Best Full-Size 9mm Pistols: Top Picks for 2024
Selecting Your Ideal Firearm: The Best Full-Size 9mm Pistols
Choosing the right gun is pivotal. This is especially true when looking for the best full-size 9mm pistol for your needs. These guns are popular for good reasons. They're reliable, easy to use, and great for both beginners and experienced shooters. Whether for home defense or target practice, a full-size 9mm pistol can be a great choice.
In this guide, we'll help you understand why full-size 9mm pistols are so popular. We'll look at different types and what features to consider when picking one. We'll also share some of the best full-size 9mm pistol options available today. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to choose the perfect pistol for you.
Remember, buying a gun is a big decision. It's important to learn about your options and think about what you need. Let's dive in and explore the world of full-size 9mm pistols together!
Why Choose a Full-Size 9mm Pistol?
When looking for the best full-size 9mm pistol, you should understand why these guns are so popular. Let's look at some of the main reasons people choose them.
Reliability
Full-size 9mm pistols are known for being very reliable. This means they work well almost all the time. They don't jam or misfire often, which is important when you need your gun to work. Many police and military personnel use full-size 9mm pistols for this reason. They need to be able to count on their firearms in tough situations.
Versatility
These pistols are great for many different uses. You can use them for self-defense at home, for target practice at the range, or even for competitions. The 9mm ammo is easy to find and not too expensive, so you can practice a lot without spending too much money. This makes full-size 9mm pistols a good choice for both new and experienced shooters.
Capacity
Full-size 9mm pistols usually hold more bullets than smaller guns. Most can hold 15 to 17 bullets in one magazine. Some can even hold more. This means you don't have to reload as often when you're shooting. In a self-defense situation, having more bullets can be very important.
Accuracy
Because they're bigger, full-size 9mm pistols are often easier to shoot accurately. They have a longer barrel, which helps the bullet fly straighter. The larger grip makes it easier to hold the gun steady. Many full-size pistols also have good sights that help you aim better. All of these things together make it easier to hit your target. They're excellent at the range or in a serious real-world situation.
Types of Full-Size 9mm Pistols
When you're looking for the best full-size 9mm pistol, you'll find different types. Let's look at the main differences so you can understand what might work best for you.
Striker-fired vs. Hammer-fired
Full-size 9mm pistols usually come in two main types: striker-fired and hammer-fired.
Striker-fired pistols:
- Don't have a visible hammer
- Have a simpler design with fewer parts
- Often have a lighter and smoother trigger pull
- Examples include the Glock 17 and Smith & Wesson M&P9
Hammer-fired pistols:
- Have a visible hammer you can see and touch
- Some people find them easier to use because they can see if the gun is ready to fire
- Often have a heavier trigger pull, which some people prefer for safety
- Examples include the Beretta 92FS and CZ 75
Polymer vs. Metal Frame
The frame is the main body of the pistol. It can be made of polymer (a type of strong plastic) or metal.
Polymer frame pistols:
- Are lighter, which makes them easier to carry
- Don't rust and are easy to take care of
- Can handle rough use well
- Examples include many modern pistols like the Glock 17 and SIG Sauer P320
Metal frame pistols:
- Are heavier, which can help reduce recoil (the gun's kick when you fire)
- Some people think they look nicer
- Can last a very long time with proper care
- Examples include the CZ 75 and Beretta 92FS
Popular Action Types
The "action" of a pistol is how it fires. There are three main types:
- Single Action (SA):
- You need to cock the hammer before the first shot
- Has a light trigger pull
- Some people think this helps them shoot more accurately
- Double Action (DA):
- Pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and fires the gun
- Has a heavier trigger pull, which some people think is safer
- Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA):
- The first trigger pull is like a double action
- After the first shot, it works like a single action
- Gives you the benefits of both types
When choosing the best full-size 9mm pistol, think about what works for you. Consider which of these types feels most comfortable and suits your needs. In the next section, we'll look at important features to consider when making your choice.
Features to Look for in a Full-Size 9mm Pistol
When you're trying to find the best full-size 9mm pistol, consider several important features. Let's look at each one to help you make the right choice.
Barrel Length
The barrel is the part of the gun that the bullet travels through. In full-size 9mm pistols, barrels are usually 4 to 5 inches long.
- Longer barrels (closer to 5 inches) can make the gun more accurate and give the bullet more speed.
