A few questions to get me started?

[Aged_Cheddar]

Alright, long first post, so please go easy on me with the very likely nOoB questions.

I’m in the market for a sub $475(ish) 9mm optics ready handgun, and before the “you get what you pay for” crowd gets here, yes I understand that, for the same reason a cheap tattoo isn’t good, and a good tattoo isn’t cheap.

But as a LONG time musician, I’ve learned there is always one or three exceptions, for example the basses I regularly gig are $1500-$2000, but I’ve got 2 others that are sub $500, and in my hands they feel and play amazing (both have been on multiple studio sessions and countless live stages with zero fails & no complaints)…all that said, I have to assume there is a handgun version of my $500 bass guitar???

I have done exhaustive internet sleuthing, and have come up with a few contenders I’m interested in, ranging from $330 up to near $500

This is my first handgun purchase, but I have fired plenty over the years and I’m comfortable around guns, but of all the handguns I’ve shot, they have always been friends or acquaintances, and the guns we were using were of a quality well above my current budget.

I am NOT going to be concealed (or open) carrying, I’m not going to be in any shooting competitions, I am ONLY going to use it for weekly range practice and home defense.

My ideas in no particular order:

1. Springfield Armory XD Mod.3
2. Canik Mete SF
3. Canik Mete SFT
4. Beretta APX A1 Full size

I have tried to handle all 4 but…

The first mom and pop store flat out said “we carry nothing under $700, those guns are a waste of time & money”… I promptly left feeling a bit sour… Snobby entitled pricks IMHO.

The next mom & pop store was WAY more personable, but only had 2 of the guns I was looking at, but they wouldn’t let me even handle them without a completed background check, and a credit card on the counter…Is that normal???

The last mom & pop shop (and furthest drive) had the Mete SF & the XD Mod.3, now if I’m being honest, I liked the feel of the XD and loved the red fibre optic front sight, but I think I like the weight of the Mete SF, and I much preferred the trigger feel, though I’m less in love with the white dot front sight.

And finally I wound up at Bass Pro Shops where they had all 4 options I was looking at, the counter rep wasn’t too knowledgeable, but he was helpful at least….the only downside was all the guns had trigger locks, so I wasn’t able to get a feel for the Beretta trigger, and I assume the Mete SFT has a similar trigger to the Mete SF?

All said and done, of the 4, I think I preferred the Mete SFT as it fit my hand the best I think, but I really did like that XD Mod.3 too, and I wish I would have been able to at least get an idea of the trigger feel on the Beretta…



Can any of you pros & long time shooters maybe offer more insight into any of these handguns (pros/cons), I know ultimately the choice is mine (and I get what I pay for...), but real world usage is always preferred…yes I have watched a LOT of YT videos, and I always wonder how many are paid shills, and how many are really giving the honest reviews.


Sorry to the TLDR crowd, and thanks in advance for any info!

 

[Talyn]

The CZ P10C is an excellent 9mm, under $700 and doesn't suck.

$510 here.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/cz-p-10-c-9mm-4-15rd-or-pistol-black-91536.html

CZ P-10 C Review: When “Good Enough” Isn’t — Hipster Tactical ™

While it embraces Glock’s fundamental formula, the P-10 platform offers remarkably intuitive shooting dynamics that far exceed what we expect from similar pistols.

hipstertactical.com

 

[hworth18]

Get the Canik Mete SF or SFT, you can't go wrong with either. And If you get the One Series, you'll have plenty of money to buy extra mags. Here is my One Series Mete SF with the Holosun 407K optic mounted. The finish on the gun is impeccable and the reliability is excellent. The SF is the 15 round version and the SFT is the 17 round version. The only real difference is the longer barrel and grip on the SFT.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and what fits you the best.

 

[SL66]

I hear Glock makes decent budget guns.

 

[Aged_Cheddar]

I hear Glock makes decent budget guns.

Yep, my wife has a G43X MOS with a Vortex Defender CCW, great little gun, she loves it, but it's too small for my hand.

