[xiphur]

Hello all!! I'm thining about purchasing a handgun (this will be my first) and I can seem to figure out which one I want. I have fired a few pistols before including the 92FS, Sigp226, glock19, some ruger model, and the SA XD-9.

Out of all of those, I like the feel the XD the best. I was more accurate with it, it fits my hand the best and it is reasonably priced. The thing that holds me back is the fact the I have read from a lot of people that it gets rusted very quickly and it has to be constantly oiled. I'm not the type that's going to be using it very much and i don't want to have to keep oiling it every week just to keep the rust off. Also when i was shooting it, brass was hitting me in the face and landing on my shoulder. I dont know if it was beacuse it was a rental gun or if that is a common problem with the gun. I looked into getting it refinished (trippresearch) and that cost too much. I rather buy a more expensive gun with a better finish.

Beretta is probably my second choice although it's a little pricey. The grip is really chunky and my hands aren't all that big. But it just looks so sweet!!!:D
Glock really isn't all that bad yet it's not at the top of my list. Sig is pretty darned good; cost waaaaaaay too much.

I'm stuck in the middle on this one i can't seem to find the gun that is just right. leaning toward XD but the rust keeps me at a distance.

please help me??:(

[S&W620]

As I own and love the G19, I must give you a full recomendation on it. This gun is a workhorse. Maintaining it is effortless. However, I have also heard that the finish of the XD has greatly improved lately and should be less of a problem than what you heard. I personally chose the glock over the XD but that was the gun that I liked the most. As you stated, you like the ergonomics and feel of the XD better so that seems to be the better gun for you. Good luck with whatever you choose, I hope this helps.

[grizz]

I have the XD-.40 tactical, my brother has a Glock 22 (.40). Not 9mm guns, but as a comparison between full size Glock and XD we both agree on the following:

XD: Trigger pull, accuracy, ergonomics, and safety features are all considerably better than the Glock.

Glock: Will chew through a wider variety of ammo types and brands without as many jams, failures to fire, etc.

If I had to choose one for a SHTF situation, I'd probably go with a Glock (*unless I already had a crapload of reliable ammo at hand), but with real life availability of a variety of ammo, both my brother and I like the XD much better.

About the XD finish: Older ones (like mine) do show holster wear fairly easily, BUT I have also heard Springfield has fixed that and the new guns all have a finish almost identical to the durability of Glocks.
Hope that helps.

[JDGray]

Welcome to the forum! Why not get the XD9 with a ss slide? The rust was my worry also, when looking for a 9mm, I wanted the 5" tactical, but no ss on that model. I ended up with a CZ75B 9mm, best gun I own!:)

[KINGMAX]

Get a GLOCK in something that will fit your hand - Try one prior to any purchase :scrutiny:

[Navy87Guy]

As you can see from my signature line, I like variety! Right now, my top recommendations are the CZ 75 and the Beretta PX4. You can get into these guns for between $350 (CZ) to $450 (PX4) depending on where you shop. Both are excellent and reliable. The CZ is more of a "traditional" gun that feels similar to a 1911-style pistol. The PX4 is Beretta's entry into the polymer world -- and I think they have a winner.

Glocks are also excellent choices, although I personally prefer traditional SA/DA to the Glock-style trigger. But you'll notice that I own two of them!

Whatever you choose, make sure it's the one that feels right to you and shoots well for you. You can't go wrong that way!

Jim

[TxPhantom]

OK here goes, my 1st post here. I've been scrapping together funds to buy a new auto loader for some time now. Between the IRS and being stuck with a bad check I've had to hold off. But this has given me some time to read up on, and fondle at the gun shops, several very nice guns. Including the Walther P99, Glock, Sw99OL, CZ's, Para, XD's and S & W M & P. We own and have often shot the Baby Desert Eagle 9mm, with a great 4lb trigger.

I've decided on the S & W M & P 40 Caliber. The fans of this pistol are growing every day. I like the way it feels in my hand and we own 5 other S & W's (6 if you count the PPK/S) and I love shooting them all. Very dependable and great warranty when needed.

