I'm suprised that fewer people are mentioning the HK USP in 9mm. There are MANY variants available, and they are some of the most reliable handguns ever made. Accuracy in certain variants is quite impressive (check out USP match and USP expert).

Of course, there's always the Mk23 if you want the ultimate .45 But you said 9mm, so check out the HK USP variants in 9mm.

The P2000 is also pretty impressive, but I've only READ stuff on it, never shot one.

Just my amateur opinion

 

As evidenced by Hoss's post, some people will ASSUME that I don't like Glock because it is made out of plastic that could not be further from the truth. My observations are made from many years of HANDS ON experience using and working with firearms of all makes and sizes.

When you are in the Gunsmith business you witness the good and bad aspects of each individual firearm by the sheer number of those brought in for repair, not from just a bunch of good ole boy's talking about their favorite handgun.

The guy shelled out $500.00 for it, of course he is going to say he loves it, you see many of the Ford 6.0 people do the same thing Nobody wants to admit they didn't get what they paid for. Glocks are very popular with Police Dept's because they buy from the lowest bidder in their contracts.

Most Police Officers will never have to draw their weapon during their careers and the light weight Glock will fill that function perfectly in every sense of the word. But for those Dept's that deal with actual combat service in a handgun, such as "Special Ops", "Swat" and "hostage rescue teams" They all go with a weapon that is a solid performer both in performance and reliability.

These teams use "1911" clones of various manufacturer, H&K USP and Sig firearms, they don't go to the lowest bidder simply because they need the BEST tool they can buy. Their lives and the lives of their team mates are at stake. Not unlike a mechanic buying quality tools that he has to make his living off everyday, they need to know it will not break when they need it the most.

I don't think Glock is necessarily junk as you may be lead to believe, only that it should not be used outside of it's capabilities. Glock's make a great light weight carry gun that will see minimal "serious" use and are great for concealed carry by the average person.

If you want a serious "target" gun or "Tactical" weapon that can take the abuse of hard work, your money would be better spent else where.

 

Larry, what's your take on H&K USPs?

 

Hehehe....I'd be one of those good ole' boys talking about their favorite handgun.

Lary, I didn't mean to imply that you didn't like Glocks because you'd never tried them or because they're plastic. I assumed that you had. I was just using your post to make a point to the original poster. I'll readily admit that you know more about handguns than I do and if you don't like them then I'm sure you have good reason for it. However, I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of folks that don't like Glocks have never tried them and really don't know anything about them. They just don't like the idea of a "plastic gun". Heck....there are still people out there that think Glocks cannot be detected by metal detectors.

As for me....I've owned three Glocks in the past five years and I've put literally thousands of rounds down range with them and I've never had a SINGLE failure to fire, misfire, stovepipe or any other kind of problem. Not one. In my mind, that's a pretty stinkin' good record to have. So...even if they're not the best...I'm pretty sold on their reliability....which comes with VERY little maintenance I might add.

By the way....I'd be willing to pay more than the $500 required to get a new Glock...so at least in my opinion they're well worth that amount of money.

But what do I know...

 

Edit:

By the way....this Saturday I'm taking a combat handgun course. Strapped to my side will be my trusty Glock 22.

 

They were designed for Special Ops to use in the harshest enviroments, very good weapon indeed.

 

Actually I am considering getting one of the compact .45's for a some times carry weapon, It is lighter and easier to carry than some other weapons I have. The idea being that like all other tools, each has it's own niche and place where it fills the need.

Though I really like my .357 Stainless Colt Magnum Carry Detective Special because it matches my exhaust system

 

I can't say I blame you. That's a nice gun. What I'd really like to get...just to have because I'd never carry it...is a nice stainless Colt 1911...all prettied up with wood grips and such. They're a bit pricey though...and I wouldn't use it for anything but playing with at the range.

Are you looking at the Glock 36 or the Glock 30? I had a Glock 30. It was a great gun but I don't really consider it a subcompact (although it's smaller than the full size Glock 21).

 

Like CanuckCTD I am considering a handgun and I want a 9mm auto loader. I am not concerned with concealed carry but will use the gun for target practice and home protection. I am looking for a gun that is realiable and reasonably accurate. I assume most major brands fit my criteria so which if any just not worth buying? Doesn't it really come down to which gun fits my hand best and I can shoot the best?

 

I know I don't have anywhere near Lary's knowledge or experience. I'm not a Glock zombie like Hoss, though.

It's hard to beat the Ruger for the money. They are really solid reliable guns, although bulky. If you have small hands (I do) they are a little fat in the grip. Another gun you should consider is the Beretta model 92 - if it's good enough for the U.S. military, it's good enough for you. The Taurus knock-off of the Beretta is OK, too.

If you don't get a lot of practice time, the simplicity and reliability of the Glock are very good points in its favor. Revolvers are good guns for that reason as well. Revolvers have the added benefit of giving you a fresh round every time you pull the trigger - it takes a lot of practice for the semi-auto "tap, rack, bang" malfunction drill to become second nature. With a revolver you just pull the trigger again if it doesn't go bang. I feel revolvers are the best defense gun for those who cannot devote a big chunk of their time to practice on the range. My primary carry gun is a revolver, though I own suitable autoloaders (and most are plastic).

 

here's some printable targets from the makarov site. pretty cool.


http://www.makarov.com/funstuff.html

 

Not worth buying?? Others will disagree, but I'm not a fan of any Taurus semi-auto.

You've got the right idea though. You need something that fits your hands and something that you can shoot well. For me...that's a Glock.

 

I'm no zombie!!! I just happen to be very satisfied with my Glocks...and I happen to know a lot about them because I spend a lot of time reading about them.

I agree with you about the Ruger semi-autos though. I had a Ruger P90 that I loved. It shot great and it was pretty reliable. There were only a couple of times when it didn't go bang when I pulled the trigger. When I got my CHL I got rid of it because it was far too bulky for concealed carry. Great gun though. I kind of wish I would have held onto it. That was my first handgun.