HELP! New to CHL needing advice on which pistol to buy

[starrbuck]

I'll echo everyone else and say handle a few and see what you like. My personal favorites are the Springfield XDs. I carry the XD9 Service model daily, and I would like to get the SC model soon.

Good luck and welcome to the world of greater responsibility!

[Apollo]

Thank you for all the welcomes and good advice so far. Just for the record, i believe the 1911 is one of the absolute greatest weapon designs ever, my only qualm was the exterior hammer and i used the 1911 as an example - not a personal affront against that weapon.

The S&W M+P .40 compact has been a long time contender for me and have been considering it for 2 months. Handled it at the gun show and fired the .40 cal rounds at the gun range with a different pistol. The downside to renting guns where i live (dallas) is that i can't find anyone renting this newer model pistol. DFW Gun range doesn't have it, nor does elm fork and my knowledge of other ranges in the area is somewhat limited so i'll probably have to call around to see what people have.

The glock models and M+P line by smith are both very good i think, but i am still looking to find out if anyone has any other suggestions by a different manufacturer? I've done some searching online and would simply like to put together a list of things to look at and hopefully buy at the next gun show.

[Xander]

Bullet Trap keeps a fairly current list of the guns they have for rent: http://bullettrapinc.com/

[Mark G26]

Definitely try out the glock 27. it fits your requirements and is a subcompact.

+1

[Skiprr]

If you're looking for similar options to .40 Glocks and M&Ps, another popular striker-fired pistol in that broad group of cousins is the Springfield XD. (Longtooth: plug your ears.) I have two XDs: a .45 Service and a .9mm Tactical; and three Glocks: a 27, 35, and a 17. I trust every one of 'em; I shoot some better than others. The XDs and the Glocks have a different barrel-to-forearm alignment in my grip. I'm more used to 1911s, and the XDs have a more natural point-of-aim for me. That said, I do practice with the Glocks (not much with the 27, however) and it takes all of about two or three dry-fires once I pick one up to accommodate it.

Others have said, "You gotta go shoot what you're interested in to really know," and they're all correct because no two of us are exactly the same. Moreover, you really need to try putting the gun in a holster carrying it for a little while to know how you feel about that part of the gun's performance. That's often difficult to do...that's why a lot of us have "dead holster drawers," and it's one reason Forums like this can be of such benefit: people can hook up and help others try new guns and new holsters...the upcoming (Texas CHL Forum Day at PSC) is a great example where "Battlefield Pickup" shooting bays will have a wide variety of handguns for folks to try.

All that said, none of the XDs or Glocks are my primary carry. That's a compact 1911.

[PhilR.]

.the upcoming (Texas CHL Forum Day at PSC) is a great example where "Battlefield Pickup" shooting bays will have a wide variety of handguns for folks to try.

I was wondering what "battlefield pickup" meant....

Does the PSC supply the different weapons to try, or is it suggested that those who sign up bring along extra weapons for others to try?

Is ammo supplied by the PSC, or do the attendees bring along the types of ammo that they hope to be able to shoot?

thanks,
PhilR.