XD-9 and S&W 617

[45Guy]

I turn 21 next September and want to start saving for a few handguns.

My thoughts on my first two handguns are an XD-9 and a S&W 617.

The XD is going to be for range and home defense, figure 9mm would be fine for both.

The 617 will be for range use only, unless maybe small game. It is 10 shots, variable types of barrel lengths, and it can fire any .22 ammo.

Anyone who owns either firearm is invited to give their impressions of them.

Thanks gents.\
-45Guy

 

[10-Ring]

The Smith is a FUN gun, you'll really enjoy it! I don't own one, but I do have access to one & just love the trigger
I'm not a fan of the XD so I'll leave it w/ that

 

[jad0110]

I own an XD9 Service and I do like shooting it. Ammo is fairly cheap too, so that and the .22 and you should get lots of fun range time.

Good choice on a DA .22 revolver. If you can master trigger control with that long DA pull, you will be set on any other gun, including your XD. On the .22, as nice as the 617 is I would at least keep your eyes open for a good deal on an older S&W K-22 Target Masterpiece/Model 17 (6" barrel is most common, but a few more recent ones had 8 3/8" and 4" as well) or K-22 Combat Masterpiece/Model 18 (4" barrel). These guns are among the finest .22s ever made, semi automatic or revolver. For me, this was my holy grail gun. Many people prefer them over the newer 617 because 1) they don't have the heavy, full lug barrel 2) they don't have the "Infernal Locking System" (doesn't bother me too much, but it bothers many) 3) you can often pick up a used K-22 for much less than a new 617 4) They have some of the slickest DA triggers ever devised by man.

Here are a few good K-22 websites:

http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_K22s.htm

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/why-k-22.html

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/holy-grail-guns.html

I just ordered a K-22 Target Masterpiece / Model 17 (mfg in 1959)from gunbroker, so I don't have any pictures of it to show you, but here are a couple of pictures of my S&W Model 14, which is essentially a 38 Special version of the K-22:

 

[SeanSw]

I have a pre-lock 617 and have put 5000 rounds through it in the half year I've owned it. It's an absolute blast to shoot and I will never part with, just wish it was a 4" instead of 6". Even with 9mm being the cheapest centerfire pistol cartridge it still isn't cheap enough for me to practice often, and I shoot 500 rounds of .22 for every 50 rounds of 9mm.

Sadly, I shoot about 50 rounds of .38 for every 500 rounds of 9mm

 

[possum]

i always say that everyone needs a good auto loader as well as a good revolver, and you can't go wrong with the xd, or a smith revolver.
i don't have any experience with that particular model smith, but the xd's are sweet, and 9mm is the way to go, especially in the ammo prices department, which will allow for more shooting and range time, which i always appreciate.

 

[jad0110]

Sadly, I shoot about 50 rounds of .38 for every 500 rounds of 9mm

SeanSW,

A little $$$ and some time spent in the reloading forum can solve that little problem .

When I get into reloading this spring, I figure I'll be able to load 38 Special for a little less than new Wallie World White Box 9mm costs (about $8-10 for 100 rnds of 38).

 

[possum]

yeah the great thing about reloading is you really don't save any money, you just get to shoot more for the same amount, and that is cool with me. i sure hope that i have the room in georgia to start reloading.

 

[XD Fan]

I have had my XD 9 for five or six years. I have put thousands of rounds of ammo through it. It just eats everything up and asks for more. My cannot say enough good about my experience with that gun. I love shooting it.

That being said, I have not been as please with the finish as I would have liked. I read they have fully addressed this issue on the latest model. Still, even if they hadn't, and I would buy one again. I love it that much.

 

[45Guy]

Thanks guys, sounds like that's what i'll hope to get.

Do they make extended mags for XD's?

 

[possum]

Do they make extended mags for XD's?

yep, no factory mags, but i have one of the pro mag 20rd magazines for my service model .40 which will also fit the sc of course but that would be crazy! some people don't like pro mags, but mine has worked just fine, not just that one but the ones i have had in the pst for my ruger kp95. i have had no problems with them. all my other xd mags are factory but he 20rd mag is pretty cool and a great conversation piece!