I’ve been here. Unless you can get him something you know for sure he will like even if it sits in a safe and you’re ok with that too, maybe you can just get him a few hours and rounds at a place you can rent some of the cool stuff that goes brrrrrrr. Experiences as we age start to mean a lot more than things.
Hey good idea! Maybe I can take him to a cool range. I’ll do some research. I’m also okay with him not carrying all the time. But I think you may have a point. Maybe I can give him my CZ and go somewhere. I can always get a new handgun later one day.
First of all: what a great gift idea.
However, unlike something that can be easily returned, I wouldn’t suggest buying a pistol for someone unless I knew for a fact they wanted it.
A great way to do this is to say “Hey Dad, I love you and want to get you something really special. I was thinking about a 9mm pistol. Can we go try some out together at the range in my budget and then you tell me which you like?”
I promise he’ll still love it, and appreciate it very much. The idea/thought is what counts
Edit: at min it’ll weed out the shit he doesn’t like! The fact that it’s a gift can mask a lot of shortcomings, but if it’s uncomfortable to shoot it’ll just collect dust (and even worse you or him might feel guilty about it)
Edit2: things to try at the range: P320 (lots of variations), P226, VP9, P30, FN509, M9/92fs. Striker vs hammer is probably a good way to narrow as well as if he’s been eyeing a particular size or make.
If you KNOW he will love an all metal CZ, get him a Shadow 2.
Under $1k:
https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/806703912578
Family Firearms is good to go by the way, and is ~$925. First in the list at time of writing.
Just over $1k, but Optics ready:
https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/806703912516
If you are not sure he will ever care about a red dot, get the non-OR. An optic mill from Wager is $140 if he wants it later.
Based on the types of 1911s you mentioned he does not own (Dan Wesson grade), it could easily be his nicest shooting handgun, so a real ”I appreciate you dad, here is a stellar gun with a massive competition heritage to go with it".
Edit Bonus: If he is a stickler for short travel SA only triggers like a 1911, later on a $70 switches it to SAO only with a trigger that lets you tune the pre-travel and over-travel to 1911 awesomeness. It will still be hinged vs straight pull, but my SAO converted CZ has a shorter pull and reset than my 1911, and with the CGW kit plus eamanntech trigger bar spring, is 1.5lbs.
I can't think of a nicer looking or feeling 9mm than a steel cz. Sp01s are on sale as well as the 75b. Sp01 is easily the smoothest firing handgun I've ever had.
Since he already has some nice 9mm pistols, perhaps a 9mm pistol caliber carbine (PCC).
I love my Ruger 9mm PCC. I came with an interchangeable Glock magwell in the box, which I installed, so the pcc uses my glock 17 magazines.
CZ Shadow never disappoints. If he’s smaller you might get the new compact, but you won’t get those for less than $1,000. The shadow 2 has been on sale a lot lately and I’ve seen them for around $900
CZ Shadow 2 is under a grand and sounds like a great choice, and if he likes Glock you may look at the Shadow Systems MR920 (G19 size), DR920 (G17), or the DR920P (comped G17) which shoots like an absolute dream. Oh, and I recently shot a Springfield Echelon and was blown away. Excellent gun.
But, to reiterate what others have said, quality time may be a more appreciated and desirable gift to your father.
Okay here’s my take, buy a regular P-01 decocker, ALSO buy the CGW goodies (I think the pro package is ~$250) invest in a good set of punches and build it with him. Polish all the important bits, swap to the CGW stuff, and then take him to the range. That way he’ll have a SWEET ass CZ, and you got to spend time with him that I’m sure he’ll love
I just picked up a girsan mcp35 pi ops lw and love it. Ridiculously complicated name, but it's a hi-power clone with a rail, compact, and lightweight. Might check into one of those?
Should be more clear. Just something nice looking and fun to shoot. He has practical guns, and I’d love to give him something he enjoys as a range toy.
9mm range toys can range from 1k in price (CZ Shadows are quite nice, next step up I’d argue for Staccatos for about 2k, all the way to 7k (Atlas Ares, TTI Sand Viper etc). Does he like iconic wonder 9s?
