Polymer frame pistols

[19852]

I am looking to augment my old, worn Beretta 92F with a plastic framed gun. I don't own any currently. If I can't find something I like I'll just get a new Beretta since I shoot it reasonably well. I would like a:
Poly frame with rail, full size
Prefer hammer fired but will compromise
Must be reliable, durable
Spare parts, mags, holsters ect. available and reasonably priced
Cost is an issue

I am still considering:
Glock 17, Ruger SR9, CZ SP01 Phantom, HK P30L or USP and the M&P.

The Glock and Ruger are the cheapest, the HK's most expensive. I have read much on the G17 and HK's. I don't know much about the SR9 and Phantom. Not considering the XD, SIG, P99.
Any issues with the SR9 and Phantom? Is the HK worth the extra cash vs a G17?

Thank you

[Ak44]

I am looking to augment my old, worn Beretta 92F with a plastic framed gun. I don't own any currently. If I can't find something I like I'll just get a new Beretta since I shoot it reasonably well. I would like a:
Poly frame with rail, full size
Prefer hammer fired but will compromise
Must be reliable, durable
Spare parts, mags, holsters ect. available and reasonably priced
Cost is an issue

I am still considering:
Glock 17, Ruger SR9, CZ SP01 Phantom, HK P30L or USP and the M&P.

The Glock and Ruger are the cheapest, the HK's most expensive. I have read much on the G17 and HK's. I don't know much about the SR9 and Phantom. Not considering the XD, SIG, P99.
Any issues with the SR9 and Phantom? Is the HK worth the extra cash vs a G17?

Thank you

Preferred caliber?

[Thomas M-4]

S&W M&P or Glock . HK if you just have to have DA SA .

[Ak44]

One draw back for the HK is that their mags are a little bit more $$ than everyone else...

[19852]

Preferred caliber?

9mm, all set up to reload.

[Vash1023]

glock 19

[Marcus L.]

Just be aware that going from an alloy framed DA/SA to a polymer pistol will feel quite a bit different.

The top three polymer pistols are going to be Glock, S&W M&P, and H&K. Your other alternatives have had mixed reviews in terms of reliability, quality controls, and durability.

I believe that going H&K is worth the extra cost. Their quality contols are probably the best, they use superior materials, and their designs are well thought out and executed. If you go H&K, I would go with the P30 instead of the P30L though. The P30 size makes it more versitile, and it will be more commonly found on the market(thus, more accessories).

[RogerinTPA]

S&W M&P or Glock . HK if you just have to have DA SA .

Agreed. M&Ps and Glocks are the most economical and durable guns out there.

[CBTech]

FWIW I am going to buy a P250 when I get back from vacation and next paycheck I'm getting the wife a PT111.
I would rather not get her the Taurus but she likes the feel the best and won't budge.
I admit that I am a Sig fan and the fact that FAM carry them (passed the test) impresses me. I like firearms that are used in the service industry hence my 226 and 228 choices, used both of them in my military service.
If I was limited to your list I would go for an M&P compact. or USP.

[R.J.]

I love the G17. Carry one on duty. If I were you, I would go do a side by side "feel" of the M&P and G17. If you have any aquaintances that own either/both, all the better. I shoot my G17 very well, but I also like the size and feel of the M&P 9mm. The only thing I can find wrong with the Smith is the trigger reset. And I could come to grips with it too with a little range time. Of the choices you listed, these are the 2 I would consider.

[lebowski]

I would recommend either the glock or the m&p. The HK is not worth the price premium vs either, IMO.

[Marcus L.]

The HK is not worth the price premium vs either, IMO.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=30422

Still like new ;)

[ThirdWatcher]

Must be reliable, durable
Spare parts, mags, holsters ect. available and reasonably priced
Cost is an issue

You described the Glock 17.

[Ak44]

4gen Glock would get my vote.

[Magsz]

G17, G19, M&P9...

Pretty simple.

These guns really cant be beat for reliability, spare parts, shootability and overall sex appeal. :)

If i were in your boots i would wait and see what S&W is releasing at shot. If nothing exciting is coming down the pipe i would handle a gen 4 glock next to an M&P and see which you like better.

I would take it one step further, rent both (a gen 3 glock would suffice) and see which platform you shoot and manipulate better.

[Alpha Sierra]

Any reason to stay away from polymer frame SIGs like the SP2022?

[19852]

I have been leaning G17 or M&P with manual safety. I have not handled a SP2022 I don't know much about them, any issues?

[Alpha Sierra]

I would not consider a striker fired pistol with a manual safety. It is an unnecessary redundancy.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the SP2022 but one hears very little about it outside of SIG enthusiast circles.

[forgiven]

Any reason to stay away from polymer frame SIGs like the SP2022?

Yeah, they don't work, just like the 250 -

Like others have already stated - striker = glock 17/19/26, hammer = HK

[gtmtnbiker98]

Yeah, they don't work, just like the 250 -

Like others have already stated - striker = glock 17/19/26, hammer = HK

What doesn't work, regarding the SP2022? I agree, the P250 has it's share of issues, but the SP2022 is a rock solid performer.

As for the OP, treat yourself to an HK P30!

[Marcus L.]

What doesn't work, regarding the SP2022? I agree, the P250 has it's share of issues, but the SP2022 is a rock solid performer.

The SP2022 is just as good as a classic Sig in terms of accuracy, reliability, and durability. The problem with it is that Sig basically turned a classic DA/SA Sig into a polymer gun with an interchangible grip. That's fine if you have big hands, but once you stuff the decocker and hammer spring in there it just gets too fat. So, the pistol isn't for everyone.

[ToddG]

The SP2022 is definitely an underrated pistol. If the ergos work for you and you can find the accessories you want for it, it's a pretty good pistol, especially for the price.

Otherwise, among the OP's original choices, I'd say stick with the known quantities: Glock, HK, Smith.

[19852]

Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate your advice and experience.

[481]

19852,

Staying within the bounds of your criteria, I'd recommend the Glock 17 or 19, or if you are absolutely tied to a hammer fired pistol, an HK USP9.

[gringop]

The SP2022 is definitely an underrated pistol. If the ergos work for you and you can find the accessories you want for it, it's a pretty good pistol, especially for the price.

Otherwise, among the OP's original choices, I'd say stick with the known quantities: Glock, HK, Smith.

CDNN has SP2022s for sale. My brother just picked one up. I don't what he paid. It might be worth a call
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

Gringop

[19852]

Todd,
I know you shoot with a timer turned on from time to time, so do I. How does the USP series do in competition?

[Boris]

The FNP-9 Series may be worth looking at although accessories and parts availability may currently be an issue...

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/family.asp?fid=FNF002&gid=FNG001

[ToddG]

Todd,
I know you shoot with a timer turned on from time to time, so do I. How does the USP series do in competition?

I've never seen a USP being used by anyone at what I'd consider a "serious" lever of competition. That's far more a matter of HK's lack of involvement with the competition world than anything else, though.

[hank556]

Another thought about Glocks and M&Ps is that holsters and other accessories are readily available. Mags prices are reasonable. Used holsters are easy to find. Glock's warranty and excellent customer service are well documented. I'm sure S&W has excellent customer service as well.