Ok, had to register just to reply to this post. What i picked for my first hadngun:
I recently purchased my first handgun, the choice was XD9 or G19. I actually went to an indoor range and rented a g19... at 60 ft. i was on paper with all my shots, and at 15 ft actually got some good groups. Which i thought was pretty good for my first time shooting a pistol. No XD9's available to rent.
Ended up with the XD9 for the following reasons:
1.) It has safeties. I know, the most important safety is between your ears, but i haven't had years of gun safety training beaten into my brain, so the fact that there is a grip safey, a chamber loaded indicator, and cocked indicator is reassuring.
2.) The fact that new 15 round mags are available (XD40 mags) at a reasonable price. Paying 60-80 bucks for a used mag... ugh.
Whent to the range and discovered:
1.) I shoot the Glock better. Don't know why but i am having trouble getting used to the XD. Maybe I just need more practice.
2.) EVERBODY wants to try the XD. It has given me the opportunity to try LOTS of different handguns as I trade with people. I don't think the G19 would be as much of a novelty for other shooters. (of course, now that i've shot a few, i'm thinking of a .45....)
3.) Everybody (so far) who has tried it and has some experience with handguns, shoots the XD9 REALLY well. One guy was picking off clay targets at 25 yards with ease... not missing a single shot. He'd never shot the the XD before. He was impressed with it.
4.) 600-1000 rounds through it so far and not one failure. Only used 115 gr FMJ so far. Going to try some different loads tomorrow and see how it likes various ammo.
So, on the whole, i'm pleased with the XD9 as a first handgun.