What Gun to Get?

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LSUstang05

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I've posted this same question on XD Talk but I feel (and they have admitted lol) that they are slightly biased (obviously) so I'm posting this here. I know this is a commonly asked question (I've been trolling gun forums for a while) and I used the search but couldn't find the exact answer to my question so here we go...

I just turned 21 on March 23 and have been looking to get a hand gun for home defense/carry (I currently do NOT have a carry license, but I'm working on it). Until I get my carry license I may end up bringing it with me in my truck when I go into sketchy parts of the city (I know it's not the safest idea to leave a gun in an unoccupied vehicle for obvious reasons). Also, a little background on me, I've been shooting guns of all types off and on since I was 13 and I am currently ~6' tall 160lbs (if that helps on size of gun to recommend).

As far as caliber that I'm looking at, I'm pretty set on getting .40 S&W. I know it's more expensive than 9mm or .45ACP normally, but I shoot the best with it and I feel most comfortable with it.

That being said, I've been looking at a few guns. I have held a MP S&W .40 and it felt decent but I didn't get much time with it. I also have held a few Glocks and absolutely can't stand them for some reason :confused: My uncle will be helping me buy my first pistol and he is a huge fan of Beretta and hates Taurus for some reason...I didn't ask why but he doesn't want to help me get a Taurus so it's out of the question. I don't know the exact models that Beretta has in .40S&W but I looked at their PX4 Storm and it seems pretty solid. I've also been looking at the SA XD(m) .40S&W because of it's capacity. Unfortunately, it's a full size and I don't think it would be a great carry weapon (although I was recommended on XD Talk to get a supertuck and I might be able to conceal it...thoughts?). I've also looked at the XD .40S&W Compact because it's a little smaller and might be better for carry.

I'm not set on any gun to get. The ones I listed are just what I've been able to research online. I'm extremely open to suggestions. Also, I'm not familiar with the reliability on any of these guns but from what I've read they are reliable. I know that I need to go to a range that rents (if it's around me) and just try some out. I'm just trying to get ideas on what is generally reliable and wont jam up on me if I do need it. If you know of anything to look for or "fix" when I'm looking at a gun you suggest I'd be in your debt!

So I guess my question, in a round-about way, is what would you guys recommend in the .40S&W Caliber as a home defense/carry gun? Thanks in advance, guys!

(and yes, I know it's my first post, but I'll be back to check on the thread and not just bail heh)
 
I picked up a Bersa Thunder 40, 13+1 full size in matte black about 2.5 weeks ago as my first pistol for $425. So far I haven't had a single hiccup with it. It's not a huge name brand like H&K, Sig, or Beretta but there are very few negative reviews on them from the research that I've done. Added to the fact that I wanted my first pistol to be relatively inexpensive, and it helped me make my decision.

In terms of carry, I'm 5'8, 150lbs and I use an IWB holster and carry it with its 4 1/2 in barrel no problem in the 4'oclock position.
 
I haven't looked at Berettas much in recent years but
I think the .40 full size service pistol is the 96.

A friend up north in Spokane got a S&W M&P in .40 S&W and
likes it a lot. We're going to get together some time I want to try
HIs M&P and he wants to try my S&W 1911. I also don't care for the shape or angle of the Glok Some say the Browning Hi Power got a modified
frame and heavier slide for it's version of the .40 S&W.

Ever give the Sig 226/229 a thought? Steel slide, alloy frame they're
known for accuracy, besides reliability.

Randall

grip, wiw.
 
I've shot ALOT of 40 cal pistols and have owned a bunch too -- I ended up selling them all off (but that's another thread) -- of all the ones I've shot, the Beretta 96 was the nicest -- that may not be a popular answer, so my recommendation to you is to rent one & shoot at least 100 rounds through it before you decide.
plust i suggest you don't shoot a bunch at the same time -- make it over several sessions
 
I am a big XD fan, so I probably sound like the folks over at XD Talk.

I am also a huge 1911 fan. :)

The Witness Elite Match is nice. A nice old CZ would be a good choice too.

Most other autos don't flic my bic much.
 
Only you, and you alone, can make this call. You can do it by trying a variety of guns from a variety of manufacturers. Find the one gun that best fits your hand and eye out of many that you experiment with, with many trips to the range over many days. It's not the kind of decision that you should make quickly or through the advice that you'll pick up on a gun board ... even a good one like this.
 
Springflied XDs are nice, I haven't shot any I'd want to carry as there are smaller guns out there.

