new to pistols

[2t2 crash]

Hello, im pretty much a fan of WWII era weapons and other military firearms, but i recently bought a Springfield XD in 9mm for my wife (cover story to get my Kimber 1911 later).

now, i am new to the whole 9mm ammunition types. I see 9mm LUGER and other types of rounds, what's the run down on 9mm ammunition, what is safe and what is not? is the LUGER and what not just different powder load or such?

 

[SoCalGeek]

9mm Luger is just another name for what might be considered "standard" 9mm- 9x19mm, to be exact.
Other common types you're likely to encounter any time soon include 9x17mm (other names include .380ACP,.380,9mm Kurtz, 9mm Corto, 9mm Short, 9mm Browning, the list goes on...) and the 9x18mm, AKA the 9mm Makarov.

These rounds are not interchangeable.

Though there are other rounds with '9mm' somewhere in the name, you're not likely to have to deal with them unless you go looking for them. They're relatively obscure. Hope you(r wife?) enjoy that XD!

 

[2t2 crash]

great, thankyou! i guess i'll just stick with 9mm luger because i know it's safe and works well.
The wifey loves to shoot the XD, she's pretty good with it too, shes a small Filipina, so i figured the 9mm was the best round to go with. I just need to help learn her that guns are good, and there is no "too many"

 

[psyopspec]

Synonyms for 9X19 include: 9mm Para, 9mm Parabellum, 9mm NATO, and 9mm Luger. If one of these labels is on the box and on the cartridges therein, and it's name brand, factory ammo from a major manufacturer, then you're about as safe as you can be.

For general plinking, and until you learn more about different loads, it would be advisable to stick with a standard load such as 115 gr and avoid +p's. Have fun and be safe, it's a great weapon.

 

[2t2 crash]

sweet... thanks again!
have a Merry Christmas

 

[Curare]

Buy 100 rd. boxes of Winchester "White Box" from Wal-Mart for $10 a box! I buy them out every time I go--anywhere from 600 to 2000rds. Great practice ammo.

 

[Croyance]

I would let her try your Kimber when you get it. Reacting to recoil has a lot to do with your expectations of what it will be like, so don't build up the negatives.
At a range I used to go to, there was a woman about 5'0" or so and of slight build working behind the counter. She carried a full sized 1911. She was a better shot than most guys and had no problem with recoil.
Besides, the recoil of a .45 ACP is different from that of a 9x19. The .45 ACP is heavier, but spread over more time. The 9x19 is lighter, but quick.

 

[2t2 crash]

I see what you are saying. i actually enjoyed the kimber and found it easier to shoot compared to my XD. I am wishing I had bought the flash light for it though.

I am thoroughly impressed with the XD though, it feels great when handling it, i like the safety systems and i like the looks. The sights are great too.

 

[Croyance]

I thought there was an XD in .45 ACP, but I could be wrong.
I think it is better to try a variety of handguns before buying one, but it takes $$$ and some time. Plus, general selection seems to be limited to Glocks, some S&W revolvers, and perhaps a 1911 of some sort. Sometimes people at the range are nice and let you try theirs. The design certainly impacts the way you feel recoil.
Trying out a bunch of guns showed me some suprising things. I didn't shoot best on the gun I felt was most comfortable. Also, the trigger did not affect accuracy as much as I thought.