New Here and to the World of Guns

[julie0225]

Hello all,

I've been contemplating getting a gun. I went and looked this weekend and the counter guy suggested a Springfield XD-9. I would like opinions on this particular gun if you have them. I'm looking for something to use as a hobby/protection. I'm going to the shooting range this weekend to rent a gun(s) and try a few different ones, see what I like. My main concern is something that I can handle comfortably and something with a lot of safety features. I have a 10 year old and while I plan on buying a safe as well, I would like something that would be harder for him to operate should he ever come across it. I really liked the Springfield, however, I haven't used it so I can't say for sure if it's the gun for me. I would like other suggestions if you have them! Thanks!

Julie

 

[LittleGun]

Welcome. I was in your position three weeks ago. The best thing I did was go to a gun range and rent guns. It didn't take long to find what I like.

 

[juwaba98]

Here are a couple of pics of my wife's XD9. My opinions on the gun are below the pics.

My wife picked this gun for herself. It is the 4" service model not the 3" subcompact ( don't know which one you were shown) and it fits her well. The gun has been 100% reliable and very very accurate. She can put 16 shots (slow fire) into a 4" circle with one or two fliers outside it but real close at 10 yards. I also shoot it with more consistent accuracy than most of my pistols. I am most likely going to buy another for me at some point because it is just too easy to shoot accurately. Where are you located? If you are anywhere near me you are welcome to save some rental fees and shoot ours. I'm in Bryan. Otherwise I will say that one review should not influence you to buy but you should still try out as many as you can get your hands on. A 9mm is an excellent starting point due to the cheap(ish) ammo, lighter recoil and suitableness for self defense all in one package. There are many good ones out there, you may consider Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P as well if you are looking at the lightweight polymer framed guns.

 

[xaiver56]

I will second trying out as many firearms as possible to find one that suits you. Please do not forget about revolvers. My wife (along with several of her femal friends we have taken shooting) love revolvers, they are simple to operate and clean. I know you would like something more complicated because of your son, but in a stressful situation sometimes easy is the best, point and shoot. Just my .02 cents. Also the NRA website has loads of information on keeping guns in homes with small children too.

 

[TexasHK]

Welcome,

First off, to second what has been said, find what you like..that is the most important thing, if you are not comfortable with it don't get it.

I can't comment on the XD-9 as I have never even touched one. Depending on your budget, you might try looking at an HK45 or USP or even a 1911.

A 1911 without a round in the pipe should be a bit difficult for a 10yr old to chamber a round, and even you carry one condition one (round in the spout with the hammer back and the safety on) a 1911 has three safeties: 1. the slide safety that has to be down in fire. 2. the grip safety that means your hand has to be firmly on the grip and 3. If the weapon is not fully in battery (the slide is not all the way forward) it won't fire.

If you are not going to keep it ready all the time some HK USPs have a lock out in the grip that renders the pistol a paperweight, even with a round chambered...and some have similar safety characteristics of a 1911.

My third option that I present is a Beretta 92 or 96 variant. Similar with many Semi-Auto weapons, like the HK above, they have a decocker, but the Beretta allows you to leave a round chambered and the safety in de-cocker that prevents the firing pin from being struck and prevents the hammer from being locked back.

Again, these are just weapons that I've been around and used, but go with what is comfortable to you.

 

[mac79912]

A 1911 is a good choice.I bought a XD40 for my wife and she is now shooting my 1911s.You will definitely need to see some guns at a gunshop so you can put your hands on the one you want to buy.

 

[Roadkill Bill]

Julie, the XD-9 is a fine gun, but the only way to know if it is the right gun for you is to shoot it first. Do you have a local gun range that rents guns? If so, first, hold several guns (don't neglect revolvers) and see what feels good in your hand. Then, after you find several you like, rent it (if you can) and shoot it. Sometimes the addition of ammunition going off can radically change your perspective of how a gun feels. Does it push back in your hand? Does the muzzle flip up sharply? Does it just plain hurt to shoot? Some salesmen try to sell what they like, but it may not be the best gun for you. In some guns the .40 cal. is easier to shoot than the 9mm. (I've heard people say this about the XDs and the S&W M&Ps, but I have not fired either.) Heck, my wife carries a .357 and "loves to feel it when it goes off." (Her words.)

So, I hope you get to shoot a few first before you decide. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first.

 

[Army 1911]

Julie the best advice I can give you is to go to a range that rents guns. Try several, including revolvers. If you are new to pistol shooting, I suggest learning with a revolver. They are easier to learn on for most people. The make good conceal and defense weapons as well.

Keep in mind that I shoot 1911 .45 caliber autos at about 8 to 3 versus other calibers and types. I say this because I am trying not to let my prejudices enter my advice.

Also, many ranges offer lessons on shooting, defense and other things. Training will always pay for itself in the long run. Don't skimp on that.

The other thing is to get something that is fun to shoot and you need to practice with it regularly.

A ten year old son is about the age where he could be taught to shoot as well. You know your son so that is up to you of course. I just mention it because I got my first 45 at the ripe old age of 11. That was when Ike was president and a hamburger, fries and coke was only a quarter.

 

[Roadkill Bill]

That was when Ike was president and a hamburger, fries and coke was only a quarter.

They had coins back then?!?

 

[SIG_Fiend]

In addition to handling and trying out various types of guns, I would also recommend taking some sort of introductory handgun training course if you can find one in your area or nearby. It really goes a long way to get some training and help from a pro.

The XD9 seems to be a pretty decent gun. Also, just another recommendation, you might consider looking at the new Springfield XD-M:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/themfactor/home.html

It is basically an XD but is a bit more ergonomic and seems to feel a decent amount better in the grip area than the regular XD's. The prices new at most retailers are pretty decent.

One more recommendation. Since you mentioned the safety aspect, there are many firearms out there that have internal safety locks that usually have some sort of specialized little key to activate and deactivate. Better safe than sorry I always say, so it's worth considering a gun that has such a feature, especially since you have a kid around. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is most Taurus handguns have such a safety lock. Here's the Taurus 24/7, which seems to be a decent gun as well:

Link

Since you mentioned self defense, I would definitely recommend starting with something in 9mm. There are plenty of good calibers out there, and bigger calibers. However for the most part, 9mm is perfectly sufficient for self defense, and in most medium to full size guns it usually doesn't have too much recoil. For some people, calibers even just a little bit bigger than 9mm (.40sw and 45acp, etc) can be a handful and uncomfortable.