Hi guys,
I'm looking for a decent handgun for mostly target practice. I'd prefer one that can be used as a decent home defence weapon. My price range is about $500-600.
I'm looking at a few guns. I'm looking at a few different guns/calibers.
Springfield XD 9mm
Springfield XD 40.
Glock (assorted models) 9mm & 40.
S&W M&P 9mm
S&W M&P 40.
I'm leaning more towards a 9mm, but a 40 would have a bigger punch which might be better for home defence. I like the cheaper cost of the 9mm, and I think it would still be suitable for home defence with the right load. I
I like the Springfield XD's a whole lot. They feel really good in my hand, but I have not used them much. I like Glocks also, but I have heard just about an equal number of people who love and hate them. I have heard good stuff about the M&P but I have never shot/handled them. Thats why I'm looking for some feedback on suggested models, calibers. I have a friend who has one for sale for $300 on a 9mm. Its new, but he only has one in a 9mm. These are not the only models I'm willing to buy, these a just just a couple that I'm looking. I'm open to all suggestions, opinions, ect.
Thanks guys!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthernHunter
I forgot to add. I'd like one that can take plenty of use/abuse. I treat all my guns well, but I want something super sturdy that can be used a ton.
In my opinion, I'd go with a Beretta 92FS for a 9mm, or the 96FS for a .40. It's not polymer, like Glock. They're accurate, and not likely to jam or stovepipe. They are also good for at least 20,000 rds and can take a fair amount of abuse.
I know you didn't mention .45acp, but I love my 1911 for home defense, and while the .45 is a powerful round, and takes down baddies well, I can attest the fact that it doesn't go far through a more solid medium. I had a misfire one day and the bullet happened to hit the cabinet in the kitchen, right where the interior "wall" between the cabinet and drawers was, and the bullet (a federal hydrashock) made it about 2-3 inches in and just stopped, no mushroom. So I view it as a good defense weapon for this reason, I know it probably won't make it through the next room or the floor/ceiling. Just my suggestion, I also carry a 9mm PT-92.
I know this somewhat strays away from the topic of the thread but this post is a good example of why I carry FMJ when I use my .45. Hydra-shok is supposed to be one of the best defense hollow points around and it didn't mushroom. Save some money, shoot FMJ and get better penetration. In most other, faster, rounds I like JHP. Golden Saber is my preference.
You are asking for advise.
My advise is to handle, and if possible shoot, the guns you are considering.
Like any choice, it is personal preference. They are all quality firearms. I am carrying a Glock right now (issue) but I don't really care for glocks. If it were me I would PREFER the Springfield XDm in 9 mm.
I am also VERY fond of my 357's. I carry a SP101 for most of my CCW, and while working in the ranch I carry a S&W M-65 3 inch.
To each his own!
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I also think you should go with a S&W .357. As you know you can shoot .38 with it also making it cheaper to shoot. I have a old model586 that I love and it is very accurate. I also have a XD9,EMP 9mm, and a Beretta 96 (.40S&W). In the price range you're looking at the .357 or the XD models would be best. Have fun!
Connor..........that wasn't a Misfire, that was a Negligent Discharge
But I agree on your choice, a good 1911 will to both jobs admirably.
I used to have a series 70 mk1v gold cup. Easily 2" groups at 25 yards & will stop any bad guys!
No, That was a missfire. My finger was not on the trigger, only the had my hand on the grip safety. I took the gun apart and found the sear was worn badly. My finger is never on the trigger unless there's a target in front of me.
You get the .357SIG Glock, and the .40 barrel & magazines, & the 9mm barrel & mags...and you get the best of ALL worlds!!! And you can carry it all in a CCW Fanny Pack.
Cheap 9mm ammo for practice/plinking...
.40 as a standby in case you can't find 9mm or .357SIG ammo handy. (Walmart sometimes has one type of ammo & not the other two....it pays to diversify
And the .357SIG ammo is slightly more expensive than .40 Short & Wimpy, but it's got WAY more speed & penetration than either of the above. If you want to shoot thru a Semi-truck's door, it'll do it...blast thru a pickup's radiator or fender and crack the block...it's your man!!
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I prefer the XD over the Glock because the grip angle feels more natural and I like the Idea of the grip safety. You will also find the XD to be a softer shooter especially in .40 .
as someone else mentioned add the XDM 9mm and 40 in there ( personally i recommend the XDM40 if you like the way it feels in your hand and if not try some of the back straps.
My personal fav is my Ruger SR9. High capacity. Never had a jam. Ergonomics are great. It feels really good in my hand. 9mm ammo is relatively plentful. I use Federal +P+ for home defense and Winchester for target/range rounds.
Also have a Ruger P345, LCP .380, and a Taurus PT 709.
all the pistols that you asked about are very good
but if i were in your place i'd get a glock17..
I personally would not . not that i dont like or dislike glock but he did say this ..
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthernHunter
I like the Springfield XD's a whole lot. They feel really good in my hand, but I have not used them much.
I have noticed that anyone that says a taurus millenium , an SA XD/M , or a S&W feels good in their hand will also usually say a glock doesnt feel good in their hand. That's just my personal experiance with the people I talk to .
Hey Kompressor, some of us have serious walls even though we live in "the tropics". Mine are 10" diameter pine logs. Interior walls are 3/4" pine over 2x6 studs.
On another topic entirely, I just found out one of my 9th grade students (age 14, Cambodian orphan adopted by U.S. parents) has become fascinated by Finnish culture and language. This kid is teaching himself Finnish and is a geography freak. Can you PM me some places to send him on the web for information about your part of the world? Thanks!
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ALL who work for a living must vote to outvote those who vote for a living.
so... when you say can be used for home defence, do you mean "will be my primary home defence weapon." because if thats the case you should probobly go with something larger than 9mm. i would pick a .45. big shrek made a good point about the .357 sig, and im surprised he didnt peg the 10mm as well. if its just for targets get a 9. if its going to be residing on your bedside table, i believe something larger is justified.
a 9mm hp MIGHT expand, but a .45 isnt going to shrink.
so... when you say can be used for home defence, do you mean "will be my primary home defence weapon." because if thats the case you should probobly go with something larger than 9mm. i would pick a .45. big shrek made a good point about the .357 sig, and im surprised he didnt peg the 10mm as well.
Few people seem to like 10mm, even though it's the nasty big boy on the block...I find it kicks less than a .357 Magnum...but others think it's worse...LOL
And you do have to have Large Hands to wrap around a Glock 20 properly
Wifey doesn't like that aspect of it. But she likes it's BOOM
__________________ Marlin & Calico Specialist
I'm not just Trigger Happy, I'm Trigger Ecstatic!!
Any of those listed would be good. I have a S&W M&P .40 and I love it. I have shot the XD, and really liked it too, but found a better deal with the M&P (bought it from a friend, no paperwork!). Never cared for Glocks, the grip just doesn't feel right for me. Just my opinion... If you can, fire them all, then make your decision.
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1911's Rock!
Teach