Ask ten experts and you'll get ten different answers. My vote would be either the M & P or the Desert Eagle. It's a tough choice. There are many fine auto loaders out there.:confused:

[distra]

Welcome to the forum! I own both the XD45 and XD9 OD green. They are both good guns. I don't have any issue with the brass hitting me in the face with either. As for rust, you can get a stainless steel model or get the slide refinished if you choose. I have not seen rust on either pistol. Unlike my S&W 1911 Sc which rusted after a week :eek: Needless to say that one got refinished. The XD's have been flawless in my hands as well as my wife's. She shoot it this weekend in our tactical match and had a lot of fun with it! :D If you like the XD, don't hesitate to purchase it, you won't be disappointed.

[TxPhantom]

I think the newer XD's have a much improved melonite (Sp.?) finish. Check out the XD forum for more info.

[KINGMAX]

I have fired a few XD's, all in .45. All felt great in my hand. I have nothing negative to say about the SPRINGFIELD XD 45. I would like to own one myself. :rolleyes: Oh well - I will just keep wishing for now. :)

I have even thought of selling off some of my stuff, and get a M-1 Garrand, Springfield XD / .45 and a S&W .45 acp revolver that shoots .45 and .410 for a camp gun. :fire:

I have so much stuff now its tuff keeping stocked up on all of the different types of ammo, (but I'm not complaining) !! My last visit to the gun show cost me about $300.00 in ammo, no other hardware was purchased. :cuss:

[Lou629]

Get the one you shoot the best! Think of them as 'tools' designed to accurately poke holes in things at a distance. I think you will find you are a lot happier overall with a gun you can shoot well, even if it should be necessary to have to 'baby' it a little with a silicone cloth now and then to preserve the finish.
I have a BHP and a Beretta 92FS. The finish on the Beretta sucks compared to the HP, but the sights are better on the Beretta and i shoot much better with it. I love the HP, have owned it for nearly two decades, and would never part with it. But guess which one i'm happier with overall in terms of what these particular 'tools' were designed to do in the first place?

[magsnubby]

I think the rust issue is way overblown. I have an XD40 i bought used from the original owner. It came with the two fired cases still in the factory envelope. The envelope was dated 12-24-01. I've carried it in the glove compartment of my jeep, under the seat of my truck and on my hip while fishing and general woods bumming. There's never been a speck of rust on it. The only time it was ever oiled was after being fired. Usual cleaning (unless it had been fired) consisted of nothing more than a quick wipe down with a soft cloth to remove any dust. No problem with being hit by flying brass. Mine puts them about three feet at about 1:00 o'clock position.

It fits my hand, has never malfunctioned, has a fairly nice trigger, and is as accurate as any other pistol on the market. I don't really care for the grip saftey, although it's not that big of an issue, the loaded chamber indicator and cocked indicated seem a little silly to me. But it really wasn't an issue when i traded for the gun. My buddy wanted my Taurus 94, i kind of liked the XD, the trade seemed fair (the Taurus plus some cash)....

I also love my Glocks. Most people seem to criticize the Glock triggers but they've never been a problem for me. Maybe when i bought my first Glock i didn't know the trigger was supposed to suck. For someone raised on 1911's and S&W wheelguns, the new plastic guns were some strange beast. I tried to hate them, i really did. But after running a few hundred rounds through the damn thing, i loved that damn plastic Glock 23.

If i was buying a pistol for all around use, it would be a Glock. Probably a 17.

[SX1guy]

Get yourself a Browning High Power 9mm, preferably used, good shape.

You can't go wrong, won't go broke, cheap ammo, very accurate.

regards...Chuck :)

[magsnubby]

A Hi Power? Now why didn't i think of that? There's also lost of HP clones out there to choose from. Look for an FEG. They're great guns,they're HP clones so they accept all HP parts. I wish i had never let mine get away but my buddy wanted it and i wanted his Mustang 'vert....

[GaShooter64]

I keep hearing good things about the XD series. I'm going to have to buy one to see for myself. My problem is my appetite for new guns exceeds my annual disposable income :uhoh: I do own a Glock 19 and a Beretta 92, though and they are both sweet shooting firearms. I simply cannot say enough about the Glock, however. The Glock and the 1911 series are probably among the two best weapon systems ever designed by human hands. If you are smitten with an XD firearm, I'm sure it would serve you well, but you cannot ever go wrong with a Glock.

[kansas45]

Get the XD. My 45 Tactical has been wet several times from the rain. I shoot it a lot & carry it while in the country sometime's. I clean it regulary & have not seen any sign's of rust & the holster dosen't seem to be wearing ihe finish at all.

[xiphur]

thanks for all of the suggestions guys! I should have included that i was looking for a 9mm but i was kinda in a rush. :( as for the XD I read that they only improved the finish on the 45 version not the other ones. not sure if that is accurate or not. what do you guys think about CZ 75? A guy at the guns store was suggesting it to me? Grip felt ok in my small hands, don't know much about how relaible it is. Oh and i went to XDtalk and they have a whole section devoted to rusty xd's. :) some people get rust no matter how well they mantain it some people don't. Coming to the point where i'm just gona iny miny miney moe it.

[ugaarguy]

Xiphur,

Go handle a Browning Hi-Power. My small hands love the thing. A good used one runs about $500. If CDNN has any left the FN branded close outs (FN makes the Brownings) are a steal at $400. They don't list guns on their website so you'll have to go to www.cdnninvestments.com and download their catalog to get pricing. Beyond the HiPowers they have many other great gun buys in the catalog.

[JDGray]

The only thing I don't like about my CZ, is the trigger reach in DA mode. I usually keep it in the half cocked position, so it's not as bad. As far as reliability goes, my gun has been perfect ,100%, while shooting. I did break a trigger return spring while dryfiring, changed it out my self, CZ warrantied the spring. I have 3k rounds down the tube, and no problems, great accuracy, one of the best values in the handgun market(IMO):)

[Golddog]

I've shot and/or owned a lot of 9's (my brother-in-law is a firearms collector and dealer), and the only ones I've kept have been four CZ 75B's - two Compacts and two full-size. Best ergonomics and triggers, except maybe for 1911's.

[jwmiller]

I haven't been involved in shooting sports all that long. I bought my first handgun ~6 months ago. I ended up getting a Ruger P series pistol. A lot of people don't like the look of these guns, and I will admit that there are definitely more attractive guns out there. Aside from the looks, the gun is built like a tank and the Ruger service is very responsive. I love the way this gun shoots and it cost me less than most of the guns that you mentioned. These are also American made guns, which I appreciate very much.

[Marshall]

I own BHP's and an XD as well. You can't go wrong with either and I have no negative comments of either. Hint.... If you don't want to buy a Hi-Power, never put one in your hands.

[gudel]

Get yourself an HK USP for your first gun.
Around here, Sig costs more than an HK, so it costs less and more rust proof :neener:

[KINGMAX]

I will admit I did not by my GLOCK 21 for the looks. It was bought the performance qualities. The trigger is a little more than most, but I do not want to pull a round off by accident. It goes w/ me to the range every trip. After I have fired all my choices for the range that day, I do a fifty round drill. I load 4 mags w/ 5 rounds each. I practice five shot groups, two to head, three to the heart, drop the mag, push the target out another five foot, reload the mag and fire again. I do this out from 20 - 70 feet. Just something I do for my routine. It works for me, it may not work for you.

[TxPhantom]

Well XIPHUR I guess we have narrowed the choice down for you to about twenty or so of our favorite pistols. :confused: You are probably more confused now than ever. Go to a range that rents pistols & try them all or even better sell your house or car and buy one of each.:rolleyes:

Want some more fun? Ask what is the best size ammo!:eek:

[Rushifell]

I agree that trying a few out at a range is a good idea. It is worth a few $ in research to make sure you dont end up with a weapon you like the feel of, but cannot comfortably fire.
I am personally leaning heavily toward an XD .45 myself (4"), i have big hands, i'm a big guy, and it feels like an extension fo my arm. I dont have a lot of experience with handguns aside from some range time, but ive fired a fair number of different pistols and a few revolvers and while I have felt some in the store I liked I didnt care for them at all as much when firing them. Do some real homework at the range, spend a few rental $ and make sure youre getting what fits you best. Everybody here has made good recommendations and given good data on their preferences and experiences, take that information with you and see which one fits you best. XD9 SC is an excellent weapon and bloody accurate for a 3" barrel, its easily concealed, relatively inexpensive, and will fit small hands. My next bit of research will be right before I am ready to buy my primary weapon, and the only one I havent tried that I have interest in is a 1911, which I will try side by side with the XD before I make my final desicion.

Doing a little hands on research can save you a costly mistake. :)

[XDKingslayer]

I'm not the type that's going to be using it very much and i don't want to have to keep oiling it every week just to keep the rust off.

There are plenty of things you can do to keep rust off, but if you aren't willing to properly maintain your firearms, then I think you should look towards other hobbies.

[albertus]

But if you still insist, get a glock. Its easy to clean and stripfield. I own dozens of small arms couple several carbines and rifles and when i neglect each one of them, i would see rust forming on some of it specially the steel ones. And its frustrating when that happens coz guns are no joke when it comes to investment unless you have a low-line.
If you have just one or few, it could be rewarding cleaning and maintaining it actually...if your worried about looks and reliability which ofcourse all of us are.

[xiphur]

The point I was trying to make was that if i was not going use it often, i did not want to have to keep taking it out and oil it during the time it was being stored and not being used. I never said i wasn't going to take care if it; im surgical with my 10/22. i just don't like the idea of having to perform extra maintaince on a gun sitting in storage. However, it does not completely turn me off to the xd-9. If anything I'll probly get the ss version or a cz75 B. The one thing i don't like about the cz is the its safety mechanisms and mag release are strcitly right handed and im a lefty. The good thing is i found one for $395 w/2 16 round mags. Seems like a good deal to me. I also found the xd-9 in the mid $400s. Don't know which one i like better cus they both feel pretty good.

Just found out that the CZ 85 is ambidextrous. Oops!! dopey me.

[JDGray]

xiphur,
Ckeck out the CZ85B, ambi controles:)

[SSN Vet]

are highly regarded.

the 24-7 won the 2005 NRA handgun of the year award (SA every pull with a DA second strike capability)

I own and like the PT-111 Millenium Pro (DAO).

These are not "cheap" guns. Quality is right there and they are very affordable.

[GRP]

Get the Glock. It's the benchmark, the proven one, not the johnny come lately. You'll have the most aftermarket and replacement parts available of any make. It's the most trusted and carried handgun. Reliablity is legend. What's not to like?

[Cousin Mike]

If I had it to do all over again, a Sig would have been my first gun. As to their cost, if buying used isn't an issue you can get ahold of them for a decent price. MY Sig Pro, NIB w/3 mags was $549, My used P220 was $499, and the only reason I paid that is because I wanted it now and didn't feel like looking around online and waiting forever for delivery. Patience isn't one of my strong points.:D Although once you add whatever your FFL is going to charge you to recieve it around here, the price is usually the same anyways.

Look around a little and see what you can find. You might be surprised. Both of my Sigs have thousands of rounds through them with no failures of any kind.

[progunner1957]

Of the models you mention, I would recommend either a Glock (21) or the Springfield XD45. I own a Glock 21 and have found it to be a great pistol. The Springfield XD pistols are certainly building a good reputation for themselves - I doubt that you could go wrong with an XD, either.

Whichever you choose, do yourself a favor and go with .45ACP - for home and self defense use, it doesn't get any better than .45ACP!

Or you could get a Springfield 1911...:D

[possum]

The thing that holds me back is the fact the I have read from a lot of people that it gets rusted very quickly and it has to be constantly oiled.
I have never had a single probalem with the finish on my xd, i have had mine for over a year now and only wipe down the outside of the slide every few months. No rust ever.
And after over 2000rds i have never had a piece of brass to hit me, that is kinda wierd, never heard of that happening before.

[SgtRich]

If you go with an XD-45, you will not have a rust problem, as the XD-45 has a melonite finish, which is similar to Glock's tennifer finish.

If you can't decide between a Glock and the XD, go to a shop and just hold, or, better yet, rent and shoot them both. I bet I know which one you'll like better!

[airborne19822003]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i207/airborne19822003_2006/IMG_0313.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i207/airborne19822003_2006/IMG_0314.jpg

I got my used 220 as shown for 475+SH...

Good deals are still out there!!