I have shot some other Glocks, couldn't tell you the models, they were nice for sure, but there was just something with the grip, it just never felt right to me, didn't matter which one, and I can't tell you exactly why, almost like the "angle" of the grip/frame was weird...just didn't care for it.

 

[Aged_Cheddar]

Get the Canik Mete SF or SFT, you can't go wrong with either. And If you get the One Series, you'll have plenty of money to buy extra mags. Here is my One Series Mete SF with the Holosun 407K optic mounted. The finish on the gun is impeccable and the reliability is excellent. The SF is the 15 round version and the SFT is the 17 round version. The only real difference is the longer barrel and grip on the SFT.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and what fits you the best.
View attachment 103705

I did see the "One Series" at Bass Pro too, I was doing the math on that versus the "kit" with a case, holster, 2nd mag etc..., but I won't be using their case, and I'll want to choose my own holster if I get one, so those "One Series" do seem to be a great value. Nice looking gun BTW.

 

[ex13F]

Another vote for the CZ P10C.

 

[Bear007]

I love my XD Mod.3 and shoot it pretty well for my old eyes using a Holosun 507c-x2. Everything just naturally lines up for me when I'm behind this gun. But it is too big for "me" to carry. I have a few others a little smaller and slimmer I carry.

No experience with your other choices. Good luck in your search!

 

[KillerFord1977]

Alright, long first post, so please go easy on me with the very likely nOoB questions.

I’m in the market for a sub $475(ish) 9mm optics ready handgun, and before the “you get what you pay for” crowd gets here, yes I understand that, for the same reason a cheap tattoo isn’t good, and a good tattoo isn’t cheap.

But as a LONG time musician, I’ve learned there is always one or three exceptions, for example the basses I regularly gig are $1500-$2000, but I’ve got 2 others that are sub $500, and in my hands they feel and play amazing (both have been on multiple studio sessions and countless live stages with zero fails & no complaints)…all that said, I have to assume there is a handgun version of my $500 bass guitar???

I have done exhaustive internet sleuthing, and have come up with a few contenders I’m interested in, ranging from $330 up to near $500

This is my first handgun purchase, but I have fired plenty over the years and I’m comfortable around guns, but of all the handguns I’ve shot, they have always been friends or acquaintances, and the guns we were using were of a quality well above my current budget.

I am NOT going to be concealed (or open) carrying, I’m not going to be in any shooting competitions, I am ONLY going to use it for weekly range practice and home defense.

My ideas in no particular order:

1. Springfield Armory XD Mod.3
2. Canik Mete SF
3. Canik Mete SFT
4. Beretta APX A1 Full size

I have tried to handle all 4 but…

The first mom and pop store flat out said “we carry nothing under $700, those guns are a waste of time & money”… I promptly left feeling a bit sour… Snobby entitled pricks IMHO.

The next mom & pop store was WAY more personable, but only had 2 of the guns I was looking at, but they wouldn’t let me even handle them without a completed background check, and a credit card on the counter…Is that normal???

The last mom & pop shop (and furthest drive) had the Mete SF & the XD Mod.3, now if I’m being honest, I liked the feel of the XD and loved the red fibre optic front sight, but I think I like the weight of the Mete SF, and I much preferred the trigger feel, though I’m less in love with the white dot front sight.

And finally I wound up at Bass Pro Shops where they had all 4 options I was looking at, the counter rep wasn’t too knowledgeable, but he was helpful at least….the only downside was all the guns had trigger locks, so I wasn’t able to get a feel for the Beretta trigger, and I assume the Mete SFT has a similar trigger to the Mete SF?

All said and done, of the 4, I think I preferred the Mete SFT as it fit my hand the best I think, but I really did like that XD Mod.3 too, and I wish I would have been able to at least get an idea of the trigger feel on the Beretta…



Can any of you pros & long time shooters maybe offer more insight into any of these handguns (pros/cons), I know ultimately the choice is mine (and I get what I pay for...), but real world usage is always preferred…yes I have watched a LOT of YT videos, and I always wonder how many are paid shills, and how many are really giving the honest reviews.


