I do have a fairly specific definition for “Wonder Nine” though. The term originally referred to high-capacity 9mm DA pistols that started to replace DA revolvers for duty. That’s not very useful today since almost every 9mm pistol under the sun fits that description. So I’d narrow it down to hammer-fired (DA/SA or DAO), metal-framed pistols. So the SIG P226, Beretta 92, and CZ 75 fit. The Glock 17 and HK USP do not. I would also narrow it down further to pistols that use a derivation of the Browning HP magazine, but that would exclude the Steyr GB.This message has been edited. Last edited by: MacGyver, January 15, 2024 09:44 PM
January 14, 2024, 04:46 PM
divil
These days it is an M9 Beretta, 92FS compact and the last while not a wondernine but definitely old school my Smith 439.
January 14, 2024, 06:33 PM
bobtheelf
I love a Hi Power.
January 14, 2024, 07:20 PM
mbinky
Old school? Beretta all day and every day. It's been my living room gun for ages. (This one is a 92FS with factory night sights, including a dovetailed front sight. Non-radiused backstrap and straight dustcover. Just like the M9 I used to love, sans night sights of course lol).
January 14, 2024, 09:19 PM
Marlin Fan
Beretta 92 or SIG P229.
January 14, 2024, 09:37 PM
clang
Lots of great recommendations already mentioned. I’ll add the Walther P88 if you have big hands and a big pocketbook.
It’s completely ambidextrous so especially good for southpaws.
A Bersa Thunder 9 is a poor man’s substitute.
January 14, 2024, 11:21 PM
shooter1201
3rd Gen S&W.
I was paid $7.54/HR to go into harm's way so you didn't have to.
January 14, 2024, 11:31 PM
BB61
HK P7 M-13 or M-8.
__________________________
January 15, 2024, 07:32 PM
dcowboyscr
Beretta 92FS SIG P226 HK P7M8 or M13 S&W 5906
In that order.
"Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose."
January 15, 2024, 07:38 PM
357fuzz
While I like HK’s a whole lot I have to disagree w/ the previous two posts voting for the HK P7M8. IIRC one of the definitions of a “wonder nine” was a double stack magazine.
Heck, now I even question my vote for the HK P7M13 since, I believe another one of the “wonder nine” parameters was DA/SA. The P7 series was striker fire.
January 15, 2024, 09:38 PM
HKshooterusp
quote:
Originally posted by 357fuzz: While I like HK’s a whole lot I have to disagree w/ the previous two posts voting for the HK P7M8. IIRC one of the definitions of a “wonder nine” was a double stack magazine.
Heck, now I even question my vote for the HK P7M13 since, I believe another one of the “wonder nine” parameters was DA/SA. The P7 series was striker fire.
Agreed. No P7's, and must be double stack, hence the name. Striker guns weren't really a thing yet, P7 too odd and expensive, Glock, well, nobody wanted a plastic gun!
January 15, 2024, 11:52 PM
arcwelder
The P7 is a wonderful gun. Carrying one now is a terrible idea.
Of currently available firearms, I would lean towards the G17.
Arc. ______________________________ "Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed"- Johnny Cash "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." - Pee Wee Herman Rode hard, put away wet. RIP JHM "You're a junkyard dog." - Lupe Flores. RIP
January 16, 2024, 08:36 AM
rat2306
A consideration on the choice hit me this morning; which of the choices would work best with gloved hands in Winter? Given the OP is from Minnesota, that may be a factor. Tried several of mine this morning with good, insulated leather gloves; winner was the Beretta. It's not on his list, but my SP-2022 was second best.
January 16, 2024, 01:13 PM
SPG
226
" Life is full of choices', Choices have consequences."
January 16, 2024, 03:44 PM
RaiseHal
Browning Hi Power
It's a shame that youth is wasted on the young --- Mark Twain
Anyone who is not a liberal by age 20 has no heart; anyone who is not a conservative by age 40 has no brain---Winston Churchill
