New member from Rochester - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

wombat13 · 10-18-2006, 12:38 PM

I'm a new member from Rochester, NY. I just received notification that my handgun permit has been approved (I don't have the official paperwork yet) so I don't own any handguns yet. I've been trawling the threads and there is a lot of great information, so much that it can be hard to find specifically what I'm looking for. So here are a few questions for anyone that cares to respond:

1. Is the XD a good first handgun? Why or why not?

2. My father, father-in-law, college roomate (many years ago), and gun club safety instructor have all encouraged me to go with a .45 ACP. Also, my father-in-law has offered his progressive loader with all .45 ACP equipment to me, so I should be able to reload cheaply. What would be the arguments against going with the .45 ACP (note that here in NY we are limited to 10 rd. mags, so capacity is limited for all new handguns)?

2. I've held a 1911 which seemed to fit my hand fine. Would the XD45 ACP be likely to fit my hand as well or does it have a much larger grip?

3. Are there any gun shops in western NY that allow customers to shoot various handguns before purchase? We used to have Creekside Gun Shop south of Rochester but ATF shut them down.

4. Are there any ranges in WNY that rent handguns?

Broadside · 10-18-2006, 07:28 PM

Welcome to the forum. You will probably get several answers and each one different then the other.

As to your questions on 1 & 2. If the 1911 felt good in your hand the XDs will feel just as good. If your father in law reloads then 45 could be a pretty good first choice to shoot. I recommend a 9MM to anyone looking at getting a first handgun. Cheap to shoot and low recoil which helps reduce bad habits.

It's pretty much personal preference as to which gun you get. The 1911 models can take more practice and training to become proficent. If you are going to carry the gun you will want formal training with anyone you select. I would encourage you to get the XD. No external thumb safety vs 1911 and I think they are easier to shoot. You will want to get or become familiar with the 1911s at a later time. Other things to consider are:
XD ammo capacity 13+1 Not that I feel out gunned with my 1911 with 7+1.
XD simple to use its point and shoot no external safety / hammer

Head to a gunstore and pick each of them up and if possible shoot them. Have the guy behind the counter show you the features of each and how to operate both. The XD will be easier for a Newbie.

The Knight Of Light · 10-18-2006, 09:15 PM

Welcome Wombat!

Nerves · 10-18-2006, 10:03 PM

Welcome aboard. If the intent is for conceal carry (not sure if it is) then training the XD is a fantastic choice....I learned on a 1911 so I'm not a "typical" example.

Broadside has given you some great advice and hit the nail on the head. Please note that with the proper training the 45 ACP is extremly contrallable. So make a choice after you shot many and then run to get some training.

wombat13 · 10-19-2006, 07:04 AM

Thanks for the welcoming replies. I intend to carry at some point, but not until I feel very comfortable with my handgun. I'll take your advice and get proper training. No sense in starting off with bad habits.

wmrawls · 10-19-2006, 07:13 AM

Welcome to the site

10-18-2006, 12:38 PM	#1
wombat13 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Western NY Posts: 1,477	New member from Rochester I'm a new member from Rochester, NY. I just received notification that my handgun permit has been approved (I don't have the official paperwork yet) so I don't own any handguns yet. I've been trawling the threads and there is a lot of great information, so much that it can be hard to find specifically what I'm looking for. So here are a few questions for anyone that cares to respond: 1. Is the XD a good first handgun? Why or why not? 2. My father, father-in-law, college roomate (many years ago), and gun club safety instructor have all encouraged me to go with a .45 ACP. Also, my father-in-law has offered his progressive loader with all .45 ACP equipment to me, so I should be able to reload cheaply. What would be the arguments against going with the .45 ACP (note that here in NY we are limited to 10 rd. mags, so capacity is limited for all new handguns)? 2. I've held a 1911 which seemed to fit my hand fine. Would the XD45 ACP be likely to fit my hand as well or does it have a much larger grip? 3. Are there any gun shops in western NY that allow customers to shoot various handguns before purchase? We used to have Creekside Gun Shop south of Rochester but ATF shut them down. 4. Are there any ranges in WNY that rent handguns?

10-18-2006, 07:28 PM	#2
Broadside XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,911	Welcome to the forum. You will probably get several answers and each one different then the other. As to your questions on 1 & 2. If the 1911 felt good in your hand the XDs will feel just as good. If your father in law reloads then 45 could be a pretty good first choice to shoot. I recommend a 9MM to anyone looking at getting a first handgun. Cheap to shoot and low recoil which helps reduce bad habits. It's pretty much personal preference as to which gun you get. The 1911 models can take more practice and training to become proficent. If you are going to carry the gun you will want formal training with anyone you select. I would encourage you to get the XD. No external thumb safety vs 1911 and I think they are easier to shoot. You will want to get or become familiar with the 1911s at a later time. Other things to consider are: XD ammo capacity 13+1 Not that I feel out gunned with my 1911 with 7+1. XD simple to use its point and shoot no external safety / hammer Head to a gunstore and pick each of them up and if possible shoot them. Have the guy behind the counter show you the features of each and how to operate both. The XD will be easier for a Newbie. __________________ XD - 9 Subcompact XD - 357 Service w/ SA Custom Carry Pro Pkg SA - Mil Spec 1911 A1

10-18-2006, 09:15 PM	#3
The Knight Of Light XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 8,660 Blog Entries: 12	Welcome Wombat! __________________ No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. USPSA #L3077 What a great number!!! http://theknightoflight.blogspot.com/ Creator of TOP 'O' THE PAGE!!! Moose Fight

10-18-2006, 10:03 PM	#4
Nerves XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jacksonville, Fl. Posts: 2,028	Welcome aboard. If the intent is for conceal carry (not sure if it is) then training the XD is a fantastic choice....I learned on a 1911 so I'm not a "typical" example. Broadside has given you some great advice and hit the nail on the head. Please note that with the proper training the 45 ACP is extremly contrallable. So make a choice after you shot many and then run to get some training. __________________ \"WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR GUN LEAVE YOUR MIDDLE FINGER AT HOME\" NRA Member IDPA Member--Wilson Combat CQB (CDP) USPSA Member--New XD 9 Tac & G34 (Production ) IPSC Open Major--STI Trubor Grandmaster CCW's: -- XD-45 ACP 4" with Truglo TFO's & M6 Laser/Light --Kimber Tactical Pro II, ...Many More

10-19-2006, 07:04 AM	#5
wombat13 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Western NY Posts: 1,477	Thanks Thanks for the welcoming replies. I intend to carry at some point, but not until I feel very comfortable with my handgun. I'll take your advice and get proper training. No sense in starting off with bad habits.

10-19-2006, 07:13 AM	#6
wmrawls XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rock Hill SC Posts: 1,223	Welcome to the site __________________ Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.

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