New to handguns, want to test fire some

[Jonnybronco]

I am pretty new to handguns, but think now is a good time to get into it. I have fired a few friends pistols, (Glock 9mm, and Ruger 9mm). Didn't care for the feel of the Glock, the Ruger wasn't bad but have read bad reviews about them.

The two that I am most considering from reading are the SA XDM and the S&W M&P in a .40 Cal. My local firearm dealer has a range that they rent guns at but don't rent the XDM. They do however rent an XD. My question to you is, if I like the feel of the XD over that of the M&P, would that also be the same for the XDM?

If you are wondering why I don't just go for the XD, I like the idea of interchangable backstraps, and I don't like looking back and wishing I had gotten the better gun when I had the chance. I don't plan on owning a large collection of guns.

Thanks for your input.

Jonny

 

[J.R.W.]

Big difference between the XD and XD-M as far as feel. I like the M better personally moreso after shooting both side by side. (4" Service)

 

[skwab]

I have the full size M&P in .40 and it is a great gun - wouldn't trade it for anything especially for the price. The M is priced a bit higher than the XD and M&P - is it worth the extra? No idea - it has a few bells and whistles added and since Smith is coming out with their newly tuned M&P (not sure of the name - M&P custom or something like that) then I would assume that version is Smith's response to the XD(M) - if you liked the XD then I would assume you would like the XD(M) a little better so go for it - but you won't be unhappy if you get the M&P - then you'll have a few extra bucks for ammo and mags.

 

[j1979]

For a little more money I would look at a HK P30 or P30L. You might be able to find a used one cheaper. Much more comfortable and has a better overall feel to it than the above mentioned pistols, IMO. Ive shot most of the big name polymers and the HK is what I felt to be the nicest. Also I would just go and rent several and go from there, as you mentioned.

 

[Texastbird]

I would be interested to know what bad reviews you have read on a Ruger. What model? The SR9? Also you might want to look at the FNP9.

 

[Shenanigans]

I second the FNP.

I bought the 9mm version back in October and have almost 700 rounds through it. It eats everything with no FT[insert issue], is highly accurate, feels great in the hands and comes with an additional backstrap and three mags. If you test fire one, you'll want to buy it.

 

[Jonnybronco]

Thanks for all the replies, I will look into the HK, and FNP. I think the HK will be out of my price range, but will take a look. I don't know if I want a used gun for my first, I just don't know what to look for in used guns.

I don't remember where I got the negative reivews on the Ruger, and I don't know what model my friend's is.

 

[zignal_zero]

I don't plan on owning a large collection of guns.

LOL, no one ever did but you'll realize, once you have a primary carry piece, that you could really use a .22 Then, after that's acquired, you'll think "damn, a shotgun would be nice"

try to find a range that rents guns, some even have a swap deal, where you pay one rate and can keep coming out and trading for somethingelse to try.

if you did NOT like the feel of Glocks, you might like CZ's, they're alot less blocky

one thing to think about is: do NOT worry about buying a gun, not liking it, and wanting somethingelse. gun prices are very likely going to rise, so you are not likely to get stuck with anything. you'll always be able to trade it off, sell it, whatever. so, don't hesitate to take the plunge, you can ALWAYS trade the gun for money for if decide you made a mistake.

 

[gglass]

M&P all the way.

Recent reviews:

http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/20_1/features/Full-Size-Pistol-Comparison5574-1.html
http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=777
http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/polysh_032707/
http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/mp_080806/
http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/swmp_032906/
http://www.policelink.com/products/products/368-smith-wesson-mp-40

I love my M&P 40 so much that I will be purchasing the M&P 9 Pro and the M&P 357C next week (Too much going on for the holidays)

 

[Jonnybronco]

Thanks for all the resonses.

I just got back from the range. I got lucky and some friends were already there testing out some guns, so I got to shoot 4 different guns. They didn't rent any FNP or HK, but I got to test an XD .40, XD .45 M&P .40 and Sig P220 .45 (the only reason I considered the Sig is because they had a used model for sale in the showcase)

I liked the XD .45 best, it felt good in my hand and I was more accurate with it. the XD .40 and M&P both felt good, but not as good as the .45. I tried the medium and large backtstraps on the M&P and suprisingly I prefered the medium. (I have very large hands, I am 6'6') The large backstrap felt like the extra bulk was in the wrong places for my hand. I didn't care for the Sig at all, it felt very bulky.

My dilema now is the gun I liked most (XD .45) costs $529 but I could upgrade to the XDM .40 which is only $578. I think the extra $50 is a steal for all the upgrades. I have held the XDM .40 and the XD .45 side by side in the showcase and the XDM grip feels even better in my hand than the XD.45, but I am still not sure how it would feel to shoot it.

I know I could probably find the XD .45 for cheaper, but I want to be able to take advantage of the offer for the two free mags.

I guess I have already made up my mind and will probably get the XDM, unless there is any reason anybody thinks I shouldn't.

Thanks again,

Jonny

 

[brett30030]

If folks would post their location, i would be willing to bet that they would find a ton of folks willing to share their guns with them at a local range to try out. Don't discount they good will of folks. Good luck with your search.

 

[Doogledog]

I think you've made a good choice. I really like my XD9. I owned a .40 S&W Sigma and that one made me really hate DAO handguns until I tried a glock and then an XD.