Anyway try to hold as many guns as you can, gun stores really don't mind. Just make sure you look up the proper hold methods for you first.

I'd recommend XD's, FN p45, CZ SP01, M&P, Hk USP, Kimber TLE 5", Springfield Loaded 5",for fullsize guns.

For good carry guns I'd look at the Glock 19, Kimber TLE 5" with alumagrip slim grips, Walther PPS, Glock 30, FN five-seven.

For small guns try the Glock 26, Keltec PM9, P11, Walther PPS or a small revolver.

As you said some Glocks feel terrible in the hand. Just make sure you try a proper hold on the G19 before you make up your mind. The G19 is probaly the best feeling Glock.

As far as caliber, find a gun that fits you then get the largest caliber that works in that sized model gun. For example for me the G19 fits well but the G23 is the same and is in .40. Don't concern yourself with ammo or gun cost. Get what works best for you. If what works best for you, say a .45 Kimber TLE, then just deal with the added training cost. It's worth it.
 
Not a big fan of 40's but I would go with a SIG 239 or full size Beretta.
I wont say anything about Glocks cause I dont like them in any caliber
 
Not a huge fan of the 40SW, but if that's what your heart is set on:

1. HK USPc 40SW
2. CZ SP-01
3. Walther PPS 40SW
4. Beretta PX4
5. Sig 239
6. SA XD 4"

Exactly which one of these guns is up to you! (But none of these will let you down.) Depends on your hand size, lefty/righty, SA/DA, DAO, dominant eye, favorite color, astrological sign, etc.

Beg, borrow, or steal (rent) all these guns. Fondle them, handle them, carry them, and most of all, SHOOT them! Your favorite should quickly become apparent to you. Buy it!

(For me it was everything HK!)
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I went to a gun shop today and held the glocks, XD, XD(m), Kahr, and a Sigma. I'll be going to the other gun shop in town tomorrow or Wednesday to hold some HK's, Walther's, SigArms, and Berettas to see what I like. I really liked the XD (not the XDm...felt a little top heavy even more than the other polymer frame/metal slide guns...maybe it was just because it was unloaded?) and Kahr's but I need to feel the other guns in my hand before I make a choice.

thanks for the input and suggestions guys! Keep 'em coming!
 
Gun Purpose

Big, service type revolvers (4" barrel) and Beretta 92/96 and Glocks 22 & 23's are easier to shoot accuratelyand feel good too. The smaller the gun the harder it is to shoot well so you are in a catch 22 cause the small ones are the ones you will probably carry. Small guns are a compromise and feel lost in your hand.If you want to be a good shot consider reloading cause to practice with a centerfire gun your might want to ading. Even components have almost doubled in price the last year and the 9mm now is what the 40's and 45 white bx. ammo was selling for 18 months ago. Buying a 40 and paying 18-20 $$per bx. of 50 to learn to shoot it is a costly venture.Firing 2 or 3 boxes of ammo everyonce in a while get your attention (once you get your bank statement or Visa bill. Hang around an IDPA (combat pistol shoot and see what stock guns Sigs mixed in to. Lots of 1911's too but I wouldn't recommend a single action to a new guy especially if you want to use it as a carry gun IMHO. Just an old guy shedding his experience and views...afish4570:rolleyes:
 
The XD's are nice pistols. My wife has the XD40 Tactical. The only complaint she had was the trigger pull was long amd mushy compared to her other pistols. So I installed a Springer Precision trigger kit in it and wow, what a difference. She will not put the gun down when we shoot. She also has an HK USP 40 that was her first. It is a nice gun also.
 
I have an EAA Zastava EZ 40 which is really nice. I also liked the M&P but could not find one in fullsize so I went with the EZ. I would check out the SIG 226 also.
 
In 40S&W I have been working with my FNP-40 for a couple of months now. It is showing real promise as being totally reliable and easy to shoot. I am not a big fan of polymer frames but it is lighter and seems to be very strong where it needs to be. And for the price remember it comes with three magazines instead of some pistols only having one included.
 
Ill put down one vote for a Ruger P944. It is economical, and I have seen real life proof that it is crazily reliable. My proof? I cleaned a gun that the owner had for 7 years, and never cleaned it. He bought it used. His was the P94 S&W. Told me it never jammed, or gave him any other problems ever. I asked how often he went shooting. He told me maybe 4-5 times a year, and would put 100 bullets through each time. Do the math.
Glock 27 would be hot as well. Very very hot. And concealable
 
CZ's are nice pistols. I have a 75B and it is a great reliable shooter. I would not hesitate to pick up another.
 
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