Browings are known for being great guns.
My problem is sights.
Low profile sights are hard for me to use.
My eyes are as young as they once were and in low light the low profile sights suck.
The RI sights are not too bad but the CZ sights are taller and wider.
Hmmmmmmm.
So what say the CZ guys.
Which 9mm CZ has the best sights and overall function?
I highly recommend the M&P Pro. I bought one from a guy down the street for $500 on the nose. He included a reset assist mechanism from Apex that he never bothered to install. I put it in right away as the gun had no discernible reset and that fixed it. I am a 1911 guy, but am now a firm believer in the high capacity striker fired 9mm. It is the ideal platform and very ergonomic. The grip angle is 1911 whereas the Glock is a Luger. I like the M&P because it handles like a 1911.
DubC-Hicks
New member
For CZ's, there really isn't one that I couldn't recommend. They're all excellent pistols. If you like polymer, the compact P-07 and full size P-09 are great. For metal, you can get the CZ75b compact, PCR, P-01, CZ75b, CZ85b, or the CZ75b Single action (I have one and love it. Kind of compares to a 1911. Kind of) If you want a subcompact, you can even get a RAMI.
My FiL kept his eyes open online and got a brand-new CZ75b for under $400.
I have an old FEG High Power clone and the sights are small. It has been a good pistol for me. But due to the tiny sights I don't shoot it all that much anymore.
My Super B has decent sights, way better than the High Power clone, and significantly better than my bare-bones GI 1911.
I have an old FEG High Power clone and the sights are small. It has been a good pistol for me. But due to the tiny sights I don't shoot it all that much anymore.
My Super B has decent sights, way better than the High Power clone, and significantly better than my bare-bones GI 1911.
madmo44mag
New member
The more I look at the CZ75b the more I like it. I have shot one of these before and one of my shooting buddies has a CZ in 40cal and I'm taking it out next Sunday for a test drive.
I want to try and stay on budget but that didn't work for me last time. I came home with a new Colt Gold Cup Trophy 45acp instead of a RI.
Check around with some of my other shooting buddies. I sure one of them has a M&P I can test drive.
The FNS is also nagging at me to take a closer look at.
I want to try and stay on budget but that didn't work for me last time. I came home with a new Colt Gold Cup Trophy 45acp instead of a RI.
Check around with some of my other shooting buddies. I sure one of them has a M&P I can test drive.
The FNS is also nagging at me to take a closer look at.
larryf1952
New member
I have 2 CZ75B's in 9mm and 40. They are great guns, but the triggers tend to stink out of the box. Mine were both long and gritty.
I have just recently given a serious look to the FN guns. I could slap myself for waiting so long. If you haven't done so already, check out Hickock45's review on YouTube of the FNS-9. He loved it.
I just bought a stainless FNS-40 for an outrageously good clearance price from Palmetto State Armory. Absolutely great guns, and they are not hideously ugly. They also come with 3 magazines and a couple of different interchangeable backstraps.
I have just recently given a serious look to the FN guns. I could slap myself for waiting so long. If you haven't done so already, check out Hickock45's review on YouTube of the FNS-9. He loved it.
I just bought a stainless FNS-40 for an outrageously good clearance price from Palmetto State Armory. Absolutely great guns, and they are not hideously ugly. They also come with 3 magazines and a couple of different interchangeable backstraps.
scoobysnacker
New member
Someone mentioned CDI Sales (Cole's Distributing) in an above post, I believe in reference to a Hi Power.
They also list CZ 75's (both B and pre B) among their options.
Of all the pistols I own in 9mm, my CZ 75 pre B is my favorite; I like it so much (and so does my son), that I bought another as his 21st birthday gift and first/only pistol.
My other 9mms (all fit within your price range, as I got them at or south of $300):
Beretta 92SF
S&W 39-2
S&W 915
Star 30MI
Star B Super
FEG Hi Power clone
Zastava CZ99
Norinco T-54 with 9mm barrel
These are all great pistols, although on the heavy side for some.
You mention sights; my experience here: my CZs have thin blade front sights, a little tough to pick up at first, but allow for very precise shooting. The Beretta and the S&W 915 have (faint) Tijicon sights, and the CZ99 has a (dead) variation on that; the big 3 dot design is easy to see.
The Star 30MI has a unique red/white pattern that also is easy to see.
As you can tell, I like my guns to be metal, steel if possible. Not unbearably heavy, despite the modern complaints, and I find they give a better feel and followup.
They also list CZ 75's (both B and pre B) among their options.
Of all the pistols I own in 9mm, my CZ 75 pre B is my favorite; I like it so much (and so does my son), that I bought another as his 21st birthday gift and first/only pistol.
My other 9mms (all fit within your price range, as I got them at or south of $300):
Beretta 92SF
S&W 39-2
S&W 915
Star 30MI
Star B Super
FEG Hi Power clone
Zastava CZ99
Norinco T-54 with 9mm barrel
These are all great pistols, although on the heavy side for some.
You mention sights; my experience here: my CZs have thin blade front sights, a little tough to pick up at first, but allow for very precise shooting. The Beretta and the S&W 915 have (faint) Tijicon sights, and the CZ99 has a (dead) variation on that; the big 3 dot design is easy to see.
The Star 30MI has a unique red/white pattern that also is easy to see.
As you can tell, I like my guns to be metal, steel if possible. Not unbearably heavy, despite the modern complaints, and I find they give a better feel and followup.
highpower3006
New member
Why does it have to be a new gun???? There are literally thousands of used 9mm's out there that can be had for under (or right at) your price point.
Case in point: A few years ago I picked up a 1969 vintage Belgian Hipower for $450 and just last December I scored a WWII P38 for $400. Both deals were private party sales, so no tax or any of that nonsense.
And another thought, I have also recently picked up a couple Sig P226's, one for $550 and the other for $500. You can't really get any better than a Sig.
Also, if I may offer a suggestion, don't sell your guns. I have found over the years that while I may not use a particular gun at the moment, I always seem to go back to them at a later date. Case in point is my Gold Cup, I hadn't shot it in years and in the last few months, I rekindled my interest in it and it goes out with me every time I go shooting.
Case in point: A few years ago I picked up a 1969 vintage Belgian Hipower for $450 and just last December I scored a WWII P38 for $400. Both deals were private party sales, so no tax or any of that nonsense.
And another thought, I have also recently picked up a couple Sig P226's, one for $550 and the other for $500. You can't really get any better than a Sig.
Also, if I may offer a suggestion, don't sell your guns. I have found over the years that while I may not use a particular gun at the moment, I always seem to go back to them at a later date. Case in point is my Gold Cup, I hadn't shot it in years and in the last few months, I rekindled my interest in it and it goes out with me every time I go shooting.
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madmo44mag
New member
Well Sunday I shot a CZ75b in 40 cal.
Great shooting gun but the short slide is a dealer killer.
The dang slide is so low I have a hard time holding on to it.
Well I have made up my mind on a 9mm.
I’ll get me a RI 1911 style 9mm and not ever look back.
Thanks for all the input.
Great shooting gun but the short slide is a dealer killer.
The dang slide is so low I have a hard time holding on to it.
Well I have made up my mind on a 9mm.
I’ll get me a RI 1911 style 9mm and not ever look back.
Thanks for all the input.