[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Purchasing first handgun... (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/29/2009 5:42:39 PM EDT
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I'm turning 21 in a couple of months, and while I've had a good amount of handgun trigger time, I'm at a bit of a loss as what to get.
It needs to be under $1k, and either in .45 ACP or 9 mm. I'm a real 1911 fan, but I don't think I can find one with all the features I'd want within my budget. And the purpose of this weapon is for SHTF/in home defense. I keep coming back to the Springfield XDs. They always seem to get great reviews, and look to be a good alternative to Glocks (which I've never been a huge fan of). XDs have felt pretty comfortable in my hands, and I was pleased with the groups I was getting out of them. I like the larger magazine capacities, and they are definitely in my price range. What can anyone say for them? GTG? I know there are plenty of other options out there, and my criteria has been left wide open like an exiting Black Talon  , but any suggestions would help.
Thanks. |
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Take a look at the Smith and Wesson M&P series. If they feel too fat for you, ask the guy to switch it to the small backstraps. Some people judge them without feeling all the backstraps.
That said, you're going to have to find a gun you like. No one else can tell you what YOU will like best. Edit: Hero said it all in his post below mine. |
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i have the XD 45 and i love it. I will tell you that at first the trigger will suck, but after 200~400 rounds, the trigger will smooth up alot. ive never had a trigger smooth up so much during a shoot.
iac, if you like the XD, i would go for it. its not like you cant buy something else later on and there are worse guns to cut your teeth on. |
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If you like the XD and shoot it well, it will serve you well. I have near 20k down range with my two XDs (40S&W, Service and Subcompact) without a single issue. Reliability doesn't seem to be an issue with them. Parts are available for them now. SA also corrected the issue with the weak finish on the early runs and is now comparable to the finish on Glocks. So the two main arguments used against the XD by some, carry no weight these days. ETA: As Hero mentioned, you really can't go wrong with any of the big dogs. It really all comes down to personal preference and how well you can shoot a given model. |
| You really need to go shoot some stuff. There are a huge number of great choices for under $1K. For economy, I would suggest a 9mm but everything else is wide open. I also would not spend more than $650 if a 1911 is not to be chosen. There are way too many choices for under $650 and that leaves you a bunch of money for a holster, belt, and ammo. Heck you might be able to get a good .22 as well for lots of trigger time. |
| XDm. Awesome 9mm pistol. If you are looking to spend about 1k total then you should have enough left over for plenty of mags, ammo, and holster. If you have all that already, get the XDm, and a 9mmsc. Just got one the other day, and damn, it is nice. I hope they come out with the rumored XDm compact soon. |
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Personally I'm not a big fan of the XD. I just can't shoot it nearly as well as other pistols in my collection. I think it has something to do with the high bore axis but it could be something else. I will say my xd 40 5inch runs like a champ though.
I'd look at the M&P over it. You also have some options with a few sigs(I like my p220 in 45), beretta 92 if it isn't for carry(kinda big) or various 1911s. |
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I have an XD9 Service with about 1k through it. It is an accurate and durable pistol. The trigger smooths out after a few hundred but it does has a long take up and reset. The trigger reset just takes some getting used to but it is very smooth and pretty light. Overall the XD is a great value and a good alternative to the glock. In my area they run a little under 500. The compact and subcompacts can take full-sized magazines with the grip extensions for HD, then compact mags for carry.
You where saying you are interested in a 1911. For under 1000 you can easily pick up a good condition 1911 with decent features. If a 1911 is what you really want, then that's the gun you should get. Another consideration is the cost of 45 over 9mm. 9mm runs $10 a box, where 45 is about $15 a box. For a first pistol which you should be shooting oftent, i would pick up a lower cost 9mm, then put the rest into ammo. Another option is the S&W M&P. These pistols are striker fired like the glocks and XDs and might offer something more to you. I would take a close look at them along with the XDs. |
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Quoted:
I'm turning 21 in a couple of months, and while I've had a good amount of handgun trigger time, I'm at a bit of a loss as what to get. It needs to be under $1k, and either in .45 ACP or 9 mm. I'm a real 1911 fan, but I don't think I can find one with all the features I'd want within my budget. And the purpose of this weapon is for SHTF/in home defense. I keep coming back to the Springfield XDs. They always seem to get great reviews, and look to be a good alternative to Glocks (which I've never been a huge fan of). XDs have felt pretty comfortable in my hands, and I was pleased with the groups I was getting out of them. I like the larger magazine capacities, and they are definitely in my price range. What can anyone say for them? GTG? I know there are plenty of other options out there, and my criteria has been left wide open like an exiting Black Talon , but any suggestions would help.
Thanks. I am/was in the same situation as you. I started thinking about what to get for a handgun very early so i could research and get a good one. My uncle had an xdm and loved it. He also had the obligatory glock, and did not like the thought of me getting a 1911. Passed up on the 1911s for a while and finally came back around to them. Decided that i wanted a springfield operator or colt when the time came around. Months shy of 21 i found a used mc operator in gander mtn. I had a parent buy the gun for me so that i wouldnt miss out on the deal. HAD NEVER FIRED A 1911... and i love the damn thing. Got it for under well under 1k. Im VERY happy with my decision, and would suggest that if you are really into 1911s then try to find a used one. Also was looking for a polymer gun. Started by looking at glocks, but dropped that idea due to the controls and feel of them. Tried a few XDs but dont really like the trigger on them. Moved on to USPs and have had a fascination with them ever since. Held the p30 and hk45 and while the ergonomics were fantastic, i didnt really like them for some reason. HK45 seemed way too heavy on top and wanted to cant over. Ive looked at M&Ps and gave XDs another try but keep coming back to the USPs and will probably buy one on my bday. Also on a whim bought a P7 PSP at a fun show and love that gun also. It will be my carry gun. Cliff notes version: 1. buy used 1911 2. Look at USPs(compact or fullsize) 3. Try out a P7 if you can settle for the low capacity |
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I have owned A G19, G22, Sig226 40cal, USP45, and presently own a xd40sc that i carry and a xd9.
