Advise on upcoming first handgun purchase

[g0tblu]

I have recently decided to go out an purchase my first handgun and have limited the choices down to 3 different models (in order of preference):

1. SW M&P40 (hopefully with a thumb safety; I also contacted SW and asked how much it would be to add a thumb safety to their Pro Series model; no response)
2. SA XD-M .40
3. HK USP 4" .40 Tact. (the only reason this is on the bottom is due to the price I am just not able to shell out)

I am looking for any first hand advise on any model in the following categories:
-trigger pull and creep
-any awkward weight distribution WITH a full magazine since I can judge it without
-any personal issues with either model

I plan to make a drive to the local dealer to handle both in the near future and would like to shift my weight towards a particular model beforehand.

Thanks!

 

[mstrat]

You can't go wrong with any of those. It's all preference.

To test the trigger, take some snap caps to the shop. Or just ask if you can dry fire it.

But don't over-think it. Just go with your gut. Chances are this will be the first of many purchases anyway.

 

[2WheelsGood]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with any of those choices. But the XDM is my first choice.

 

[g0tblu]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with any of those choices. But the XDM is my first choice.

Would you say the XDM's muzzle-weight-to-grip-weight is slightly awkward? I've read some slight gripes regarding how top heavy the XDM is.

 

[Sam1911]

Your first two choices would both be quite solid. As to the question of trigger quality, the xDM is probably going to edge out the M&P out of the box, maybe, perhaps, depending on how hard you squint. But that really doesn't matter.

Both will provide an acceptable service-sidearm trigger. Neither will be all it can be unless you install aftermarket trigger parts and/or have the trigger worked on by a pro.

With drop-in parts you can buy fairly inexpensively, both will give you a very nice trigger -- as light as you want, short reset, minimized take-up and overtravel, etc.

And, in the meantime, if this is your first handgun, worrying about how good the trigger is is probably a waste of time. Pick one, shoot your first 5-10,000 rds through it, and then next year decide if the trigger is really holding you back.

 

[2WheelsGood]

Would you say the XDM's muzzle-weight-to-grip-weight is slightly awkward? I've read some slight gripes regarding how top heavy the XDM is.

In general that's a common trait of any poly gun. I have 4 different poly guns, and my XDM feels no worse than any of the others. Plus, a loaded mag makes up most of that difference.

 

[Sam1911]

In general that's a common trait of any poly gun.

Yup. If you remove the slide of a Glock, xD, M&P, -- or a lot of alloy guns, too -- you won't believe how little the frame weighs.

Add a 14-19 rd. magazine and they tend to get a bit heavier. Shouldn't affect your shooting in any way.

 

[g0tblu]

In general that's a common trait of any poly gun. I have 4 different poly guns, and my XDM feels no worse than any of the others. Plus, a loaded mag makes up most of that difference.

That's a relief to hear. I've been bugging my mind in regards to the weight distributions in poly-handguns without any true first-hand feedback. All I've handled in the past is the M9 9mm issued in the Army and the Glock 22 from a friend. Afterward, I developed a love for the .40 cal and double-action only; though the Glock's feel in my hand was not completely comfortable.

 

[2WheelsGood]

though the Glock's feel in my hand was not completely comfortable.

Many who don't like the feel of the Glock end up liking the XDM's grip. Again, personal preference.

 

[gearchecker]

I'm preferential to the XDm. Great handling pistol overall. The few I've shot all had good triggers without much creep or stacking. I own an XD and the -m series is an improvement for sure. Springfield has listened to their customers, and have improved their pistols using customer comments as well as technology improvements.
I've never shot the M&P, so I can't exclude it. S&W has a very good reputation with the M&P line-up so far.

 

[Jspotto]

You appear to have two requirements. .40 and a thumb safety. I have a XDm .40. No thumb safety. It does shoot nice, is not top heavy and balanced well and so far I have had no problems. Have you looked at Rugers SR40. Its virtually identical to the SR9, has a thumb safety (my reason for keeping the SR9 for HD), reverseable back strap to fit your hand preference and fully adjustable rear sight. I do not own the SR40, but the SR9 shoots wery well, is well balanced, reliable and very easy to maintain. The SR40 was made off the same platform. I own one of the first SR9's that had the recall issue and Ruger replaced the Trigger with the dual safety trigger and send it back with a free magazine and hat. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. No problem getting them on the tele for answers.
The thumb safety is a must in my book for HD or even carry if you're keeping a round chamberd.

 

[2WheelsGood]

The thumb safety is a must in my book for HD or even carry if you're keeping a round chamberd.

The combination of a good holster and your brain is the only reliable safety. Everything else is a false sense of security.

 

[Jspotto]

The combination of a good holster and your brain is the only reliable safety. Everything else is a false sense of security.

The combination of a good holster and your brain is the only reliable safety.
Sorry 2Wheels, but sleeping with the holster on is very uncomfortable. Being awakened from a dead sleep from my front door being kicked in or a breaking glass window, at that moment my brain is still somewhat groggy but in the dark it still knows where that thumb safety is.

 

[2WheelsGood]

Sorry 2Wheels, but sleeping with the holster on is very uncomfortable. Being awakened from a dead sleep from my front door being kicked in or a breaking glass window, at that moment my brain is still somewhat groggy but in the dark it still knows where that thumb safety is.

I was responding more to your comment about carrying with one in the chamber. Regardless, mine stays in the holster on the nightstand, so I'm not sure why you'd feel the need to sleep with it.

 

[lucky-gunner]

All three are a great choice for a first pistol. I would just find a range to rent them from and see which fits best. If you are lucky you might be able to find a friend that has one or more of them. If so try to bring them in together to see which you like the best.

Out of the ones you have listed my preference is the XDM. If you really want a thumb safety polymer 40 S&W, and you like the H&K USP. Take a look at the FN 40 S&W. Should be about everything you are looking for.

 

[Fmjblack]

My vote is for the XD out of that group. If money is no object I would say the HK, but the XD is nearly as good for significantly less money. That being said, I sold my XD and went back to a 1911 because nothing feels as perfect and balanced in my hand as a 1911. If you plan to carry, the 1911 is slimmer and therefore easier to carry than the other pistols mentioned.

 

[JMSUN]

I as well would vote for the XDM. If money was not an object the HK would possibly be a better choice, but I do not know a lot about them. I do not think you will regret buying the Springfield.

 

[doc2rn]

All of those are fine choices, and I would go with the S&W M-P from those. Have you considered an FNP-40? I have owned all of the above and a Glock 19 to boot. The only one I kept is the FNP. I will not keep a non-shooter, or one that doesnt work for me. Just a suggestion.

 

[Buck Snort]

WHAT?!! Yer not buy'n a Taurus Judge?!!

 

[BHP FAN]

you know they make the Hi-Power in .40...

 

[Percy]

I find the recoil in the poly-framed auto's to be absolutely ridiculous. Before I get flamed to death for this one. I just did a test at the range with my wife's .40 Glock 23 with handloads - half loads - vs. factory 158 gr. .357 magnums out of my new Ruger GP100 6". The kick was worse out of the .40.

In full-size, based on your choices, I'd go with the H&K. I've shot the H&K USP compact in .40 and a full-size Springfield in .40. I like them both, but I have to give the nod to the H&K. I don't really care for .40. The recoil seems ridiculous vs. ballistic advantage. To me, it seems that the .40 has become the 9mm of our decade. The finest semi-auto pistol I've fired was a Colt Gold Cup 1911. Every other semi-auto I hold feels like a toy and leaps around in my hand as if it's try to escape. I don't care for them.

 

[TexasBill]

The thumb safety is a must in my book for HD or even carry if you're keeping a round chambered.

There are several fine pistols that do not have thumb (or any other manual) safety. These include the SIG Sauer P226 and the FN-Herstal FNP-9 and FNP-40 which both have decocking mechanisms. The Texas Dept. of Public Safety seems quite happy carrying their P226 pistols with a round in the chamber and I never give a second thought to carrying my FNP-9 with a one up the pipe.

 

[gearhead]

Of course, the FNP-40 (and the updated FNX-40) is also available WITH the thumb safety. I might add those models to the list of handguns being considered.

 

[calvis88]

ive shot the m&p at my local range and did not care for it, had several fte, i own an xd and absolutely love it never had a hiccup with it and use it as my hd, never shot the hk i refuse to pay that when comparable guns can be bought for so much less, as a side note i do not carry the xd i have a px4 for that because like jspotto stated before im more comfortable with a thumb safety for carry

 

[NMGonzo]

Look at the Bersa offerings.