I cant decide guys

Which one?

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Country_boy_88

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Well heres the scoop. Im 20 soon to be 21 and im trying to decide on what pistol to buy. I go to college fulltime so i wont be able to carry that often. I was deadset on a taurus pt1911 or a RIA 1911 tactical. Then i started to think about the weight and thought maybe a polymer 9mm was a good idea with weight and the price of ammo. I like the XD 9mm more than the MP and the glock but since i shoot a .22 competition Mark III im so used to a a target trigger the polymers feels like crap. When i had the pt1911 in my hand it just felt amazing and the trigger was ahh so nice. So what do you pick? WOuld the 9mm be a better pick so i can afford more practice time or the 1911 because its just an amazing gun. I could also put a .22 conversion on the .45 though and be able to shoot the piss out of it.Maybe theres a gun you especially like that youll think i like(in the $600 or less range, sorry no H&K) thanks guys any input much appreciated
 
I went with a 1911, because I like it. In reality, the best gun is the gun you 1) will carry the most, 2) are comfortable with (helps 1, plus you will hopefully practice more with a gun you like), and 3) are good with.

For me, thats actually a Glock, but whatever works for you.
 
i think you should consider reliability over everything else when talking about a defensive gun...

but then if you are going for complete reliability there is no such thing, but the closest thing to it is revolvers...
 
I was deadset on a taurus pt1911 or a RIA 1911 tactical. Then i started to think about the weight and thought maybe a polymer 9mm was a good idea with weight and the price of ammo. I like the XD 9mm more than the MP and the glock but since i shoot a .22 competition Mark III im so used to a a target trigger the polymers feels like crap.
Click to expand...

First, you were going to buy a what? a Taurus? Get a Glock 17 or 19 and some ammo or a Springfield or Kimber 1911. Don't like the trigger on the
Glock? Do like most of us 1911 lovers, install a #3.5 trigger pull. Duh!:banghead:

Better yet...before spending $600 on a gun. Go rent some at a range and make sure you like to shoot it. :rolleyes:
 
I voted other, since I have both.

I have a Kimber 4" .45 and an XD9 SC (3").

I am extremely happy with both and am currently looking at a CZ. :D

You had to know the Glockboyz would come out. :neener:

They just can't stand it when somebody doesn't want their gun. :banghead:
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the weight. If you have a decent belt the weight won't seem like a big deal. I carry a CZ 75b. The size of the grip is the problem for me.

I chose based on the price of ammo. I'll eventually get a 1911, but for now I am happy to hone my skills with 9mm. I'll probably get a .22lr handgun before a 1911.
 
1911 .45 first (i have a pt1911 and love it)

but i like my 9mm's to

ps. one glaser safety slug from either would be lights out
 
i have 2 xd's and 1 1911, and even though the 1911 trigger is so sweet, i still shoot my xd service model .40 better than the 1911 and any and every other gun that i have ever shot. i love mine. the good thing is the grip angle and the ergos on the xd and the 1911 are so close to the same that you can go back and forth between the two without any issue.

i say go for the xd now, and later down the road go with the 1911.
 
FNP9 or CZ75b are way better than the XD IMHO, I have owned all of them and stuck with the FNP9.
Both cost less and shoot better for me. If you want to stay steel get a BHP (Browning High Power). If you like 1911 configuration the BHP will be for you.
I recommend renting several before you buy, wish someone had told me to do that. Live and learn though.
 
Country_boy_88,

First off, congratulations on your decision to own your own.

Second, don't make any decisions about what to get without finding out what fits you first.

It may be a Glock or a 1911. It might be a CZ 75 or a Sig. If you don't find out first you risk throwing a bunch of money down a hole.

Look at CorneredCat.com for fitting instructions. A handgun that fits you and not one of us will be more accurate for you and you'll be able to handle recoil better. That means greater shooting enjoyment.

Ignore everything else until you find out what fits your natural grip angle, reach to trigger and grip width. Once that's taken care of then you can go over all the advice about the pros and cons of specific makes and models.
 
Of the two you listed I'd go XD for two reasons which are reliability and ammo cost.

.45 ammo is expensive. RIA and PT1911 you may get a good one, you may not.

If the XD doesn't suit try out some other 9mm guns, Glock, CZ-75, etc to see what suits you. I am a Glock person, a lot can be done to help crappy polymer triggers.
 
There are lots of people in the gun community that know how to tune a 1911. Lots of knowledge, lots of experienced people willing to share that experience.

