To actually add helpful insight to my Springfield haters retort,
If I were to buy another 9mm and size/concealment wasn't an issue, Sig Sauer P226 hands down, without hesitation, remorse, regret, or second thought. I've shot many handguns, including Glock (which suck ) and S&W, but I have yet to shoot a 9mm that is as comfortable, accurate, and as smooth operating as the P226. The only problem I had with the P226 was my friend trying to take it away from me... it was his gun. lol
I had a Glock and thought I liked it but eventually sold it. I thought my horrific accuracy with it was just me being a bad shot (which I didn't think I was) but I went and tested the XD above and right out of the box, shot a 4" group at 25'. SOLD. The action is much, MUCH smoother than the Glock and even a Glock lover said the same when he shot it. A nice light trigger (about 4.5 lbs on mine) and it just has a natural fit to my hands. The Glock never felt that way for me.
Glock is an outstanding firearm. No doubts about that. But after doing research (when I was baffled as to how I was so much better with the XD compared to my old Glock when they essentially were the same platform), I found that Glocks have a different grip angle than the XD. For example, if I was to draw, point, shoot (as in a defense situation where you aren't able to ADS) with my XD, there is a very good chance I am going to be center mass... VERY good chance. With the Glock, because of it's grip angle, my natural "point" was at least 6" high. I found this to also be a problem for me with S&W and Beretta.
Pistols can be a lot like shoes. What fits someone perfectly, will not work for the next person. Overall hand size, finger length, palm size, etc. all play a big factor in how well you perform with any pistol. If you are buying a pistol that "looks cool" or because "my buddy has one", you are buying for the wrong reason. I will take an ugly brick of a gun that I can consistently hit center mass with over an elegant work of art I would be better off throwing at someone any day.
Save the beautiful gun purchase for a 1911. For defense, buy what works. Gun quality has come a long way recently so there are only a few options to be leary of. Buy what works best for you. Find a range/gun shop that rents pistols and try some out and see what fits for you. It is how I found my XD which I never would have considered in any way before I shot one.
If you can find them (everything is rare these days!) the Sig P225 or P6 (German LEO) is an outstanding carry firearm. Single stack 8 round - make sure to get factory magazines, not aftermarket mags.
I'm either going to get a Springfield XD .40 or a 1911. I love those two guns. I think you should get whatever you are comfortable with, both in round size and design. M&P's are boss, as are a Glock. I dont plan on showing mine off (too much :-D), but want to instill the fear of god when I have to show it off. And thats why I sleep in arms reach of a Mossberg 12ga pump!
I wish I'd never got rid of my Casull 454, but it was an expensive to feed cannon for an extra week of hunting. Love my S&W 39-2 for a 9mm. I may get something else soon too before the knee jerk idiots punish the law abiding for the insane's actions.
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When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Ski There Too!!
i gotta agree. the XD is better than the glock. i personally prefer the M&P over the XD because that back strap safety hurts my hand after about 25 rounds. but that's the only reason i put M&P over it. either are great guns. its all about what feels good in your hands.
Luke, I am guessing that you mean PM9 or CW9, the CW being the concealed weapon version. I have heard good things about Kahrs, but I have never shot one. I personally like Glocks and Berettas myself. I don't care for anything in the Springfield line at all so far. The Kahr is an expensive gun, but it could be a good choice for carrying as it is fairly small. The best thing that you could do is get out and shoot it. You may end up hating it. I thought that I wanted a Ruger LC9 until I shot one, then I decided that it wasn't for me at all.
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