(Yet) Another Help Me Select My Next Pistol Thread

[xsquidgator]

Like the title says. I've kind of got things thought out a bit, so lemme explain what I'm thinking that way and get your thoughts on which way to go.

I have a number of handguns already, for range use, HD, and CCW, in 380 (1), 9mm(several), 357 (2) and 45ACP (two). However there's always something new to get, so I'm on the lookout for a B-day present for myself later this summer. However this is likely going to be just a single purchase, so I have to pick only one gun this time, although this surely won't be nearly my last purchase either.

My info and preferences:
-I reload and cast bullets for everything I shoot except rimfire and shotgun.
-I want something more suited for CCW I think and in either 9mm or 40. -
9mm because I reload for it already and it's easily available in all kinds of store bought varieties.
-I'd like 40 over 9mm though for CCW because of what I've read about 40's superior stopping power etc. Not to ignite that whole caliber war debate again, but I know a lot of people seem to think there's a big step up in performance with 40 and 45 over the other stuff.

So, add another 9mm to my collection, or get my first 40. To make it a simpler discussion, I do have my preferences narrowed down to two models, the Springfield Armory XD (XD9SC or XD40SC), or the Smith and Wesson M&P (M&P 40c or M&P 9c).

I've had a M&P45 for the last year and really really like it. When I bought it a year ago, I had my selection for a 45 down to either the M&P45 or the XD45. I picked the M&P45 because of the ergonomics, it just felt better in my hand.

So with all this background, which of these guns would YOU get if you were me, and why? I think all four that I'm considering (S&W M&P or the SA XD) in 9 or 40 are great guns, and I think I'd like any of them. Part of me wants to get another M&P, part of me wants to stick with 9mm and part wants to try something different in 40, and part of me is kicking the idea around of trying one of these XD pistols too. What do you all feel like doing, convince me of your choice!

 

[bradvanhorn]

Caliber first... if you reload and want to reload 40, then this is less an issue. Personally I believe the whole 9 vs 40 vs 45 (or add any other fighting caliber in here) is wildly overrated. As a simple example, trace the base of a 9mm case and a 45 case next to one another on a piece of paper and compare. This is about the size of the hole either round would make in the human body, and the difference is marginal in my opinion. I have guns in both calibers and I'm quite comfortable with either. That said, I generally lean more toward 9mm since it is cheaper (except maybe if you reload, which I don't), has less felt recoil, and allows me to carry roughly twice as many rounds. This is just personal preference however, and there will be just as many people on this forum who will prefer a larger caliber for their own reasons.

Many people tend to overlook CZ's, which (along with 1911's) are among my most favorite. The CZ P-01 is a great compact 9mm. If you're looking for a compact gun, suitable for CCW, range use, etc., then I suggest you at least look at this gun. For most people the CZ has practically perfect grip ergonomics, which along with a low bore to grip relationship makes for a pretty soft shooter. My only complaint, which is actually pretty minor for me, is that in general most CZ's have a bit of a rough trigger as they come from the factory, but I find this vanishes quickly after break-in.

XD's are great guns, but I moved away from them for two reasons. The gun feels slightly top heavy in my hands, which is not a problem, but gives me a feeling of imbalance I don't like - just a personal issue which others don't mind at all. Also, the method by which I grip the gun causes my thumb to bump the slide release lever, which invariably causes the slide to not lock back after the last round. It's not a huge deal, but it's inconenient enough for me to move along. If you don't have or mind these issues (and most people don't), then the XD is a great choice.

The Glock 19 (or 23 if you must have a 40S&W) is really a great gun - compact, lightweight, and not altogether uncomfortable. Glocks are well known for reliability and durability, as well as less agreeable ergonomics and style depending on your preferences (it's often love it or hate it regarding Glocks). The downside is the factory Glock barrel is not recommended for cast bullets, but this is pretty easily solved with a drop-in aftermarket barrel.

I don't have a M&P, and I have yet to shoot one, but I am seriously looking at buying a M&P45. Anyway, if you have and like an M&P, then you probably can't go wrong getting another in a smaller package.

Of course this just scratches the surface on the choices out there... Choosing a gun really is a very personal matter, so there really is no right or wrong answer for what to buy next. Good luck!

