First gun

[dontshakepandas]

I haven't posted anything here before but I have been reading for a while, even before I registered. I will be turning 21 in a few months and am really looking forward to being able to purchase my own handgun and getting my concealed carry license. I know I still have a lot of time, but I am one of those people that likes to research everything I buy before I buy it, especially something as significant as a firearm.

I was almost certain that the XD .45 compact would be coming home with me on my birthday until I held my dad's single stack S&W model 1006. I love the way that gun feels in my hand. It is no longer produced, and I don't want a used gun, plus I couldn't afford to shoot the 10mm as the cheapest ammo we can find is $23.00 a box.

This made me question whether I want the double stack XD or if I should find a single stack. The only single stack .45 I have found that interests me is the Ruger P345. My dad used to have a Ruger P90 and swears they are incredibly reliable. I have read that the P345 had a lot of problems when it came out, especially regarding the magazine disconnect safety, but that the later models have been much more reliable. They are also supposed to be very accurate. However, they only have a 8+1 capacity and the 10+1/13+1 of the XD sounds much more appealing to me. Is there anyone here that has held/fired both and can tell me how different they fit in your hand? Which one is more accurate? Possibly a picture of the XD from the back so I can see how wide the grip is? The gun will be used mainly for home defense and I'm not planning on carrying either gun every day, but I want something that will conceal on the rare occasion that I do need to carry.

I know I need to go actually hold both guns before I decide, but the nearest gun shop is a pretty far away, and I'm a college student so I don't have a lot of time, or money for gas etc.

I'm sorry for the long read and thanks in advance for the help.

[Mercmar]

Whatever you choose, you should probably choose a 9mm. Either the XD9 or a Glock 19 would do well. You'll find 9mm a lot more economical than other calibers.

[BOSS302]

I love my XD45, it has been a fantastic firearm, and it was my first handgun purchase (although i've been around them my entire life). If you want a single stack .45 try and find a 1911 that you like. Some of the springfield GI models are a little less expensive, but are still fantastic firearms. I can only recommend going to a range that will allow you to rent some particular firearms, and shoot then until you find the one that fits you.

[USAFdude02]

I love my XD 45 Service. I don't know as far as the others go, but I don't regret it one bit.

[dontshakepandas]

Sorry I forgot to mention that I definitely want a .45. I have considered a 9mm, but I would just feel more comfortable with the .45. I know 9mm can be just as effective, its just preference.

I have also looked at 1911's but they are a bit out of my price range. I'm sure I will end up with one, if not many later in my life. I can tell this gun thing is already going to become an obsession of mine.

I also should have mentioned that the Ruger runs about $100 dollars less than the XD. The manual safety is another difference in the two that I'm not sure how to feel about. It seems like I would love to have the manual safety for when the gun isn't being used, but would rather have the XD's safeties in a SHTF situation.

[livinloud5]

Even though mine is the Tactical model, which is alot harder to conceal i don't ever regret buying it. It has turned out to be a great firearm. And won't get rid of it.

The only down side about mine is that it is very finicky with reloads, they have to be just right.

But, if i was buying for carry it would be the XD9 subbie hands down, but for carry/target i would go with a XD9-XD45 Service.

Blake.

[Bearcreek]

As far as a side by side test... I can do a side by side with a Ruger P95- 9mm and an XD9 service.

Not sure what features you like.don't like but I can give you a little idea:
Ruger has an external manual safety- XD none- just grip and trigger safeties.

the XD is a little blockier styled, but feels better balanced in the hand. I have friends that have Rugers and they say how accurate and reliable they are... and I absolutely agree with them... the one I have is dead on accurate and I have had no problems with it.

I prefer the recoil of the XD over the Ruger.. it seems more controllable. It feels like the recoil is felt more toward the grip/hand area, and the Ruger feels like it is out at the muzzle-- this is my perception and may not be the way everyone else feels about it.

My Ruger is not broken in yet as it only has 135 rounds through it. I will say it is for sell, not because it is a bad gun in any way, but rather I have 3 XD's and love the way they feel, shoot, look, etc. I like my Ruger, but I prefer my XD's- XD45 Service, XD9 Service, XD9 SubCompact.

[tdyoung58]

I have both a P345 and a XD 45 (actualy 2 XD's a 4" service and a 5" compact tactical).

I have never had a problem with either one, both feed and spit out whatever ammo I put through them so far. Both shoot very accurate. Other than the extra capacity of the XD, the only benefit the XD has over the Ruger is field stripping and cleaning . . . the XD hands down is easier.

either one will serve you well and be a pleasure to own and shoot

[dontshakepandas]

Originally Posted by tdyoung58

I have both a P345 and a XD 45 (actualy 2 XD's a 4" service and a 5" compact tactical).

I have never had a problem with either one, both feed and spit out whatever ammo I put through them so far. Both shoot very accurate. Other than the extra capacity of the XD, the only benefit the XD has over the Ruger is field stripping and cleaning . . . the XD hands down is easier.

either one will serve you well and be a pleasure to own and shoot

That is really good to hear. Anyway you can snap a few pictures of them together?

[10-8XDs]

Hi dontshakepandas! First of all, welcome to the forum!

I have the XD Service in both .40 and .45ACP. The .45 is my absolute favorite, firstly because of the caliber, and secondly because of the "feel".

Now, that said, I have relatively large hands, so a wider grip frame doesn't bother me. The .45 XD is designed so as to give you the extra capacity of a double stack but still keep the extra width down to a minimum.

The only type of single stack .45s that I have had any experience with are the Colt Gold Cup and Commander models, both being fine weapons.

As others have said, the best possible thing to do is to actually shoot what you would want to buy.

Mike