Good for you. It's great to see someone that curious and excited.
I know I'm not the first to say this, but always remember the rules of gun safety. And remeber this: The most dangerous gun is and "empty" gun.
Yeah, don't drop the slide (let it go forward) on an empty chamber/magazine without guiding it home. If the action is locked open and there's an empty magazine in the weapon, retract the slide the 1/4" or so back, hold the slide stop down with your thumb, and guide the slide all the way forward.
The XD or XDM is a good choice for a first pistol. However, it may spoil you in two different ways -- first, there's a good chance you'll never see that thing jam. Your second pistol (and there will be a second pistol) may be a little more finnicky. And two, depending on where you go after your Springfield, the XDM's simple takedown may spoil you. Especially if you go to something like, say, a 4" or 3" barrel 1911. But don't avoid 1911s.
So anyway, it seems like you have a great attitude. Welcome to the forum.
I know I'm not the first to say this, but always remember the rules of gun safety. And remeber this: The most dangerous gun is and "empty" gun.
Yeah, don't drop the slide (let it go forward) on an empty chamber/magazine without guiding it home. If the action is locked open and there's an empty magazine in the weapon, retract the slide the 1/4" or so back, hold the slide stop down with your thumb, and guide the slide all the way forward.
The XD or XDM is a good choice for a first pistol. However, it may spoil you in two different ways -- first, there's a good chance you'll never see that thing jam. Your second pistol (and there will be a second pistol) may be a little more finnicky. And two, depending on where you go after your Springfield, the XDM's simple takedown may spoil you. Especially if you go to something like, say, a 4" or 3" barrel 1911. But don't avoid 1911s.
So anyway, it seems like you have a great attitude. Welcome to the forum.