Help a newbie decide.

1445 Views 15 Replies 15 Participants Last post by thetravlor, Dec 31, 2014

shalep

Discussion Starter · Dec 24, 2014

Fairly new to the pistol market. Have owned and shot all kinds of rifles and shotguns but maybe a total of around 500 rds through a handgun. Around 400 from a sub compact xd 9mm (sold) and another 100 from a security six .357 (still have). What I was wanting was something I could carry but something I can shoot on regular basis. Being as I'm not very proficient with pistols I thought it might be better to get a full size such as a xdm 4.5 45 or maybe a 1911. I really like the range officer. I also really like the xdm 3.8 compact. Sounds like I can still carry it but wondering if it will still be something I can shoot frequently. So torn as to what I should do. Any and All suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated.

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TomLC

· #2 · Dec 24, 2014

First, welcome from South Carolina.

Second, others will chime in with great "food for thought" shortly. But, keep in mind, what you are asking is similar to asking if you should have Chinese or Mexican food for dinner.

Only you can decide, based on many variables, what your next pistol purchase should be. I say this with all due respect.

That said, I have been very pleased with the XD(m) 3.8 Compact. Give it a try while you evaluate your options.

Stay tuned, there's better advice coming.

Rbrad1

· #3 · Dec 24, 2014

Welcome from central Florida.

warbird1

· #4 · Dec 24, 2014

Welcome to the forum. I am curious......why you sold the XD Sub Compact? What did you see as it's shortcomings? I bought one recently so again....just curious.

slugger6

· #5 · Dec 24, 2014

Welcome to the forum!

evilspringer

· #6 · Dec 24, 2014

Welcome from Ohio

Bamaxd9

· #7 · Dec 25, 2014

Welcome from Alabama. What do you mean by carry?That Range officer is going to weigh between 36-40 0z. Thats heavy for concealment. The XDm4.5 is going to be a beast to carry also. Both can be done but neither are ideal. Still , i think you are on the right track by buying a full sized gun. My suggestion would be to hold off on the 1911(youre going to buy one eventually) and look at more guns in the full/medium sized category. Stick with Glocks , M&P , and XD/XDm.

Bozz10mm

· #8 · Dec 25, 2014

The XDm 9mm, 3.8 compact or a Glock 19 sounds about right for you. Both can be concealed fairly easily, and both are excellent home defense and range guns.

shalep

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 25, 2014

Nah what I meant is I originally was focused on something I can carry. After some thinking and reading I started thinking it might be better for me to get a full size for now and get something to carry later. I like the xdm3.8 for carry and was just saying if it's something that is still easy to shoot alot I might go that rout. Since then I could use it for dual purpose. If not and I should truly go with a full size I was thinking xdm 4.5 or a 1911. Reading back at my other post I didn't make alot of sense haha. Thanks for all the advice so far.

Acheron2010

· #10 · Dec 25, 2014

Well, this is simple, lol. Knowing in advance that you WILL eventually purchase a 1911, might as well get the XDM 3.8 9mm now. It is a fantastic pistol, one that you can shoot all day at the range and carry and use for home defense. Eventually, we all get assimilated by the allure of the 1911. must.....resist.....
Merry Christmas.

mck1975

· #11 · Dec 25, 2014

I carry the XDsc with no problems at all. I also carry the Sig P238. As far as 1911 I'm looking to gather the Springfield Range Commander Compact, as close to full size I would go for EDC. After comparing some handguns on the Gallery of Guns website - www.galleryofguns.com/Genie/CompareItems.aspx , it showed the Range Commander Compact in the 9mm.

Keltyke

· #12 · Dec 26, 2014

Carry what you shoot best.

The "best" gun is the one YOU like, not anyone else. It will be a compromise of:

1. Fit - It should fit in your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Reliability - It should go BANG about 99.8% of the time you pull the trigger.
3. Accuracy - In YOUR hand. It's how well YOU shoot it.
4. Concealability - It should be comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to conceal so you won't leave it laying on the dresser at home.
5. Cost - You don't want to scrimp on your "life protector" weapon, but you probably don't need a $1,000 Kimber, either.
6. Enjoyment - The caliber and gun should be fun to shoot. If it isn't, you won't practice with it like you should.

2000Gsx

· #13 · Dec 27, 2014

All great advice. As far as the 3.8 compact goes I enjoy shooting it in both calibers I own. I have no issues sending a couple hundred downrange if the opportunity exists. Planning an outting with some friends on Monday as a matter of fact to do just that.

A 1911 has its allure for sure, I have my eye on a Kimber master carry pro. I have yet to actually hold one but reviews, looks, and specs are in line with what I would like. The coming to terms with $1300 is the hard part when I'm currently happy with what I have now.

Below is first time I took the 9mm to the range I fired both the 13 and 19rnd mags and shot most of it with time to get back on aim and got bored towards the end and let them fly with the last half in the larger mag. That's the paper plate sized shoot n c target at 10 yards.

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TSiWRX

· #14 · Dec 27, 2014

There's very little difference between the 3.8 Compact and your old XD-SC, if you still remember how that gun shot in your hands.

Concord4826

· #15 · Dec 28, 2014

Welcome from Concord NC.

thetravlor

· #16 · Dec 31, 2014

Methods of dress should be considered when choosing a carry gun. I carry a 4" XD .40 in a CBST 98% of the time. When all dressed up, I switch to a SigSauer P238 in a front pocket holster.

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