Sorry to the TLDR crowd, and thanks in advance for any info!

You wont truly know till you test fire.
Any chance to rent them at a range?
Your internet pick may not be the one you do well with.
Would you buy a car without ever driving it?

 

[ECS686]

I would say the best budget is the often overlooked Stoegers STR9
A indoor range gun shop I use to teach at sims these like hotcakes in the 240 dollar range
And they ran and ran.

STR-9 Semi-Auto Pistol | Stoeger Shotguns Pistols and Airguns

stoegerindustries.com

 

[Bear007]

I would say the best budget is the often overlooked Stoegers STR9
A indoor range gun shop I use to teach at sims these like hotcakes in the 240 dollar range
And they ran and ran.

STR-9 Semi-Auto Pistol | Stoeger Shotguns Pistols and Airguns

stoegerindustries.com

I held the STR9F, Full size, and it felt great, trigger felt great, but did get a chance to shoot it.

 

[ECS686]

I held the STR9F, Full size, and it felt great, trigger felt great, but did get a chance to shoot it.

The only downside is it seems magazines can be a challenge to find but once your set it would be a great gun especially for anyone not into guns for that nightstand

I mean it would be a great gun for anyone else rop but you know what I mean

 

[Blackmesa96]

Canik. Their triggers are some of the best out of the box you will find in a striker fired pistol. You may not be able to fully appreciate them at first, but you will be grateful you chose them as you grow in firearm knowledge and experience.

Whatever you ultimately choose, get something that is optics ready. Most Caniks sold new these days are. It's something else you may not appreciate at first, but if you want to install an optic later it's very helpful.

Don't let the snobs discourage you. There are a lot of pistols in the price range you are searching available on the market. Just because a gun is expensive that doesn't guarantee it's good. Like anything else, there's a point of diminishing returns.

Buy something you will actually shoot (and can afford to shoot). Budget for a class or two as well as practice. It's your money, pick what you ultimately think will serve you best.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Maybe find a range that rents guns and will allow you to try a few out

For me, in your price range
CZ P-10C or P-09 Nocturne
Maybe a Glock 19

 

[Oldmountaiman]

I hear Glock makes decent budget guns.

Never met a Glock I liked

 

[Old_Me]

1) go to a range that rents guns...they may have a vast selection.

2) try as many guns over a course of time.

3) see if that place has good but used guns for sale, many times "some" models sell cheaper than others.

4) high(er) value used guns hold the resale pricing, but you can always, "make a cash offer'

5) there usually IS NOT any warranty or guarantee on used guns sales however.

6) nearly all brand new guns have either a lifetime warranty, or limited warranty for the first buyer/owner, but STILL "may" warranty "some repairs", out of warranty.

7) choose the gun that you like fits better in YOUR hand, not someone else's'

8) Glocks are really priced right, and "go bang" every time, and it is rare that they fail....i don't understand the Glock grip angle "hate", if you can shoot one gun, you can shoot a Glock......actually, the Glock grip angle positions your wrist in a bit downward position for better wrist/arm alignment...at least this is what i have found....and i am a very old man, and i have no issues shooting ANY Glock......my carry is a G-19, not large, NOT small..."just right sized"...and NO, i am NOT a Glock fanboy.


this is my Glock G-30, a compact 45 ACP power house, that i also use for my carry gun.

i shoot this as well as any other gun i have, go to "a good day at the range" thread, and check out the targets some of us post there

this is my Glock G-19, my primary carry gun.....

so as you can "see", Glocks hit the spot, in spite of the so-called "grip angle hate"

BOTH Glocks, cost under the $600


and 1 other gun.


my Dan Wesson 1911, a MUCH heavier gun, (all metal) shoots 45 ACP, and at a cost of $1,400 at the time, i bought it

so as you can "see", if you can shoot 1 gun, you can shoot "ANY GUN"

 

[bc22wm]

8) Glocks are really priced right, and "go bang" every time, and it is rare that they fail....i don't understand the Glock grip angle "hate", if you can shoot one gun, you can shoot a Glock......actually, the Glock grip angle positions your wrist in a bit downward position for better wrist/arm alignment...at least this is what i have found....and i am a very old man, and i have no issues shooting ANY Glock......my carry is a G-19, not large, NOT small..."just right sized"...and NO, i am NOT a Glock fanboy.

