Full Size 9mm decision.

[greyling22]

for home defense and a range toy I'd steer clear of a compact gun.

Lots of good stuff mentioned already, and I'll touch on them and try to toss in some new options.

I've recently become a huge fan of the cz75 platform. (witness' baby eagle's etc.) if you want plastic how about the p07 version?

The glock is hard to go wrong with, same with the XD. you can probably find used guns for less money too.

If you have small hands I'd recommend the browning hi-power, but since they are stupid expensive you might look for a clone. FEG or FM make a serviceable one for about 300.

or how about a RIA 1911 chambered in 9mm? ($430)

and lastly maybe the beretta. kinda big, but not a bad gun. Take a look at gunbroker, J&g sales or budsguns for good prices on stuff after you've handled it at gander. Or pay a little more and support your local gun shop. they'll treat you better if you wind up having issues.

 

[Quack]

D. none of the above.

what ever choice you make, also look at the cost/availability of the mags and accessories.

if you like the XDm, it'll cost less than the USP.
the M&P is a good choice as well, friends prefer it over the XDm and the Glocks.
i have all 3 (Glocks, XDm, and M&P-9 Pro) and they are all good guns, but i prefer and carry 1911's.

 

[JoeMal]

Take a look at gunbroker, J&g sales or budsguns for good prices on stuff after you've handled it at gander. Or pay a little more and support your local gun shop.

My local stores are cheaper depending on the item, plus you don't have to pay shipping/transfer fees. Definitely check out your local shops before you buy. If they don't have one, tell them what you want and they can probably order it.

 

[GETxSOME]

I've got a LGS that I like a lot, but their sticker prices are a little on the high side, and about the same as Gander's prices. I'm going to go there first, I like the people there and they have an excellent indoor 50ft range that they let you test fire in before you make a purchase.

As far as the XDM goes, I thought they were around $699? I'd like to stay around the $500 mark, so if one can be had for this amount I'd definitely be interested in that.

I thought that an FNP or SigPro for $400 was an excellent deal, so that's why I was leaning that way. If it isn't a deal, and for a little bit more I can have a better gun then I'm definitely open to that possibility.

 

[GETxSOME]

@greyling22
I hadn't considered an RIA 1911 yet, but that is an excellent idea. However, I haven't been able to find one anywhere locally.

 

[greyling22]

order one then. they're cheap enough that even if you take a small hit on resale you havne't lost that much. buy some $30 grips on ebay and dress it up and you've got a great gun. I've ordered from budsguns before, they're legit and they have them. j&G has been around a while too and seems legit.

 

[AKElroy]

I would look at the SIG P250 if you want a polymer SIG.

Not all plastic Sigs are created equal. The P250 is an entirely different platform from the 2022, and it has been pretty universaly panned as junk. The 2022 is very similar to the P226, but with a plastic foundation. If the OP needs a good range gun, it is hard to beat. I had an XDm, and I sold it. It was too large to carry, much more so than the 2022 with that plow handle grip. It also did not group well for me. The 2022 is a tack driver. I do plan on carrying the 2022 as soon as the holster arrives. With a plastic frame & stainless slide, it should be nigh unto impervious to my caustic sweat. It's also ugly as a mud fence, so I don't care if I beat the crap out of it as a primary carry.

 

[ChCx2744]

None of the above. I think you'd be better off with a G17, G19, Beretta 92, CZ 75 or BHP.

-edit-

I change my mind, I picked the USP 9 because that's the only one I've shot out of the 3. It's not a bad gun, the one I shot was a buddy's, DAO HK USP in 9mm. Nice and crisp trigger pull.

 

[Quack]

XDm's around here are ~$529.

$529 and should be free shipping
http://www.jetguns.com/springfield-black-package-p-352.html

 

[Marshall]

Of those, I voted FNP.

 

[digsigs226]

I love the P-series Sigs, but haven't found one in my price range yet.

Keep looking then! I got mine for around $550.

 

[AKElroy]

I love the P-series Sigs, but haven't found one in my price range yet.

My 2022 was $399 @ Academy

 

[Gryffydd]

Buds has:
XDm as low as $499
SR9s around $420
M&Ps around $520
XDs for less than $500
Beretta 92fs for $585

Personally I'd go for one of thr above before any of your 3 choices.

 

[SwampWolf]

Not on the list but one of the nicest 9mm pistols ever made: a Smith&Wesson Model 5906 is my recommendation. You'll probably have to buy used but there are still a lot of them out there in good condition, selling for between $350.00 and $450.00. Size is compact enough even with a double-stack mag but they are a mite hefty in the all-steel version (the same pistol can be found with an alloy chassis and a single stack mag if size and weight are priorities in terms of concealed carry).