Stuck on next handgun

[SonofGilnockie89]

Allright guys, I need some "expert" opinions on my next purchase. I remain in a toss up. I have pretty much narrowed it down to: Walther P99 AS or Springfield XD9. I had a brief flirtation with a Glock 17 but as soon as I held it remembered why I didn't buy one before.

The purpose of the gun will be open carry and, as soon as I find a group near me, IDPA style competitions. As some of you know I am not a veteran at the pistol game but I do prefer the 9mm for a variety of reasons (I know, I know).

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone that owns either of these and there are no rental ranges anywhere even close........therefore the opportunity to shoot them will probably not present itself. I do like both and they both feel great in my hand, but seeing as I learned to shoot on a 1911 the XD's angle is very comfortable. The P99, however, seems to be lighter and of the same or better quality.

I just wanted the opinions of some owners of these two guns as to what you like/dislike about yours. Thanks.

 

[mstrat]

I've had an XDm 9 for a while now, and to be honest, there's nothing I don't like about this gun.
It's definitely not my favorite 9mm, though that's no fault of its own (I just have a soft spot for my 92fs). It's been 100% reliable, easy to field strip and clean, 100% accurate, etc.

When I bought it I was in the market for a good, large (4-5"), reliable, polymer 9mm. The final contenders were the XD 9, Glock, and XDm 9.

Glock was only in the running because everybody seems to love them ,and rave about them - but in the end I went with my gut and threw it out of the running because of the crazy grip angle.

So it was down to an XD 9 or XDm 9. I had shot an XD 9 a few times, and knew I liked it. Never had the chance with an XDm, but was 99% certain I would get an XD 9 because the "match grade" barrel and other perks of the XDm didn't seem to be worth an extra $100.

HOWEVER, once I handled an XDm at the counter, I knew it was easily worth the extra $100 (to me). The grips are significantly different, and much more comfortable. They just feel right.

So in short - the XD is a great gun, but (to me) the XDm is even better. I'd recommend handling one at the store to see if it makes a big difference to you. But even if not, then you'll be plenty happy with the XD.

 

[wbwanzer]

Here's mine. I like it quite a bit. It's not extraordinary, but it does everything well. Never had a single problem with it. And it holds a butt load of 9mm. Since this picture was taken I've had TruGlo sights installed. I'm partial to fiber optics.

 

[psyopspec]

Either would serve you well; I don't think you'll find a difference in quality, reliability, or accuracy. Your observation that the P99 is lighter may be correct, but depending on the size of the XD you're looking at you'll get a longer barrel and more ammunition.

For me, I'd tip the hat to the P99 based on a shorter trigger reset.

 

[braceyourself07]

Let me go ahead and qualify and say that I am certainly no expert

I'll vouch for the XDm. I have the XDm .40 and enjoy shooting it. Nothing I don't like about it either. One plus of an XDm over an XD is the larger magazine capacity.

 

[CPshooter]

I've owned both, but they were both .40s. The Walther P99 doesn't exactly shine in .40s&w, while I think the XD does. Had the P99 been chambered in 9mm, I might still have it.

With that said, if it's open carry we're talking about I say go for the XD. They are a little chunky/heavy for a polymer gun so IWB carry is a negative, but functionally the XD is a superb firearm in every way. Can't go wrong with the XD, especially at the price.

 

[Phil W]

I'd go with the XD. Excellent capacity in both FS and compact. But if you're going full size...I'd just spring for the 40 S&W.

 

[ZeBool]

Both of my XD pistols have been phenominal. I carry a XD40sc every day and have an XD9 service on my bedstand. Both have been 100 percent reliable over the course of around 6000 combined rounds. Plus the XD is a good Ben Franklin or two lighter than the
Walther.

The closest I've come to handling a P99 would be my P22. If the P22 is any indication of the ergonimcs and reliability of the P99, I would hazard to say that you can't go wrong with either choice.