Handgun help

[Turbo3000]

Decided to get my first handgun, it will be an everything gun at first (range, home protection, and eventually vehicle/carry). Can't decided between the .40 or 9mm, and I can't decide between the compact or subcompact.

I haven't shot a handgun in years, but I just think that I will love the 9 at first, and then after 3-6 months I will want a the 40. I know a lot of you are gun owners that could offer me good advice.

Pretty much set on a Springfield XD subcompact( 3 in barrel) 40 (9?) or the new XDm compact 9 (3.8 barrel, 19 +1 capacity). The XDm compact is only available in 9mm at the moment, but the 40 is rumored for December.

I figure that the next gun purchase would be in around 18 months, so this first one will fill many roles for the time being.

Any thoughts?

[decadecadeca]

9mm is cheaper, so it will allow you to shoot more and spend more time getting comfortable with the weapon.

9mm also has less felt recoil so it will make it a little easier to become proficient.

And finally 9mm will have more rounds per magazine, and while shot placement is key....more rounds never hurt either.

[Turbo3000]

9mm is cheaper, so it will allow you to shoot more and spend more time getting comfortable with the weapon.

9mm also has less felt recoil so it will make it a little easier to become proficient.

And finally 9mm will have more rounds per magazine, and while shot placement is key....more rounds never hurt either.

You know how many forums, blogs, and web pages I have read regarding the .40 vs 9? :thumup: You hit the basic main points I have been considering. Seems like the 40/9 debate is a hot, never dying topic.

I like the cheaper ammo (but not the end of the world to spend a lil extra), I am just scared that after 4 months I will feel like I want a 40. I can't explain it, I dunno if it is the slightly larger ammo, the bigger bang, the extra recoil.....I just feel like I should go .40, but then I think about all of the benefits of the 9............

I now know why most gun owners have collections.

Are gun shows good? Found 1 this weekend and 1 next weekend that are fairly close. Cash only usually?

Thanks.

[decadecadeca]

No matter what you get you'll want the other one a month later.

Welcome to the sickness.

Gun shows used to be great places to find deals but those days are long gone. Look around online and you can usually find great local deals on the major gun forum's sale pages.

Take a look at Summit Gun Broker, I've bought from them several times and they have awesome prices on used guns.

[3v1lj03]

Get the 9 now and the .40 later

[bigscott]

will probably have a couple for you after my court hearing tomorrow morning .. because i got a fed charge it wasn't a mandatory removal of my state pistol rights .. its discretionary .. the last few weeks they have been looking into my back round i will get there final determination tomorrow .. i can own all shotguns and rifles i want but no pistols .. i really don't think i am getting them back if NY can get them they will .

in the end small price to pay .. 27 months fed time and losing everything was my other option :)

[Turbo3000]

will probably have a couple for you after my court hearing tomorrow morning .. because i got a fed charge it wasn't a mandatory removal of my state pistol rights .. its discretionary .. the last few weeks they have been looking into my back round i will get there final determination tomorrow .. i can own all shotguns and rifles i want but no pistols .. i really don't think i am getting them back if NY can get them they will .

in the end small price to pay .. 27 months fed time and losing everything was my other option :)

Damn bro, sorry to hear. Hope everything works out.

[Turbo3000]

Get the 9 now and the .40 later

That is what I keep thinking, but damn if I don't read about people feeling that their 9 feels like a .22, I want to feel some power behind that thing.

Narrowed down to:


Springfield XD 40 subcompact
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

or

Springfield XDm 9mm compact
Springfield Armory - Introducing the XD(m) Polymer Handgun


The XD is cheaper and a 40. The XDm has a match barrel, changeable back straps, 0.8 inch longer barrel (but still a small grip), 9 so cheaper to shoot and it holds 19+1.