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A few questions to get me started?

Pick a budget 9mm handgun :-)

  • Springfield XD Mod.3

    Votes: 11 52.4%

  • Canik Mete SF

    Votes: 1 4.8%

  • Canik Mete SFT

    Votes: 2 9.5%

  • Beretta APX A1 FS

    Votes: 1 4.8%

  • Other (please post in thread)

    Votes: 6 28.6%

  • Everything under $700 sucks, I know, just ask.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    21
Glock or Ruger RXM.
Magazines and parts are everywhere and common. You can do most things yourself with easily available parts and don’t have to ship it somewhere and blah blah blah. Some folks complain about the grip angle but for me it’s the most natural “ pointer ” I can present.
You can’t make everyone happy but there’s a reason they are so widely used.
Go to your LGS or range pick a few up , rent a few, etc.

On that list CZ and the XD should be fine.
 
Hi @Aged_Cheddar,

Welcome to the forum! :D

I admit being a Springfield fanboy and bass player. Don't
hold that against me.

My Mod.3 is to be a regular EDC as soon as I get really comfortable with the optic I've installed, Holoson 507C-X2. I think the XD9 Mod.3 is a great bang-for-your-buck pistol. I've seen them online for $280 or less. The original XD9 was my first pistol and first EDC. My current EDC is really great as well, an HK VP9. I had to upgrade the sights on it but the included triple grip panels make for a custom feel in your hand. I don't know the current price for the VP9 but mine was on sale for $500, but no optic cut.

Sounds like this will be a range toy for you. I've got a few pistols for that purpose. The Mod.3, the VP9, or any on your list could become an EDC if you decide later.

Another decent "value" model you might consider would be the SAR9 Mete line. I seem to recall the Youtuber 'Honest Outlaw' had good things to say. The Glock clones, called 'Dagger', from Palmetto State Armory are worth mentioning as well.

I'm fairly new to firearms as well. After a couple of decades away, I rekindled my love for shooting sports during the summer of 2020. I've been training and practicing regularly since then, and growing my collection.

We are looking forward to you decision and your range reports. Thanks for joining us. ;)

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
Actually, I’ve had a lot of luck with 9mm under $700. Springfield Hellcat, FN MRD Reflex, SW Shield, Sig P365, and a few different Glocks.

How do I know they don’t suck?

Glock 48 MOS - 23 Jun 23 - 20 Feb 24 - 930 rounds
SS P365 NRA - 1 Jul 19 - 18 Apr 23 - 439 rounds
SS P365 SAS - 7 Oct 19 - 18 Apr 23 - 745 rounds
SS P365 basic - 20 Dec 18 - 18 Apr 23 - 1575 rounds
SS P365 XL - 2 Mar 20 - 18 Apr 23 - 750 rounds
SW Shield 9mm - 18 Sep 15 - 19 Nov 15 - 307 rounds
Glock 43 ODG - 31 Aug 23 - 24 Oct 24 - 1030 rounds
SA Hellcat - 29 May 24 - current - 860 rounds
FN Reflex MDR MS FDE - 8 May 25 - current - 200 rounds

The P365s moved on as a matter of principle over the P320 debacle. They were ALL solid shooters though. Glocks went when I decided to move to strictly no strikers…now I have all DA/SA, SAO, or revolvers, all hammer fired.

Which brings me to this comment. The FN MRD Reflex is quite the shooter and is hammer fired, and is very, very light. I traded mine off because I wanted something different, but I am seriously considering another for summer carry.

Lab4Us

Thread 'Optic on the Reflex - Range Trip #2 - 21 May 25'

So long story short, my initial range trip/FN Reflex test is posted here

That trip was so successful (as far as gun reliability), I was anxious to get the Holosun EPS Carry mounted that I had standing by for the guns arrival. So this morning, following FNs instructions, I mounted said optic on said gun (using Midwest Gun Works specific purpose screws I ordered for such an occasion). I did use 10 in-lb torque vice 6-8 in instructions as my Fat Wrench torque first shows...
  • Like
 
Aged_Cheddar said:
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!
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum from South Texas.
 
Old_Me said:
i found this, regarding the Glock's grip angle

View attachment 103724
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.










Click to expand...
I use this on my Glocks and it does help me
 
As mentioned, we need to know what your are planning to use it for. A Beretta 92 is a fantastic first gun if you don't like Glocks. It is kinda big to carry concealed, but that is one reason everybody seems to shoot it well. Unless they have really small hands. The trigger is another, much better than a striker fired pistol like the Glock or XD. As the military choice, there is a lot of parts and magazines and holsters floating around for very reasonable prices. And the quality/reliability is stellar. I helped evaluate firearms in the 80's when the Police department here was transitioning from revolvers. The Beretta won, and I think you will like it as well.
 
BassCliff said:
Hi @Aged_Cheddar,

Welcome to the forum! :D

I admit being a Springfield fanboy and bass player. Don't
hold that against me.

My Mod.3 is to be a regular EDC as soon as I get really comfortable with the optic I've installed, Holoson 507C-X2. I think the XD9 Mod.3 is a great bang-for-your-buck pistol. I've seen them online for $280 or less. The original XD9 was my first pistol and first EDC. My current EDC is really great as well, an HK VP9. I had to upgrade the sights on it but the included triple grip panels make for a custom feel in your hand. I don't know the current price for the VP9 but mine was on sale for $500, but no optic cut.

Sounds like this will be a range toy for you. I've got a few pistols for that purpose. The Mod.3, the VP9, or any on your list could become an EDC if you decide later.

Another decent "value" model you might consider would be the SAR9 Mete line. I seem to recall the Youtuber 'Honest Outlaw' had good things to say. The Glock clones, called 'Dagger', from Palmetto State Armory are worth mentioning as well.

I'm fairly new to firearms as well. After a couple of decades away, I rekindled my love for shooting sports during the summer of 2020. I've been training and practicing regularly since then, and growing my collection.

We are looking forward to you decision and your range reports. Thanks for joining us. ;)

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
Click to expand...
Having a couple PSA "Daggers" (Compacts = uses G19 Mags) they are a very good value,
 
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