- Shorter barrels (closer to 4 inches) make the gun a bit easier to carry and handle.
Think about what's more important to you: accuracy or ease of handling.
Grip Design and Ergonomics
The grip is the part of the gun you hold. Good grip design is important for comfort and control.
- Look for a grip that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Some guns come with changeable backstraps to fit different hand sizes.
- Texture on the grip can help you hold the gun firmly, even if your hands are sweaty.
Remember, what feels comfortable to one person might not feel right to another. It's a good idea to hold different guns to see what works best for you.
Sights and Optics Compatibility
Sights help you aim your gun accurately. There are a few types to consider:
- Iron sights: These are the basic sights that come on most guns.
- Night sights: These glow in the dark, which can be helpful in low light.
- Red dot sights: These are electronic sights that can make aiming easier for some people.
Some guns are "optics ready," which means you can easily add different types of sights to them.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine is where the bullets are stored in the gun. Full-size 9mm pistols usually hold between 15 to 17 bullets, but some can hold more.
- Higher capacity means you can shoot more before reloading.
- Remember to check your local laws, as some places have limits on magazine capacity.
Safety Mechanisms
Safety features help prevent the gun from firing accidentally. Different guns have different types of safeties:
- Manual safety: A switch you can turn on and off.
- Trigger safety: A small lever on the trigger that must be pressed to fire.
- Grip safety: A lever on the back of the grip that must be pressed to fire.
- Firing pin block: An internal safety that helps prevent the gun from firing if dropped.
Some guns have multiple safety features. Others rely more on proper handling for safety.
Top Full-Size 9mm Pistol Models
Now that we've looked at the important features, let's examine some full-size 9mm pistols. We've chosen five popular models for your consideration. Each of these pistols has its own strengths and unique features. Remember, the best pistol for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Let's take a closer look at each one:
Glock 17 Gen3
The Glock 17 is a popular choice for many people looking for the best full-size 9mm pistol. It's known for being reliable and easy to use.
Key features:
- Barrel length: 4.5 inches
- Magazine capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Sights: Fixed
- Safety: Glock's "Safe Action" system with three automatic safeties
The Glock 17 is used by many police officers around the world. It's made with a strong polymer frame that's lightweight but tough. The gun has a simple design, which means there are fewer parts that could break. This makes it very reliable.
One thing people like about the Glock 17 is its large magazine capacity. With 17 rounds, you can shoot more before needing to reload. The trigger pull is consistent, which can help with accuracy. The gun also has a rail under the barrel where you can attach lights or lasers if you want.
Some shooters find the Glock 17 very comfortable to hold and shoot. However, others think the grip is a bit blocky. It's a good idea to hold one yourself to see how it feels in your hand.
The Glock 17 is a great all-around pistol. It works well for home defense, target shooting, and even competitions. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile full-size 9mm pistol, the Glock 17 should be on your list.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Metal
The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Metal is a newer version of a popular pistol. It's designed to be tough and perform well in different situations.
Key features:
- Barrel length: 4.2 inches
- Magazine capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Sights: White dot
- Safety: No external thumb safety
This pistol has a metal frame, which is different from many modern pistols that use plastic. The metal frame makes it a bit heavier. Some shooters like this because it can help reduce recoil when shooting.
One great thing about the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal is that it comes with four different grip inserts. This means you can change the size of the grip to fit your hand better. It also has a textured grip to help you hold it firmly.
The M&P 9 has a flat-faced trigger, which some shooters find helps them shoot more accurately. The gun is also "optics ready," which means you can easily add a small red dot sight if you want to.
Another nice feature is the forward slide serrations. These are grooves at the front of the slide that make it easier to grab when loading or checking the gun.
The M&P 9 M2.0 Metal works with many accessories made for other M&P pistols. This means you have lots of options for customizing your gun.
If you're looking for a full-size 9mm pistol that's tough and easy to customize, this could be the one. The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Metal is a fitting choice for many.
Sig Sauer P320-M17
The SIG Sauer P320-M17 is a special pistol because it's based on the gun used by the U.S. Army. It's designed to be tough and work well in many situations.
Key features:
- Barrel length: 4.7 inches
- Magazine capacity: 21+1 rounds
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Sights: SIGLITE front sight with removable night sight rear plate
- Safety: Manual thumb safety
This pistol has a coyote-tan color, which makes it look unique. The slide is made of stainless steel with a special coating to make it tough. It has black controls that stand out against the tan body.