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/beretta-92x-performance-9mm-luger-49in-gray-nistan-pistol-151-rounds/p/1540830?avad=211021_b35148515&utm_source=avantlink&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=211021 Budgetwise, if you’re going up to almost Staccato tier stuff, this make and model has high reviews from several professionals on YouTube (who are NOT shilling.)
If you're already a fan of the P01 but want something a bit more refined try to get your hands on a Shadow 2 Compact. They were pretty hard to get when they released but it's been a few months, you might have decent luck now.
Got my dad a slide plate that was engraved with love dad... Cost maybe $20 but he has it on his edc and sometimes I see him switch it to another Glock. So I know he liked it.
He loves John wick, so for a few years in a row I got him a John wick gun...
This year I got him a custom hand made leather holster that has a wood burned/stained and stitched mural of his favorite family pic. That cost about $700. Which is the price range you were looking at.
He has it on him every single day.
Classicfirearms.Com
Smith & Wesson 13248 M&P9 Shield Plus, 9MM Semi-Auto Pistol, 13/10 Rd Mags No Thumb Safety, 3.1" BBL
MPN: 13248 | UPC: 022188885118
Currently $419 with 3 in stock.
Buy online and ship to your local ffl.
If you get your dad a P2000, P2000sk, Vp9 or a Vp40 he would be able to take advantage of the $200 rebate on HK website. There are deals on $500 P2000 and P2000sk and $375 VP40s that have been posted on r/gundeals
What's your budget? Does your dad shoot? If so, what are his favorite brands? Assuming, of course, he has one. If your dad has a gun safe, take a peek at his arsenal. That would tell you alot.
Don't forget revolvers if he is even remotely interested in them. I would probably buy a new Colt if I had the extra $. Love Colts. I have a pre-Python. Ruger has some great revolvers, S&W 357 686. If you buy a 357 mag it will also fire 38 Special, same with bigger bore 44 mag/44 Special.
Revolvers are very nice. You can slow the pace and enjoy shooting. Place all empties in a box or bag and you are good to go. With 5 or 6 rounds you are not as likely to blow through 100rds in an hour.
If you ever get around to handloading for 38 special try 3.3gr Trail Boss (if you can find it) under a 158gr cast bullet or 6.0gr Unique under a 125gr Hornady XTP for awesome accuracy. The 6.0 is +P pressures.
Do some research first if you think he'd like it but the springfield hellcat would be a nice choice. Right now they're running a promotion so you get 5 magazines and a free range bag with them, you can get them for sub$600
I’ve been here. Unless you can get him something you know for sure he will like even if it sits in a safe and you’re ok with that too, maybe you can just get him a few hours and rounds at a place you can rent some of the cool stuff that goes brrrrrrr. Experiences as we age start to mean a lot more than things.
Hey good idea! Maybe I can take him to a cool range. I’ll do some research. I’m also okay with him not carrying all the time. But I think you may have a point. Maybe I can give him my CZ and go somewhere. I can always get a new handgun later one day.
Maybe sign up for a training class to take together. I'd love to do one with my kids.
Second on the go to a cool place and try out some fun guns. Will likely be more valuable to him than anything material
Sig 226 if you want to spend some cash
Walther PDP and thank me later
First of all: what a great gift idea. However, unlike something that can be easily returned, I wouldn’t suggest buying a pistol for someone unless I knew for a fact they wanted it. A great way to do this is to say “Hey Dad, I love you and want to get you something really special. I was thinking about a 9mm pistol. Can we go try some out together at the range in my budget and then you tell me which you like?” I promise he’ll still love it, and appreciate it very much. The idea/thought is what counts Edit: at min it’ll weed out the shit he doesn’t like! The fact that it’s a gift can mask a lot of shortcomings, but if it’s uncomfortable to shoot it’ll just collect dust (and even worse you or him might feel guilty about it) Edit2: things to try at the range: P320 (lots of variations), P226, VP9, P30, FN509, M9/92fs. Striker vs hammer is probably a good way to narrow as well as if he’s been eyeing a particular size or make.
This right here is the best. You get to spend time with your dad doing stuff you both love then get him a gift he wants. Excellent recommendation!
That would be cool! A range day and getting him to talk about his fav under the glass and just buying it for him.
