Started By
Message

re: Thinking of an Entry-Level 9mm Semi to Purchase w/in the Next Couple Months

Posted on 8/17/13 at 3:36 pm to
Posted by LouisianaChessie
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since May 2010
2582 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 3:36 pm to
Didn't know concealed carry was on of the requirements. Ill tell you this though, I'd rather conceal a full size M&P then most of those "starter" options you posted.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 4:02 pm to
quote:

Ill tell you this though, I'd rather conceal a full size M&P then most of those "starter" options you posted.


I know there are higher quality guns on the market, but I feel like at least some of the guns I posted will be reliable choices. No way I'm going to carry an M&P with any regularity, so it's more practical for me to stick with more compact models.

I know many people dismiss some of these guns out of hand, but I already own a Taurus .38 that has worked perfectly for me and that I feel comfortable owning.
Posted by CptRusty
Basket of Deplorables
Member since Aug 2011
11740 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 4:19 pm to
get the Kahr.

CM series if you are budget minded, PM series if you have money to burn
Posted by Carson123987
Middle Court at the Rec
Member since Jul 2011
66411 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 4:32 pm to
quote:

get the Kahr.

CM series if you are budget minded, PM series if you have money to bur


pretty much this
Posted by Sus-Scrofa
Member since Feb 2013
8145 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 4:45 pm to
quote:

If you are like every other beginning gun enthusiast you'll buy a real big piece of shite then realize you never use it anymore and it's not worth anything. At least if you buy one of the three is posted you can always sell it or trade it off.


Guilty. Always a shotgun and rifle guy. Moved to some land and wanted a pistol, for fun more than self-defense. God made shotguns for home defense. Left my house determined to get a gun and found the S&W on sale. Bought it, I'm decent with it, but still not what I would have bought had I done some proper research.
Posted by mommas boy
Member since Sep 2012
2234 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 5:06 pm to
glock 19
Posted by DonDraper
OTP
Member since Mar 2012
1407 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 5:35 pm to
Op, is $150 that big of a deal to you? If it is just wait and buy a "non entry level" gun when you can, ie XD or Glock. Trust me it will be worth it.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:00 pm to
quote:

is $150 that big of a deal to you?


Yes. Since I already own one handgun, it's more of a luxury purchase. Plus, I'm in the middle of graduate school and don't intend to spend more on a purchase than I need to right now.
This post was edited on 8/17/13 at 6:01 pm
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11887 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:01 pm to
quote:

shutterspeed


You are all over the map, dude. What exactly will this gun be used for? You stated this:

quote:

Primary purpose is as a self-defense piece a little more economical to shoot than my .38 with more ammo capacity.


By "self defense" do you mean a home defense gun, car gun, or carry gun? They all serve 3 extremely different purposes. You need to figure that out before making a purchase.

Out of all the ones you listed, the Kahr is the best. I have a CM9 (subcompact version) and it has been nothing but great, even after 4-5K rounds. If you want something strictly as a carry gun, that is your best choice.

But before you make a decision, watch some of my videos (you wanted it, JAB ). It will help you limit down what you want.

The best choices for a full sized pistol I would suggest would be Ruger SR, S&W M&P, Glock, or Springfield XD/XDm. But if you don't think your life is worth that much, then get something cheap and enjoy not enjoying it.

One thing people fail to realize is that guns hold their value amazingly. As linked earlier, even a 5 year old police trade-in is worth around $400. BUT you have to buy something high quality if you want to get your money back (if you end up not liking it).

Watch these. They will benefit you:

First Time Buyers

S&W M&P review

Ruger SR9c Update (newere review)

Kahr CM9 review
Posted by KingRanch
The Ranch
Member since Mar 2012
61590 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:02 pm to
quote:

watch some of my videos


Posted by CBLSU316
Far Right of Left
Member since Jun 2008
11392 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:08 pm to
Bapple vids

Posted by DonDraper
OTP
Member since Mar 2012
1407 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:23 pm to
I think you should probably just hold off, and wait till you can afford something you can really appreciate.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:28 pm to
quote:

By "self defense" do you mean a home defense gun, car gun, or carry gun?


Self-defense as in CCW. Could function as a second home defense gun as well.

quote:

But before you make a decision, watch some of my videos (you wanted it, JAB ). It will help you limit down what you want.



I've watched the videos. I have an idea what I want. I'm hoping for some personal experiences from those who have owned or operated some of the models listed in the op.

quote:

But if you don't think your life is worth that much, then get something cheap and enjoy not enjoying it.


I've been enjoying my new Taurus 85UL for a couple of months now. I feel confident using it and well protected and have no intention to sell it for the foreseeable future.
This post was edited on 8/17/13 at 6:29 pm
Posted by Capital Cajun
Over Yonder
Member since Aug 2007
5525 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:30 pm to
Spend a few more and grab a Ruger SR9/9C.
Posted by lazcreek
Galvez
Member since Feb 2004
1105 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:41 pm to
Spend another 100.00 ang get the xds 9. Had the kahr pm9 hated it. Have the ruger sr9c loce it as my truck gun just a tad too big to carry everyday. The xds is freaking perfect.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 6:47 pm to
quote:

The xds is freaking perfect.


Those are the ones with the grip safety, right? If so, I'm not crazy about that.
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11887 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 7:10 pm to
quote:

Self-defense as in CCW. Could function as a second home defense gun as well.


If you will most likely be carrying it, I would look for something single-stack. The thinner it is, the more likely you are to carry it.

Kahr CM9
S&W M&P Shield
Springfield XDs
Walther PPS
Ruger LC9

... to name a few.

If you plan to carry it, capacity will suffer to aid in comfort. That's just the way it is.

I always tell people that the only reason I wouldn't buy a full sized handgun is if I planned on carrying it. That's pretty much it.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 7:17 pm to
quote:

If you plan to carry it, capacity will suffer to aid in comfort. That's just the way it is.

I always tell people that the only reason I wouldn't buy a full sized handgun is if I planned on carrying it. That's pretty much it.


I know you're probably not crazy about the models, but what do you think of the PT111 and S&W sd9ve? Both are single stacks, correct? Seems like the best of both worlds in a compact piece.
Posted by Capital Cajun
Over Yonder
Member since Aug 2007
5525 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 7:36 pm to
What you should really do is go somewhere you can rent and shoot all and buy the one you are the most proficient with. You are using it to protect your life after all.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63260 posts
Posted on 8/17/13 at 7:42 pm to
quote:

What you should really do is go somewhere you can rent and shoot all and buy the one you are the most proficient with.


Unfortunately, no gun store around here does rentals. I feel comfortable purchasing any of these brands either from experience or reputation (excluding the Kel-tec). Just hoping to get some first-hand accounts to narrow my choices.
This post was edited on 8/17/13 at 7:43 pm
first pageprev pagePage 2 of 3Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram