Does anyone here own a 9mm Beretta?

[Longhorn85]

I got to fire mine at work today. (I'm in the Army). It has been a little while but it was fun, I like the action. I am considering buying one for my personal use. Who owns one and will recommend? Or is there a better pistol to buy for target shooting, self-defense?

 

[cm3504jm]

I love my 92........

Some belittle it, but I think it was a great choice.

Better to hit the target several times with a 9mm, than miss with a .45.






Not to say I miss with the .45 either.

 

[HamHock]

9mm's are nice b/c they're relatively cheap, ammo's cheap and you can hold more rounds in the clip, but I like my S&W .40 cal better than my Glock 9

 

[Lao Tzu]

i barely know guns. but lorcin makes a cheap 9mm. you can get one for $80 + shipping & ffl transfer fees.

i have no idea if it will jam or break after a few hundred rounds though.

 

[1911]

"I am considering buying one for my personal use. Who owns one and will recommend? Or is there a better pistol to buy for target shooting, self-defense?"

Go into research mode (via the web) and educate yourself from a consumer perspective. Then, the best thing you can do is hit a range that offers rentals and shoot (many rounds) various mfgrs./models/calibers. Lastly, buy what you prove you can shoot. Me? A 1911 (.45) is my preference (obviously).

Later

 

[Weapon X]

Ahhh, my first carry piece was a Beretta 9. A wonderful pistol, reliable, etc. but too bulky for carry, IMHO.
The Glock 19 is a compact with a good punch, and Glock offers both 9mm and .40 in subcompact models. Great for carry, but not so great , IMO, for sport shooting.

 

[Longhorn85]

Thanks for all the informed replies. I think I am going to try and find a good deal on a Beretta. Not just because it is a smooth pistol, but because that is the one the Army uses. I figure I might as well be proficient at the weapon I might take into combat someday.

 

[##spiderbaby##]

I have a taurus PT945. Its a semi compact .45
9's are nice but I can put a 4 inch grouping of 9 rounds at 35 feet.

you can be just as accurate with a .45 as a 9mm Its just practice.

##spiderbaby##

If you want a great compact .45 try the taurus millenium .45 Its great and extremely small.

 

[talonracer]

Damn I agree with Weapon X AGAIN.........for self defense there is only ONE gun............. a Glock. If you ever have been in a life threatening situation you can EASILY forget about the safety in a panic. With a Glock the safety in IN the trigger, so you just grab the gun and fire. "Better to have a gun and not need it, then need one and not have it"

 

[Longhorn85]

But you still have to deactivate the safety to fire don't you? Or else it wouldn't be a safety.

 

[minion]

ttlpkg, NAH it has a double trigger. Once you commit and press that's it. Personaly I don't like the action of a Glock. Nice guns though.

http://www.glock.com/trigger_safety.htm

 

[chesty]

Sig Sauer, Baretta 92F, Glock 17, and 21, and the ultimate 1991A1 .45 ACP!

 

[minion]

"Thanks for all the informed replies. I think I am going to try and find a good deal on a Beretta. Not just because it is a smooth pistol, but because that is the one the Army uses. I figure I might as well be proficient at the weapon I might take into combat someday."
----------

IMO the best combat/commercial fire arms are by H&K.
BTW they are favored by the special forces. Everyone else like Force protection officer's (security), MP's ect. get the old Beretta's.
http://www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/

 

[Cleaner]

I think Taurus makes a better gun.....I'm not a fan of the 92 but if i would get Taurus and get it in nickel.....the barrel on a blue gun starts to look like shit really quick from the slide dragging on it.

 

[huntmaster]

I personally own a Glock 22 .40 and a Glock 31 .357 sig


I hope to own a H&K one day

maybe a match grade--they are awesome!

 

[minion]

I use lead reloads for target practice. Their cheap and dirty, but I like cleaning my gun after a few hundred rounds of practice.

