[ledefoot529]

I will be buying my first gun within the next month. I have decided on the XD service model, buy not the cal. Any sugestions? It will be primarly a range gun, as there aren't many places to shoot in the chicago area. I'm thinking the 9mm just because they are common, let me know what you think
Thanks
Jay

 

[agalindo]

9mm is a good choice. Low recoil and ammo is cheap.

 

[msidner]

Or get the XD40 and buy an EFK 9mm conversion barrel for it (if they come back in stock anywhere). That way you've got a larger caliber if you need/want, and a smaller for cheaper plinking.

Matthew

 

[Chitownswede]

Dont know where your located, but i've been shooting at gun world in bensenville right near ohare airport, its a decent place. My first/only gun is the xd-9, great for plinking, and cheap ammo.

 

[Frenchy]

I assume when you say first gun...you mean your first gun? Have you considered a .22 pistol, or are you set on a centerfire?
If the centerfire is your choice, then the 9mm service model is a fine way to go.

 

[TomSwift]

If this is indeed your "first gun" then I'm with Frenchy. Take a look at the Walther P-22. It looks and acts like the bigger caliber semi autos. The Walther isn't as accurate as a Colt but it does have "the look". It you're set on buying something bigger then choose 9mm. It is less expensive to shoot and will boost your accuracy confidence faster than 40 caliber.

 

[c22m22c]

i'm gonna echo the above. i suggest the 9mm if you want it...but if you don't mind...start small. nothing wrong with a .22...especially if you get good with it. something kinda scary about removing the x-ring with 20 shots at 15 yds or more. you know? ;-)

BUT...for the bigger bullet...9mm is my suggestion.

 

[CmptrN3rd]

I suggest the P22 also. It feels so damn good and looks really good for how tiny it is.

 

[Frenchy]

It feels so damn good and looks really good for how tiny it is.

:?:

 

[03RangerXLT]

My first gun was my .40cal XD. It kinda spoiled me. I don't think I could buy a .22 pistol now. There is no gratification for me in a gun with no recoil. I like it hard! :twisted: When I was looking to purchase my first rifle, a lot pf people suggested I get a .22 to learn how to shoot a rifle with. I ended up buying a CETME chambered in 7.62x51 (NATO version of the .308). Its wicked! I love the feel of the recoil and how the logs we hang our target on at the firing range splinter! :twisted:

 

[CmptrN3rd]

It feels so damn good and looks really good for how tiny it is.

:?:

Went to a gun show

 

[8.6x70mm]

You've got 4 choices:

9mm: Cheap plentiful, high capacity (15)
357 SIG: Neato wonder cartridge, not easy to come by. Holds 12.
.40 S&W: Practically de-facto police cartridge. Holds 12.
.45 GAP: Ballistically the same as .45 ACP, XD only holds 9 rounds. Have yet to see one at the local gun dealer.

If you just want something for target practice get the 9mm. That's the easiest answer there is. 9mm is the lightest recoiling, there is an obvious reason for that.

Me personally, if I got another XD I'd get the 357 SIG. That's just because I like the idea of a pistol shooting bullets at obscene velocities. You can't really go wrong with any of the XD's though, they are all great pistols.

 

[XD BACKUP GUN]

XD in 9mm would be great for a range gun the ammo is cheap and you can be rerally accurate with it!

 

[9mmPara]

another vote for 9mm since it is cheap to practice with. If you want to be really hard core, starting with .22 is also a good option. It will give you the basics, and once you get that set, 9mm will be a lot eaasier to adjust too.

oh wait, just a standard disclaimer since my nickname is 9mmPara.... :wink:

 

[hobocircus]

I have 2 XDs both in 9mm :mrgreen:

 

[1of2]

I have 2 XDs both in 9mm :mrgreen:

Ditto!

 

[MonkeyWithAGun]

The 9's are nice for the range, cheap and low recoil. However, the recoil on my XD-40 is not by any means obnoxious but costs a little more to shoot. I myself prefer the .40, though I can't really say why; I just like the way it feels.

If you're just getting into guns, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a .22 either. You can shoot it all day for almost no $. For some people, starting with too much gun can lead to bad habits that are hard to break later.

If you have friends with guns or a range that lets you rent guns, you might try those first to see what "fits" you.

 

[attackrott]

Since it is your first gun I would say a XD9. You can always get others later but the 9mm is easy on the recoil but will give you some to get used to controlling it. 9mm is as cheep as you are going to get to shoot out side of a 22. And voiding the stopping power debate it can be an effective defensive gun. But for starting out I would say 9mm mainly for the cost. The more you can shoot at the range is the only way to get better. You can do the XD40 and get the drop in barrel for 100+ but $100 will buy you a lot of 9mm ammo. If you like the 9mm you can always sell it and buy a 40 but I bet you will want to keep your 9mm and just buy a 40.

If money is no option and you are a big baller than get a 40 with drop in 9 barrel.

My 2 cents

 

[manygunner]

As this is your first gun, get an XD-9 Service or tactical. The 9mm is a good beginning round to train with and is respectable in self defense. If you get a higher caliber you may develop flinch and other bad habits.

 

[TeamXD]

I have a XD- 9MM Tactical and have never looked back since! :mrgreen: