Springfield XD-9SC or Ruger SP101?

[Doug Add]

I know these types of threads are subjective, and usually just tell what the person posting prefers, but I am asking anyhow.

I am thinking of a gun that my wife will comfortably use. She was very accurate with my Browning Hi Power, but was not always able to rack the slide (I had a higher rated recoil spring in it for shooting +P). When we rented a few for her to try at the range one day, she chose the 2.25" SP101 over the Kahr K9, and a couple of others I can't remember right now.

Here is my situation. I have a friend who is considering selling his XD-9SC. I have shot it a couple of times and am impressed with its accuracy and how easily it shoots for such a small package. It manages recoil better than my 2.25" SP101, and of course it has twice the capacity. My wife has not shot the XD.

I cannot afford to buy the XD unless I sell the Ruger. Which way would you go in this situation? Just to take one intangible out of the mix, assume that my wife has shot the XD and would be happy with either.

 

[10-Ring]

Have her try the XD 1st. Tough to say one way or the other w/o knowing her personal opinion of the gun...esp. when it's planned for her. Also, does she have a preference one way or the other? How much shooting experience does she have?

 

[zougou]

If she shot the revolver well, then I would go with that since she won't have any slide issues. That or maybe a Beretta with a tip up barrel?

 

[RVSinOK]

I vote keep the Ruger. If she does well with it, and especially if she hasn't shot the XD, it's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.

If we assume that she has shot both and likes them equally, then the XD would probably come out on top, just for ammo capacity and ease of reloading. Assuming that she really hasn't shot both (as I think is probably really the case), I would stick with the old reliable, comfortable revolver.

Don't know what her level of experience is, but you can't beat a revolver for reliability and ease of use. YMMV!

 

[Dienekes]

Women (and men, but especially women) do better with something they have chosen. It's a really personal decision with them, and that overrides other things that "experts" and significant others consider to be theoretically better. If she handles a 5 shot revolver well and hits well with it, stick with what works.

I have been down this road quite a few times and let things take their course rather than pushing my personal preferences too far. The three CCW ladies in my family have opted for the M37 Smith, a M10 3", and an SP-101.

We can make way too big a thing out of this.

 

[tbeb]

It's not fair to assume your wife will like the XD as well as the SP101. She didn't like racking the slide on your Hi-Power, and she chose the SP101 over a Kahr K9. A revolver has a simpler manual of arms than a semi-auto. My wife handles a .38 special revolver better than a 9mm semi-auto, so a .38 special revolver is her house gun.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Speaking as a lady shooter myself, I'd question whether it might not be better to sell the Ruger and get a Lady Smith 65 which has a 3" barrel. You can shoot .38's with this gun if it's a problem with the magnum load so recoil wouldn't be an issue. Or, you can get the 3" model 60 for even less or step up to a Ruger 3." I'd probably stick with the revolver. Why?

Easier to maintain. How would she fare stripping the gun and putting it back after cleaning? The revolver wouldn't come apart and it's easier to handle if she's not inclined to do this with an auto.

Simple to use. If she has trouble racking the side of an auto, wouldn't be an issue with the revolver.

However...I stronger advise you not to not to sell your current gun until she's shot it; she may not be as impressed by the XD as you are. My two cents...

 

[Greymoor]

For what it is worth, my wife did not like the XD9C. She said that the snap from the weapon bothered her wrist. At the time she was trying out a XD9C, Glock 26, Sig 239. She liked the Sig the best. I guess the high axis of rotation on the XD9 was too much for her comfort. I however like the xd handguns quite well. Let your wife try before you buy.

P.S. My wife did not care for the full time DA trigger on the revolver she tried. She however has no problem with the DA/SA setup on the Sig. To each their own I guess.

 

[Eric Bryant]

I say let her stick with the SP101. My wife instantly took a liking to my GP100 and pretty much doesn't care to shoot anything else, regardless of the rationale. In other words, I echo Dienekes' comments - let her be.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I have three revolvers, all of which are single/double action. The one revolver I had that was DAO was my 442 -- I sold. It could be just me but I don't think too many women like DAO guns. I am looking to buy a Sig 228 and 239 this year...

 

[Doug Add]

Thanks for the replies. I should have made a couple things clearer. I would never buy a gun for my wife because I like it. Part of the reason I have the Ruger SP101 is because that is what she chose of all the guns we rented one day at the range. Also, she thought the 4" S&W 686 I had was too bulky, so I sold it and bought the Ruger.

Along these lines, I would never get the Springfield without her shooting it and saying, "This is the one."

As to trouble racking the slide. I don't think that would be an issue with the XD. The reason it was difficult for her on the Hi Power was the extra strength recoil spring I had installed. She has no trouble at all racking the slide on my SIG P228.

Her experience level? She is only an occasional shooter. She goes with me about 10% of the number of times my son accompanies me. Though she does not shoot often, she is very good, often outshooting me! I find that attaining accuracy with the Ruger takes more practice than accuracy with the SIG (or the XD that I have shot a few times, for that matter). But that is me, it may not translate to her.

As to DAO vs. DA/SA, the Ruger she liked at the range over the Kahr was DAO. Mine however, has the full hammer, which she prefers.

We'll make a decison soon, but only after lots of ammo downrange from all options. Thanks again for your comments.

 

[hightech]

Xd Shooter

I am and XD shooter and carry the XD 9 sc for cc. The XD 9 sc is a good pistol and a great value. But in this situation I would recommend that she stay with the SP101. Unless she shoots the XD and really likes it she would be better off with a revolver especially if she does not spend a fair amount of time at the range. If she really wants a semi auto you may suggest that she try a Kel-tec P 11 in 9mm. They are small and DAO.