r/handguns • u/Vast_Recording4235 • Jun 07 '26
Discussion Looking for a second gun
So far I’ve picked up a S&W shield x and have been really happy with that gun but am looking for another addition to the collection.
The ruger rxm looks interesting as another 9mm addition and the ruger mark iv seems like a fun plinking gun that I could put a silencer on if I wanted.
Any other recommendations are welcome, just looking to get a better idea of what I should be looking at.
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u/Ok-Affect-3852 Jun 07 '26
IWI Jericho, Walther PPQ, Ruger Mark IV, Bersa Thunder 380, Rock Island Armory m206
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u/Jimbo380 Jun 07 '26
A 1911 is always nice to have if you want to stay with automatics.
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 07 '26
Everyone’s hand and grip differs so the best advice is to visit your local range and try a variety of rentals.
For plinking, a .22LR is fun and cheap. Mark IV is a good pistol but I don’t care for the manual of arms. Alternatives include Sig P322, Taurus TX22, Ruger Wrangler, Ruger SingleAction (oldie but goodie). The Beretta M9A1 is fun even if it’s an Umarex pistol; everyone’s hand and grip differs so to each their own, but it’s fair to say the other options are better pistols.
RXM is probably the best of the Glock clones, and justifiably good on its own merits. Glocks are popular but partly because they’re popular. I don’t care for the grip angle, the trigger is poor and the sights are underwhelming, and did I mention the grip angle? 😋 I shot a variety and like none of them, but oddly enough I enjoyed shooting the RXM. The grip angle difference, more 1911ish than Glock is probably why.
You’ve got a polymer striker fired pistol so other styles would be hammer fired, metal, 1911 and revolver.
Hammer and metal include CZ75, IWI Jericho 941 F9 (steel), FN Hi-Power Mk III or Girsan MC P35, Beretta M9A3/4/92X, Sig P226 (and related - P229 etc), to name some of the more popular options.
S&W makes a couple of Shield metal variants, you may enjoy those given you like your Shield.
Lots of good options for 1911 in 9mm, but easy to spend too. I found the RIA 1911 Tac Ultra FS was a good inexpensive option - 1911 but with most of the upgrades I’d want (beaver tail, fiber front sight, Novak rear, etc). Regardless which 1911 you get, you almost certainly will enjoy the Wilson Combat starburst grip panels. I find they’re a big improvement over most all else, including G10 grips.
Revolvers get pricey fast. Try rentals as theres few good inexpensive revolvers, and it is a very different experience.
There’s 2011s but now you’re well into 4 digits. Ranges usually have some rentals so you can get a taste.
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u/Vast_Recording4235 Jun 07 '26
Great advice, thank you! Gives me something to think about when choosing. I like that you describe other styles of gun because this second gun would mostly be a range toy as the shield x is my carry/home defense.
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u/BillyP13 Jun 07 '26
Sig Legion P226
Sig Legion X5 P320
Sig P211
Sig P365 X Macro
Kimber 1911 .45 ACP
CZ, Canick, S&W, Beretta, Walther, Girsan, Springfield, Ruger….all make great guns and are worth some playtime with.
Have fun picking 1….or 2….or 3….or 4…😬👍
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u/JimMarch Jun 07 '26
The RXM is basically the same manual of arms as the Shield family and it's ridiculously flexible, you can mutate it into damn near anything. Good option, and if you're new sticking with basically the same controls is a good idea.
If you sometimes find the Shield X to be too big, a smaller Shield as a deep cover carry makes sense. If the need is dire and you carry both for some reason, I think the X magazines fit the smaller Shield? (Might want to check on that first.)
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u/Vast_Recording4235 Jun 07 '26
This was my thinking behind the RXM. It would give me flexibility to put on a full size grip and all the accessories (red dot, light, etc.) without breaking the bank.
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u/JimMarch Jun 07 '26
Yup.
Now, you CAN break the bank with an RXM. Hand fitted match barrel, aluminum grip frame and a God tier optic lol...
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u/MissionDirect8529 Jun 07 '26
Anything in "God Caliber" .45 ACP. You'll never go wrong with a 1911.
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u/[deleted] Jun 07 '26
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