One cool thing about the P320-M17 is that it's ready for adding a small red dot sight if you want one. It also has a rail under the barrel for attaching lights or lasers.
The grip on this gun can be changed to fit different hand sizes. This makes it comfortable for many people to shoot. The trigger is curved, which some shooters like for better control.
The P320-M17 comes with two magazines, for plenty of rounds to shoot before reloading. It also has a manual safety, which some people prefer for extra security.
This pistol is both accurate and reliable. Many people like it because it's similar to military-issued pistols. If you want a full-size 9mm pistol that's tough and has military roots, the SIG Sauer P320-M17 could be a great choice.
Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 is a full-size 9mm pistol that offers good features at a lower price than some other brands.
Key features:
- Barrel length: 4 inches
- Magazine capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Sights: Fixed front sight, drift adjustable rear sight
- Safety: Manual safety and Taurus' Safe Action System
The G3 has a polymer frame, which helps keep it lightweight. It has rough patches on the grip to help you hold it firmly, even if your hands are sweaty. The frame also has an area for your thumb to rest, which can help you aim better.
One unique feature of the G3 is its "re-strike capability." If a round doesn't fire the first time you pull the trigger, you can pull it again without racking the slide. Some shooters find this helpful.
The G3 comes with two 17-round magazines, giving you plenty of ammo. It also has a rail under the barrel for adding lights or lasers if you want.
Taurus designed the G3's trigger to have a smooth pull and a clean break. This can help with accurate shooting. The pistol's safety features include a manual safety that some shooters prefer.
Taurus guns are sometimes seen as less fancy than more expensive brands. Yet many shooters find the G3 reliable and a good value for money. If you want a full-size 9mm pistol that won't break the bank, the Taurus G3 could be worth considering.
FN 509 Tactical
The FN 509 Tactical is a full-size 9mm pistol designed for both everyday use and special purposes.
Key features:
- Barrel length: 4.5 inches
- Magazine capacity: 17+1 rounds and 24+1 rounds
- Weight: 27.9 ounces
- Sights: Fixed 3-Dot Night Sights
- Color: Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
This pistol stands out because it's ready for many add-ons. It has a special system that lets you easily attach different types of red dot sights. The sights that come with the gun are taller, so you can still use them even with a red dot or a suppressor attached.
The FN 509 Tactical has a threaded barrel, which means you can add a suppressor if you want. It also has a rail under the barrel for attaching lights or lasers.
One cool thing about this gun is that it comes with two different-sized magazines. You get one 17-round magazine and one 24-round magazine. This gives you options for how much ammo you want to carry.
The grip on the FN 509 Tactical has a rough texture to help you hold it firmly. You can also change the back of the grip to make it fit your hand better.
This pistol is fully ambidextrous. Both right-handed and left-handed shooters can easily use all the controls. This full-size 9mm pistol is ready for add-ons and has military-grade toughness. If that's what you're seeking, the FN 509 Tactical could be a great choice.
Training and Practice
Regular practice is crucial when you own a full-size 9mm pistol. Visit a local shooting range to get comfortable with your firearm. Many ranges offer classes for beginners and advanced shooters. Dry firing at home (practicing with an unloaded gun) can help improve your trigger control and aim. Always follow safety rules, even during practice. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident and skilled you'll become.
Legal Considerations
Before buying a full-size 9mm pistol, make sure you understand your local gun laws. These laws can be different depending on where you live. They might cover things like how you can carry your gun, where you can use it, and how you need to store it. Some areas have rules about magazine capacity or specific features on pistols. It's your job as a gun owner to know and follow these laws. If you're not sure about the laws in your area, talk to a local gun shop or a lawyer who knows about gun laws.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing the best full-size 9mm pistol depends on what you need and like. Think about why you want the gun — is it for home defense, target shooting, or carrying? Consider how the gun feels in your hand and how well you can shoot it. Your budget is important too, so be sure to consider it. At the same time, remember that a good pistol is a long-term investment in your safety and enjoyment. Don't rush your decision. If possible, try out different models at a range before you buy. And remember, the "best" pistol is the one that fits you well and that you'll practice with regularly. When you're ready to purchase, be sure to visit RKGuns for a full selection of 9mm pistols.