I shoot the xds better than any of the others( the sig is a close second). In my opinion thats what you should base your choice on. At least it should be the primary reason. |
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In .45 cal, the XD is a good choice, I've got one that I really like. You can good 1911 for under 1K too. Also, the Sig 220 would be in that range, I've owned one and liked it too. Really, lots of good choices for under 1K in .45. Tons of 9mm's too, about the only thing you can't get for under 1k would be a Sig 210.
Personally, I'd probably go mid range on the .45 like an XD, and also buy a good 9mm - you can come in at or under 1k for both if you shop around and buy used. |
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Quoted:
Take a look at the Smith and Wesson M&P series. If they feel too fat for you, ask the guy to switch it to the small backstraps. Some people judge them without feeling all the backstraps. That said, you're going to have to find a gun you like. No one else can tell you what YOU will like best. Edit: Hero said it all in his post below mine. the m&p series feels great imo |
| Buy a 1911. You will not regret it. Buy a Springfield Mil Spec or Kimber Custom II. Both will serve you well initially. Then later on you can add the pieces you want. And that way you can say your first was a 1911 instead of having to go round and round and then end up at the 1911 anyway. By the way, I love my Glocks. |
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Quoted:
I'm turning 21 in a couple of months, and while I've had a good amount of handgun trigger time, I'm at a bit of a loss as what to get. It needs to be under $1k, and either in .45 ACP or 9 mm. I'm a real 1911 fan, but I don't think I can find one with all the features I'd want within my budget. And the purpose of this weapon is for SHTF/in home defense. I keep coming back to the Springfield XDs. They always seem to get great reviews, and look to be a good alternative to Glocks (which I've never been a huge fan of). XDs have felt pretty comfortable in my hands, and I was pleased with the groups I was getting out of them. I like the larger magazine capacities, and they are definitely in my price range. What can anyone say for them? GTG? I know there are plenty of other options out there, and my criteria has been left wide open like an exiting Black Talon , but any suggestions would help.
Thanks. Why not .40s&w? Best of both worlds. More punch than 9mm, more rounds than .45. +1 for HK Got my USP Compact .40 in SS about 6 years ago THE DAY I turned 21. Got a Brigade Gunleather custom OWB holster and never looked back. Awesome damn gun! I don't know what they run now, but I paid $785 for mine in 2003 plus another $85 for the holster. |
| Whatever you decide to get make sure it doesn't say Taurus pro 24/7 anywhere on the gun.I went to the gun store looking for another SA XD or XDM and he had just gotten a shipment of Taurus 24/7's in.I was lured by their much cheaper price and decent ergonomics.I also thought i was going to love the Heinie sights but after putting about 300 rounds thru it in a couple of weeks,i couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it.I took it back to the gun store i brought it from and let him rip me off on a used SA XD.I have never been happier to be burnt on a deal in my life.To me a Taurus is like a Yugo and a XD is more like a brand new Chevy Z-71. |
| I would not settle for XD. Is there a place around you to try before you buy? Are you going to get only one gun or is this just a first? Everyone should own a glock, can't beat them for price and quality. My favorite is an HK P7, it just feels right and I can shoot it well. Thats the whole key, what feels good. |
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I might suggest a Jericho 941. I believe K.B.I. is importing them as of January of this year. They are fantastic shooters(especially in 9mm.) and are built solid as a rock. Check em out -
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb264/nwilliams27/BabyEagle2.jpg |
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Quoted: I'm turning 21 in a couple of months, and while I've had a good amount of handgun trigger time, I'm at a bit of a loss as what to get. It needs to be under $1k, and either in .45 ACP or 9 mm. I'm a real 1911 fan, but I don't think I can find one with all the features I'd want within my budget. And the purpose of this weapon is for SHTF/in home defense. I keep coming back to the Springfield XDs. They always seem to get great reviews, and look to be a good alternative to Glocks (which I've never been a huge fan of). XDs have felt pretty comfortable in my hands, and I was pleased with the groups I was getting out of them. I like the larger magazine capacities, and they are definitely in my price range. What can anyone say for them? GTG? I know there are plenty of other options out there, and my criteria has been left wide open like an exiting Black Talon , but any suggestions would help.Thanks. You don't think you can find a 1911 with the features you want for under $1,000?  You can get a lightly used Springfield TRP for that if you look around. What more could you want? |
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Quoted: Thanks for everyone's input - decided on the XDM-9. Absolutely love it. If you're in Las Vegas, be sure to go to Go Time Gear/New Frontier Armory. Best shop in town. http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o364/chasemonson/DSC_9017.jpg http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o364/chasemonson/DSC_9021.jpg A very happy 21st!  Congratulations on the new gun, and happy birthday!   |