First Auto-Loader Purchase, need help!

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I am going to buy my first auto shortly, but I am not sure which one to get. I am used to revolvers, so I am not exactly sure what a "good" auto trigger is by general standards. Long and heavy is the norm for me. Which means that I would like a good trigger but it won't break the deal if it isn't the "best". What I want is accurate and dependable in a 9mm (cheap ammo, .357 is hard to find where I am but when you do it costs ya big)

I've handled a TON of guns and read a million reviews. So far I've narrowed it down to a few choices. They are XD(M)9mm and the M&P Pro 9mm.

I know Glock isn't in there, part of me wants to buck the Glock Cool-Aid on principle. I suppose a g19 or g17 isn't totally out of the picture, but the g19 I held scared me. It looked like the slide will rip my hand apart! The beaver-tail on the XD(m) was most comfortable for me in that aspect. I haven't found a M&P Pro, but I've held the regular and it felt good as well.

I'm also welcome to the "try this instead!" under one condition, you tell me WHY it is better than what I've picked out.

Thanks in advance!

*** I would also like to see some pictures of any of these guns that you have with the experience. ***
 
They are XD(M)9mm and the M&P Pro 9mm.
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IMO, You can't go wrong with either of these pistols.
Just figure out which one you shoot the best and you're good-to-go.


I know Glock isn't in there, part of me wants to buck the Glock Cool-Aid on principle.
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I can understand what you're saying, but really, don't avoid a great pistol just because it happens to be popular.
There's a very good reason Glocks are as popular as they are....They work!
It's not just hype or marketing either.
Glocks are very reliable, very easy to shoot accurately, very easy to maintain, extremely rugged and robust, more accurate than most shooters, and rather affordable.

They're not perfect (that's just a marketing slogan), but Glock is the standard that the XD and the M&P (and virtually all other polymer-framed striker-fired hi-cap pistols) are measured against.


I suppose a g19 or g17 isn't totally out of the picture, but the g19 I held scared me. It looked like the slide will rip my hand apart!
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Do yourself a favor....go and rent a Glock and shoot one.
If you don't like it then "no harm, no foul"....at least you will know from first hand experience.
And trust me, the slide will not rip your hand apart.

Another pistol to look at is the Ruger SR9c.
 
It will also help if you post a general budget, if you prefer DA/SA or SAO, steel or polymer frame, capacity, use - CCW or not, etc.

There's a wealth of wonder 9's that you didn't mention - the Browning HP, CZ75, HK P30, SIG 226 etc. And don't forget the 1911 in 9 mm.
 
Magazines for a Glock are less than an XD. There are more accessories such as holsters and sights, too.

In the end, it is what you shoot best.
 
Easyg:

I did look at the ruger sr9 but not the sr9c. I am a huge ruger fan. My EDC is an sp101 2.25". My biggest problem is finding a place to shoot these guns. There are no rental ranges in Maine that I am aware of, and believe me I have asked around. I am not a member of any gun clubs and I shoot in a field so that rules out running into a person willing to let me fire theirs. That is why I am asking here, for people opinions of actually firing them.

And I haven't ruled out the Glock so much as decided that I don't want it to be my first choice by default. I liked the fact that the XD has a grip safety, but I do not like manual safeties. I also liked the 19+1 in the XDM and the fact that it came with a paddle holster and mag holder, I'm a sucker for freebies. The biggest drawback in the glocks to me is the web of my hand is very close to the slide. I had my wife rack the slide while I held it and we agreed it was a little close for comfort, but without firing it I don't know. I suppose I wouldn't mind it from time to time as I am no stranger to my gun making me hurt. I love Ruger because I love hot-ammo. Buffalo Bore full house 158g .357's in my snub are my idea of relaxing after a long day. Shooting is supposed to be explosive in my eyes. I don't like my revolver to go bang, it has to go boom!
 
As to some of the other questions..

I like the idea of a hammer on my gun, not a huge striker fan. But I can deal with it.

I don't care about polymer vs metal.

I am looking around $600~ but for the right gun I could see pushing near a full grand. My only issue there is then I'll want a 1911 and the .45 ammo will defeat 1/2 my justification in a new gun to my wife. I think she knows my logic is flawed in spending hundreds to save $5-10 on a box of ammo, but she is letting me so I am not gonna push it. This is a fun-gun, not a need.
 
Go with the XDm and don't look back. Prices are closer to $500 maybe a little less. Holstermakers are plentiful. Just check XDTalk.com and the sights are dovetailed the same as SIG and there are plenty of options.;)
 
My best shooter is a 9mm 1911, an STI Trojan, their Spartan can be had for under $650. I would vote Glock if you get a polymer framed pistol, Parts mags and upgrades are more plentiful and usually cheaper. Use a G34 9mm in IPSC Production class and the STI in Single Stack or Limited 10. Some M&Ps not many if any XDs at the matches. Of your two choices I would rather shoot the M&P. For under $600 you could get a CZ 75B or thr CZ SP01 Phantom. My take on things.
 
You might check out the FNP-9 and the Stoeger Cougar in 9mm. The FNP-9 is polymer, the Stoeger is alloy but they're very similar in terms of feel and controls. Both hammer fired, both are reasonably priced.
 
May also want to take a feel of the Taurus PT809. I have the .40S&W counterpart, and I love it so much, that I'm looking into the .45ACP version. The grip holds your hand well, fit and finish is on-par with more expensive guns, and you can't complain about their lifetime warranty.
 
Check out a 3rd gen smith and wesson. Metal frame, single stack, dao or da/sa. I prefer my 5906 over my polymer pistols. I like the weight, grip size, saftey. Very accurate even in the hands of the not so accurate
 
Of the striker-fired guns, those would be my choice too. I've shot the XD 45 quite a bit and the M&P 9mm a couple of times. The M&P with small grip inserts fit my hand the best.

I also would 'plan' on lightening and shortening the trigger pull. Both guns have that option available at a reasonable price if you get the urge.

Many competitors do very well with these two
 
I use a very aggressive high tang grip on my Glock. There is no way the slide can bite my hand. So don't let that bother you. The Glock 19 is still the newbie gu I recommend the most.

The M&P 9mm is an excellent gun.

Glock or 1911 would be my recommendation. Nothing beats the 1911's trigger and sight options. The Glock is tough and simple, with a crude but very effective trigger. Good sight choices and very easy sights to install. Both seem to own IDPA and IPSCA.

The XD is a bit fat.

Kahr P9, K9, PM9 for mini CCW stuff.
 
The XDm has the best trigger for a striker fired pistol by far IMO. And Sigs have the best DA/SA trigger, smooth double action and a crisp single action with a little bit of take up. But no auto can beat the SA trigger of a 1911 IMO. When done right, a 1911 trigger almost feels like a single action revolver to me.
 
Go to the gun store.

Take the Glock, the XD, and the M&P out of the case

grip each one, and one at a time, with the pistol at your side, and without looking down the sights aim at something on the wall.

Either the M&P and the XD will be pointing low or the glock will be pointing high, Pick the one that's closest to the target. All 3 are awesome guns.

My
 
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