 

[HamsterHider]

OK THE ULTIMATE SELF DEFENSE ROUND IS THE .40 CALIBER. THEY HAVE TESTED ALL CALIBERS IN BALLISTIC GELATIN WHICH SIMULATES A HUMANS INSIDES AND THE .40 CREATED THE WIDEST WOUND CAVITY. I CARRY A .40 CALIBER GLOCK 22 ON DUTY AND A GLOCK 26 9MM OFF DUTY. I WOULD RECCOMEND THE GLOCK 27 .40 CALIBER SUB COMPACT FOR SELF DEFENSE. I ONLY GOT THE 9MM 26 BECAUSE I WAS TOO LAZY TO WAIT FOR 27 TO COME IN IN A MONTH. BUT THE 26 SHOOTS GREAT

 

[minion]

BTW I have a Desert Eagle "Baby Eagle" 9mm "standard". I was actually looking for a sub compact Beretta 92 since I was familiar with it ,but I just liked the Mugnum better.

http://www.magnumresearch.com/

 

[minion]

I've heard this argument before.

HamsterHider, that may be true, but alot of assassins prefer a cheap ass .22 pistol. For their damaging properties. Dosn't mean I'm run out and by a .22 though. (.22 for those that don't know refract inside a body causing alot of damage if used at point blank range)
In the off chance I need my firearm for self defence I'd rather be accurate than loud.
I could buy a .40 but why half step I thought, just get the .45 if I truely wanted a fire arm with stopping power.

The truth of the matter is most people in a "kill or be killed" situation end up putting a round or two in the dirt or through their holsters. As you could imagine I'd rather have as many rounds as the law will allow when it comes to me and my family.

Personaly I like the velocity of a 9mm over the ft/lbs. of a .45.
Besides two slugs, center of mass will put anyone down and with the advances in ammunition a 9mm is enabled to expand to a larger caliber once inside a soft medium.


"Considered by many to be the best hollow point in the world, the Hydra-Shok is standard with hundreds of police forces, security agencies, and private citizens. The most unusual aspect of the Hydra-Shok bullet design is the little lead post which sits at the base of the hollow point. When the bullet comes in contact with a soft medium, such as ballistic gelatin or internal organs, the post directs fluid against the inside of the hollow point, forcing it to expand reliably. But when the bullet strikes a hard surface such as a barrier, the post helps keep the nose from getting clogged up, which would otherwise limit expansion once the barrier had been penetrated."

 

[Longhorn85]

9mm Beretta action

BTW, when I was firing the 9mm I found that the first round fired after loading a fresh mag was always high. The recoil seemed greater. My subsequent shots were always more accurate.

That means that my 1st shot (arguably most important) against a real-life target might be a miss. How do I fix this?

 

[GLP]

Do what snipers do in the SWAT. They practice mainly on their cold shot(First shot) because it is the one most importain.

 

[HamsterHider]

Re: 9mm Beretta action

BTW, when I was firing the 9mm I found that the first round fired after loading a fresh mag was always high. The recoil seemed greater. My subsequent shots were always more accurate.

That means that my 1st shot (arguably most important) against a real-life target might be a miss. How do I fix this?

THAT IS BECAUSE ON THE FIRST SHOT YOU ARE PULLING THE TRIGGER ITS FULL PULL AND ANTICIPATING THE SHOT. ON THE FOLOWING SHOTS YOU USE THE TRIGGER RESET AND BARELY EVEN NEED TO PULL THE TRIGGER.

 

[Longhorn85]

Interesting. Then to be good at a cold shot I would have to train with 1-round magazines. I think I'd be better off getting the first shot off quickly and fire subsequent shots that are well-aimed. I won't go into battle with a 1-round mag.

 

[cm3504jm]

Mossad assasination teams opt for the Beretta .22 Jetfire.

They obviously have them modified because I always had jamming problems with mine. Rarely shoot it anymore.

I just discovered in my safe a Colt Combat Commander in stainless with night sights, beveled magazine well and contoured safety. I freakin forgot I had bought this gun from a SWAT officer years ago.

Kinda like putting on an old jacket and finding money you forgot you put there. heheheheheheh

Well guess what I'm taking to the range today?

