my first gun...

Yep, I've seen this several times. It supports my point nicely as it's 20 years old. Thanks

 

Physics doesn't change.

 

Couldn't the same technologies you claim have remedied the problems with small calibers also be applied to large calibers making them all the more effective?

 

Also, I'm not trying to say that 9mm aren't suitable for carrying or self defense, just that larger calibers are MORE effective. The main point being that you should carry the largest caliber you can effectively conceal and wield.

 

I will never own a Glock. Ever. I reload all ammo for every gun I own and Glocks jam for some odd reason with reloads.

I have my CCW permit here in PA, but I find no need to carry. I have it for when I go hunting or going out to the range. I live in a small town where everyone knows most everyone and if they don't they've heard of them and mind their own business (even though some people think we live in a ghetto thanks to MTV)

If I ever plan on carrying, I would strap a DE 50AE to the side of my leg and walk down the street. Seriously, who's going to mess with someone who has a AR-15, 12ga, and 44mag next to his bed within arms reach?

 

Certainly, and I believe they have. But the OP is shopping for his first gun. He wants it to be concealable and I believe it should be easy to shoot. A subcompact .45 with a poly frame and short barrel may be concealable but it will be very snappy. Follow-up shots will be much tougher. Again one must wonder how this will shape the habits of a new shooter. Of course full frame double stack .45s are a pleasure to shoot and have outstanding effectiveness, but you can't easily hide one under a polo. There's no question that the .45 has more stopping power than the 9mm. That's not even an argument. The question is what's most appropriate for this shooter. If the modern 9mm will do the job, conceal better, shoot easier, and carry more rounds, it seems (to me) to be an good choice for this particular scenario.

 

Agreed

 

Guns are a big investment, my suggestion for most people who can only afford one weapon will always be to get the biggest gun you can handle.

Beware the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it.
-Jeff Cooper

Case on point:
I own only one handgun. It is a large caliber weapon that I chose after thorough research on ballistics and handling. First time at the range I fired straight through the bull at 15 yds with the first round of the first clip. My wife wanted to give it a try and couldn't even hit the target at 7yds.

Know your ability, know your adversary, select your weapon accordingly.

 

For someone lacking familiarity and/or experience, the 9mm is indeed a great place to start.

 

Well I think the general consensus is that a gun is only as effective as the end user. Find a range that carries the guns you are interested in and shoot the bejesus out of them. Shoot them in all the calibers available. When it comes to defense you should be using what you are most comfortable. Because in the end shot placement always over rules any arguement. That comes with comfort and training.

Experts will always disagree. People will always have their own opinion. Someone earlier stated that Operators(Special Forces) use 9mm. Well thats not true ive seen operators carry .45 acp Colts(in country) that are still in the Army inventory. So while taking peoples advice is good and it gives you some ideas, its still comes down to the end result.


Shoot what you are comfortable with.

 

Save your reloads for your mighty Desert Ego pistol.Did you experience jams yourself? Learn how to reload properly if so.Many people with no social life that reload for Glocks have no problems , even ones that use lead only bullets which could have serious consequences if not cleaned properly.BUY factory ammo if not.Glock is the best value going in the handgun market......

Back to the ever present caliber "debate"...get a reliable gun in what ever the largest caliber you can shoot quickly and accurately.Train with it , maintain it , love it and PRAY like hell you never have to display it or use it!!!

 

Love my Kahr CW .40

 

I'd say Glock isn't the best platform for reloading either, but for the opposite reason. Glock barrels have less case support than other handguns. The increase in space is for more reliable feeding, but means the weapons are more prone to case failure, especially if you're reusing brass.

Glocks have several advantages over other designs though, and are especially suited as a large caliber platform. They are designed from the ground up to dampen and control recoil. Of course this means that its a functional square instead of a beautiful piece of art, but when it comes to what weapon I choose to carry, form will loose to function EVERY time.

 

XDs eat up reloads, same price as a Block, have a metal trigger, and can shoot wad cutters all day without exploding.

 

Okay, lets do this thing

XDs are a Glock knockoff. The grip angle is different and so is the recoil mechanism so they have more recoil. Also, their ability to take reloaded ammunition is more a perk for the hobby shooter than for those who carry for self deffense.

 

Funny you should mention grip angle since the XD's grip angle is the exact same as a 1911, which happens to be the most proven and longest-lived and most popular semi auto pistol.

 

The 1911 was named for it's year of development (1911), almost a century ago. Firearm technology has significantly improves since then. It's simple physics, the wider grip and shallower angle of the Glocks' grip allow for better recoil control by the shooter.

If it's a popularity contest, then lets compare the number of Police and Military perspnel that carry Glock vs XD.

 

That is wrong, it is a different angle/contour.....the only share the retarded grip safety.

The glock is a more efficient platform still.....better bore axis , less parts , lighter.Reload "ready" means nothing at all when examining a guns overall quality and usability.It is a worthless debate, just like the debate of "second strike" capability.If the round didn't go off you rack it out , don't pull the trigger again on a primer that didn't pop on the first hit.

I will never understand glock haters , the best conclusion I can come to is its like the kids in high school that called the most athletic/popular person a nerd.People despise the top dog.Come with facts , If you have them and they are accurate.Most glock haters are 1911 purists to the bone , you guys still have issues accepting that it is 100 yr old design , newer designs surpase its once great status.If John Moses Browning was a the genius he is proclaimed to be by the "wood/steel kool-aid" drinkers he would have designed a Glock , period.

 

Don't stop, this is fun!