Best 9mm for Multipurpose Use?

I have a P99 9mm with the AS trigger. The pistol performs well with no problems. I actually prefer the paddle style mag release.

I also love the grip of the PPQ and the trigger as well. It's just about impossible to find the first generation PPQ that came with the paddle mag release (M1) new in stores. All I can find new now are the M2 version PPQ with the traditional thumb button mag release, which if I remember correctly, is reversible for left thumb use. I've seen quite a few lightly used PPQ M1 versions on Armslist for sale.

The trigger on the PPQ is sweet, but in a different way than the P99-AS.

I wouldn't get ride of my P99 to get a PPQ M1 or M2, but if I had none of the three, I would buy a PPQ M1 or M2 over any P99 trigger configuration. Of course since I actually like the mag release of the M1 version, I would actually buy a great condition used M1 over a new M2.

The P99's rear sight is also adjustable with a screwdriver that comes with the pistol from the factory and also various front sight heights that you can easily change out yourself with the supplied allen wrench.

With the Walthers out of the way, my next choice would be S&W's M&P 9mm full size.

I have a few questions, and asking yourself this might help a little if you didn't already decide.

Do you like the unique magazine release? I ask because it is not like others, and if you carry another gun after spending most of your range time with this one you might lose familiarity during a stressful situation. I tend to get similar designs so every gun I use is like "practicing" with my carry.

Do you carry with a round in the chamber? Because this gun does not have an external safety. I know the best safety is between your ears, and sometimes an uncomfortable safety is worse than none but still it's something to think about. Some people like them, some hate them but its something to consider.

Do you carry a spare magazine? I am not sure if this comes with 2 or if they are available but my father was having a heck of a time finding another magazine for his other Walther.

Just a few things I think about when I am contemplating another purchase. It is quite frustrating when you are looking for say, a molded holster, tritium night sights, or some other aftermarket item for a gun that isn't widely supported / available.

This isn't to dissuade you from making your purchase, because sometimes unique guns are attractive because they are unique, but there is a certain "niceness" that comes into play when you are certain that whatever gun shop / store you walk into will carry whatever you are looking for / need for your firearm.

Maybe look at these things in your travels and ask around if they have a part / item for your gun and the less likely they are to have it, the more annoying it gets when you really want to make a change.

I'm not a big fan of Walthers, but they're good guns.

I'm also not a huge connoisseur of 9mm Paras, though that's my only handgun currently. I think I'd rather have a wheelgun or a 1911, honestly, but if I had to pick a 9mm Para, I'd probably go with either a Springfield XD or a S&W M&P, since those both fit my hand better than a Glock. Nothing wrong with Glocks, except that they don't fit me.

I think, if you are average-sized, any quality full-size or compact (not subcompact) 9mm Para could make a fine range and carry gun. Ultimately, it will depend upon how you intend to carry it concealed, and what fits you best.

I'd present an alternative even if not quite as popular choice.. Beretta makes the PX4 system, which I actually do like shooting. Both the pistol and the carbine are (for me anyway) well balanced and comfortable. The price point is not as low as I'd prefer for the pistol, but having both the pistol and carbine feeding from common magazines can definately extend the fun factor and time on targets for the range day. The pistol is a bit large for CCW use though.

There is only one answer...The Walther P99 AS in 9mm ( or the compact version P99C AS).

It is better than any Glock in every way.

You cannot buy a better do everything handgun than a 9mm P99 AS.

I am 50 yrs. old and have had just about every model of handgun.

My knowledge will save you A LOT of time, effort and money.

1 ) personally I would not buy a Walther. Only Walther I would ever buy would be from WW2. A P38 or P08.

2 ) I am NOT a 9MM fan. The only one I own is a Colt Combat Commander. The Browning High Power would also be a nice one to have. With the larger frame metal handguns, they are just a really nice, well balanced gun to shoot. I do not know for certain, BUT, do not think I would consider the Walther as a range type target gun. I ca not say I have not known anyone who shot one long enough for me to know for certain how they hold up. Either of my prior suggestions, well, no problem shooting them allot.

I might would choose that gun over a Glock. And, I would probably never choose a Glock.

That gun will probably run $650-ish otd. For a range gun you can do better. I mean- you can buy a used Sig 226/229 for that price. Then there is Beretta 92, CZ-75, Stoeger Cougar, Bersa Pro (don't laugh its a serious econo gun), CZ-p07, Sig 2022.

Personally, I don't have much use for Walthers or the 9x19 round...and I would pick a Glock over any other mid priced handgun on the market today. ( in 10 mm ) They are strong, reliable, simple and the overall choice of LE personnel, worldwide....but I guess all the "haters" know more than we do...lol.

The best 9mm handgun out there is the Browning High Power with an adjustable sight. All others are lesser guns. The only exception Swiss SIG P-210. it looses out solely on magazine capacity.

Glock 19