 

[Scratchshooter40]

I have an S&W M&P 40 in standard size. I am 6'2" and 258# and don't have any issue with concealing a full sized handgun for everyday carry. The Smith is a great design and so far mine has experienced no malfunctions. I use it as a backup weapon almost exclusively. The interchangeable backstraps make is a very range friendly weapon for friends to shoot from guys my size to female friends. As you reload, the range of ammo I have put through the Smith without incident is fairly impressive from Starfire to Winchester range ammo. I have never put any cast rounds through it so that isn't a valid observation for me to make. Just as an aside, take a look at the Stoeger Cougar 8000 in .40 cal. I took my manager and his brother, down from Pennsylvania to the range yesterday and he shot the Cougar most proficiently out of all eight variants of .40 caliber I had there. The Smith was his second best attempt. This guy had never fired anything other than a blackpowder single shot prior to our trip and did quite well. You seem to have an open mind and are not locked into any "caliber war". Take a look at what fits you best and you get the best results, comfort and utilization with and go with that.

 

[HM2PAC]

Take a look at the new Sig 250.

It can change from 9mm to 357SIG to 40S&W to 45ACP.

 

[xsquidgator]

Hmm, interesting. Not the answers I was expecting but that's good, and is why I'm asking here. Let's see...
1)Sig 250 (get a barrel and mags for several calibers maybe?)
2) Stoeger Cougar 8000 in 40
3) Glocks in 'fotay' (or 9mm or any other caliber)
4) CZs in 9mm

Thanks for the input and I'll go look up some info and pix on these choices. I've been turning over the 40 vs 9mm in my head all day today and can't seem to settle on a good answer. The ultimate answer will probably be that I get both

 

[bradvanhorn]

I've been turning over the 40 vs 9mm in my head all day today and can't seem to settle on a good answer. The ultimate answer will probably be that I get both

One thing I didn't really emphasize was ammo cost... You have said you reload, so you may already have overcome one major consideration, which is price of 40 vs 9mm ammunition. Unless you are an expert at finding one of a kind deals, I've never seen 40 for even close to the same price as 9mm, let alone cheaper. For example, I used to shoot a lot of Winchester USA ammo, and 9mm was typically around $9 for 50rds vs 40 at roughly $13 for 50rds. If you're not reloading, and you like to shoot a lot, then this can be a significant difference in cost over time (unless you have a lot of disposable income to spend on ammo of course). Just something else to think about

 

[xsquidgator]

Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 365

Quote:
I've been turning over the 40 vs 9mm in my head all day today and can't seem to settle on a good answer. The ultimate answer will probably be that I get both
One thing I didn't really emphasize was ammo cost... You have said you reload, so you may already have overcome one major consideration, which is price of 40 vs 9mm ammunition. Unless you are an expert at finding one of a kind deals, I've never seen 40 for even close to the same price as 9mm, let alone cheaper. For example, I used to shoot a lot of Winchester USA ammo, and 9mm was typically around $9 for 50rds vs 40 at roughly $13 for 50rds. If you're not reloading, and you like to shoot a lot, then this can be a significant difference in cost over time (unless you have a lot of disposable income to spend on ammo of course). Just something else to think about

Yep. Casting bullets and reloading has changed the equation quite a bit. At some point just for the heck of it I am sure I'll be getting a 44 Magnum too. If I didn't cast and reload though, no way, since the odd stuff like 44 Mag and other big rounds are hideously expensive. I've seen enough people on the internet talk about cast loads for .40 S&W that I'm not worried about it in terms of cost. Reloading for practice ammo is great!

 

[Srigs]

My 40 choice is a M&P 40 compact. Great gun and right size.

 

[basicblur]

So, add another 9mm to my collection, or get my first 40. To make it a simpler discussion, I do have my preferences narrowed down to two models, the Springfield Armory XD (XD9SC or XD40SC)...

Got an XD40SC myself, and if I had it to do over again I might rather have the 9mm, ‘specially since I don’t know that there’s a lot of difference between the 9 and 40 with the self-defense ammo now available.
Nothing I can’t handle, but I think the XD40SC has a bit more muzzle flip than I like-I’ve never shot and XD9SC but I would think it would be much, much better in that regard.
I do like the option of the extended magazine in the XDSC line. I usually CC with the shorty magazine (but did have to add a Pearce grip extender), with my extra mags being XD extended.
Sure can’t fault the accuracy on my XD40SC, and you do have the option of a LaserMax with the XD if you so desire.