Arex Rex Zero 1 should be in the running also. Although the lower is alloy, like the Sigs and CZs now.
Arex Rex Zero 1 should be in the running also. Although the lower is alloy, like the Sigs and CZs now.
My absolute favorite "wonder nine"; The Steyr GB. 18 round mag (huge at the time).
Should have beat out the Beretta M9 (the Army did look at it in 1983). Here's a pic of mine. Glad i got 4 extra mags; if you can find them they are as mush as $250 a each now!
- A "unique gas-delayed blowback locking system based on the Barnitzke system"
- Nice rugged finish
- Polygonal barrel
- Excellent sights
- Very ergonomic
- No safety; just a decocker
You're the first to mention the Steyr, though. It sure reminds me of some of my old squirt guns, though. How heavy is it? And what is the trigger like? DA first, then SA?
They are definitely nice pistols - gotta love that rotating barrel - but don't fit the OP's definition of a WonderNine due to having a polymer frame. If we were expanding out the definition of a WonderNine to include polymer-framed pistols, I would definitely argue the IWI/IMI's short-lived Barak was probably one of the best ever made, as it was a CZ-75 with an improved dual-parallel-spring recoil system and a top-side decocker button.Anybody get a chance to shoot a Grand Power K100, K100 Mk II or X-Calibur?
They are definitely nice pistols - gotta love that rotating barrel - but don't fit the OP's definition of a WonderNine due to having a polymer frame. If we were expanding out the definition of a WonderNine to include polymer-framed pistols, I would definitely argue the IWI/IMI's short-lived Barak was probably one of the best ever made, as it was a CZ-75 with an improved dual-parallel-spring recoil system and a top-side decocker button.
The Steyr GB was probably my least favorite of the Wonder Nines.
...
Mine had a habit of gassing me right in the face when I fired it. Accuracy was so-so for a service pistol but I just never warmed-up to it ...
You're the first to mention the Steyr
I don't think it registered because I've never seen one in real life, nor do my memory banks have the image stored with the model. But since you posted the video I make the connection.I think you missed the previous post where I mentioned that I also owned a Steyr GB in the mid-80's?
Yeah, but now that I watched the videos, I can at least see why DreadPirate likes it. As heavy and klunky as it looks at first blush, there is a beauty about it. If I had a shot at one for $250 or so, I'd buy it. As great as the Browning High Power is, the single action is a bit on the high side.The Steyr GB was probably my least favorite of the Wonder Nines. It was a huge pistol with an 18+1 magazine capacity and weighed about 3lbs fully loaded. DA trigger-pull was in the 11-12lbs range; SA about 6lbs. It was by no means designed to be a precision-shooting target gun. ... Mine had a habit of gassing me right in the face when I fired it. Accuracy was so-so for a service pistol but I just never warmed-up to it the same way I did my Walther P88, Sig P226, and CZ-75. I put about 300 rounds thru it before selling it to get something else.
Ted76 said:I used to own a S&W 659...ut it was so heavy, that it felt like a brick. I sold it to buy my 1st Browning HP.
I'd like to measure the weight of the HP with 12 shots and compare it with a S&W 659 with 12 shots. I have a nice holster for my 659 and I don't find my 659 to be horribly burdensome.
Interesting - I have never had an issue with gas blowing back in my face, my functions perfectly. If mine were blowing gass in my face than I probably would sell it, so I don't blame you.
I will say it's big and it's not "sexy". The CZ75 (e.g.) looks much nicer. Hell - my P1 looks much nicer. I will also say for all the complexity of the gas brake, yes it shoots softer than other 9mm's but the difference is not striking.
You have me wondering about the trigger pull; I'll have to check.
I don't know - all in all it's well made and shoots well for me at least.
I have no plans to cerakote it lime green
EDIT: The GB is actually LIGHTER THAN THE Beretta M9. Unloaded; GB 30 ounces, M9 34 ounces.
EDIT2: Trigger pull SA is 6.5 lbs; DA is probably like 12 lbs and stacks. SA pull is nice and crisp. For comparison; my CZ 75 SA pull is 4.5 lbs, DA maybe 9 or 10. The CZ 75 (that I have at least) has a lot of trigger creep.
I like all of the older all steel semi-autos, not just wonder nines.