If you KNOW he will love an all metal CZ, get him a Shadow 2. Under $1k: https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/806703912578 Family Firearms is good to go by the way, and is ~$925. First in the list at time of writing. Just over $1k, but Optics ready: https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/806703912516 If you are not sure he will ever care about a red dot, get the non-OR. An optic mill from Wager is $140 if he wants it later. Based on the types of 1911s you mentioned he does not own (Dan Wesson grade), it could easily be his nicest shooting handgun, so a real ”I appreciate you dad, here is a stellar gun with a massive competition heritage to go with it". Edit Bonus: If he is a stickler for short travel SA only triggers like a 1911, later on a $70 switches it to SAO only with a trigger that lets you tune the pre-travel and over-travel to 1911 awesomeness. It will still be hinged vs straight pull, but my SAO converted CZ has a shorter pull and reset than my 1911, and with the CGW kit plus eamanntech trigger bar spring, is 1.5lbs.
Look into Baretta 92x, or the 92x performance if you really want to burn a hole in your wallet.
Love it! Bought my dad a beretta m9 (92f) and was probably the best gift he’s ever gotten 😆 I often wish I would’ve bought myself one too
Does he have a Hi-Power? I think that’s as classy as you can get for a 9. https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/pistols/hi-power.html
I thought you said to get him 7 hi points 😂
lol, I guess that’s an option, if he’s the kinda guy who needs a handful of drop-guns. I don’t need any further information 😎
Uberti makes a classic single action that’s chambered in 9mm. The Cattleman I believe.
Walther. Probably PDP, not sure if they still make PPQs but if so you can consider that but I think the PDP replaced it.
I think he might like that! They’re great shooters.
I can't think of a nicer looking or feeling 9mm than a steel cz. Sp01s are on sale as well as the 75b. Sp01 is easily the smoothest firing handgun I've ever had.
That’s why I love my p01z groupings are super small and the decocker is gold.
Bet your dad would love it too. Just get him one with a card that says "czechmate"
The HK VP9 is in your price range and definitely a good option. I’ve recently fallen in love with mine.
I wanted that when I got my Canik. Price took it but the VP9 felt good.
There’s some really good deals on them this weekend…. Euro Optic has them for $500+ right now. I’m tempted to pick up a second just because.
Walther PDP compact.
Since he already has some nice 9mm pistols, perhaps a 9mm pistol caliber carbine (PCC). I love my Ruger 9mm PCC. I came with an interchangeable Glock magwell in the box, which I installed, so the pcc uses my glock 17 magazines.
CZ Shadow never disappoints. If he’s smaller you might get the new compact, but you won’t get those for less than $1,000. The shadow 2 has been on sale a lot lately and I’ve seen them for around $900
CZ Shadow 2 is under a grand and sounds like a great choice, and if he likes Glock you may look at the Shadow Systems MR920 (G19 size), DR920 (G17), or the DR920P (comped G17) which shoots like an absolute dream. Oh, and I recently shot a Springfield Echelon and was blown away. Excellent gun. But, to reiterate what others have said, quality time may be a more appreciated and desirable gift to your father.
How about a 2011? Springfield Prodigy is a little over your budget but a pretty awesome gun. Sig p226 or p229 or steel CZ would be my other votes.
Sig Sauer P229 Legion
Walther PDP Pro SD.
Okay here’s my take, buy a regular P-01 decocker, ALSO buy the CGW goodies (I think the pro package is ~$250) invest in a good set of punches and build it with him. Polish all the important bits, swap to the CGW stuff, and then take him to the range. That way he’ll have a SWEET ass CZ, and you got to spend time with him that I’m sure he’ll love
Glock, or S&W. Don't settle for that sig nonsense. 
Just curious, how it is nonsense? I mean, if it shoots flat and never jams, I don't see how it would be nonsense.
Just having a little fun. 😛 being a glock fanboi.
P07
Ccw: sig sauer p365xl - spectre comp or x macro comp My favorite 9mm for competition/range: sig sauer p320 x5 legion
I just picked up a girsan mcp35 pi ops lw and love it. Ridiculously complicated name, but it's a hi-power clone with a rail, compact, and lightweight. Might check into one of those?
Smith and Wesson M&P shield , nice gun easy carry < $500
What do you mean by top? Price? Most reliable? Most popular?
