ex-military need help with buying pistol

[Jugg3rnaut]

Hi everyone, this will be my first post here so I suppose it would be proper to introduce myself briefly. I'm 22 years old and just recently returned from Iraq and was discharged from the Army (active duty, honorable discharge of course). I was in the infantry, which basically means that my skills are best put to use in security/law enforcement related jobs.

I've spoken already to the VA benefits office and have learned that I'm able to take the PA ACT 235 certification course for carry on the job. I do, however, need to bring my own firearm to the course, and I've checked out the armed security jobs in the area and all require your own handgun as well. Besides that, I'm used to having and using a weapon, and I feel quite naked without one. So regardless, I'm in need of a good firearm.

The weapon I've been leaning towards for some time now is the Springfield XD. I'm not entirely sure which model to get. 9mm, 40, 45... tactical vs. standard... 4 inch barrel vs. 5 inch barrel. There are, of course, many variations to every model of handgun. I'm not sure if any of you guys know if there are regulations on the type of handgun you must carry for an armed security job, so it would be helpful to hear any input on the matter. I would assume 9mm would be the preferred weapon in this case, but I'm not sure.

I am more or less stuck between the XD and the Glock line of pistols. Even with glock though, I'm not totally sure which model to get. G17, 19, 23... those are probably my top choices.

Of course, if I'm aiming to get a service pistol, concealment might be something I have to just plain forget about for when I'm off the job. Or do you think any of the XD or glock line are good duty pistols but can be easily concealable as well?

Let me know what you guys think and if anyone can help me out here. I have very limited experience with pistols vs. all other weapons, so I'm in new waters here. Thanks in advance.

 

[trueblue1776]

You're on track, try a Sig.

Security guards carry .38spl in Alabama.

 

[Jim Watson]

Individual "armed security" companies are likely to have their own policies,you might end up with some outfit that requires revolvers. Ask.

Glock has about 70% of the US police market.
Springfield is pushing the XD hard and it seems serviceable.
S&W Plastic M&P ain't bad, either.

I would get a 9mm; I like the .45 but only in 1911 and I don't have or want a .40 at all.

You can conceal what you are motivated to; a good belt, holster, and cover garment will do wonders for a full size gun. But compacts are easier. Nothing wrong with a G19, I have no background on XD.

 

[Jugg3rnaut]

I do like Sigs but they tend to be a bit pricey. I do know that I can get one of those blue label Glock deals which supposedly average about $400 but I've heard such mixed feelings on Glocks. It seems that either people love them or hate them. What gives?

 

[armed85]

For a lot of people, including myself, there are other options that fit their hand better and point more naturally than the Glock. The Springfield XD and Smith & Wesson M&P are two popular alternatives.

Glock is not a bad choice. Try it in your hand to see if you like it. You might find, as I have, that one of the other options fits your hand better and point more naturally.

 

[Taurus44]

I have three XDs and I love them all. The 4" Service model is the best compromise for size. It's pretty decent for concealed carry, but big enough (long enough sight radius) to be an effective service gun. I would recommend that you try a few different guns before you settle on one.

The small framed (9/40) XDs fit my hands well, but the XD-45 does not (grip is slightly bigger). The M&P and Glocks are good options as well, but Glocks do NOT fit me well, and the M&P isn't different enough from the XD to make me think about switching.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Encouraging. Good reasonable input. No brand or caliber bashing.

Seriously, I am a Glock guy, and think that the G19 is just about the greatest thing since pockets on a shirt. With that said any of the weapons mentioned above should serve you quite well. Find the one that fits your hand and budget. A lot of ranges have them available for rent so you can try before you buy.

 

[10-Ring]

I'm not a fan of the XD -- I've made no secret of that -- and IMO, the 9 mm Glocks are a nice choice. Of the 9mm Glocks, I really like the G19 -- nice size and a very nice shooter.
Oh, welcome to THR, good luck in your future & thanks for you service.

 

[Silvanus]

I'm not a fan of the XD either, but I would definitely recommend a Glock for your purpose. I personally prefer the model 17, but the 19 is a little smaller and more concealable if that is important to you.
I guess the XD would be fine too, I just don't like them. But if you do and shoot them well I think you can't go wrong.

 

[KINGMAX]

Go w/ two

I suggest you get 2. One revolver in 38spl/357, one auto in 45 acp.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Can't you put your GI bill to work and go get a degree? Then you can work in any field you want

 

[turdfergason]

personally i do not like glocks, you should really look into a XD, in my opinion someday they will corner the market away from glock for service firearms, one guy suggested a sig, they are nice too, you should go to a gunshop and see how all these different kinds of semi-autos feel in your hand, they would all be a good choice, just find one that feels right for you

 

[BamBam-31]

Glock 17 or 19, whichever size suits you more. I prefer the 17.

Second choice would be the Springfield XD 4" Service model. Doesn't have the insane track record Glock has for ruggedness and reliability (prolly the most important characteristics of a service sidearm), but give it time, eh?

Both good guns. Get whichever fits your hand best.

(Oh, and WELCOME TO THR! )

 

[DawgFvr]

Use your GI Bill and get a degree...any kind of degree...certification...trade apprentiships, etc. You can always find work, but they can never take your education from you.

 

[Breakdaddy]

My XD40 service (4") has been amazing. Over 1200 rounds and zero problems of any kind. As for concealability, Im wearing mine IWB right now under a normal (not oversized) t-shirt with no problem. I use a high noon holster with a 15 degree rake and it's been best for my body type.

 

[trueblue1776]

Use your GI Bill and get a degree...any kind of degree...certification...trade apprentiships, etc. You can always find work, but they can never take your education from you.

Amen, use the hell out of that GI bill, I'm milking mine for every cent.

 

[Legionnaire]

I like Glocks, and I (unlike some others) like the .40 S&W cartridge. The G23 in an IWB holster is quite concealable under a cover garment. If you like the XD, go with that. But most of what you're going to hear here are personal preferences ... and mine would be 13 rounds of .40 S&W from a G23.

 

[DWARREN123]

For a 9mm may I suggest a CZ 75 or CZ 75 Compact. Some security companies have requirements for 38 spl or 9mm, some lete you go with 45 ACP.
As suggested do this while getting some more education. Eventually you will be better off.
P.S. Being Infantry/Combat Arms does not mean you are trained for security or police work, it's a whole nother world! Ask me how I know.

 

[1 LT MPC]

Glock 23--no question about it in my mind--light, easy to find holsters, good power level and fast follow up shots. Recoil is mild with a slight muzzle flip. I even like the trigger.

 

[Mortech]

Short answer is try several pistols to see which one fits you . What is important is that you choose one that is reliable , being able to choose the manufacturer of your weapon is a luxury when all things are considered .

 

[KHawk]

I agree with KINGMAX: Go w/2.

Back in 1970 I was in your situation. I used the GI Bill for education and Messers Smith & Wesson for a Model 19 4" 357 Mag. Then I met Mr. Colt and wound up with a 1911 5" 45acp. Still got 'em, still shoot 'em but now they have some friends in the locker.

 

[BAT1]

SA

Springfield Arms S/S loaded Champ. Oh yeah.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

If I were you, I'd go and fire as many pistols as possible- especially those that you wouldn't ever consider. Also, check with your security employer before you commit to a purchase. You might be prohibited from carrying on the job.

To be quite honest, you're really better off investing in your future with the GI bill, not just in a criminology degree, but I'd also recommend getting your EMT permit and performing volunteer work in your community.

 

[Baneblade]

I help new shooters choose a firearm that is best for them on a regular basis. I understand that you are not new to shooting, just to choosing a firearm. I usually hand two guns to someone, a service XD and a Glock 19 (or 23). Both are comparible in quality, reliability, and accuracy. It is just a matter of fit and preference. You had asked about a duty/concealed carry gun. Unless you are on the small side the Glock is just right. Still big enough to be a usefull duty gun but small enough for concealed carry. You can't go wrong with either gun.

If you are not hung up on caliber, go with a 9mm. Higher capacity, cheaper ammo, and good duty/SD ammo will get the job done. A couple people have recommended the Glock 19 and I would second that. You will be hard pressed to find a better all around gun for accuracy, weight, capacity, reliability, value, and availability of gear.

Go to your local store and handle a Service XD and a Glock 19/23. Whichever one feels better to you will probably be your choice.

 

[FieroCDSP]

Welcome home, and welcome to THR. There's a lot of good info here, and all you have to do is ask.

That being said, avoid the compact M&P's for the time being. There have been sporadic issues with mag-drops on them. The full-sized 9 and 40 are problem free now, and you'd probably want a full-sized for a duty weapon anyway. Smith still has the 2 Free mag deal going on through July 15th, so if you like the feel, go with it. I've shot the XD 9C and it was okay. I like my Smith better.