THIS!!!! Even if they are ugly as homemade sin.

 

[PieterCoetzee]

Did I miss where you said what you wanted the gun to do for you--daily concealed carry, bedside for home defense, target shooting, gun games? This is where "Size Matters" but understand that you can conceal a LOT more than you think, unless you regularly dress in spandex.

Honestly I wouldnt choose any of the ones you listed.

Id suggest Glock. Any store that doesnt list a new Glock for under $700 is ripping you off OR youre living in a place that you should flee.

After Glock Id suggest the RUGER RXM. Its a Glock G19 clone made through a collaboration with Ruger and MagPul. Its an excellent gun and even cheaper than Glock.

If you truly budget locked, then the Taurus GX2 GX3 or GX4 should all be sub $350. Im not a Taurus fan but thats more snob then a quality issue

Rock Island makes 1911 clones in the $400 range

CZ has some nice guns that may be under your price range.

Look into the USED market. Used guns are rarely truly worn out. and should be significantly cheaper

Caniks used to be good options when they were priced at $300; but they became popular and their prices jumped beyond their value IMO

Would you consider a revolver? Revolvers have lost the cool guy favor; but can still be a great self defense options and can occasionally be found at good prices

IF this is for SELF DEFENSE ask yourself how expensive a budget gun will be when you NEED it? This doesnt mean you cant find bargains but avoid the super cheap, they are cheap for a reason

FINALLY when budgeting, remember youll need LOTS of ammo to get you comfortable and a holster and a quality gun belt AND a training class. Theres no point in buying a Corvette if you cant afford to put gas in it, or oil changes AND driving lessons

 

[Shibadog]

FN Reflex with manual safety. Outstanding SA trigger (not as good as a tuned 1911 but miles ahead of any striker fired gun that myself AND the 3 guys at my LGS have ever seen). Mine has been 100% reliable out the gate for a tad over 1k rounds, including 500 of my reloads. Mines sitting in a Mika holster in my front jeans pocket as this is written

 

[Old_Me]

i found this, regarding the Glock's grip angle

Glock's 22-degree grip angle is designed to force the wrist into a, "locked," downward position, which helps many shooters align their sights more naturally and manage recoil. While it feels natural to some, it can feel too steep for others, leading to a tendency to, "point low," compared to the 18-degree angle of a 1911, though it generally improves quick front-sight acquisition for defensive shooting

and then too, there is this:

The 22-degree Glock grip angle promotes a "cocked and locked" wrist position, designed to enhance recoil management, improve rapid-fire, and offer a natural point of aim similar to a Luger P08 or a punch-out motion. It forces a high grip that, while feeling different from 1911-style guns, reduces muzzle flip and aids in faster, consistent follow-up shots.
Reddit +5
Key benefits of the Glock grip angle include:

• Improved Recoil Management: The steeper angle (approx. 22 degrees) forces the shooter's hand into a position that better resists upward muzzle climb (recoil).
• Natural Point of Aim: For many, the angle aligns with a "punch-out" motion, allowing the pistol to point naturally at the target without active sight adjustment.
• High Grip Optimization: The design naturally encourages a high, firm grip on the beaver tail, which increases control over the firearm.
• Reduced Wrist Fatigue: By aligning the wrist in a more optimal, locked position, it can reduce tension for some shooters during extended, fast-paced shooting.
• Consistent Sight Acquisition: The grip angle is designed to bring the sights directly into the line of sight during a high-speed presentation.
  Reddit +6

While some shooters find the angle, often paired with the "hump" on the backstrap, to be uncomfortable or different from 1911-style (18-degree) grips, it is a key component in the functional design of the handgun's recoil handling system.