Picking up a new pistol

[mwmorph]

Alright, for you gun nuts out there, I'm facing the question of a full size 9mm pistol for about $350. I prefer a finished metal frame over a polymer one and I've come up with either a Bersa Thunder 9mm matte black with a 4.25" barrel or a Ruger P89 Blued Aluminum with a 4.5" barrel.

Does anyone have any input about these pistols? Reliability, handling, etc? I'd preferably want a matte black Ruger SR9 but at the $440 price, I might as well just bite the bullet and buy a basic 4" Springfield Armory XD 9mm for $500.

One last question, for people that have owed or shot either the Bersa Thunder/Ruger P89/95 and the SA XD9mm, would you say it's worth it to step up to the XD? It's more than I'd like to spend but I've heard of nothing but good things about the gun.

 

[Specop 007]

Last I knew CDNN had police trade in Sigs for around 4. I'd go that route if it were me. Otherwise, those XD's are very, very nice. I think you could probably find a SW M&P or MP or whatever that pistol is for around 4 new, i think.

Between your options listed however, I'd do the Ruger.

 

[Kirby]

My dad has a P89. It's a good shooting pistol and fits my grip good. I like his Beretta better though, but it's a bit more expensive.

 

[JDub02]

I'm a tupperware guy, so I don't have much input other than a guy I work with has an SR9 and absolutely loves it.

My next one is going to be a Ruger LCP.

 

[Mr Pickles]

Please don't put another gun on the streets.

 

[spidey07]

"4" Springfield Armory XD 9mm for $500. "

I'll probably wind up with this one. I love the safety on it. I've shot both the XD 9mm and 45. Quality handguns. Can't compare the Bersa.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

lol...

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Fortunately he's not. He's putting it in his closet. Maybe in his nightstand.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Heaven forbid!

Guess I'd better not carry mine at work anymore- wouldn't want another gun *gasp* on the streets, of all places!

 

[Bulk Beef]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Hey there Nancy.

 

[Pegun]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Oh and if you bring it in your car, pay for the lock box and secure it in there.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Fortunately he's not. He's putting it in his closet. Maybe in his nightstand.

Not even, it'll be locked away. I'm not afraid for personal defense, it's strictly a hobby thing for me.

The thing about Bersa is I've heard good things about them and they do stand behind their product with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. That and it's used by the Argentine police force/military so it can't be all bad.

Can anyone say if the XD 9mm really is worth the $150 jump though? It's a great gun, but $500 is a lot for something I'll only be taking to the range.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Used Glock 19s can be had for around $375

 

[apac]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

lol, /lawnchair

 

[pontifex]

I have a bersa thunder .380 but i would say the ruger would probably be better quality.

I have a CZ P-01 which is really nice (and metal) and is also used by several european police and miltary forces. It's also the only or one of the few civilian available pistols that has passed NATO testing standards or something like that. It's more of a compact size than full size. if you want full size, you could go for it's brother, the CZ 75.

 

[MadAmos]

+1 for the Ruger durable and they do stand behind them very well. Also they are in the business for the long haul and parts and accessories will be easy to get in the future

 

[Lumathix]

My girlfriend has a Bersa .380.

It jams alot on her. I mean alot.

It stays clean, her step-dad is a police officer, and cleans her guns for her.

I dunno, I'd go with another weapon though.

 

[CptCrunch]

I'm happy with my S&W M&P 9mm, I know budsgunshop has them for fairly cheap now, worth a look

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Deal, as soon as you can get your mom off the street. She's past her streetwalking prime.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
Please don't put another gun on the streets.

Fortunately he's not. He's putting it in his closet. Maybe in his nightstand.

Not even, it'll be locked away. I'm not afraid for personal defense, it's strictly a hobby thing for me.

The thing about Bersa is I've heard good things about them and they do stand behind their product with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. That and it's used by the Argentine police force/military so it can't be all bad.

Can anyone say if the XD 9mm really is worth the $150 jump though? It's a great gun, but $500 is a lot for something I'll only be taking to the range.

$500 may seem like a lot but look at what your getting. A non disposable item that will last you a lifetime if you take care of it. Hell, cars dont last as long as well kept guns and people spends tens of thousands on those!

So yes, 500 may seem like a lot for a range toy but really think about what you're getting for that 500.......A quality, reliable pistol that you can use for a lifetime and pass on to others when you die.

$500 seems like a good deal now doesnt it.....

 

[OFFascist]

A friend of mine had a Bersa .380, it was a decent gun. I'm am however not a fan of magazine disconnectors in guns. The first time he handed it to me I checked to make sure it was cleared then I tried to drop the hammer (like I do all of my guns) but it wouldnt unless I put a magazine in there. Also in the unlikely situation you have to do a tactical reload you wouldnt be able to fire the round you have in the chamber if you were in the process of switching magazines.

I am a big fan of the XD line of guns though.

 

[OFFascist]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Not even, it'll be locked away. I'm not afraid for personal defense, it's strictly a hobby thing for me.

The thing about Bersa is I've heard good things about them and they do stand behind their product with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. That and it's used by the Argentine police force/military so it can't be all bad.

Can anyone say if the XD 9mm really is worth the $150 jump though? It's a great gun, but $500 is a lot for something I'll only be taking to the range.

Springfield Armory also has a lifetime warranty.

I havent had any experience with the Bersa in 9mm, but I'd say that a good new handgun is definitely worth atleast $500. Its simple to field strip and clean, has a higher magazine capacity (if there is a new assault weapon ban the value of the magazines will jump), if you buy an XD before January 15th there is a mail in rebate promotion where you will recieve an additional 2 extra magazines in addition to the 2 that come with the pistol. Also if you situation ever changes or you decided that you want to use it for self defense you will already have a very good pistol.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: OFFascist

Springfield Armory also has a lifetime warranty.

I havent had any experience with the Bersa in 9mm, but I'd say that a good new handgun is definitely worth atleast $500. Its simple to field strip and clean, has a higher magazine capacity (if there is a new assault weapon ban the value of the magazines will jump), if you buy an XD before January 15th there is a mail in rebate promotion where you will recieve an additional 2 extra magazines in addition to the 2 that come with the pistol. Also if you situation ever changes or you decided that you want to use it for self defense you will already have a very good pistol.

That's a pretty good deal. Just decided it for me.

 

[Dead3ye]

Check into a used Taurus P92 or P99. 99 has an adjustable rear site, 92 does not. It is based off of the Beretta P92. I have read reviews and testimony that it is a better built pistol than the Beretta.

I have a Taurus P92 AFS (stainless steel) and have fired thousands of rounds out of and it has never jammed. I picked mine up used at Cabelas for $300. I felt like I stole it for that price. A new one would run you around $500 for the 92, $560 for the 99, but you should be able to find one used for around $350 - $400.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Dead3ye
Check into a used Taurus P92 or P99. 99 has an adjustable rear site, 92 does not. It is based off of the Beretta P92. I have read reviews and testimony that it is a better built pistol than the Beretta.

I have a Taurus P92 AFS (stainless steel) and have fired thousands of rounds out of and it has never jammed. I picked mine up used at Cabelas for $300. I felt like I stole it for that price. A new one would run you around $500 for the 92, $560 for the 99, but you should be able to find one used for around $350 - $400.

I have the same model (my first pistol) and it's worked flawlessly.