Which firearm for carry

[YankeeBob]

Okay, I'm probably about to open a HUGE can of worms here, but I'm looking for suggestions on what pistol to buy for my carry weapon. I know it will be in 9mm because it's cheaper to shoot, therefor I will shoot more and be more proficient with it. I really like the Springfield XD SC. I like the way it fits in my hand and really like the extended mag for it. It helps to hold my whole hand better than other SC pistols. I have not shot this weapon yet. Does anyone else own or carry one of these? If so, what are the pros and cons forthis weapon? I also thought a sig would be nice too but I'm somewhat price challenged. This next pistol I but is going to be the one I carry for many years to come so I want to make sure I make the right decision on which to buy. I already have a Hi Point 9mm but it's not a very good carry pistol(IMO). Any and all replies are greatly appreciated. Also, thanks to all who welcomed me as a newbie. You guys(and girls) are great

[Dave2]

I would say that you should get whichever reliable & accurate pistol that fits your hand. For me it was a Sig P226, for one of my best friends it was a Glock 17. To the best of my knowledge, the XDs are both reliable and accurate, so I would not hesitate to carry one if I liked the way they fit my hand.

You should rent or borrow one to put a few rounds through before you buy it, though, just to be sure. Feeling good in the hand and being comfortable to shoot aren't necessarily the same thing (though in my limited experience, they often are).

[Oldgringo]

Did you look here for a few ideas?

I have a SA 9mm XD SC and it's a great CW and quite accurate - all things considered. My preferred (daily) CW is A SA 1911 Compact LW.

BTW, I don't think you can LEGALLY buy a handgun in Texas until you can show proof of residency. Good luck.

[rthillusa]

You'll get as many opinions as there are members on this forum, but check out the reviews on the KelTec PF-9. Its a good compromise on cost, caliber and concealibility.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

The XD is a great gun. I have a XD .45acp 4" service model. It is very reliable and accurate. I do not carry it everyday though. I usually only carry the XD when I am out hunting or hiking and feel more comfortable with a higher round count since I am out in the woods.

My daily carry is my 1911. It is reliable, accurate and since it is a single stack it carries very comfortably and conceals great. I carry it OWB with two spare mags on my weak side. All I need for concealment is a T-Shirt.

You said that you are somewhat price challenged and I know 1911s can be pricey. However, Taurus makes a nice 1911 with all the bells and whistles for fairly cheap. I have seen them from $600-$800.

You could also get a Springfield Mil-Spec, $600-$650, but that is the bare minimum style. It is still a GREAT gun but you will probably want to change some things on it in the future. This is the route I took. I slowly changed out parts that I wanted to when the funds became available until I had everything that I wanted. This allowed me to get a very reliable gun at a great price and put on it what I wanted when it was convenient for me. Now, I have a gun that I love, is very comfortable to carry, very reliable, will eat anything and is extremely accurate.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Another thing. You really cannot go wrong if the gun is made from a reputable maker and it fits comfortably in your hand.

[RPB]

If you like the XD and it fits you:
(I don't have an XD, yet, I might get one like the setup below, which is how I set up my Glocks)


XD and Advantage Tactical Sights. and one of them laser light thingamajigs.

http://www.advantagetactical.com/store.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


http://www.lasermax.com/products/springfield.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Links provided if you want to see more info and purchase

I ain't affiliated with anyone, but I use and like these products.

[Rex B]

I suggest you determine for sure if IWB or OWB/holster carry will work for you.
I just never could find something that worked for me and fit my physique, usual dress.
So I pocket carry exclusively, as do many others here. That requires compromise, unless you have Really Big pockets.

So most of the time I'm carrying a .380 - Ruger LCP, Keltec P3AT, or a Sig P238.
And sometimes I carry a P32 or a Seecamp .32.

The Keltec 9s are a little bigger, and offer great price/performance. I have the P11 which is a double-stack 9mm.
The Keltec PF9 suggested above is a single-stack - some can pocket carry that. Either one can be had for $250, more or less.

Ruger just came out with a 9mm which looks like an upsized LCP, might be worth a look.

[BobCat]

If you are comfortable with 9 mm you might look at one of the CZ75 variants.

They are reliable, accurate, and relatively inexpensive compared to other pistols of similar quality.

I've carried a CZ75B IWB for many years. The B model can be carried cocked and locked for single action first shot, or hammer down on a live round for double action first shot (single action thereafter). The D model cannot be carried cocked and locked, the lever is a decocker, not a safety.

Your location is the Houston area. If you want to try mine you are welcome to.

Regards,
Andrew

[Teamless]

i carry the XD9sc, in a Crossbreed holster. and I love it!
my first carry pistol was a taurus PT111 (sc) (9mm).
I liked it, but any chance I got, i went to Academy or gun shows, looking for other pistols that I liked, but like you, wanted sc only.
I picked up the XD9sc, took a chance, bought it, and since then, I have not looked for any other pistols.

[bnc]

I'll second BobCat in saying that the CZ 75 is an excellent pistol, I'm very fond of mine.

As others have said, the XD is a fine choice. Since you are in south Houston, there are plenty of ranges where you can rent guns. I'm pretty sure Memorial Shooting Center has XDs to rent, also look at Top Gun and The Arms Room.

[BrianSW99]

If you are looking for a polymer gun, you can't go wrong with any of these:

S&W M&P 9c, Glock 26 or 19, XD9sc.

The only thing I don't care for about the Springfield is how high the slide sits above the top of the hand. To me, the M&P feels better in the hand than the Glock. I carry a Glock 19, which I like a lot, but I'd probably get the M&P if I were to do it over again due to the better grip. I did purchase an M&P Pro for IDPA, however, instead of the Glock 34.

Brian

[gwashorn]

All that can be said is said. I carry an XD9SC. Absolutely love it. Probably way past 3000 rounds down the barrel reliabily. I carry IWB and OWB with it. I have many others types and love them as well but this one is my normal CCW weapon. Do rent one and check it out against others. You may find another you like better but you will not be disappointed in this one. It will not be a bad choice by any means. You can always have more than one gun too... Most of us do so this one may be your first but doubtful your last. good luck.

Gary

[RPB]

All that can be said is said. I carry an XD9SC. Absolutely love it. Probably way past 3000 rounds down the barrel reliabily. I carry IWB and OWB with it. I have many others types and love them as well but this one is my normal CCW weapon. Do rent one and check it out against others. You may find another you like better but you will not be disappointed in this one. It will not be a bad choice by any means. You can always have more than one gun too... Most of us do so this one may be your first but doubtful your last. good luck.

since the mid-term elections turned out well.

Gary

I finished that sentence for you.
(reference: some US congress people trying to legislate based on thier opinion of how many we NEED of an item)

[joelamosobadiah]

I have and carry an XD 9 subcompact and I love it! I've got the itch for another gun right now, but as my only handgun it's been everything I thought it would be and everything I needed.

The only reason I'd go with something else is I'd like to have something smaller for concealed carry (the XD9 is great for concealed carry, but not super small), and then a larger gun for a larger caliber and something to carry when I can conceal easier. Now I'm just torn on whether I should buy a larger .45 for my next gun or a smaller gun.