Glock vs. Beretta (9mm)

Myself | 07/29/2002 | New Horizon

[New Horizon]

FReepers,

I went and checked out 9mm handguns today. I was looking at the Glock 9mm (mid-size), but was impressed with the Beretta 9mm.

The Glock was light, felt like plastic (or carbon)...what is that material?

The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand (heavier, all metal, etc.)

I am looking for opinions as to which gun is the better of the two. Also, the reasons for your opinions. In any case, I'm looking at the 9mm as a personal protection handgun.

As always, your comments mean a lot to me. Thanks.

[Cuttnhorse]

If you are sold on the 9mm, have a look at the Springfield XD9. I have a friend who shoots a lot with me and he likes my XD9 better than his Glock. His son just bought an XD9. I’m very impressed with mine after about 1200 rounds through it.

[Cuttnhorse]

What I found way cool about the night sights on my XD9; the little buggers glow in the dark and if you wake up to a noise in the middle of the night, the pistol is easy to find on your nightstand or under your pillow, or where-ever.

[Xenalyte]

Pinging Eaker ‘cause he has on occasion expressed some rather strongly worded opinions about Glocks.

Me, I don’t like Glocks. They feel girly and not substantial enough . . . they’re the Kia of guns.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand

You can train yourself to shoot any firearm with skill, that's just a matter of range time and a good teacher. However, if you don't immediately like the feel, odds are good you're not going to enjoy learning to use it.

Go with your gut and buy the Beretta. The good thing about firearms is they don't lose a great deal of overall value unless you abuse it through poor storage, dropping, etc.

If you find later you aren't still enamored of the Beretta, sell it and try the Tupper-Ware.

[Gideon Reader]

The correct expression is penetration.
9mm’s are a faster round and usually have greater penetration than the larger and usually slower .45acp round.

[Gideon Reader]

Your premise is based on a minimum of training hours. If you are not prepared to train you will not rise to the situation but rather default to the lowest level of your training.
Each bullet has a nasty greedy attorney attached to it, so be careful of the presentation or use of any weapon regardless of your ultimate selection.

[Cuttnhorse]

I have a Sig P229 in .40 S&W...a really nice shooter. And, the one constant theme on these gun threads is that if you are going to be proficient with any weapon, you have to practice...a lot. I have attended two CCW classes and shoot every weekend a minimum of 100-rounds...and I suspect many posters will tell you that isn’t a lot, even for a non law enforcement private citizen. You owe it to yourself and those around you to be very familiar with you weapon. If you can not dedicate the time or $$ to buy ammo, don’t buy a pistol.

[Recovering Hermit]

This is just too weird...

I posted this thread WAY back in 2002, and somebody resurrected it. My moniker since 1998 was "New Horizon", changed some time back in '04, methinks. Anyway, I went with a Ruger .357 revolver.

If that thing can't stop an intruder, I don't know what else could.

FReegards,

Hermit.

[Gideon Reader]

Kind of pesky concealing that scattergun under a Guayabere or polo shirt.

[joseph20]

A .40 or .45 is a much better personal protection caliber.

That's quite simply nonsense. Top 9mm loads are every bit as effective as the .40S&W or .45ACP.

[joseph20]

Caliber is important, but bullet selection is critical. A quality 9mm JHP like Golden Saber or Cor-Bon is a more effective bullet than 45 FMJ- don't assume 9mm is an ineffective caliber.

This is correct. Some of you slamming the 9mm or promoting the .40S&W or .45ACP as superior should go on a real gun enthusiast sight and see what kind of reaction you get.

[Sprite518]

Glocks are primarily Cop guns and Special Forces. They do not have a Safety Lock and I believe they are water proof. Good for close shots only.

The Beretta has a problem with the firing pin. It wares out after a 1000 rounds have been fired. This is the reason why The Marine Corps went back to the Colt 45. Colt 45 is an outstanding. A lot more accurate then the other two.

If you want something small, then I suggest a 357 Snub Nose. However, if you just want a kick put hand gun. Then get a Desert Eagle.

[Who is John Galt?]

My old Ruger P-85 till shoots & feels a lot better (as far as I’m concerned) than any Glock or Beretta I’ve ever fired - and I have buddies that own both. FWIW, I also love the old S&W Model 39. Obviously, YMMV, etc. Try ‘em out, & buy what suits you - that’s the American way...

[halfright]

Its a loaded question, dude...I am partial to my Walther PPKs.

Best thing would be to go to a range where you can try different calibers and different manufacturers...One of my favorite weapons for close in is a Model 36 S&W. Its hard to stop at one gun once ya start collecting. For in house Family protection , I suggest a 12 gauge shot gun. Hard to miss with a shot gun.
GL

[Recovering Hermit]

I ended up getting a Ruger .357 Magnum revolver.

I love this gun...it has some heft, just feels right, and most certainly will stop just about anything that is unfortunate enough to be in my sights.

As an added bonus, I use .38 ammo for plinking and target practice, and save quite a few $$$.

I took a little bit of time, but I'm very comfortable and pretty deadly with this piece these days.

FReegards, RH (formerly NH)...

[Marine Inspector]

Don’t buy a 9mm!

[Sprite518]

Hey if you are ever in the neighborhood for a good rifle. Then I suggest the 50 Cal

Here is a short video of it. Just watch it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtzk8HNPzHY

Here is the link for it,

http://www.barrettrifles.com/rifle_82.aspx

[Doomonyou]

There has been some posts pushing for .357 revolvers (I have this one) but I'm thinking about a semi auto as well. (Ya just can't have too many.)

Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in the early 1980's. It was chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P calibers. The 600 series Smith & Wesson revolvers are true workhorses for both duty and sporting use. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6 or 7 round cylinders.

7 rounds kinda makes the "did he fire 6 shots or only 5" a moot point!

[Recovering Hermit]

See #155 for updates.

I own a .357 Mag now...and love it.

[Gideon Reader]

I have read most of the 157 plus messages and advice that you have been given so far.
The next sound you hear will be my scream. Thank you for listening.
AARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

G.Reader