The XD crowd isn't nearly as large, nor does it have as long an institutional history. And just because it is a polymer gun does not mean it will be flawless right from the factory. Modern manufacturing still produces some lemons, for all manufacturers.

The sheer number of products available for the 1911 should sway your decision that way. I have heard some bad things about Rock Island. Mostly rough finishing. I have heard only good things about Taurus. If nothing else it would be a good foundation gun that you can tweak and tune to meet your needs.
 
A Very Personal Decision

If you're serious about this poll, you may be making an error if you really intend to allow a self-selected group of strangers make such a personal decision for you. As I point out on my Handgun Selection page, after reliability, the next most important criterion in selecting a handgun is ergonomics - how the gun fits and functions in your hand. A caveat may be its role and special needs. For example, a person who is concerned with children in the home may appreciate the magazine-disconnect safety in a Browning High Power or an older S&W autoloader while a soldier may not want to risk not being able to fire that one crucial shot without a magazine.

Some people like the need to flick off a thumb safety on a pistol such as a 1911. Some people feel that the grip safety on a pistol such as the SA XD provides an extra measure of safety. Some people prefer the simplicity of a Glock and are confident that they can follow all the safety rules under stress. Some people prefer a short, light trigger stroke while others prefer a more palpable double-action trigger. Some people benefit from the ability to alter the size and shape of the grip area, for optimal fit, of the newer polymer pistols, such as the S&W M&P, by means of interchangeable back straps or "palm swells."

Conventional wisdom counsels to try renting each of the pistols you are considering (an opportunity often available at indoor shooting ranges), to see how they actually function in your hand.
 
You all bring up alot of good points and that is why i am asking yalls opinion. trust me im not going to buy a gun just because so and so said it is the best gun out there. I knew the glock guys would chime in but im sorry guys the ones ive held just didnt fit as well as the XD. I also like the added 1911 style safety. I know the best safety is keeping your finger away from the trigger but you know what..**** happens. I forgot all about the browning so ill have to check it out but then again ill have to rent quite alot of them to figure out which one i like the best. Price is negligable as long as i get the gun that fits my hand the best and so far its a 1911 or the XD. Im leaning more toward the 9mm though just for the fact i can shoot a heck of alot more and really get as much practice as possible in the gun that may or may not save my @$$ one day. ohh and hotshotshooting a .357 revolver is 3rd on my list
 
Didn't see whether you mentioned the XD in sub-compact or not? I assume this is going to be used for CC? If so, consider the XDSC for size/weight reduction.
 
I own a PT1911 and it is great. I just got a reloading press and now I load my own. PT1911+ four mags+ El Paso Saddlery holster and mag pouch+ reloading press+ bullets, primers, and powder= less than Colt, Kimber, etc. I have never had any problems with mine.
 
There are a lot of "oldies" on this forum who will say .45, in 1911.

Being that said, most of them have no mortage, are far a long in their career, or are retired. So the cost of .45 is no matter to them.

Being that said, 9mm is about half is much as .45, or more.

So I would say 9mm. Plus, there are a lot of really good +P's out there.

Gun choice is up to you. I'm not a fan of the XD for 2 reasons. I remember when they were $250 and called a HS. Also, I don't like the fact the rear frame rail is poly, not metal.

As far as a suggestion, I lean towards M&P, Glock, CZ, and Beretta myself. Any maybe a Taurus PT92
 
9x19mm for less expensive ammo.The XD is nice, but since you didn't like the trigger consider other 9mm's.Check out the Walther P99 and Beretta PX4.Excellent pistols.
 
Easy solution:

You mentioned wanting cheaper ammo, .22 conversion kit, and no polymers?

CZ 75 B or BD 9mm with a Kadet .22 LR conversion kit.

All steel, outstanding ergonomics, amazingly accurate, and just an all around great gun.
 
but then if you are going for complete reliability there is no such thing, but the closest thing to it is GLOCK...
Click to expand...
Let me help you out there with a little correction there partner. :D

In all honesty for the OP, I would go to a range and shoot a bunch of pistols as its the best way to find out what you really like. Everybody has their favorites for a reason typically its what they shoot best with. You'll notice no real shooter recommends a gun they don't shoot well with.
 
...but since i shoot a .22 competition Mark III im so used to a a target trigger the polymers feels like crap.
Click to expand...
Don't fall into the trap of thinking a SD pistol needs a target pistol's trigger pull.
 
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