Before I get started I just wanted to say hi to everyone and say I have been browsing these forums a bit for the past week and they have been very helpful to me.
Now, on to my question/dilemma.. I'm looking into purchasing my first handgun and I'd like to stay under $600, and I'd like something reliable, accurate and .40 caliber. After browsing forum it seems my choices have been pretty much narrowed down to a glock 22 or a springfield xd-40. I have big hands so i'd like to stay away from compact or sub-compact (i can palm a basketball with ease).
Now I went to my local gun shop and held both. The glock felt very awkward in my hand whereas the springfield felt very comfortable. I went to two local ranges and rented the glock 22 at both places and had the same result. It feels awkward just holding, feels slightly better when shooting but still awkward and it seems like shots were off to the left by a few inches. Neither range had a springfield XD-* so I wasn't able to test this gun. Now I was told that my shots might've been off to the left due to the length of the trigger pull effecting how i hold the gun.. Should I expect the same from the springfield XD? Should I blindly purchase the XD based on the fact that it feels a lot more comfy just holding vs. the glock?
Can anyone suggest another gun worth looking into that's around/under $600 in .40 caliber (and california legal)?
my best advice is to start with a 22lr, you will become more proficient faster than with a larger caliber handgun. im also pretty sure that you wont heed my advice, so do some serious research on your choices, then pick the one that fits your hand better. :gangster:
I don't know the CA laws, but I highly recommend the Steyr M40. The XD may feel better without firing, but when you look at the size specs you'll see that the Steyr has the most gun in a not too big package. You also stand a good chance at finding a better price. Finally, it has a manual safety which the other two do not.
It is far more comfortable to fire than anything I've ever fired, though that does not include an XD.
I have read nothing but good about the Springfield XD and everything I know says it's at least as good as the Glock and lower in price. Also, Glocks were designed for 9mm and then stretched to do 40 S&W, while the Steyrs and XDs were designed for 40 from the start (or at least the Steyr was... I know that for sure, the XD was simply invented after the 40 S&W was, the Glock was not.)
So my biased opinion is that there's nothing wrong and plenty right about the XD, but more right about the Steyr M40. If you can fire both first, by all means do. But firing the Steyr may change your mind in its favor.
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Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf
my best advice is to start with a 22lr, you will become more proficient faster than with a larger caliber handgun. im also pretty sure that you wont heed my advice, so do some serious research on your choices, then pick the one that fits your hand better. :gangster:
I played with an HK USP .45 and a Kimber pro-carry II .45 not too long ago and I absolutely loved it, although a little too much power for my first gun and out of the price range i'm willing to pay. After shooting a couple .40's I think that's perfect for me.
i'll now reveal my true colors, if you are seriously looking at a pistol chambered for 40s&w, you need to see if you can find a browning hi power so chambered. the Browning is the finest pistol available in that caliber. it is an old fashioned steel, single action well made piece of machinery.
I have shot many of the Glocks, all frame sizes in both 9mm, 40SW and .45ACP. They all do well, tho I do best with their .40SW with the long slide. Very tight shooter!
The same guy who owns most of these also has two of the original HS2000 pistols, made in Eastern Europe and the basis of the XD pistol. It does feel better in my big hand, and is functionally a Glock in a less expensive package. The grip shape favors me better.
Another vote for the Xd 40 in either a 4" or 5" barrel. Once you put a Hogue Handal on it ( I'd highly recomend one on any polymer frame pistol, especially if you have big hands) it will be the most natural pointing, comfortable handgun you've ever held.
ok, so my buddy calls me earlier and asks if I want to tag along to the range with him.. We walk in and the guy who works there was putting a springfield xd-40 in the rental case. Turns out the JUST got it today and he just finished shooting it for the first time. I grabbed that gun so fast and then brought a glock 22 along for the ride. Shot both guns (2nd time with the glock, 1st with the xd-40) and can tell you I absolutely LOVED the springfield compared to the glock. It felt very natural in my hands and fired even more natural.
Needless to say, I immediately left the range and in 10 days I will officially be the proud owner of a springfield xd-40 tactical (5" barrel). Thanks for the suggestions guys, and thanks to all the hardcore liberal cry babies in california that are making me wait the longest 10 days of my life..
phaserx...I've been reading this thread and just wanted to comment that I have the Springfield XD..but in a 9mm bore. Love it. I understand about what you said about how it feels in your hand. That's what sold me, too. :right:
