[p4+riot]

I'm a newbie but I've already got the hang of a .22 and am looking to move onto something with a little more bite.

I have already posted something about getting a 9mm but I'm actually leaning towards a .45 now. I figure why not go all out. I want the best gun for home defense as well as something fun to shoot at the range.

What I have right now is a Walther P22 and a pump action shot gun.

I'm leaning heavily toward the Springfield XD 45. I picked it up the other day and fell in love. I like it a little more than the Glock 21 as it has some great reviews as well as some features that the Glock doesn't have like the ambi mag release and a more comfortable grip.

My question is - would anyone advise against moving up to the .45? I mean, should I progress in the order of .22, 9mm or .380, and then to .45?

[BULLSI]

For home defense I would get a .9 so you can have a few extra rounds in the mag instead of the .45 but that is just me.

[ulflyer]

Jump right to the 45, particularly if you're considering the 1911 type. If its kick you're thinking of, forget it, the 45 has less than any of the others, IMHO. The smaller ones
have a "snap" that I find aggravating, but the 1911 has what I call a "push". You'll certainly get diff opinions on this as some can tolerate a lot of kickback and some of us can't. Would be nice if you can find someone who will let you try diff calibers. :)