Pick a Pistol Endless stress & indecision

[D Boone]

I have posted about trying to pick a 9mm pistol at least twice before, and the stress/strain from the decision making process is making me crack! I am finding a (cash price) which I don't have, but here are the choices I am narrowed down too. Since its a credit purchase the cost is a factor, but I am not put off paying the $$$, or maybe I am and thats the issue... anyway the choices,

Sig P226R Elite (old model I guess) for $799
Sig P226R $752
XDM 3.8 for $574
Normal XD package $470
Stripped XD package $399
Glock 17 $474

Of all the choices I am torn mostly between the Elite and the XDM 3.8. I really want both, but can only get one. I really like the idea of a sig, but it's another full size in the stable, and I feel like the 3.8 will be a better CCW. I don't want to get the SIG or the 3.8 and be disappointed. I was convinced I wanted a normal XD until I saw the 3.8 version. I was also convinced I wanted a SIG, but it seems more of a "status" type weapon. My current HG inventory is lacking a 9mm. I have Kimber 45, bersa 380 and Ruger GP100 in my stable.

 

[bg226]

If you like SIG, but like the compact XD, why not look at a compact SIG like a P229?

 

[Voland]

See if you can find a place to shoot both. See what you like more... Try to save up and buy cash if you can. I promise you that with time, you will have both if not all on your list. Thats just how things go. Enjoy them, go slow and get what you really want since there is no right answer to your question...

V

 

[ForumSurfer]

I really like the idea of a sig, but it's another full size in the stable, and I feel like the 3.8 will be a better CCW.

I was recently in a similar situation. I stressed, stresed and stressed some more. Google even got tired of me searching forums. I really wanted a 9mm "just because I didn't have one." I also sort of wanted a plastic frame since my collection was lacking that, too. I settled on a Gen4 Glock 17. I loved it. I sold it. The 17 is great, but simply too big for me to conceal given the style of clothing I wear. I borrowed a friend's 19 and I like it more than my 17. You give up very little sight picture, and that little bit of length taken off of the grip makes tons of difference...similar to bob-tailing a 1911. I'll be picking up a 19 RTF2 before the week is out unless they release a Gen4 19 by Friday. If you can get a Glock between $450 and $500, you usually won't have trouble reselling it if you don't like it for $450.

If funds are really limited, I'd go for the Glock even though I prefer Sigs or 1911's.

 

[David E]

Best value is the stripped XD (presuming that means it doesn't come with the worthless holster and mag pouch.)

You left out M&P's.......any reason ?

If I got a Sig, it'd be their new "E-2" variant.

The 3.8 is cool, but it's not a better CCW piece, due to the long grip frame.

 

[chicharrones]

If you like the XD but want to CCW, I'd give the XD sub-compact another look.

The grip size and shape are agreeable to many shooters, it has one of the sweetest triggers I've ever felt in a striker fired gun, has the grip safety, cocking indicator, loaded chamber indicator, ambi-mag release, easy to field strip, and shoots very well for most people.

Plus, the sights are good and it comes with two magazine sizes (short and long). With that long mag it fits your hand about like a full size gun, or you can just keep it short for CCW. http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=59

 

[Firewall]

In my opinion, none of those offer features worth the price difference between then and the XD (And I love Sigs and want a 3.8 too) so that would be my first choice.

Assuming the Glock feels good to your hand that'd be my second choice, the couple dollars for it vs the new XD are worth it in my opinion for the "aftermarket". Not that XD is horrible in that arena, the Glock just has it beat.

Not on your list is my first choice the XD subcompact or a Glock 19. In my opinion while all of these are concealable they're all going to be a bit of a hassle if you're in hot climates. With the XD subcompact you get a short grip for carry and a longer grip with more capacity for home defense.

But from experience, I can tell you this thread is unlikely to solve your issue. Its a personal choice with out a true right or wrong.

 

[Zak Smith]

Hand-wringing about which pistol to buy is usually misguided effort. In a defensive role (ie since you mention CCW), a pistol is a tool, not a talisman or status item. Pick a pistol design with a proven track record that meets the functional criteria for your intended use.

Your list is somewhat all over the place, with different action types (DA/SA vs. striker), different weight/materials (poly vs. metal frame), and different sizes (full size vs. compact). The Sig P226 is a classic and proven design. The Glock revolutionized the design of the defensive pistol, and amongst many today, defines what a modern fighting pistol should be. The XD/XDM is similar to the Glock in concept, with some differences, and arguably does not have the same track record of service - going by number of years in service if nothing else.

Consider the Glock 19. It is small enough to conceal but is easy to shoot. For many, it hits the sweet spot in terms of size vs. capacity vs. shootability. I consider it the standard by which other defensive pistols should be judged.

-z

 

[D Boone]

I guess I was misleading. This will be a CCW to some degree, but the .380 is my main CCW, and I have another decision to make between the new small ruger and kel-tec for a pocket gun. I also intend to get one of the 3" XD subcompacts. But for now I guess I am looking for a full size. I am glad to hear someone say the XD's holster is crap, that takes that out of the equation.

