As far as the price of ammo and the fact that you are just using it to become proficient I would go with 9mm. Ther is not much difference in the amount of recoil between 9mm and .40 S&W.

If this is also going to be a carry weapon also, then I might go with .40 or .45 ACP. (STAY AWAY FROM .45 GAP. I HAD ONE AND AMMO IS HARD AS HELL TO GET!) I like my Glock. But I live by the motto the only safety you need on a gun is you. Your brain is the safety. Think about it, revolvers do not have a safety. You pull the trigger and it goes bang.

Out of what you picked I would have to say, if you do not like the GLOCK, I would definitely go with the XD. The XD has a very similar grip to the 1911 and is basically, IMO, a double action 1911. Also you might look at Winchester white box for ammo. Inexpensive and clean.

If you have any questions on technique then just ask. I was SWAT and could hit a quarter at least twice from 10 yards.

ETA: I also have been shooting for 27 years. I am 33 and started when I was 6. So you can take my advice or leave it. That is up to you. I just figured you would like to know what my background is.

Show off!!!!!!!! I can do that too see!!!!

Yeah, I'm feeling the XD. Thank you (and everyone else) for the wealth of knowledge you are sharing. I appreciate it

I have a question though, what do you think of an XD with a ported barrel? my gunshop has a 4" XD 9mm with ports.

Think it would be something to go for or something to avoid?

There is not much reduction in the amount of recoil. I would save the money personally. Also it can kill your night vision.

Also don't worry about your ability on another gun. As long as you use the same fundamentals everytime, you will be fine.

This is an extremely good point. I never thought of that. I understand this concept very well, though. I live in an area with no street lights and it is quite dark around here.

I so happen to like it that way

Anyway, I just came home from my final pre-purchase gun store visit. I've decided that I will be purchasing tomorrow.

Enough is enough with the whole "lets rent every firearm in the world and then procrastinate some more"

I put my hands on the XD-45 4" (non-compact) and man, it felt so perfectly balanced, and just so right. I think I may end up purchasing that exact firearm.

Either that or the XD-9 4" standard. They're about the same price.. but the ammunition issue is Blah.

I love the way the XD-45 has 13rd 45 ACP mags ~.~ so amazing

If this is going to be a concealed carry gun then I would look at Hornaday TAP or Speer Golddot. For a 4 inch barrel Pick the lightest load for the .45 and a heavier for the 9mm. Reason for heavier in the 9 is because it will slow the bullet so that over penetration is reduced.

Whatever it may be,its bigger than your brain...

I am deleting his posts. DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!

Not sure what I missed here. I take it you saved me some grief, though

Anyway, swattie, this gun is not for carry, even if I wanted to, I can't in Illinois.

Right now I am trying to decide whether or not I am going to purchase the 45 or the 9 version of the XD. It is such a difficult decision... Lots of ammunition or higher caliber.

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