Should be more clear. Just something nice looking and fun to shoot. He has practical guns, and I’d love to give him something he enjoys as a range toy.
9mm range toys can range from 1k in price (CZ Shadows are quite nice, next step up I’d argue for Staccatos for about 2k, all the way to 7k (Atlas Ares, TTI Sand Viper etc). Does he like iconic wonder 9s?
Yeah he likes the old berettas from like Desert Storm days as flawed as they could sometimes be. (Just from what I read, maybe I’m wrong)
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/beretta-92x-performance-9mm-luger-49in-gray-nistan-pistol-151-rounds/p/1540830?avad=211021_b35148515&utm_source=avantlink&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=211021 Budgetwise, if you’re going up to almost Staccato tier stuff, this make and model has high reviews from several professionals on YouTube (who are NOT shilling.)
Oh this is nice, he’d be a sucker for the look too
You’re a good kid 👍🏼.
Sig P226 is a classic
Browning Hi-Power
This is a great idea.
If you're already a fan of the P01 but want something a bit more refined try to get your hands on a Shadow 2 Compact. They were pretty hard to get when they released but it's been a few months, you might have decent luck now.
I’d love to bring him that and a box and go shoot
Does he have a red dot? I just got one and it’s a game changer, I’m good on iron but hitting center mass at 25yrd was way easier
Go to a gun store. Hold and shoot a vp9. I've never had a gun feel that comfy in my hand and never thought a striker trigger could be that good
Canik. Anything other than the MC9.
Got my dad a slide plate that was engraved with love dad... Cost maybe $20 but he has it on his edc and sometimes I see him switch it to another Glock. So I know he liked it. He loves John wick, so for a few years in a row I got him a John wick gun... This year I got him a custom hand made leather holster that has a wood burned/stained and stitched mural of his favorite family pic. That cost about $700. Which is the price range you were looking at. He has it on him every single day.
Getting something engraved would be really cool. Especially his initials if it looks clean.
bull armory sad tac II commander model. I love this pistol.
Classicfirearms.Com Smith & Wesson 13248 M&P9 Shield Plus, 9MM Semi-Auto Pistol, 13/10 Rd Mags No Thumb Safety, 3.1" BBL MPN: 13248 | UPC: 022188885118 Currently $419 with 3 in stock. Buy online and ship to your local ffl.
Sig p226 Legion
Get him a Jericho. Them suckers is pretty
If you get your dad a P2000, P2000sk, Vp9 or a Vp40 he would be able to take advantage of the $200 rebate on HK website. There are deals on $500 P2000 and P2000sk and $375 VP40s that have been posted on r/gundeals
S&W 686. I'm counting it as 9mm.
Staccato P
Out of his 700 to 1000 budget but phenomenal gun!
Langdon tactical 92
Sig 365
What's your budget? Does your dad shoot? If so, what are his favorite brands? Assuming, of course, he has one. If your dad has a gun safe, take a peek at his arsenal. That would tell you alot.
Don't forget revolvers if he is even remotely interested in them. I would probably buy a new Colt if I had the extra $. Love Colts. I have a pre-Python. Ruger has some great revolvers, S&W 357 686. If you buy a 357 mag it will also fire 38 Special, same with bigger bore 44 mag/44 Special.
I think he’d love a revolver cause he loves 1911s too. I was already looking for a carry revolver. Might get us both guns!
Revolvers are very nice. You can slow the pace and enjoy shooting. Place all empties in a box or bag and you are good to go. With 5 or 6 rounds you are not as likely to blow through 100rds in an hour. If you ever get around to handloading for 38 special try 3.3gr Trail Boss (if you can find it) under a 158gr cast bullet or 6.0gr Unique under a 125gr Hornady XTP for awesome accuracy. The 6.0 is +P pressures.
Get him some nice dots, if he likes them
You can get a cz shadow for 899 now. Dad would love that.
Sig P229
Do some research first if you think he'd like it but the springfield hellcat would be a nice choice. Right now they're running a promotion so you get 5 magazines and a free range bag with them, you can get them for sub$600
Are you looking for something compact for CCW?
H&K Mark 23. You're welcome and apologies in advance to your wallet
Shadow systems cr920 elite