Intro and Question, Help me spend my money

[UPSTATENYER]

I have been lurking for quiet a while, and feel that now is as good a time as any to join. I have been doing a lot of research on my next gun purchase, and I am lookin for your personal advice and knowledge. I will be purchasing a 40. caliber within the next month, I was looking at the S&W 410S until I read about the poor fit of the slide amongst other issues. I originally wanted a metal framed gun, preferably stainless, but I am open to Spirngfield XD, Glock, S&W MP ......... If you had $600 or so to blow, what would you get and why?

I forgot to mention it will be used occasionally for CCW, but primarily target use.

 

[MikePGS]

I'd get an XD40 subcompact with the grip extender. Its got a great grip, the guns are capable of surviving very harsh conditions, and you could use it as a CCW if so inclined. I don't own one personally (yet) but i've heard nothing but good things about them on this forum.

 

[bestseller92]

GLOCK 23.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I'm extremely pleased with the S&W M&P 9mm compact I purchased recently.

 

[RNB65]

What's the intended use?

 

[UPSTATENYER]

Occasional CCW, Primarily target.

 

[tbtrout]

SA XD If it is an occasional carry and primary target, gat the 4 inch barrel.

 

[.357 magnum]

I use My Tactical as my Home Defense gun.

I have them both. I prefer the 5 inch because it makes a great home defense weapon. The .45 acp ballistics are all done with 5 inch barrels. The sight radius is better on the Tactical. I am not a big person, but I have never had any problems with it. I figure go with the one that is the best stopper. If you are going to carry, you probably want the service model. Did ya know the 230 gr federal hydra-shok has a 96% one shot stopping percentage coming out of a 5 inch barrel? You throw in 13 rounds [+1 in the chamber] Then throw in my German Shepherd who can hear a pin drop outside and believes the house is her kingdom and I sleep like a baby! Get the Tactical.

The Best to You and Yours!

 

[ugaarguy]

I'd go to the gunstore and handle them. See which one fits your hand best, has the controls where you like them, what not. Between the Glocks, XDs, & M&P in 40 S&W you're not going to get a bad gun. You might also look at the FN FNP 40, SIG Pro in 40 S&W, Stoeger Cougar (Stoeger is owned by Beretta, it's the same gun as the Beretta Cougar, just made in Turkey by Stoeger now) and the Ruger P Series. The Taurus pistols also have a good following here. Again, all good guns, just find what fits your hand best. If a range with rentals is available trying out your top two or three to see which you shoot best would be well worth the little bit of extra time & money.

 

[Don Lu]

GLOCK 23..no matter what what your purpose..the GLOCK will do anything that a .40 cal cal can do. concealable,accurate,reliable what else could you want.

 

[RNB65]

Occasional CCW, Primarily target.

That's a tough one. It's difficult to find a gun that is good for both carry and target shooting. Most people prefer their carry guns to be compact and lightweight. Range guns tend to be heavy to absorb recoil and long to improve accuracy.

Mid-sized guns such as the XD Service and Glock 19 are great for self-defense and plinking. But they're a bit bulky for concealed carry and not terribly accurate for target shooting. At 10yds I can shoot softball size groups with my XD, plenty good for self defense. But I've got to go with my Springer 1911 or my CZ75 to get the groups down to golfball size.

CDNN may still be selling the FN High-Power in .40. It's a fairly compact, all steel gun that may work well for both CC and target shooting.

I'd suggest getting two guns -- a subcompact (XD, Glock, Kahr) for CC and something larger for target shooting (XD Tactical, CZ75, Beretta 92, etc.)

 

[wardog]

Don't overlook the Beretta PX4 Storm.