The 9 best 9mm gun brands

9mm Gun Buying Guide

When it comes to firearms, the 9mm handgun is an immensely popular choice among gun enthusiasts. It is one of the most versatile handguns on the market, and can be used for everything from self-defense to competition shooting. However, with so many 9mm handguns available, it can be tough to decide which one is the best for you. In this buying guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to choose the right 9mm handgun.

Quality Brands

One of the first things you need to consider when buying a 9mm handgun is the brand. It's essential to choose a quality brand because you want your handgun to be reliable and durable. Some of the most reputable brands in the firearms industry include:

• Glock
• Smith & Wesson
• Heckler & Koch
• Sig Sauer
• Walther
• Beretta

These brands have been in the market for a long time and have been tested and proven to be reliable over time. So, when choosing your 9mm handgun, it's best to consider one of these brands.

Purpose

Another critical factor you need to consider is the purpose of your 9mm handgun. Why do you want to purchase a 9mm handgun? Here is a breakdown of typical 9mm uses:

• Self-defense: If you're purchasing a 9mm handgun for self-defense, you'll want to focus on features such as the size, weight, and magazine capacity. You'll want a gun that is easy to handle and that you can carry concealed if needed.
• Target Shooting: If you're purchasing a 9mm handgun for target shooting, you'll be more focused on accuracy, trigger pull, and barrel length. You'll also want a handgun with a more substantial frame to reduce recoil and enable steadier aim.
• Competition Shooting: If you plan to use your 9mm handgun for competition shooting, you'll want to look at handguns with longer barrels, adjustable sights, and grip styles. You'll also want to consider magazine and trigger upgrades to improve your speed and accuracy.

Knowing the primary use of your handgun will help you narrow down your list of potential investments and ensure you make a wise purchasing decision.

Size and Weight

The compact size and weight of a 9mm handgun make it an ideal choice for personal defense. Buying a handgun that's too heavy or too big may make it difficult to carry, which will affect your ability to use it when necessary.

On the other hand, if you're a bigger person, a smaller 9mm handgun may be challenging to hold and accurately shoot. It's important to strike a balance and buy a handgun with a size and weight that's comfortable for you to handle.

Magazine Capacity

Magazine capacity refers to the number of bullets that a handgun can hold. Generally, 9mm handguns come with a magazine capacity of 6, 7, 8, 10, or 15 rounds. The magazine capacity plays an essential role, especially when it comes to self-defense. You'll want a handgun with a high magazine capacity, and at least 10 rounds. A high magazine capacity means more rounds before the need to reload, which gives you more chances to defend yourself without having to reload constantly.

Sights

The sights of a handgun help the shooter align the firearm's barrel with the target accurately. You must consider the sight when choosing your handgun. There are four types of sights:

• Fixed iron sights: These are the most common and reliable sights. They come standard on most handguns.
• Adjustable iron sights: These sights are more adaptable to varying distances than fixed iron sights.
• Red dot sights: Red dot sights are more expensive than other types of sights, but they offer a large field-of-view and high precision.
• Hybrid sights: Hybrid sights combine an iron sight with a red dot sight. This makes them more adaptable than other types of sights.

Consider what type of sight will be most effective for the primary purpose of your handgun before making a purchase.

Trigger Pull

The trigger pull is the force needed to pull the trigger of a handgun. It's important to choose a handgun with a trigger pull that you're comfortable with, and that's consistent. Trigger pull can be adjusted or customized, but it's important to try out the trigger pull before purchasing the handgun.

Grip

The grip of a handgun can significantly impact the accuracy of the shooter. A comfortable grip will help reduce the recoil of the handgun, which is especially important if you plan to use the handgun for competitive shooting or self-defense. Some handguns come with different grip styles, and some manufacturers offer interchangeable grips that you can customize.

Price

The price of a 9mm handgun varies depending on the brand, features offered, and other factors. Generally, you can expect to spend between $300 and $800 on a 9mm handgun. If you're a beginner, it's best to choose something on the lower end of the price range. As you gain experience, you can upgrade to more advanced handguns if needed.

Maintenance

Like any other firearm, proper maintenance is critical for the longevity and safety of your 9mm handgun. Before purchasing a handgun, make sure you understand the maintenance requirements and ensure you're up for the task. Some features to consider when it comes to maintenance include ease of disassembly, the number of parts, and the availability of replacement parts.

The Bottom Line

The 9mm handgun is a great investment for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, target shooting, and competition shooting. However, before purchasing a handgun, it's important to consider factors such as brand, purpose, size and weight, magazine capacity, sights, trigger pull, grip, price, and maintenance. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose a handgun that suits your needs.