 

[Longhorn85]

You must have quite the collection to have forgotten about that weapon. What else do you have? My second choice after the Beretta would be an AR-15 rifle.

 

[RALMAN]

I like my 9MM Beretta......Its easy to handle and I can't really destroy some shit.......great in target practice and popping off a snakes head.....

 

[Lao Tzu]

so you're set on a beretta.


if you are willing to buy a used one (they sell new ones too) www.auctionarms.com has them. $400-600. they usually sell for about $500 new, $450 used.

however, if you buy a gun on the internet, you need to add about $40 to the price. $15 in shipping & $25 in transfer fees to transfer it to an FFL holder.


how can the army afford berettas? the special purpose shotgun is the shotgun of choice for all military branches and it is the cheapest one on the market. $160 new.

 

[COL KURTZ]

Beretta 9 is a fine weapon. I also like the 1911--its a classic and it served American well since the early part of the century. Its an old old design but still its one of the best

 

[chesty]

I prefer the 45acp for its mass. A slow moving bus that hits you like a tank. I also, prefer the 230 gold dot (speer lawman) I like the 9mm too. The best insurance though is to fire two to the body and one to the head always. Also, never stop shooting till the threat is neutralized.

PS. Balistic gelatin tests are a joke and never accurately simulate real world. They just make for great pictures.

 

[minion]

Yeah but the stuff is pretty good with whipped cream and mixed fruit!

 

[Longhorn85]

The best insurance though is to fire two to the body and one to the head always. Also, never stop shooting till the threat is neutralized.

Not realistic if you have a limited amount of ammunition and possible subsequent targets. Wouldn't one shot, one kill be a better goal?

 

[minion]

ttlpkg, I think that's the sniper rule. Closed quarter combat is different if I'm not mistaken.
We were always told two slugs center of mass. Or until the target is no longer a threat.

 

[hooch]

you fools!!! "The shotgun is the ne plus ultra of manstoppers. No other weapon will put a man down as reliably as a shotgun, and no other weapon is as likely to hit your opponent as a shotgun filled with buckshot. The fact is that the shotgun is by far the deadliest and most effective firearm for short range personel defense. A 12 gauge shotgun has 2500-3100 Ft-lbs of impact energy. A shotgun is not a magic weapon that will saly all foes, but is simply the most effective man-stopping firearm yet devised.
If you own a 12 gauge you own the most effective and devasting short range firearm ever created. The best defense load: simply 12 gauge 2 3/4" shell 00 buckshot. This is the most effective man-stopping firearm cartridge ever created. Slugs are potent manstoppers, but have limited application for self defense. Slugs lose the one big advantage of the shotgun-high hit probability. Slugs ahve ferocious recoil and often over penetrate.

-quoted from rec.guns.faq-

 

[minion]

This is true, however the topic is about a "SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL" specificly the M9 / Beretta 92f and its top competitors.

There are many situations where a shotgun may prove impractical, but good none the less. You forgot to mention untraceable for ballistics. Granted you don't leave shells laying around.

 

[manny78]

I got to fire mine at work today. (I'm in the Army). It has been a little while but it was fun, I like the action. I am considering buying one for my personal use. Who owns one and will recommend? Or is there a better pistol to buy for target shooting, self-defense?

Here are my 3 favorites:

Colt 1991 .45 ACP (for its handling)
Heckler Koch MK 23 .45 ACP (for its rounds per mag and stopping power)
Magnum Research Desert Eagle 0.357 or .50 Magnum (mostly for its punch)

 

[Longhorn85]

ttlpkg, I think that's the sniper rule. Closed quarter combat is different if I'm not mistaken.
We were always told two slugs center of mass. Or until the target is no longer a threat.

Well in that case maybe the Beretta is a superior weapon. It is very easy to change magazines and continue firing, as long as you have other loaded magazines ready to go.

