Help me choose a new Handgun

[Mountain Gunner]

Hi all,

Normally I am a 1911 fan but I am considering a "DAO" type handgun (by DAO I mean everything from glock to H&K LEM). It is looking like my department is going to start allowing us to carry our choice of weapon
We have been a Sig DA/SA department.

I plan on going to the range and renting a couple but I don't have the money to rent all of them so I thought I would ask for some input to narrow it down.

I have shot glocks in the past and I don't shoot very well with them (maybe I will never shoot as well with a DAO type handgun when comparing it to a 1911...).

Since I work in corrections I will probably carry my gun more off duty than on duty so I am looking for something big enough for a duty weapon but still concealable. (I know I could get two guns but I believe it is better to stick with one if possible.)

In the end it all comes down to trigger pull. I know many of you have fired and own many of the "DAO" handguns currently on the market. What do you shoot best with and why? How do trigger pulls compare on the Glock, XD, H&K LEM, Para LDA, etc?

Thanks!

 

[GigaBuist]

Uhm.. the GLock is half SA and half DA.

The XD is entirely SA.

 

[Black Majik]

How bout' a SIG P229R with the DAK (6.5 lbs. DAO trigger)?

 

[MeekandMild]

I really hate to say this, but I've been converted to being a Glock fan. They have the geometry of the 9mm and .45 perfected. You can get a "New York" trigger which feels just like a DAO.

 

[Mountain Gunner]

GigaBuist,

Yes, I understand that technically Glock is "half DA" and that XD is full SA. That is why I put "DAO" in quotations any gave some examples of what I was looking for. I figured everyone would understand what I meant? While Glock is "half DA and half SA" the trigger feels similar to a SA XD. I guess I should have left "DAO" out of my question and stated that I am considering handguns that have a trigger pull somewhere between a traditional DA revolver and a 1911

Has anyone fired the Sig DAK? I have considered it as well?

 

[dghboy315]

well, i would still consider an XD. it has the same grip geometry as a 1911 that you said you liked. it also has grip safety like the 1911. it is light, easy to carry and it points very well. all the ones i have tried have had a very good trigger. i like my father's xd so much, i may have to get one of my own some day. other than a 1911, it would be my choice for a carry gun.

i have also tried a sig DAK. it feels like a regular DAO gun. heavy trigger. i didn't notice a difference. ok, maybe a little lighter, but it's nothing close to an springfield xd. the only advantage i can see is that that the DAK (or all DAO guns for that matter) has a second strike capability.

 

[Mountain Gunner]

Based off of everyones input and my reading I think I have managed to narrow things down a little. XD vs. LEM(usp compact vs. P2000)

Has anyone handled all three of these handguns? How do they compare? Specifically how do their triggers and sight pictures compare? I guess it is probably time to head to the range

 

[dghboy315]

i've tried them all. i like HKs, but the xd trigger is better, imho. ergonomics are also better on the xd. it is less box-y than the hks. finally, it is a lot less expensive.

 

[Jim4003]

Try shooting one of the da only TSW series Smith and Wessons, I have a standard type 4003, and 4505 and they work great for me. The 4003 is my duty weapon. We used to carry the 59 series da guns and they held up and worked well for about 10 years until they were replaced.