Which 9mm for first handgun?

[Professor Gascan]

I've narrowed down my choices to a Canik TP9v2 or S&W sd9ve. Both seem to get good reviews for reliability, with the edge going to the Canik for it's crisp trigger break and reset and increased mag capacity. From what I've read the S&W gets mixed reviews on the trigger, some don't mind it, while others hate it.


I figure that if I end up not liking the SD trigger and go the Apex spring replacement route, the cost is basically a wash. I've had both in my hand as well as a Glock 17 and 19 but the SD9 and TP9 fit my small carny hands better. This is going to be a range/practice/HD gun and I was hoping maybe someone has shot both and can give me an idea of which was the softer shooter.


If anyone has an alternative for a full size service pistol in the +/- $350 range I'm all ears. TIA

[DirectTo]

I'd be more inclined to search for a police trade in Glock in that price range purely for the availability of parts, mags, holsters, etc. With searching you could track down a clean one, possible even Gen 4 if you're patient (little smaller in the hands).

Between the two the SD9 (that whole series really) hasn't ever gotten great reviews, especially for its trigger. The Canik has developed a cult following, but at the same time it's a foreign gun which is going to have limited domestic support and parts availability should something go wrong.

[ramairthree]

I have a relative with the smith.
I thought it was junk.

Spend another 100 bucks on a used M&P is you like the smiths,
Or better yet
A Glock 19.

If you want soft shooting for home defense and a small grip save up for a beretta Vertec.

I am having trouble see the 19 as having a grip that is too large.

[Auto-X Fil]

Go buy a used CZ75. Seriously. No new $350 handgun is a good buy, because they cost the same as a good used gun, and depreciate fast. I don't like Glocks, but they are reliable and used ones are a solid deal.

Also, the Walther PPS is under $400 and is incredible. Miles better than either of the guns you listed.

[Defaultmp3]

Just something to consider, just because a gun fees better in your hand does not mean you'll shoot better with it. Case in point, one of the things that people tend to stumble upon is that the best feeling combination of panels and backstraps on the P30 does not necessarily have the best performance (e.g., medium panels and backstrap feel the best, but shoot faster and more accurate with medium panels and large backstrap). If having a gun that feels better in hand will get you to shoot more, then go for it, but if you're going to be dedicated to the craft, the numbers on the shot timer matter far more than the subjective feelings of comfort in hand.

[MountainRaven]

I believe AIMSurplus has had some surplus CZ 75s and 85s come through recent. I would probably start by looking at those.

[Psalms144.1]

While my default setting is to recommend the Glock (specifically the 19 or 17) to just about any "which 9mm?" question, it sounds like you've handled them and found that you'd have issues with manipulating one due to hand size. It's easy for me to say you can train through it (because I've trained plenty of small-handed shooters through issues with the Glock), but you have to do you, as they say.

In good conscience, I can't recommend ANY 9mm as a first handgun - as I FIRMLY believe the best way to learn to shoot is the old fashioned way, with a decent .22 LR and an instructor who can teach the basics well. Once that's accomplished (and while mastering the basics) it's easy to go window shopping, or, even better, go rent various options in order to find out which pistol is the best choice for you. I'd look for a basic Browning Buckmark or Ruger .22 and a couple of bricks of ammo.

However, I know that advice typically gets poo-pooed for a variety of reasons. So, if you're bound and determined to get a 9mm for your first pistol, I'd echo what others have said. The Canik is an unknown quantity, and has gone through a couple of versions already due to fairly significant issues. The SD9 is rarely seen as shootable without an investment in a variety of parts from Apex that are going to raise you into the price of a "decent" pistol in the first place. Your budget is pretty restrictive for a quality 9mm, so I'd say you need to shop for used. The CZ-75/P01/P07 should fit into that price range (barely) while gently used. You might be able to find PD trade ins on M&Ps or Glocks in that price range, but you need to know going in that the M&Ps are notorious for accuracy problems - again, NOT what you need when learning to shoot.

[nova3930]

My advice is to go borrow/rent a bunch and actually shoot them before you decide. I've learned the hard way that what you think you'll like and what you think will work often vary from reality when you start pulling the trigger.

[ColtSeavers]

My advice is to go borrow/rent a bunch and actually shoot them before you decide. I've learned the hard way that what you think you'll like and what you think will work often vary from reality when you start pulling the trigger.

Agreed.

[Professor Gascan]

Thinking more on it seems like going the 22lr route seems to make the most sense. For all the reasons Psalms mentioned, plus the added bonus of cheaper ammo for more training/fun.


That way I can also take my time and look for a good deal on a used 9mm somewhere down the road. Looks like the 22/45 gets some pretty high praise, and seeing how the design has been around for so long they must have got something right. Thanks again guys.