So, allow me to say again: Thank you to everyone who contributed in helping me get my first firearm.
I ended up purchasing:
- Springfield XD-45
- 45 ACP
- Blue finish
- 4" Standard
- No external safety
- Non-ported
After the State Police phoned me in and said I was clean and good-to-go, I purchased 100 Fiocchi 45 ACP rounds and had a great blast on the range.
I had a hell of a lot of fun today, and after Tuesday I get to bring 'er home!
So, as I said above, I ended up choosing the 45 ACP because it is my preferred caliber.
This decision however does come with a cost... 45 ACP ammunition is not quite as discount as 9mm.
Which brings me to my next request for advice: I plan to purchase 10 boxes of the following:
CCI Blazer Handgun CF Ammunition 3570, 45 ACP, Full Metal Jacket, 230 GR, 845 fps, 50 Rd/bx<-- Link
I asked the local shooting authorities on it and I was warned that the Blazer rounds would shoot a bit "dirtier" requiring extra cleaning. However, Fiocchi boxes of 50 at my local range are $19.99, so, I'm saving $5 a box, quite the discount.
(Frankly, anything that gives me an excuse to handle my gun more and take care of it is a PLUS imo)
So, just thought I'd throw it out there:
if anyone has had terrible experiences with CCI Blazer 45 ACP or perhaps blazer ammunition in general, Please shout it out so I can avoid troubles.
If push comes to shove I can get Fiocchi in bulk for ~$17, which isn't too bad.