A question for the cognoscenti, and Greg, I'd especially like your take on this.
Glock and M&P advocates need not apply. BTDT.

At a large LGS I recently fondled all the following:
VP9
P320
PPQ M2
FNS

Liked the ergos on all of them. The FN had the nicest trigger, though they were all pretty nice. Was also impressed by the FNX, but I'm in a 12 step program to wean me off DA/SA.
They all have multiple changeable grip configurations. All hold 15-17 rounds, not a deal breaker for me. Price isn't a major consideration, though I can get a really good deal on the Sig.

Don't know which way to go with this. Or maybe I should do the troglodyte thing and get another 1911!
Dare I even try to find a Ruger American?

Thanks for all opinions,
Pete

I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

Of those listed I like the Sig the least. Mostly because of the low grip/bore axis. They shoot just fine and I like the trigger.

The PPQ and VP9 are so alike, and I really like both.

But honestly you just won't go wrong with any of them.

I'll throw in the H&K P30LS...if you prefer a manual safety

I like DA/SA, so go with a Sig 2022 - best deal out there:



Striker-fired with more class and a few more bucks, Kahr TP-9 (single stack 8+1). The TP-9 is flat and compact, carries beautifully, and shoots much easier than the pocket nines:

Why are you against Glock and MP?

I bought the FNH FNS 9 when I was looking for a striker fired handgun. To date, no FTF/FTE and it's a great shooter. BTW, the trigger gets even better with use. I also like the manual safety/no manual safety choice.

The Ruger American felt heavy and cumbersome in the hand, so I passed on it. I owned a Glock 20 and the Glocks are not for me. I don't care for the others for various reasons.

The Sig will have the greatest volume of aftermarket parts available if you are interested in playing with it or compeditive endeavors. If your looking to keep it stock I would lean towards the FNS. I would avoid the Walther, traditionally they are not pursued by the American gun industry regarding parts and options such as sights etc.

Price no big deal? Might want to wait for this.....

Kahr TP9 gen2 premium.

…..kinda a left handed salute there isn't it???? :-)

….of the guns on your list, I only own the 320 and the FNS…..I prefer the options and flexibility of the Sig but like the ergonomics of the FNS better……the trigger on the FNS is better (out of the box) but not enough to make a big difference. The grip is the major thing that I like better on the FN. I've played with the PPQ but never owned one---their trigger seems really nice…….I don't know if you remember Rick Staples from Powder Creek, but he seems to really like the VP and he's in a position to know……Quite honestly, I don't think that there's a nickel's worth of difference between the guns objectively----most of the differences are subjective……..relative to your final comment: you can never go wrong getting another 1911 and you can never enhance your life by acquiring a Ruger….JMO….of course, if I'm not the Greg that you were referring to, please disregard the above!! :-)


PM me if you want more…..

I all most forgot, have you tried the Springfield XD's. They are great pistols, tons of options.

"Don't know which way to go with this. Or maybe I should do the troglodyte thing and get another 1911!"

..there you go..answered your own question.

Get one of the new Colt Commanders...all decked out and ready to carry...

Bob

I really like the FNs. Wouldn't mind doing a little piddling with a VP9.

Thanks guys, keep 'em coming.

I picked up the 320C in 9mm about 6 months ago. For me, the grip feels like putting on a glove. By far the most comfortable handgun I have ever owned and very easy to shoot as well and the best trigger I have felt on an out of the box striker fired handgun.

We were shooting back over Christmas, me and my family and my neighbor and his family. Ages went from 13 to 50 both male and female. Handguns were Glock 19, Kimber commander, Ruger LCP and Glock 26.

Shooting at steel at 60 feet, most everyones hits were running about 30%. After everyone had shot for a while I got out my 320C and handed it to my neighbors 13 year old son. His hits went to 80+% and everyone else shot it and there hits went up close to 80% as well.

Personally, the Sig is the best striker fired handgun I have ever owned.

Holy cow! I like the look of that Kahr TP-9.

The author mentioned the P-45, I love mine and feel the same way he does about it.
I have 3 friends who have bought a P-45 after shooting mine.
A couple of others bought P-40's and a P-9.

I might have to look into one of those TP-9's for my wife and daughter. The double stack guns are way too bulky in the grip for them to get comfortable with them.

As nice as the VP9 is, it's really not $200 better than the competition, and probably not as good as some of the cheaper guns.

Apparently, those two letters are worth a Benjamin apiece.

Well, speaking of Benjies - better pull a few extra out. I don't know what the price will be on the TP9 gen2, but the gen1 TP9 lists for $700. Holy smoke! The K9 now lists for $880! Glad I got mine early. I paid something just under $350.

Snagged a FNS with safety on Gunbroker for 4 bills yesterday. Still thinking I might have to have the SIG also. We'll see.

Currently own or have owned G17, G19x2, G20x2, G21x2, G23, G26, G30 and a G36. With my smallish hands the ergos bring to mind holding a 2x4. And every one of them needed trigger work and better sights.

The M&P 45 I have feels good in the hand, but the trigger sucks balls.

Forget all those you have on the List and buy the Glock 19 and start with the best.

If you have "smallish" hands you really should take a close look at the Kahr.

That's good to hear - I recently bought a P320C but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Just handling it, the grip does feel better to me than any I've tried (except a 1911 ). I went 357 Sig and am looking forward to the new combo...

Try shooting a VP9. I really like mine. To save a few bucks take a look at the Canik TP9.

The weak point on the VP9 is the mag lever. They should have done a reversible American-style mag release.

I've never been much of a fan of Ruger's centerfire autos but was heartily impressed by the 9mm and .45 Americans I handled. They really did their homework this time. I wish now I'd gone ahead and bought the 9mm but wanted to wait and see if they come out with a threaded barrel version.

Lots of people are saying that the frame design causes pain to the thumb knuckle under recoil.

Thanks, I'll have to pay attention to that area the next time I handle one.

It's not?

How did you determine that?



Travis

Mags are very expensive from what I have seen for the FN's. Don't know the hate for M&P or Glock but they would be my first choices for a wonder-nine. In that order. I absolutely hated the Ruger SR9 but to each unto his own.

I have big hands, but the way the original full-size USP fits my hands just makes almost all other pistols seem silly and stupid in comparison. SAO Sig P-series are on the tryout list. With the right grips, they even feel better than a USP. I like the slimness of a 1911's slide, but the grips don't have that "just right" feel to me.

There's a competition version of the P320 coming out later this year that's supposed to take that model to another level. If I was shopping striker-fire polymers, I'd hold off until those become available. PPQ and VP9 are tied as likely the best until then - different but about equally good triggers, just a matter of whichever you like better.