 

[bigfatdave]

The provided XD holster is sort of crappy in these days of custom Kydex holsters for <$100, if a stripped package had been available when we bought MrsBFD's XD9sc I wouldn't have that injection-molded crap cluttering up the closet.

It looks like you haven't even decided what kind of gun you want, so all I'll do is point out that an XD would share mags with a future XD, and the XDm doesn't add many features, really ... but it does take different mags.

Why not get the lowest priced on your list (stripped XD) and incur minimal debt (or even better no debt) and get a decent carry rig with the savings?

 

[zhyla]

I am finding a (cash price) which I don't have

My current HG inventory is lacking a 9mm. I have Kimber 45, bersa 380 and Ruger GP100 in my stable.

This is foolishness. You've got plenty of tools to defend yourself. Buying crap you don't need with money you don't have is a bad idea. A credit card is a good way to get into a first gun, not a fourth.

 

[JoeSlomo]

I'd shoot the XD's and the Glock, and go with what I shot better with and was more comfortable.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I wouldn't go for the 3.8. A short barrel with a full size grip doesn't usually make for a very good carry weapon. The grip is the harder thing to conceal so you are giving up presence inside the holster, losing sight radius, velocity, and gaining nothing in concealment. I carry a Sig P220 and I can't say enough for how great Sigs are. As long as it isn't the steel framed model it would be fine. Personally I would go for whichever of the guns you listed fits you best. The XD package is good with the extra mags and would be your "bang for the buck" choice.

 

[searcher451]

Good grief, man -- no need to stress or strain or worry. Take 'em to a range and blast away, test-driving all of the guns on your list. When you find the one that absolutely, positively, without a doubt best fits your hand and eye, buy it and be happy about it. What could be simpler than that?

 

[hammerklavier]

You're stressing out because you don't have a good enough criteria for buying the gun. "I want a 9mm, which one should I get." isn't going to cut it. How about, "I need another CCW gun in 9mm." That should help you make a better decision. As would, "I need a really good value in 9mm."

 

[3leggeddog]

Why dont you look at a CZ compact [all metal] , or a Smith + Wesson MP9 compact, and yes the SIG ...... ALL 3 ARE GREAT GUNS.
I carry the MP9c in a IWB holster very easly!

 

[jon_in_wv]

My daily carry is the M&P 9C. I haven't found a better 9mm yet. (Yes I've shot Glocks and I just sold my P7.)

 

[sniper5]

Pick the one that fits your hand, feels like an extension of your finger, points naturally, and has the controls ergonomically placed so operating it feels natural. All this in a caliber that you can shoot comfortably without flinching, and shoot reasonably adequate groups (you'll get better with time). All the ones you have listed will run comparably. Also check Smith&Wesson and Ruger's line as well as (everyone will either love or hate-no middle ground) Taurus.

 

[Damon555]

This is foolishness. You've got plenty of tools to defend yourself. Buying crap you don't need with money you don't have is a bad idea. A credit card is a good way to get into a first gun, not a fourth.

What he said.....you've already got what you need.

But, I know how it feels to want more weapons. Just wait until you can actually afford it. Having available credit doesn't mean you can.

 

[Straight Shooter]

This is foolishness. You've got plenty of tools to defend yourself. Buying crap you don't need with money you don't have is a bad idea. A credit card is a good way to get into a first gun, not a fourth.

Couldn't have said it any better.

 

[m2steven]

I just purchased a 9mm xdm 3.8 and it's a nice shooter. It's one of the best in the hand pistols I've held. Great grip and very nice trigger. Reliable too.

 

[D Boone]

I appreciate everyones concern for my financial well being, and I guess I should have stated more clearly, that the guns I am looking at are from a well known online store. I should just let this thread die instead of explaining my life in depth. I have the cash to pay for it, I have a side employ that I use to pay for my toys. When I know I am due I check I get an itch. But I would rather pay the $3 per hundred extra most online stores charge rather than wait for my check/money order to clear. I also feel more protected than sending cash money across state lines and in the mail. I am still coming out much cheaper than buying local, which is another gripe and sad commentary in itself. It sucks that I can purchase online and save so much. My local FFL sadly understands this and still does transfer no issue. We have had many conversations and I almost always go in and speak to him, and if he can get close I will go with him. Bottom line is I am looking for opinions from people who have any or more than one of the arms listed and opinions of most bang for the buck. Its the first 9mm handgun I will have picked up.

 

[Nushif]

Relax man ...

I mean it. If it's really stressing you out ... I don't know what to say.

I hate to say "Stop thinking about it so much" because I think about guns an awful lot, but I guess put it into perspective that there's very few modern production handguns that aren't decent at least.

Pick 'em all up, close your eyes and get the one that feels right?

 

[Armored farmer]

Go with your gut instinct. Keep it for 6 mos,...if you don't like it, you aren't married to it. If you take good care of it, it probably will hold most of it's value. Trade it for something else. No divorce necessary. It won't want to keep half your stuff.

That's what makes firearms more fun than women.

 

[leadcounsel]

Don't let it consume you. Your choices are all fine. Pick one and practice with it. If you're like most people it won't be your last pistol purchase. Enjoy!