What is the best 9mm pistol full size and compact?

[MadDuner]

I'm going to join everybody saying that 'best' is incredibly subjective.

For example, the PPQ is universally regarded as an outstanding pistol, but I am the outlier that finds the grip rather uncomfortable. The way the backstrap is shaped, the gun recoils right into the first joint on my thumb, and leaves me bruised after a while.

Despite obviously being a CZ fan, I sold my RAMI because it just didn't feel quite right in my hand or while carrying.

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I had that same problem with the Ruger American Pistol.
It would take the hide right off that first joint.
I sanded the corner almost completely off the thing and it still wasn't enough.
Traded it for a Canik TP-9SF.

[puddintame]

the best three ive shot and own. ive also had an SP01 tac as well. very reliable and accurate

[WVSurveyor]

Very subjective subject.
My HK VP9SK is hard to beat for concealed carry. Quality weapon that is accurate, reliable, easy to conceal and shoot and is also ambidextrous.
There are others out there but this one has to be on or near the top.
On the full size I guess it depends on what you want to do with it: duty weapon, carry weapon or range toy. It also depends on your physical
composition (ie hand size, finger reach, etc.). CZ 75's go on the list without saying. I also have shot and liked G17 and G19, FN 509, Sig P226
and P229 and I also like the P320 even with its well documented issue. Good quality 1911's are also right there. All these weapons are quality firearms that will do the job.

[KnightSchneider]

This is straight opinion, but for me, the Glock 34 and Glock 19 are it.

Those are what work for me.

It caused me great pain to admit this to myself, as I sort of cut my teeth on shooting the CZ75 family.  But the shot timer and targets do not lie; I shoot Glocks better.

YMMV

[Chicago Dude]

To me - 75B and PCR.

[0119]

Sig 226 & Glock 19

What does best mean anyway?  To me it means it lasts...and lasts.  I agree with the 226, it was on my side for 25 years.  Gluck tells all adopting agencies that they recommend their product be replaced after 5 years in a holster.  Gaston also admitted in court testimony that it only costs him $64 and change to make one.  That doesnt sound "best" to me.

[AngelDeVille]

I like my CZ P-09 for full size and my Ruger LC9S for compact.

[GeneticallySwiss]

I think people are conflating the question of 'the best' with 'my favorite'. Two different things, although the results might be similar.

con?flate


/k?n?fl?t/


verb

gerund or present participle: conflating




combine (two or more texts, ideas, etc.) into one.
"the urban crisis conflates a number of different economic and social issues"


synonyms: mix, blend, fuse, unite, integrate
"the plot gets weighed down when the writers conflate too many issues into one episode"


GS

[Vinny]

I think people are conflating the question of 'the best' with 'my favorite'. Two different things, although the results might be similar.

con?flate


/k?n?fl?t/


verb

gerund or present participle: conflating




combine (two or more texts, ideas, etc.) into one.
"the urban crisis conflates a number of different economic and social issues"


synonyms: mix, blend, fuse, unite, integrate
"the plot gets weighed down when the writers conflate too many issues into one episode"


GS

Well Said.
So to avoid CONFLATING the issue of best 9mm; may I suggest we consider each 'manual of arms' type of pistol separately. Some examples:

Best Striker Fired 9mm (Glocks, HK VP-9, CZ P-10); Best DA/SA de-cocker (Sigs, CZ's), Best SAO Manual Safety (1911), Best Decocker with Safety (FNHFNXTactical,Beretta, S&W), Best DAO (Sig, S&W,Kahr), etc. Otherwise, we're talking about best type of action, not best gun.  Just Say'in. 

[zaxXxon]

Full-size: Walther PPQ
Compact: PX4 compact carry

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[RPN]

the best three ive shot and own. ive also had an SP01 tac as well. very reliable and accurate

Those are beautiful.

For me, I shoot my 75 BD and PCR the best.  But...my Valor is like a work of art and pleasure to own and shoot.

[matty76]

Full Size:  Cz75 SP01
Compact: Cz75 P01

 

Yep. Totally agree. But admittedly biased .


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[matty76]

Full Size:  Cz75 SP01
Compact: Cz75 P01

 

Yep. Totally agree. But admittedly biased .


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Would also add that P-01 has crappy sights so that needs to be upgraded and then it truly is the best compact.


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[DWARREN]

The CZ basic sights work well for me, I like them.

[s0nspark]

I think people are conflating the question of 'the best' with 'my favorite'. Two different things, although the results might be similar.

Can't disagree...but...

without scientific testing, all we have is our own personal perspective of 'Best'.

I'd suggest your entries are based on just that, unless you're SAAMI, CIP, or UL.

Unless someone can present a pistol that never fails in any way then the idea of "BEST" doesn't exist and we are back to OPINIONS.

Well... not exactly.

Best should be thought of as "most suitable for a given person and purpose." Those details are often omitted, though, making discussions like this somewhat maddening. ;-)

Ideally one would state how a pistol is to be used and any relevant circumstances, mitigating factors or other details that would affect choice and then we could discuss the merits more pragmatically.  The best competition pistol is not the best backup gun, etc, etc...

That said, I personally am currently only working with pistols intended for self defense and am quite sold on the hammer-fired polymer P-series guns for this particular application. The only downside at the moment is that there isn't a subcompact offering for those who like or need to go small.