what pistol to buy?

[383man]

so i need advice on what pistol to get. i'm thinking about the springfield xdm sub compact, or maybe a walther ppq, looking for a .40 or .45 cal, in the 5-600 dollar range, any advice on a better model, or anybody have one of these and like/hate them? thanks

[huntinguy]

It all comes down to your shooting style.

XD is a fine gun, whips with 180 gr, 40 smith, but doesn't point for me.
Glock works fine, I like it a great deal as a shooting gun. Points well for me and I don't think it whips as bad....

But everyone's hands are different....

You need to find a place to rent whatever you are interested in before you spend the money.

[Jellymon]

I would recommend the Smith and Wesson M&P compact in .40. Me and my brother both have one and we have shot hundereds of rounds of any type of bullet without one jam, not ONE.  VERY reliable. It is tough, light, accurate, and very easy to take apart and clean. The fit and finish on it is outstanding. All metal parts are stainless steel with a black finish. Its right around $520. Plus, it just looks good!

[addicted]

Glock
xd
Walther p99
M&P's
1911's

they are all great guns, YOU have to go to the range and feel which one fits YOUR hand the best.

I like H&K's, but i'll probably never own one because they don't fit my grip.

[predator guy]

1911's or that Smith& Wesson M&P!! hate those Glocks!!

[383man]

The next question that comes to mind then...where is there a shooting range where you can rent guns to shoot around chehalis/olympia?

[addicted]

I'm sure someone can point you in the right direction for that. 

[carpsniperg2]

Xdm 45 all the way

[stumprat]

The Marksman has rental guns. They are in Puyallup.

[383man]

Xdm 45 all the way

I really like the looks of the xdm, i just hope it shoots and fits my hand just as good

[383man]

The Marksman has rental guns. They are in Puyallup.

i'll have to check it out next time i'm up that way, hopefully I can make it up for the fair

[700xcr]

Xdm 45 all the way

+1 at 100%
I have the XDM 45 and love it. Just developed a plinking load that is a 1-1/2"  10 shot group at 21ft. 4.4grs. of Hodgdon Titegroup, CCI 300 primer and a 230gr. Montanna Gold bullet. easy to field strip and clean gun. This is my new handgun that will be on my hip while hunting.

[addicted]

I had a buddy who was dead set on buying an xd45. he studied up for months then went back to the states for a gun show. He picked up an xd45........ and hated it.  He said it felt cheap and uncomfortable to him.  so he kept looking around the gun show and picked up a springfield lightweight operator and loves the heck out of it.

[383man]

differant strokes for differant folks i suppose, i'll check out a bunch when i can get to the range and see where that takes me

[addicted]

differant strokes for differant folks i suppose, i'll check out a bunch when i can get to the range and see where that takes me

 

[SkookumJeff]

I hate striker fired pistols, real pistols have a hammer.  That said, I LOVE my XD40, lightweight to carry and dead nuts accurate...

My CZ's are jealous...

Skook

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a 45 XD. That thing is so heavy when loaded up, I don't carry it. Nice gun, but I carry my Glock 23 40 cal instead.

[ribka]

20 years carrying a Sig model 220. No issues and over 20,000 rds

The Springfield and Glock would be a fine choice too

[Mossy]

Are you going to carry?  If not, I would recommend the compact, not sub compact.  Two buddies of mine got the sub but when we shoot, they tend to borrow my XD compact .40, food for thought.  The sub doesn't have room for the pinky, not in my hands anyway.

[Killercolin]

Glock
xd
Walther p99
M&P's
1911's

they are all great guns, YOU have to go to the range and feel which one fits YOUR hand the best.

I like H&K's, but i'll probably never own one because they don't fit my grip.

I totally agree. Thats what I did with my wife when we got her glock 19. I prefer my XD .40 though. I love the gun and Ive had it for about 4 yrs and have never had a jam or any issue. It is extremely accurate (same with glock) and has a great feel to it. And for recoil, its not that bad at all.

[Killercolin]

The next question that comes to mind then...where is there a shooting range where you can rent guns to shoot around chehalis/olympia?

