I have a few rifles but I am in the market for a handgun that will mainly be used for home protection and traveling in car, hotels, etc. Any thoughts/opinions as to which manufacturers/pistols are best? I am considering Kimber's Pro Carry, XDm .40 or 9mm, Ruger SR9, or Glock 19. Please advise. Any other considerations would be helpful. Thanks, first post by the way, please be kind.
new to handguns, how do xd's compare?
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I'm guessing you'll get a lot of people here on XDTalk who think XDs are pretty good.
When I bought my first handgun in May, I looked at Glocks and XDs. When you stack up the features of the XD--safeties, field strip easily, fully supported chamber, chamber indicator, cocked indicator--it quite easily outstrips the Glocks, IMO.
And when you add in the 20,000-round torture test, HERE, if you're like me you'll realize you have the perfect SHTF gun, that can run under adverse conditions, that is easily cared for, that offers more bang for less buck than the Glock.
I can't speak to the other brands you mention, so comparisons there are impossible. All I can say is when I add a second handgun to my collection, it's going to be an XD. I don't see any reason to look elsewhere.
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2,235 Posts
Here is some reading for you by 1911 owners
1911 Manufacturers - 1911Forum
1911 Owners Forum - Kimber Tech
In my opinion everyone should own a 1911 sometime in their life but not as a first gun and not as the only gun I would trust my life too. I have absolute faith in my XDs to be there if and when I need them.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
1911 Manufacturers - 1911Forum
1911 Owners Forum - Kimber Tech
In my opinion everyone should own a 1911 sometime in their life but not as a first gun and not as the only gun I would trust my life too. I have absolute faith in my XDs to be there if and when I need them.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
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3,386 Posts
I looked at the Glock and the XD before buying the XD9 Service. The Kimber 1911 is kind of "out there" as a first gun and classed with the other guns. Try both the Glock and the XD, see which one fits your hand better. I thought that it'd be a huge difference and I know right away but I didn't. I just decided I liked the grip safety and the ability to get the gun in Bitone. I'm completely satisfied with my purchase.
The SR9 doesn't look like a bad gun, but it's fairly new to the market and you won't find the aftermarket (holsters particularly) support you'd find for the Glock or XD...also, I haven't seen any endurance tests on it yet, while the Glocks and XDs have had them done.
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I have a Ruger P95 (9mm) and absolutely LOVE this gun. It is a little big for concealed carry, but if you just want to keep it at home for a SD weapon I recommend it. Shoots awesome right out of the box and eats anything you feed it.
I have an XD9sc that I just picked up and hopefully will use it for winter carry. For warmer weather I carry a Ruger LCP which is a .380. If you want opinions on comparisons from the .380 up to the .45 please do a search. You will find pros and cons for all the calibers. The LCP is a great pocket gun and VERY easy to conceal. I can't comment on the SR9.
As it was said earlier, go the range, rent and shoot different guns & calibers. See what fits your hand and what you can shoot with confidence. A gun purchase isn't a quick decision if it's your first handgun.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
I have an XD9sc that I just picked up and hopefully will use it for winter carry. For warmer weather I carry a Ruger LCP which is a .380. If you want opinions on comparisons from the .380 up to the .45 please do a search. You will find pros and cons for all the calibers. The LCP is a great pocket gun and VERY easy to conceal. I can't comment on the SR9.
As it was said earlier, go the range, rent and shoot different guns & calibers. See what fits your hand and what you can shoot with confidence. A gun purchase isn't a quick decision if it's your first handgun.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
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671 Posts
they compare favorably to most handguns on the market.
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213 Posts
Your skill is more important than gun choice, beyond a base reliability and minimum power, for your intended defense purpose.
I've got both an XD9 Service and a Pro Carry II in .45. I'd say go with the XD if it feels better between the two. My rationale is it's simpler, and with the price differential, you'll be able to practice more and get proficient and confident. I think it will be easier to learn to shoot well with the XD.
My Pro Carry II is about 6 years old, so may not be a reflection of current production. It's always been highly reliable and accurate with FMJ and Remington Gold Sabers. It needed some ramp polish and throating to be consistent with lead semi-wadcutters.
I've got both an XD9 Service and a Pro Carry II in .45. I'd say go with the XD if it feels better between the two. My rationale is it's simpler, and with the price differential, you'll be able to practice more and get proficient and confident. I think it will be easier to learn to shoot well with the XD.
My Pro Carry II is about 6 years old, so may not be a reflection of current production. It's always been highly reliable and accurate with FMJ and Remington Gold Sabers. It needed some ramp polish and throating to be consistent with lead semi-wadcutters.
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250 Posts
If you are unfamiliar with semi auto pistols, I would tend to not recommend the Kimber - 1911 style. Nothing wrong with it, just takes more practice and skill to use. I have and shoot a 1911 Colt Commander, a Glock 23, 27 & 38 plus a Springfield XD45. I agree with TexasXD40. Try and shot each pistol, then chose. It is a important decision. And above all, practice with which ever pistol you buy. Good Luck!
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+ 1 bazillion
I choose the XD because the way it fit my hand. I've had other people say they were truned away from the XD because of the way it fit their hand. It's all personal preference. From my experience, both the Glock and the XD are going to be extremely reliable. I too am in the market for a new carry firearm. The big 4 I'll be looking at would be the XD9sc, Glock 19, Sig 239, and Sig 232. I've had a 232, but I sold it and regretted it immediately.
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