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ilikedux
Posts: 21 New Member
Help with handgun purchase
ilikedux
Posts: 21 New Member
I have hunted for many years and have several shotguns and rifles and feel I have good knowledge in these types of firearms. I am now looking at purchasing a handgun for self defence. I am looking for a semi auto, and was thinking of a S&W or Glock. I really know nothing about the quality of these firearms and any help would be appriciated.
Replies
The Springfield XD are nice guns, I competed with one for over a year with no issues but lately some local guys have had issues with them, The S&W MP rust easily, this are guys that know how to care for their guns but there's a lot of humidity here so that could play a part here.
Now for my biased recommendation, I always recommend to those getting started Glocks, new or used depending on your budget, very easy to maintain, can handle a lot of abuse and always go bang, unlike many here I also find them "pretty", not important at all when it comes to a defense weapon but a pre-empted strike as someone is bound to tell claim they are quite ugly.
Just realized that the Springfield I ran IPSC matches with was a regular XD and the buddies that have had problems are with the XDM.
I'm not mistaken is just the grips can be changed?
It's more than just the grip. You might want to read the following review from G&A's Dick Metcalf.
http://www.handgunsmag.com/2011/05/26/video-springfield-armory-xd-vs-xdm/
also see.....
http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01/03/handgun_reviews_st_raisedm_200809/
Look at a cop tomorrow and see what's on the hip.......be brave and ask them about it. I brought this point to my trainee who just turned 21, and is now looking for a firearm for himself.....our Bike-cops are 1911 fans...there are reasons for this. Both S&W, and Glock will serve you well.
Now let's throw in another......look at what a Sherrif's deputy carries.....most likely a .357.....there's a reason for that too.
around here they're all carrying .40 cal Sig's
You are one of them.
I consider them to be two different jobs. For HD I would go full size large capacity 9mm like an M&P (XD or Glock, all under $500) and hang a light on the bottom. You are defending a position.....your home. A full size will be easier to shoot.
Concealed carry, I like a smaller pistol. If it isn't comfortable you won't carry it every day. You give up accuracy (although small pistols today are still pretty accrate), and capacity. I plan to use my CCW to keep their heads down while I escape the danger if possible. Not get into a gun fight. Still need to practice! You will need to be able to hit what you are aiming at...
Lots of new small pistols available now. KelTecs are cheap and go bang, but aren't as easy to shoot with a rough trigger. I personally carry a Kahr and it was worth the extra $$$ to me...
Around Denver, issue is the Glock 22 (.40 S&W).....Motorcyle Patrolmen prefer the accuracy of 1911s (I asked a few)....Sheriff deputies prefer the Smith 686 or Ruger GP100 (.357).....since a deputy has to serve at least two years in a correctional facility before being let out on the road....and they are on their own for the most part, and their consensus was "with six rounds, I should only need one to put down something" They've been through prison fights....they know that instant take-down is key...... these people don't spray n pray like NYC cops.....even under duress, it's aimed fire for maximum results. On the other hand, they may have to dispatch a 500 lbs elk hit by a car...this seems easy if you think it's just laying there on the road waiting to die.....but elk don't know they're dead yet, and will still walk around in traffic until it gets the final blow. This I found out recently talking with a Jeffco deputy the other day.
Go somewhere that you can handle most of these and see what feels right to you though. There is nothing better than getting something that is just right for YOU.
Luis
I would advise that you run it a bit before you start depending your life on it.
Just my .02 cents.
Please excuse typos. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
CONGRATS:applause:, I prefer Glocks and if they were not around I might try me out an M&P. I think the xdm and xds are purdy but they just don feel right in the hand to me,... even tho I want an xds soooo bad (same goes for the M&P shield),... I drool at them everytime Im at the LGS, but I have so many glocks (mag & parts interchangeability) that I have done myself in. Have fun w/ that beauty and :yousuck: