Happy Birthday to me

[Mendel5]

I turned 39 today. Yesterday my wife told me that for my birthday I could purchase my first (and most likely only) handgun (yes, my wife must approve ... though she was the one who actually suggested it. I think she likes me or something). Went out yesterday and looked around. A friend has a Taurus .40 (model?) that shot especially well. Low recoil, fairly light and concealable. I was looking for something similar. Not knowing much about handguns my eye found its way to the Springfield XD-40. I didn't know squat about it, but I liked the way it felt in my hand. There was a smilar Glock next to it, which I also looked at, but didn't like nearly as much.

So, I'm off today to buy myself an XD-40. The bonus is that there's no waiting period in Indiana. I'm stoked. Can't wait to go to the range. Any suggestions on ammo?

 

[BozemanMT]

man, if you are only going to be allowed one (ha, we all started like that)
go big.
Ed Brown 1911
or a Les Baer
or


Ammo, buy lots, you'll need it. buy lots of magazines too, easier to load a bunch and then shoot a bunch then shoot one magazine at a time.
practice a lot, spend the "savings" on a class. You'll come way up the learning curve much faster with a real class.

enjoy

 

[1 old 0311]

If you can eat one potato chip..........You can have one gun. If not join the club.

Kevin

 

[10-Ring]

Happy B'day! Not bad for a first & only too!

 

[Srigs]

XD-40 is a very good gun. Ammo for plinking is any brass FMJ and carry you need to find a HP your gun like and stick with it.

My 40 is SW40VE.

 

[Mendel5]

Pulled the trigger

Springfield XD-40 is mine! Bought 100 rounds of Winchester target ammo as well. Now I need a CCW and to find a range. Now for the big question. Once I have the CCW, what's the best way to carry (I know there are many) a handgun of this size (4" barrel). I know I could have gone with a smaller version, but the balance on this is just right, and the extra length will help considerably with recoil. So, carrying suggestions are much appreciated.

A little info to help you understand my situation:

• I live in the Midwest (cold winters, hot summers)
• I work for state government, so can't legally carry to work (I won't)
• I'm fairly thin, so any bulge in pants (no comments, please) would be noticeable (or not, I suppose, depending on the holster
• I can't spend a lot of money on carrying equipment

So, any suggestions?

 

[ace]

i would of went with the glock i am not fond of the back tail safety on any gun.i will say that you might want to think about staying away from umc ammo it is dirty.My buddy bought the same gun as you we went out shooting and the ammo was dirtier than wolf or any other cheap ammo i have ever shot.Remingtons only mistake! happy birthday

 

[Wesker]

www.blackhawk.com and look for CQC Holsters, and get a nice SERPA paddle holster. Holds all guns high n' tight on your hip.

 

[v35]

not to worry... you can get another gun on your next 39th birthday... and the next, and the one after that...

IMO you did well with the Springfield. Excellent choice.

 

[kirkcdl]

Mendel,I'm not thin(6"-240#),but I can't carry at 3 o'clock either,so I started carrying a belt clip IWB at about 5:30,just off the spine.I know my draw will not be "movie" fast,but I stand straight,and there is no telltale bulge at all,even with a medium sized gun in the summer with only shorts and a T-shirt.Just buy your shirts one size too big.I normally wear an XL,for the past couple of years I've been buying XXL,and there's always the "Hawaiian" option...

 

[only1asterisk]

Mendel5,

Met a gentleman yesterday with his brand new XD at the range. He bought one on the subcompact variants for his first handgun. We talked a bit and traded guns for a bit. I like the XD.

David

 

[Mendel5]

ammo question

So why is the self-defense ammo so much more expensive than the FMJ target ammo? I would have thought if there was less metal it would be less expensive. More firepower?

 

[Kevinch]

Springfield XD-40 is mine! Bought 100 rounds of Winchester target ammo as well. Now I need a CCW and to find a range.

Mendell, congratulations on the purchase & welcome to handgunning.

But - I'd like to make a suggestion: reverse the "CCW & finding a range" to "find a range & CCW".

You really want to be sure you know that gun very well, and all the responsibility that goes along with CCW carry before you begin to pack a gun. Although hard to do, you might want to wait until your excitement levels off a little!

But - enjoy!

 

[only1asterisk]

Why does some ammo cost more?

Defensive ammo cost more because the projectiles are more expensive and because the ammo is held to a higher standard. Many lots of defensive ammo are dumped as surplus because they didn't make the grade. Some of the price increase is profit. Ammuntion is the #1 markup at the gunshop as well. Match target grad ammo is just as expensive. They just can't make ammo that good unless they slow down the process.

David

 

[Marshall]

Happy Birthday! Congrats on your new XD! It should last you until your next 39th B'day.