 

[manny78]

Well in that case maybe the Beretta is a superior weapon. It is very easy to change magazines and continue firing, as long as you have other loaded magazines ready to go.

ye but I doubt a 9 mm could go through my level IIIA body armor...... thats the only negative aspect I find with the Berreta...but anyway for self defence its ok since not everyone is wearing a bullet proof lol

 

[Weapon X]

I'm actually going for a Kel-Tec next since I already have my basic carry and home defense needs taken care of. A subcompact, VERY easily concealable .38 is good for most circumstances unless TSHTF. (The Shit Hits the Fan! )

The 92F is fun, but too big for a small-framed guy like me to carry concealed. Even my G19 is too big unless I wear baggy clothes. It's almost useless in the Summer time.

 

[FrankRizzo]

Baretta 9mm - Pinto of Pistols
Kimber Stainless Gold Match SE II .45 ACP - A beautiful hand held cannon!

 

[1911]

Baretta 9mm - Pinto of Pistols
Kimber Stainless Gold Match SE II .45 ACP - A beautiful hand held cannon!

I'm not a "stainless kinda guy" but my primary is a Kimber 1911. Exceptional out-of-the-box quality & performance at a good price-point.

Later,

 

[Longhorn85]

Baretta 9mm - Pinto of Pistols
Kimber Stainless Gold Match SE II .45 ACP - A beautiful hand held cannon!

Pinto! OOh that is pretty bad. I'll bet many on this board don't even remember the Pinto. Come on, the Beretta is not a bad weapon for it's intended purpose. Remember in order to be an Army handgun beauty is not a desired attribute. Mainly durability, lethality and reliability.

 

[TxCollegeguy]

I was going to buy one for my 21st b-day but had to with hold due to bills...I'm going to buy one for personal use after I get into the swing of things in the Army

I enjoyed shooting one that belongs to my friends father

 

[Hugh Gellatts]

Does the army still offer .45 cal as a choice (1911 or HK)? My understanding was that because of the geneva convention the military can only use hardball (no hollow points or frangibles), and a full jacketed 9mm round has much less stopping power than .45 hardball....also at higher velocities you get over-penetration with 9mm.

 

[Laserdude]

I have a few pistols, had a s/w 9mm and did not like it. However,
I am a very skilled shooter and can nail a target at 100' with any any of them. My favorite is .357 4.0" barrel s/w.

I am a expert with any firearm.

My friends have seen me and they are amazed of how accurate I am.

Every one should have a firearm nowadays.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

 

[Longhorn85]

Does the army still offer .45 cal as a choice (1911 or HK)? My understanding was that because of the geneva convention the military can only use hardball (no hollow points or frangibles), and a full jacketed 9mm round has much less stopping power than .45 hardball....also at higher velocities you get over-penetration with 9mm.

No the Army switched over to the 9mm Beretta over 10 years ago now. Most preferred the old .45. I never fired the .45, the Beretta is all I know.

 

[Longhorn85]

Gunowners Unite! I am dishing out positive Karma to all who posted on this thread. Do the same for me if you get the inkling.

Thanks.

 

[manny78]

You people will need to convince me cause I truly dont believe in the 9 mm bullets. Thats what we have at home (a Belgian Browning 9 mm) but I'm looking for a HK mk 23..... anybody here owning such a gun ? or Desert Eagle Magnum ?

 

[chesty]

For close combat 2 to the body and one to the head. One shot one kill is a sniper's creedo and not always possible.

The military in whole switched the Baretta in 1985, I believe. A 9mm firing ball rounds is pretty useless and will require plenty of shots to stop a pumped up ghurka.

If you could use hollow points in combat that would be a different story.


For civilian carry a good hollow point, gold dot, hydra shock, silver tip, etc would do wonders for the 9mm, still a .45 is the best.

A glock does not have a trigger safety, it has a little tit that is a liability thing. It basically is there so that if sued or you go to court, there is no doubt that your finger was on the trigger and you meant to fire it.

If you forget you have a safety in a combat or defensive situation you should not be firing that weapon and should not be in combat.

 

[manny78]

SO Chesty: HK Mk 23 .45 ACP or Desert Eagle Magnum .357 ? It's hard to decide lol

 

[chesty]

Yeah, I am partial to the .357 too.

 

[manny78]

Yeah, I am partial to the .357 too.

Thanks