handgun shooters, barrel length

[road.kill]

Im thinking of investing in my first handgun. I havent shot handguns but a couple times and was wondering your opinions on barrel length?

Im thinking of getting a Springfield XD in 9mm. This gun probably will not be carried and will be mainly for target shooting or plinking etc.
I am thinking of getting either the 4" barrel or the 5" barrel. What are the pros and cons of each? I was thinking that the 5" would give better accuracy and less muzzle jump but I havent shot enough rounds through a handgun to have adequate experience? What do you guys think 

[tlbradford]

The longer barrel will always help with recoil and aiming.  The only advantage of a smaller barrel is carrying, faster draw, and a little faster moving between targets.

[MHWASH]

Barrel lenght doesn't neccisarily make a handgun more accurate. It's the longer sight radious that can make a different. I have a 4" XD-45 and like it extreamly well. 99% of my hand guns have a barrel less than 5".

[Bofire]

I think you ought to get a Ruger 22. very cheap to shoot. perfect first pistol. any length you want
Carl

[MHWASH]

I think you ought to get a Ruger 22. very cheap to shoot. perfect first pistol. any length you want
Carl

 +1. I shot several of my handguns yesterday. My Ruger 22/45 is the funnest and I can hit the best with it. I also took out a new shooter with me. He had just bought a XD-45. He did not come out and say it, but I sure he would of rather had that .22 than the .45. They are cheap to shoot and great to learn on. I always say if I lost all my handguns the 22/45 would be the first I replaced.

[tlbradford]

Good advice on the .22, I would agree with that totally, unless you are going to use it for home defense.

[Slider]

22's are good cheap fun!!! This is my 22/45 with some old cheap ammo at 25yds.

[Huntbear]

Good advice on the .22, I would agree with that totally, unless you are going to use it for home defense.

Get an 870 for the house, and the 22/45 for out in the field!!!

[FALFire]

I agree with the .22 pistol idea. I would also like to suggest the Browning Buckmark line of semi autos, they are a very good and very accurate starter gun. For plinking and having fun, the .22 is all you will ever need.

[magnanimous_j]

I love shooting my .22's. I don't get that "wallet getting lighter every time I pull the trigger" feeling

Other than that, 9mm is a good round. I've got a CZ 75d, and I've never had a single misfire in it. A word of advice though, get a full sized auto until you develop really good shooting skills. My CZ is dead accurate, but its a lot harder to control than its full sized brother.

Whatever you decide to get, practice practice practice. It's really satisfying to watch your skills improve