John (or anyone else) I'm looking for a full size 9mm with no external safeties. Looking to spend right at $400. Light slide and recoil are a must for the wife and kids to enjoy. Looking heavily at the Walther PPX but wanted to see if you had any other strong recommendations.
Well....... the big problem is you are in California and unfortunately that fantastic Walther is not a California certified pistol and can not be sold new in CA.
I would probably recommend a used glock 17, used springfield xd9, or used cz 75 bd (decocker ). If it had to be new maybe a smith and Wesson sd9 but I think you would be better off with one of the others (used just to get in the price point)
Go as big an heavy as you can- the heavier the gun the longer the barrel the easier they are to shoot and unfortunately I have nothing in my collection that meets your specs to sale you cheap
If you have other questions let me know
Thanks for the information (stupid California laws). I will check out the guns you mentioned.
Is the Smith SD9 bad or just a budget gun?
Upon research, it seems to have a crappy trigger and fit/finish issues.
Not interested in another Glock. I have a First Gen Model 22 and pretty much "dislike" the thing.
The slide is STIFF, the trigger pull is looong, the empty clips have to be "pulled" out, and to be truthful, the grips are a tad large for my hands. It's just not that fun to shoot and it's a nightmare for my kids and wife. Maybe the 9s would be better but the awful taste is in my mouth already.
Not interested in an exposed hammer gun like the CZ. I want point and shoot and no Da/Sa. Don't need the wife and kids surprised by the second pull.
I do like the Sprinfield and will have to check the used market to see what prices are. I shot one a while ago and might have to go shoot another to see if it's a better fit for me.
Springfield Xd also has a signal stack so the grip is smaller. You might want to look into that one
Gilbert & Betty saidSpringfield Xd also has a signal stack so the grip is smaller. You might want to look into that one
Cool. Thanks.
...... and the single stack xd also not ca certified : \
The SD is an entry level gun with a horrible trigger, if you don't like the glock ( I'm not a glock guy) which realistically has a very good trigger assuming you don't have the 12lb new York trigger you will dislike the SD. It's reliable but like buying a Honda civic roll up windows no A/C.
This smith mp 9 is good but off ca roster as well so it will be over priced.
If I can think of anything I'll send it your way
Browning hp. Awesome gun. Love mine. Not in the $400 range though.
70dustpan saidBrowning hp. Awesome gun. Love mine. Not in the $400 range though.
I loved my old Browning HP, it shot very well. Haven't shot one of those in years.
I love California for so many reasons, but I seem to hate it for so many more...
Nevada rocks!
Gregulator saidI love California for so many reasons, but I seem to hate it for so many more...
I hear that! Laws make absolutely zero sense, especially when it comes to what guns they are allowed to sell. Huge selection of concealable options, but very few full sized options. That seems to be the OPPOSITE of what they would want????
JohnDF saidGregulator saidI love California for so many reasons, but I seem to hate it for so many more...
I hear that! Laws make absolutely zero sense, especially when it comes to what guns they are allowed to sell. Huge selection of concealable options, but very few full sized options. That seems to be the OPPOSITE of what they would want????
It's all about money and what the gun manufacturers want to pay. California requires them to pay a fee for each model they want approved for sale in this lovely state. I ran into this when I bought my Ruger I could only get it in nickel finish because they didn't pay for the blued version. You gotta love California
Gilbert & Betty saidJohnDF saidGregulator saidI love California for so many reasons, but I seem to hate it for so many more...
I hear that! Laws make absolutely zero sense, especially when it comes to what guns they are allowed to sell. Huge selection of concealable options, but very few full sized options. That seems to be the OPPOSITE of what they would want????
It's all about money and what the gun manufacturers want to pay. California requires them to pay a fee for each model they want approved for sale in this lovely state. I ran into this when I bought my Ruger I could only get it in nickel finish because they didn't pay for the blued version. You gotta love California
Well, that's all it use to be. Now they are required to have Micro Stamping technology to make it on the approved list. Well, guess what, that technology doesn't exist. It's a form of gun control. If manufactures don't pay the renewal fee, they will fall off and won't be let back on. 😤
I went to Sportsman's Warehouse today to look at the selection. They didn't offer anything I wanted to spend money on.
I already have a couple of good handguns, so I can afford to be picky 🙂
If you have an out-of-state parent you may have a way to get around the California roster.
Nope, no out of state parents or family.
This is driving me crazy though. I wanted to get a Ruger SR22 for my son's birthday, but guess what's NOT on the Ca. compliant list?
You might check out the Walther P22. I saw one in the local gun shop display today. I don't know anything about them but I thought it looked nice.
You can always buy used. Calguns.net is a great site if you already don't know about it.
Fred saidYou might check out the Walther P22. I saw one in the local gun shop display today. I don't know anything about them but I thought it looked nice.
That is my second choice for him.
Gregulator saidYou can always buy used. Calguns.net is a great site if you already don't know about it.
Been on there a couple of times.
If you want a "point and shoot" gun that "anyone" can shoot I would suggest a revolver or go with the 40. Biggest issue with 9mm is that they jam if people limp wrist them, personally seen with the glock and XD. If there is a weekend that works I can have both available to try so long as someone will throw pigeons till I get bore/sore
Limp wristing malfunctions are caused by bad form not caliber.
It's super cool that everyone is willing to let me try out their guns before purchasing...
However, I have shot most every gun mentioned, either through owning them or shooting friends' guns. I currently only own a .357 Magnum and a .40 caliber. But I've owned a BUNCH of other semi-auto pistols including .22, .25, .380, 9mm, .40, and .45. I've also owned a plethora of wheel guns from .22 all the way up to .45LC both in single and double action. While I've owned a lot of guns, I tend not to keep that many around. I only need a few different ones at a time and just keep what I'm currently "in to".
My boys and wife have shot many different styles and calibers. They prefer to shoot the revolver loaded with .38s or lighter caliber semi-autos (.380 or 9mm). That's why I was thinking a 9mm was a good place to end up for my own gun. Much more managable for my wife to grab in an emergency and more fun to take to the range for my kids to shoot. I'm thinking of saving up a bit more and getting the Springfield Xd, or in a trade for my Glock 22.
Until then I want to get my boy his own .22 pistol, which he's wanted for years. He just wants to have his "own gun" when we go shooting (can't blame him). I'm leaning towards the Walther P22. My first choice would be the Ruger SR22 but they aren't sold in California and I've heard horrible reviews on the Sig. I thought this style of .22 would be a good training gun for when he eventually has his own, full size, Da/Sa, center fire semi-auto pistol, which is WAY different than shooting a striker. Plus, Daddy wants to play with it too 🙂
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