Took Wife to Range...now I have questions. XD9 vs. XD40SC

[DizTbone]

Wife went to the range with me this morning. She likes the Ruger MkII (.22LR) and the Taurus 85 (.38Spl), but has found a desire for her "own" semi.

She likes the grip on the XD40sc with the full-sized mag/sleeve (making it a Service grip) and the grip of my 1911. The 1911 is "too heavy." So...it was a trip to see how she liked the XD40sc.

In her defense, all I own in .40S&W is 180 gr. FMJ or JHP. Anywhooo...the look on her face after she loosed the first round was enough. She finished the mag, but laid the XD40sc down and said, "get that away from me!" She then shot the 1911...and did better, and said it still had more recoil than she was comfortable with.

Here's the question: I haven't shot any of the XD9's. Those of you who have shot both the XD9 and XD40, would you comment on the difference in felt recoil between the two? None of the ranges I know of have XD's for rent. We may make it to one this weekend to rent some other 9mm's, but I'd like to have an idea of the comparison.

TIA,
Michael

[PackerfanXD]

Both my service 9 and my wife's sc9 shoot like butta! In fact, she's eying my sc40.

[Wandering Man]

I took my wife shooting with me this weekend. She says she doesn't like shooting because of the noise. All she had shot before was my Ruger P89 (9mm) and my Blackhawk .357 revolver.

I asked her to try out the Bersa .380, Steyr S9 (a subcompact 9mm) and the XD Service 9 (the range did not have an XD SC9 for me to rent). She loved the XD. I'm trying to decide what to get for CCW, and she loves the XD.

The difference between her prior dislike of shooting and her current enjoyment? She can handle the guns we shot this time.

Make sure the gun is small enough for her hand, and gentle enough for her to handle. Yes, there is a difference in recoil between a .40 and 9mm, and your wife will notice the difference.

Good luck.

WM

[propellerhead]

I can comment on the XD9 Service vs the XD45 Service. The difference is the 9mm is really easy to handle. I have a friend who likes to shoot my XD9. She's 5'3" and all of 100 lbs. She can shoot the XD45 but loves the XD9. I'm all for comfort and confidence of the shooter. If you're getting a gun for her, get the 9mm. Don't buy into the 'bigger is better' caliber wars. She'll end up not shooting it as much. You're already one of the lucky ones who's spousal unit goes shooting. I'd make sure it stays that way.

Edit: It's easier to get her to like the 9mm then trade up later. If she's overwhelmed by a .40, it might be the end of shooting for her.

WM: Do you double up on hearing protection? Plugs and muffs will make it less scary for her.

[Tx1911]

Originally Posted by DizTbone

Wife went to the range with me this morning. She likes the Ruger MkII (.22LR) and the Taurus 85 (.38Spl), but has found a desire for her "own" semi.

She likes the grip on the XD40sc with the full-sized mag/sleeve (making it a Service grip) and the grip of my 1911. The 1911 is "too heavy." So...it was a trip to see how she liked the XD40sc.

In her defense, all I own in .40S&W is 180 gr. FMJ or JHP. Anywhooo...the look on her face after she loosed the first round was enough. She finished the mag, but laid the XD40sc down and said, "get that away from me!" She then shot the 1911...and did better, and said it still had more recoil than she was comfortable with.

Here's the question: I haven't shot any of the XD9's. Those of you who have shot both the XD9 and XD40, would you comment on the difference in felt recoil between the two? None of the ranges I know of have XD's for rent. We may make it to one this weekend to rent some other 9mm's, but I'd like to have an idea of the comparison.

TIA,
Michael

Get the .40sc and for you and the drop in barrel for the 9 for her .......

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...*12833***18629***

..... you would just have to buy the 9 barrel and some mags, cheaper than buying another gun.

[kayl]

Originally Posted by Tx1911

Get the .40sc and for you and the drop in barrel for the 9 for her .......

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...*12833***18629***

..... you would just have to buy the 9 barrel and some mags, cheaper than buying another gun.

That's not a conversion barrel. One is coming...

[PackerfanXD]

Originally Posted by Wandering Man

Yes, there is a difference in recoil between a .40 and 9mm, and your wife will notice the difference.

Good luck.

WM

My wife says she can barely tell the difference. She says she should've bought the .40.

[Wandering Man]

Originally Posted by propellerhead

WM: Do you double up on hearing protection? Plugs and muffs will make it less scary for her.

She has in the past, not this time. Says she is much more comfortable with the noise factor. I really think it has a lot to do with her comfort with the guns she was firing.

WM

[DizTbone]

Thanks for the input...I'll keep checking back over the next few days for more.

My XD40SC is "butta," it's just a bit rough for her to handle. I'm keeping it...heck I've already bought it TWICE! (I traded it for a 1911...and then bought it back...and kept the 1911. Oh well...for $850, I got an XD40SC and a nice 1911. Not bad in my book. ) I'd like to have a 9x19 anyway. I'm no fan of the caliber wars. My position is, "if you can't hit the target 'cuz your afraid of the wep and haven't practiced, you should have a different wep." Hmmm...maybe I can work this into another pistol for me, too! Yes, I would carry a 9x19...or my 9x18Mak.

As for hearing protection... I forgot to take the muffs today, 'cuz I use ear plugs. An acquaintance was at the range and had some of the amplified muffs... They amplify sound for both ears until a sharp rise, then they shut off. She wants some of those, too! Heck, at this rate she'll soon have her own range bag. I think the brand was Peltor. There's another $60!

I'll check back in the morning.

TIA,
Michael

[Wandering Man]

RE: Ear muffs.

Wife reminded me this afternoon that the folks at the range suggested she remove her earrings. I'd not thought of that, but she says it made a big difference in comfort level.



WM