[Stat-boy]

Both are fine handguns. If you can, shoot them (borrow just about any model 9mm of each). Pick whichever feels the best for you. I know experienced shooters who would pick a Glock, and I know experienced shooters who would pick a Beretta.

[zandtar]

I'm looking at the 9mm as a personal protection handgun.

Then I'd go with a .45 instead of a 9mm. More stopping power and less 'punch through' which puts non-targets at risk.

[OKSooner]

In 9mm's I'm impressed with the small Taurus and the Kahr line of 9mm's. I personally don't like the Glocks because the only way you can decock one of them is to remove the magazine, empty the chamber, and then drop the firing pin. Otherwise you're stuck in SA mode after the first shot. The SIGs are nice too, if you can afford them.

Do you own a good .357 revolver?

[Blood of Tyrants]

Look at a Sig Sauer also.

[luckodeirish]

I love my Sig! Especially the night sights.

But what do I know, I'm a girl...

[JoeFromCA]

Get ready for about 1,000 replies.

I've often wondered whether these queries ("which gun is better?") aren't posted by one of our friendly government agencies, compiling records on gun ownership.

Blame it on paranoia, but I wouldn't tell a stranger what guns I own, and certainly wouldn't post it on the internet.

[45Auto]

Both are fine pistols which serve the intended purpose well. You didn't say if your "personal protection" would involve daily concealed carry. If so, then you might consider that the Beretta is a bit heavier than the Glock. Also, one thing that I have a hard time getting used to is the transition from the first shot to the second shot with the DA/SA Beretta. Some people are very comfortable with the latter, of course. The best thing is to try out each gun to see which one you like better, but my opinion is to get one of each!

[IsItTimeYet]

Personally, I like the Beretta. The 92S is a reliable and easy to control pistol. They also make a version of the 92 that is intended as a concealed carry pistol. It is slightly smaller than the standard but is essentially the same gun.

I've shot both the full size and the "custom carry" competitively (I brought in better numbers with the smaller size "custom") and found them to be both accurate and reliable ( and alot safer than a glock). Needless to say, I have a high opinion of them.

My vote goes with the Berretta...

[oldsalt]

Either one is probably as good as the other.

My question would be,why 9mm? IMHO 9mm is a weak round that requires very good placement to be effective. The .45 auto or the .40 S&W would be a better choice if it were up to me.

On the other hand I'm wedded to wheelguns, .357 and .45 LC ,or .38 Special for that matter, so what do I know?

[elbucko]

"The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand.."

Sez it all.

[Double Tap]

The Glock 19 is an excellent pistol. That is the model you are refering to, mid size 9mm Glock. Glock has a well earned reputation for reliability and ease of service. Very simple to operate, just like a revolver. No safety levers, just press trigger and fire. That is also one of the reasons some people don't like the Glock, it is easier to fire, thus the fear is that it would be easier to have a negligent discharge.

I have a Glock 17, full size 9mm, that I have put over 4,000 rounds through with no failures at all, period. I have a G32C, mid size 357 SIG with compensator ports, that I have put over 1,000 rounds through with no failures. I can't speak highly enough about them.

On the other hand, I had a G36, compact 45ACP, that was a POS, so not all Glocks are created equal.

I don't have a lot of experience with the Beretta, but the experience I've had has been good.

[Euro-American Scum]

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.

I've fired both, in various calibers. To tell you where I come down on this, I'll put it this way: I own three Glocks. I've yet to buy a Baretta.

What I like about Glocks (short list, since Glock lovers can go on and on and on):

1. It feels comfortable in my hand -- hands down (no pun intended) the most important factor for me.

2. It's simple to operate, disassemble, clean and reassamble.

3. I really grew to like the lack of an external safety and the unique safety features that Glock offers. Trust me, you'll get used to them. And you'll come to appreciate the inherent safety features the gun offers.

4. It is simply the most accurate handgun I've ever fired.

As for your choice if caliber, if this gun is for personal protection, I'd seriously consider something a little stronger than a 9mm, but then I freely admit I'm a .45 caliber snob.

[Crispy]

I don't have any experience with the Beretta but I am happy with my Glock 17. I have shot over 50 boxes worth of ammo at the local firing range and have never had a jam.

[FreedomFarmer]

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

Dude, you're gonna get a Beretta</Dell Dude off>

_{(although the Glock is always the better choice...)}

[Zathras]

Demo, demo, demo.
I was happy with my Glock 19 for years until I shot a Kimber .45.
Bought a Kimber Gold Combat two weeks later and havn't shot the Glock since.

[TroutStalker]

I have a Glock .45 and my son has a Beretta 9mm. Both are fine firearms and I'll recommend either, although for personal protection I think .45 is way superior in stopping power.

BTW, that extra heft can feel like considerably more weight after carrying for some time.The best carry gun is one you will carry comfortably and that you can handle and shoot accurately. There is a good article in the current American Rifleman magazine from the NRA on this issue (August) that is worth reading.

[JennysCool]

Whoa...I thought this was a Robert Blake thread!

[FireTrack]

Check out the H&K UPS .45. Like you I didn't like the feel of the Glock but love the UPS. It's used by the Navy Seals and has many great features (i.e. corrosion resistant finish, left or right hand models, great decocker, reliability, reduced recoil, accurracy and more).

[Lion Den Dan]

I am a Civillian trainer working for the U.S. Army. I work with the M9 (Beretta 92) and have a very low opinion of the weapon for durability - firing pin breaks and can result in a discharge when decocking - guns are prone to failure to feed - firing pin block actuator is prone to breakage during assembly. It is a difficult gun to shoot well.

Glocks are no more likely to discharge unintentionaly than any othe pistol if you don't pull the trigger. I shoot combat courses and see many Glocks and seldom see a Beretta. Glocks have feed problems too but I believe they are generally associated with the .40 S&W hand loads so is not an issue for your choice. Glocks seem very durable and while I do not like the plastic feel of the gun, it points very well. After market equipment to adjust or tune your trigger to different weight pull is readily available and not too spendy. The Glock is, in my opinion, a superior pistol compared to the Beretta.

I will not enter the .45 vs 9mm argument. I have my on oopinion but you desire a 9mm and I assure you that you can buy ammo delivered to your door for $120 per thousand. Only thing cheaper is a .22. With any caliber, you have to put the bullet where it needs to be put. Do that and all will be well.

[donozark]

You may wish to look at a CZ -75. Can still get hi-cap mags. Accurate, dependable. A bit heavy, but not for most. At $350, cheaper than most.

My Glock 26 (pocket rocket) is a nice little pistol. A bit small for a hog-head like myself. Be sure not to "limp wrist" it. Also, I've noted they tend to shoot down and to the L. Practice makes perfect.

Some will tell you a 9MM is an insufficient man-stopper. Yet, 9MM have been killing people for years. Try Gold Dots. Or Cor-Bon. Main thing is to get what is right for YOU!

Inspite of owning numerous pistols, I keep a PYTHON .357 Mag for a "pillow gun." Wheel guns are dependable beyond all. And in .357Mag? If used for home defense, you'll need to call Service Master afterwards...