Any handgun owners?

Light Artisan · Jan 24, 2011

Looking to get my first one this week if my permit to buy shows up by then.

Debating between the Springfield Armory XD 9mm and XDm 9mm right now, the Glock 19 is still in the running as well, but slipping.

Just thought I'd see how much company I have here. Will be doing some training and then getting my carry permit as well. I do a lot of photography in the back woods and like the idea of something other than a 70-200 lens for protection.

Oogle · Jan 24, 2011

You can never ever ever go wrong with a glock... beautiful design an reliable. why even ask?

Light Artisan · Jan 24, 2011

That's what I keep hearing/reading... but the XD is right there with it and feels better in my hands.
XD torture test: SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

Jakefreese · Jan 24, 2011

I have a xd tactical in 9mm I have been really happy with it. I carry a Smith and wesson airwieght 3" barreled .38, and have the Springfield scout in the truck. Revolvers are easier to conceal and simpler. But if you did need it with the automatics another 13rd clip is easy to pop right in. But the guy I took my chl class from is a retired marine and carries the same gun I do, he said the majority of confrontations and battles typically go with a few shots and it is over, or cover has been taken.

Jakefreese · Jan 24, 2011

oh yeah the only thing I do not like about glocks is they are made for right handed people only. There are a couple models they make that are ambidextrous. But the XD's have been very friendly in that manner

Oogle · Jan 24, 2011

Well yea... go with what you feel comfortable with... I know people who prefer the revolver over semi-auto... I hate revovlers personally that see to be to front heavy... but if your not doing competition shooting go with comfort.... and for home defense I say but a .45 bore on it and knock down any wannabe theives.

skieur · Jan 24, 2011

Illegal and unnecessary in Canada.

skieur

mjhoward · Jan 24, 2011

Did you try out the Smith & Wesson M&P 9?

eric-holmes · Jan 24, 2011

skieur said:
Illegal and unnecessary in Canada.

skieur

Let's not turn this political with your unnecessary opinion.

I owned a Springfield XD .40 cal. I liked it but I bought it for home defense and just couldn't justify the price I paid for it. I then sold it. I just stick to the 12ga if I need anything now.

Light Artisan · Jan 24, 2011

mjhoward said:
Did you try out the Smith & Wesson M&P 9?

Looked into it a bit, it's on the list to look at when I go back to the gun shop.

I do also have a Remington 870 with 18" barrel and 00 buck shot ready to go, but really want a handgun too.

Thanks for your input skieur, makes me really glad to live in the USA! :thumbup:

eric-holmes · Jan 24, 2011

If you are using this for self protection in the woods. I wouldn't go smaller than a .40.

Mitica100 · Jan 24, 2011

I own an XD9 and it's an ok handgun. Very durable by all means and many swear by it, including many cops who carry it as a back up weapon. Check out the Walter PK-380, sweet and easy to operate. I'm thinking about it...

Josh66 · Jan 24, 2011

I have lots of guns.

I guess my 'go-to' handgun would be my Glock 22...

MWG · Jan 24, 2011

eric-holmes said:
If you are using this for self protection in the woods. I wouldn't go smaller than a .40.

Agreed, people don't know how small a 9mm round is. I would start out with a .40 if I had to do it again, my 1st pistol was a Springfield .45 lol. That was such an inaccurate gun until I really got into shooting and started to mod it. Rifled barrel, trigger job, hienie sights, etc.

Anyways back to the topic on hand, don't buy a glock. Get something classy, something thats better balanced, do yourself a favor and buy an h and k.

Heckler & Koch - USA

I own this pistol in a .45 acp. Anyone that's gets to handle mine, wants it. Best pistol I have owned.

JAFO28 · Jan 24, 2011

Someone else said go with what feels better in your hands, i'll take it one step further, if you have a range or store that you can try each one do this. Just holding it is a bit different than firing it, and if you can do both you would be better off. I personally have a Glock 23 it's a .40, but I do love the feel of the XD. I really want a taurus judge, but i've bought too much camera gear so it will have to wait.