The 9mm caliber is one of the most popular and versatile rounds used globally. Its balance of manageable recoil, adequate stopping power, and high capacity makes it a favorite among military, law enforcement, and civilian users. Here’s a look at ten of the best 9mm firearms, their origins, manufacturers, history of usage, and the countries that use them.
1. Glock 17
- Origin: Austria
- Manufacturer: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
- History: Introduced in 1982, the Glock 17 revolutionized the handgun market with its polymer frame and striker-fired action. Its simplicity, reliability, and high capacity (17+1 rounds) quickly made it a favorite among law enforcement and military units.
- Usage: Used by numerous countries, including the USA (various law enforcement agencies), Austria, Norway, and Finland.
2. Sig Sauer P226
- Origin: Germany/Switzerland
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- History: Developed in the 1980s as a contender for the U.S. military’s XM9 trials, the P226 is known for its accuracy and durability. Although it lost to the Beretta 92FS, it gained popularity in law enforcement and military circles worldwide.
- Usage: Used by the Navy SEALs, British SAS, and police forces in the USA and Canada.
3. Beretta 92FS (M9)
- Origin: Italy
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- History: The Beretta 92FS was adopted by the U.S. military in 1985 as the M9. Known for its reliability and accuracy, it served as the standard-issue sidearm for over three decades.
- Usage: Primarily used by the U.S. military and various law enforcement agencies around the world.
4. CZ 75
- Origin: Czech Republic
- Manufacturer: Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB)
- History: Introduced in 1975, the CZ 75 features a steel frame and a unique slide-in-frame design, contributing to its accuracy and durability. It’s one of the most copied handgun designs in the world.
- Usage: Popular in Europe, especially among law enforcement and military in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and several other countries.
5. Heckler & Koch VP9
- Origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- History: Released in 2014, the VP9 is renowned for its ergonomic design and precision. It employs a striker-fired mechanism and features a customizable grip for various hand sizes.
- Usage: Adopted by various law enforcement agencies in Germany and the USA.
6. Smith & Wesson M&P9
- Origin: USA
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- History: The M&P (Military and Police) series was introduced in 2005. The M&P9, with its polymer frame and striker-fired action, offers reliability and ease of use, making it popular among police and civilian shooters.
- Usage: Widely used by law enforcement agencies across the USA and internationally.
7. Walther P99
- Origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Walther
- History: Launched in 1997, the P99 features a unique striker-fired action with a decocking button. Its ergonomic design and advanced safety features have made it a staple in police forces.
- Usage: Used by police forces in Germany, Finland, and Poland.
8. FN Herstal FNX-9
- Origin: Belgium
- Manufacturer: FN Herstal
- History: The FNX series was introduced in the early 2000s, with the FNX-9 being known for its modularity and robustness. It features a double-action/single-action trigger system and interchangeable backstraps.
- Usage: Adopted by various military and police units, particularly in Europe and the USA.
9. Springfield Armory XD(M)
- Origin: USA
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory, Inc.
- History: The XD(M) series was introduced in the mid-2000s, based on the Croatian HS2000 design. Known for its accuracy and ergonomic features, it has gained a solid reputation among competitive shooters and law enforcement.
- Usage: Popular in the USA, used by some law enforcement agencies.
10. Taurus PT92
- Origin: Brazil
- Manufacturer: Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.
- History: The PT92 is a Brazilian-made version of the Beretta 92, produced under license. Since its introduction in the late 1980s, it has been praised for its reliability and affordability.
- Usage: Widely used in Brazil by law enforcement and military, also popular in the USA as a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
These 9mm firearms represent the pinnacle of modern handgun design, each offering unique features and benefits that cater to various needs. Whether for military, law enforcement, or civilian use, these pistols have proven their worth through decades of service and innovation.