I drove up to the Bulls eye shooting range in tacoma. It was the BEST experience I have had at a range. They asked us what we were looking for and gave their input and suggestions. They were very friendly and put us in a seperate shooting area away from everyone else so my wife would be more comfortable shooting. You pay a fee to shoot any gun they have in a caliber. Then you just buy the ammo and youre good to go all day. I highly recommend them.

[helzbelz888]

i'm just gonna second what everyone else said and try for yourself at a rental shop... or i'm sure you could convince someone local to meet you at a range and you bring the ammo? that usually works for me. i post offering to buy them a box of shells in exchange for trying their firearms...

[383man]

thanks for all the input guys, i haven't made it too the range yet, but will soon. I went to the lacey cabelas yesterday and felt a few and I have to say, the Walther PPQ fit like a glove, it feels so right, holding the xd it didn't fit as well as i thought, still a good feeling gun though, just more blocky

[stumprat]

thanks for all the input guys, i haven't made it too the range yet, but will soon. I went to the lacey cabelas yesterday and felt a few and I have to say, the Walther PPQ fit like a glove, it feels so right, holding the xd it didn't fit as well as i thought, still a good feeling gun though, just more blocky

The XD's and Glocks are too blocky for my hands also. I have a couple carry guns that you are welcome to shoot. I'm in the Chehalis area.
If you are interested just shoot me a P.M.

[Killercolin]

I went to the lacey cabelas yesterday and felt a few and I have to say, the Walther PPQ fit like a glove, it feels so right, holding the xd it didn't fit as well as i thought, still a good feeling gun though, just more blocky

Thats one of the most important part to buying a new gun. What feels right to you. For me I had that with the XD, soon as I held it I knew I wanted that one. Good luck with the new toy shopping.  always a fun experience.

[ICEMAN]

Following this thread.
 
You guys are awesome for offering up a chance to shoot your weapons. Good for you!
 
I love my XDm in 9mm

[addicted]

Following this thread.
 
You guys are awesome for offering up a chance to shoot your weapons. Good for you!
 

you can shoot my guns too but the plane ticket is going to cost you

[goosegetter79]

Following this thread.
 
You guys are awesome for offering up a chance to shoot your weapons. Good for you!
 

you can shoot my guns too but the plane ticket is going to cost you

What are the going rates for a plane ticket to afghanistan?  More than I got!!! LOL

[addicted]

all i've got here with me is the crappy m9. meet me in germany if you get them several months out i've seen round trip tickets for 700.

[artifactr]

Following this thread.
 
You guys are awesome for offering up a chance to shoot your weapons. Good for you!
 

you can shoot my guns too but the plane ticket is going to cost you

What are the going rates for a plane ticket to afghanistan?  More than I got!!! LOL

Haha!  I think you would actually have to pay me, to get on a plane to Afghanistan!

The XD's are excellent guns if they fit your hand. If them or the Glocks seem blocky, try handling and shooting the S&W M&P pistols. I sold my XD45 after shooting the M&P.. Now I have a couple and they are sweet. They also have a good selection of drop in parts that are easy to install yourself from Apex Tactical. The M&P Compact's make good carry guns, ergonomic, light, and easy to conceal. Overall I've been very impressed with the guns, I'd highly recommend them.

[12 gauge watergun]

I have to vote for the sr40 by ruger.  Recoil is very minimal compared to any other 40 I've shot.

[383man]

Well, thanks to Stumprat I am now the proud owner of a S&W Sigma .40 cal. Thanks again Paul, and thanks for everyones input.

[DuckDr.Duke]

I have a Sig Sauer 220 in .45, it carries 7 in clip +1 in chamber. I like it, I don't carry it as much. But I do bring it with me elk hunting. I also have a Glock .40 that I like a lot, carries 15 rounds. I also have a Remingtion-Rand 1911 Colt.45 from WWII, I love that gun and it shoots pretty well, I don't carry this one at all.

[jbender]

I have always been a Glock fan, however if you are wanting a sub compact in a .40 then that would be the model 23 for the Glock.  I was issued one for duty use and shot it fine, however we then switched to the 35's which is definately bigger but ohhhh so much better to shoot.  If I was going to stay with the sub compact I would say the Springfield XDM would be a good bet.