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!
Last edited by SouthernHunter; 09-11-2008 at 11:28 PM.
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.
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.
Nice Thread, add the Springfield XDm to that list and you've read my mind. I've been researching all of the above for a couple of weeks and if I can hold off, I'll probably pick up the XDm at the gun show next month. I've been shooting Glocks alot lately and I really like them. As far as sturdy...somebody posted this video last month on a different thread. I think Glock would qualify as sturdy.
I'm think I'm pulling toward a .40 and going to pick up a conversion barrel so I can shoot
9mm's. Unfortunately all of the parts aren't available for the XDm yet and that's where the Glocks come in. decisions...decisions
Dry, its good to hear nice feedback on the XD. I'll check out that 40. for sure.
Connor, I'm a huge fan of the 45. acp, the only real reason I'm not looking into that caliber is the cost. I'd like something I can take to the range and not break the bank. I think 45's are quite a bit more expensive than 9mm.
Ruger, I'll check out that XDm right now. I'll also watch the video. I like Glocks a lot also, I think their a love/hate gun. People seem to either love them or hate them. I think the XD is very simliar to the Glock so having the XD feel natural to me, the Glock does also.
Ruger, I just watched the video. My God! That is impressive. That gun is a beast, it took more punishment than I have ever seen a gun take (besides maybe an ak). Looks like it still worked great though.
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.
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!
I have the XDM-40 and love it. I purchase ammo for practice at Walmart and I can get 100 rounds of Winchester 40s for less than $29 plus tax. I can get 100 rounds of Remington for right around $30 plus tax. When getting the "real" ammo, I use Remington Golden Saber. I have found, per the Remington ballistic data, that their Remington UMC practice rounds have identical ballistic charicteristics as does their premium Golden Sabers (velocity, energy, etc). So, I am using GS's for the defense round, and using Remington UMC as the practice round. Should feel the same to shoot. The GS's cost around $20-$25 for 25 rounds (a dollar each). But I can run a bunch of the practice rounds through it cheaply (and have done so). I think its important to use the gun all the time, be familiar with it, know how it feels when it goes off, and know where the bullet is going to go. I would highly recommend the XDm, but I think 99% of the XD gun is the same thing. So you can't go wrong with long term durability, functionality, cost, quality and resale value of the Springfield Armory guns. They have a great reputation and I have found it to be quite fun to shoot. Check out some of my "home ballistic testing" on the ammo forum. You can see my gun with some of the expanded rounds I shot into water. Later, B
Southern Hunter, get yourself a M1911A1 with laser grips. The .45 ACP is a proven man-stopper with a wide variety of bullet weights and types available for it. The kick isn't as bad as people make out, certainly nothing like Smith & Wesson Model 29 or a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. With the laser to get you on target in a defense situation, you can't beat it.
And the fact Browning's design has been in production for going on 100 years without a break ought to tell you something. It will take abuse and still shoot for you, if you shop around ammo is not that expensive (lately I've been shooting Wolf 230 grain steelcase out of mine at $11 per box of 50), and you never have a problem finding magazines or parts if something breaks (not very likely). You just can't beat it.
From your list and price range, I'd consider a Glock with aftermarket (maybe Tru-Glo) sights. I have a G26 with these, and it's accurate, a decent CCW piece, and usable in most light conditions (the sights add alot). This comes partially from your statement that you want a pistol which can take alot of abuse and still keep functioning--Glocks are very tough and reliable--that's one of their strong suits. Either 9mm or .40 is fine, as long as it's stoked with high performance ammunition (9mm gets the edge for economy of shooting, though). I'm not real familiar with the polymer Smiths; both Springfield and Glock make fine guns and either would suit you well.
It's very hard to recommend a good pistol/person combination "from the outside" other than in some rather general terms (which would give the Glock or Springfield relatively equal footing). These general factors are usually based on circumstances, level of training, and purpose for which the gun is intended. I know people who can't work autoloaders but shoot a Taurus Judge very effectively. It eventually comes down to what gun "fits" you the best; as such, I'd recommend you narrow it down and go to a range that rents firearms and try out some prospective candidates. Buy what "fits" you the best (both physically and shooting-wise). Shoot all of them and see what you like.
