Turning 21 soon. Looking to buy a handgun? What ya think

I'm considering getting a 226 myself. The department I am trying to get into uses that as their weapon. Had a chance to take a look at it at a local gun shop, like the feel and look of it. Read a lot of reviews on it and they all seem to be good marks...

Also, anybody have any more input on the springfield xdm?

 

I love my XDM9c. Have 2000 rounds through it and not one problem. Look at post 58 in this thread, i posted some pictures of it.

 

the only thing ive heard from officers is that they are a little harder to find duty gear for the XD line compared to Glock and even the M&P line...but everyone who has one loves it

 

My preferred CC weapon is my S&W 1911PD chambered in .45 ACP. It is big - I only carry it in an OWB holster or shoulder holster - but out of all the handguns I own, this is the one I would choose to take into a fight every time. Because the CC of my 1911 is limited to a heavier wardrobe, it serves as my winter CC weapon, which is unfortunately a short season in Atlanta.

My "warm weather" concealed carry weapon is a Beretta PX4 Storm subcompact, chambered in .40 S&W. I carry this in a CrossBreed SuperTuck holster. I find this to be a good alternative to my 1911 when I would rather not wear a coat. The DA/SA trigger is closer to resembling the SA trigger of the 1911 than another DAO trigger on some of the other pistols I've tried. The Beretta also has a double-stacked magazine, making the grip a little thicker than most subcompacts - this fits my hand better, and something that turned me onto the Beretta in the first place.

I love both of these pistols and would recommend either. But as you said, you had narrowed the brands down to only contain S&W from my choices. If you do start to carry, I'm sure you'll find that you need more than one weapon and a whole slew of holsters

I've included some pictures from Google in case you're interested. Feel free to PM if you have any more questions.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Extremely helpful. Ill be turning 21 tomorrow and my plans are to head to the store as soon as I get done at the bmv. Im really leaning towards the springfield xdm 9, great gunn I think at a pretty good price. My budget is a 1000 so I might buy a subcompact pistol too while im at it. Maybe a ruger lc9? My buddy has one annd its a pretty nice gun. I might be getting ahead of myself though on that one ha. Also, I have a very vague idea but can you guys explain the actal difference between a single action, double action. And double only action gun. Still a bit confused regarding that. Thanks.

 

it more pertains to revolvers. When you pull the hammer back, there is a very light trigger pull. This is single action. Pulling the trigger does not cock the hammer, hammer must be pulled back manually.

Double action does two motions, cocks the hammer and releases it. This takes more pressure to release but will do the two motions in one without the need of cocking. However a double action can also be used single action by simply cocking the hammer manually.

Double action only, you do not have the option of cocking manually. The trigger cocks and releases the hammer in one motion without being able to manually control it.

With that said, they have been relating the SA, DA, and DOA to semi auto pistols as well. I guess it gives you an idea of the trigger pull? I'm not really sure why they do that.

 

Semi autos are SA, DA, or DAO.
Single action means the hammer needs to be pulled back either by racking the slide or pulling back with your thumb....think 1911.
DA is hammer that is manipulated with the trigger pull....every time you pull the trigger the hammer goes back and releases, striking the firing pin.

 

That makes sense, thank you!

 

So I ended up pulling the trigger (pun intended). Yesterday, went to the local outfitter shop and purchased a 9mm Springfield XDM 3.8 and a Karh 9mm Subcompact. Will get pics later tonight hopefully, after I get done shooting them

 

congrats!

 

Good choices
Kahr PM9 is on me right now

 

...and I've got my XD

Make sure you take advantage of the Gear Up Program. Three free mags and a mag pouch.

 

I'm waiting for my free mags. hopefully today. Wish we could get the XDm here but that damn roster wont let me. Had to go with the regular XD. will post pics tonight. I have been slacking. next purchase will be a Ruger LC9 for carry as my XD is the 4"

 

CZ75 SP01 or P01 in 9mm, very accurate guns, easy to work on, low recoil and sexy.

1911, spend the extra on a good one.

FNX-9, quality and not run of the mill.

 

So, I was able to shoot both the xdm and kahr yesterday. From my limited experience with handguns, they seem to be very smooth.

However, my shooting, less than adequate.

I'm familiar with rifles and shotguns and the techniques in regards to sighting them in and being accurate.

With the handguns, however, I found almost all my shots were anywhere from 3-8 inches low. Is this common among new shooters? I don't know if its the way I am gripping it or the way I am looking at the sights, or what.

I do intend to get my cc next weekend, so hopefully I will get some instruction there. I intend on taking additional classes as well when I get time to get more instruction and hopefully improve accuracy. It was my first time shooting these type of handguns (previously have shot revolvers) so I know I'm not going to hit the bullseye every time, but I thought I'd do better than I did.

Any suggestions or tips?

 

That's definitely a possibility. Probably something I'd have to figure out, but maybe have someone watch me? As I mentioned, I intend to get some instruction on this, but for now just want to see what ya'll thought.

 

Would these work?