I cant decide guys

[smee781]

Neither

It sounds as if neither one will fit your needs at this time, the 1911 is heavy and price of ammo is high, but the xd trigger feels like crap. It seems like you need to shop around some more. When you find the right gun (OR IT FINDS YOU) you will know.

 

[Harley Quinn]

I'd go out and find a nice 9 mm you like (that is try many and make the decision based on what feels good) The trigger is going to be tricky the Glock17L has a nice 3.5 pound on the one I own, but I think that is a little lite for carry, "self defense".

I don't carry the 17 receiver in L or std because of the light trigger. I have a slide I bought for the m22 that is in 9mm. I use that one because of the 5 lb pull.

My thoughts for now.

 

[jdc1244]

…a .357 revolver is 3rd on my list…

Here’s what I recommend, it worked for me when I was your age.

Move the .357 up to first place – get a Ruger GP 100, easily had new for under $500. It chambers two types of rounds one of which is almost as inexpensive as 9mm.

Take the 100 bucks or so left over and start saving for a CZ 75 B 9mm.

Then start saving for a less hit-or-miss 1911, something with a bit more quality such as Colt, DW, SA, or S&W.

You've got a great journey ahead of you, enjoy!

 

[jakemccoy]

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

I have no horse in this race and don't care what you decide. However, for your sake, please don't base your decision on a gun you merely held. If you find the right gun that way, it's because you got lucky.

You have to fire the gun. Many times, firing the gun provides an entirely different perspective. For example, the effect of the bore axis position is impossible to realize if you're just holding the gun. Meanwhile, the position of the bore axis is essential to how recoil feels and how the gun feels when in use. That's just one example of why you need to fire the gun.

 

[Country_boy_88]

well after all these posts i have a nice list made of of guns to shoot at the range and mark everything i like or dislike about them. ill be sure to post up and jesus do some of yall work for glock?i did not like the glock im sorry to dissapoint yall!

 

[chupacabrah]

i said 9mm because of the lower price of ammo compared to .45, you'll be able to practice more.

Check out the S&W M&P, also, good guns. I like the XDs and glocks too, though

 

[Dobe]

Don't pass up the chance for a good 1911.

 

[SwampWolf]

If you're after a well-made, extremely reliable and affordable 9mm pistol, I'd look for any "Third Generation" Smith. Used ones in very good condition can be found for $300.00 and up. My favorite is the 6906. It's the same one I carried "on the job" and qualified with bi-annually for many years. It has never let me down.

 

[cerberus65]

I personally think a .22 is a best, first gun. Ammo is the cheapest so you can develop good shooting habits. You mentioned you won't be able to carry much on account of school so a .22 would be just the ticket. You get lots of practice while you're in school and step up to something bigger when you graduate. And by then the increase in recoil won't phase the good habits you've developed.

If you're intent on getting something bigger I'd pick 9mm over .45 based on ammo cost alone. .45 is the one caliber that I don't have that I really want to have but first I'll be setting up to reload.

In the 9mm arena a used Sig P6 police trade-in looks hard to beat. It's metal. It's reasonably priced. It's a Sig (i.e. reliable). If I wasn't spending money on a reloading press and a longer shotgun barrel I'd be getting one. I hope they're still around when my financial situation will permit one.

 

[Frandy]

When i had the pt1911 in my hand it just felt amazing and the trigger was ahh so nice.

So, what's the question?

 

[ronto]

For SD, a revolver is the only way to go with the only exception being a shotgun.

Six for sure.

 

[Eightball]

I'm also a college student. I recently bought a 1911, and am glad I did. It's an awesome firearm, and though ammo can get pricy.....I got a .22 Conversion top end for it.

Get what you really want, and you'll be happy, rather than being all "gee, this gun's "ok", but for only another $200, I could've gotten what I was drooling over" the entire time you own a firearm.