Welcome, by the way
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How much shooting experience do you have? Are there any children in your house? The reason I ask that is the M&P does not have a safety. That can be a big problem with an unexperienced gun handler or with children in the house. The XD has minimum of 2 safetys on every gun and some have 3. For Glock, I just don't like Glock.
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How much shooting experience do you have? Are there any children in your house? The reason I ask that is the M&P does not have a safety. That can be a big problem with an unexperienced gun handler or with children in the house. The XD has minimum of 2 safetys on every gun and some have 3. For Glock, I just don't like Glock.
Thank you all so much for the feedback. I will take the time to personally reply to each and every one of you. It's much appreciated.
Elvis, I've grown up around handguns and have plenty of experience around them. I do not know much of variety, but I was raised on a S&W 357, and a Springfield 1911 45.
I don't have any children in the house. I do have my lady living with me though. After all the feedback I've had in the 9mm vs 40. thread I'm leaning towards the Springfield XD 40. tactical. A guy I know has one for sale for $300 even.
I have not made an official decision yet though. I appreciate all the feedback guys. I'll hopefully make a decision in the next couple days.
I own one of each:
Springfield XD .40 4"
S&W M&P .40 4 1/4"
I love them both. I have night sights on each and have them positioned in the house for emergencies. Out of the 2, I would recommend finding a range and renting or borrowing each and shoot them. When I was purchasing the M&P, I looked for a few weeks at the XDM and I could never get comfortable with it. Nice gun, probably great shooter, it just never felt right to me. The XD and the M&P both fit my hand like a glove. I have thought about a 9mm and getting some of that DRT ammo from cheaperthandirt.com. That ammo is almost enough to make me buy a 9mm. Not a good HD round due to blow through capability.
I am not a fan of the few glocks I have shot. Probably just those particular weapons, but that's me. Good Luck.
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I guess I'm just old fashioned, but in my opinion, nothing beats a .357 revolver for a target/defensive handgun. But this is if I could only own one gun...unfortunately for me, they're like Lays potato chips. My one gun days ended over thirty years ago. But it's the "target" thing that brings me back to the .357. A nice 4-6" .357 with the ability to shoot a large selection of cheap .38 ammo for practice can't be beat.
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.
Except for shooting up the kitchen (Eh... What were you thinking of??!), do you use it a lot, for home defense I mean??
But I would agree. It's a good thing not to have a stray bullet penetrate through walls and into the unknown. -Especially since you guys are all living in "shoot gun shacks" thin wall houses!!! (As compared to our standard 10" insulated walls due to cold winters). Most 9mm will go through any house wall, let alone the .40! But with the .45 you'll have the margins a bit better on your side if the SHTF. Besides, who can argue "stopping power" against a flying ashtray .45acp?
One more thing. The .45 is just sooo much more comfortable to shoot at the range than any of the other above mentioned. -Since target practice came up too...
Reidar
(Former and future owner of a 1911 A1 .45ACP)
to decide if you are ahead with something that fires cheaper ammo I would rule out the 9mm's and go with the .40.
If you can, arrange to fire as many models of guns as possible to see what is your true "fit" for balance, hand to grip, trigger pull, sight picture, and so on. This is the gun for you and only you can decide.
XD in .40 cal. The police practice at our public range and there is always lots of brass for reloading. The XD points easily and about anyone that picks one up hits well with it.
I guess I'm just old fashioned, but in my opinion, nothing beats a .357 revolver for a target/defensive handgun. But this is if I could only own one gun...unfortunately for me, they're like Lays potato chips. My one gun days ended over thirty years ago. But it's the "target" thing that brings me back to the .357. A nice 4-6" .357 with the ability to shoot a large selection of cheap .38 ammo for practice can't be beat.
I'm with you on the .357 revolver thing. My home and truck gun is a Ruger GP100 with a 4-inch barrel and blued finish. I've been nothing but impressed by it. It is a pleasure to take to the range as well.
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