[Travis McGee]

If you are set upon a semi-auto pistol as your first handgun, consider a Springfield XD 9mm. It's my carry gun. Pretty much runs like a Glock with a few improvements (IMHO).

Look at the back of the grip, it has a grip safety like a Colt 1911. This means it won't go bang unless it's being gripped. Glocks sometimes go BANG by surprise.

Also, it has a cocked-striker indicator (the little protruding pin on the back of the slide) that tells you if the striker is cocked or not. If the pin is not back, the gun cannot be loaded. You can both feel (in pitch dark) and see this cocked striker indicator, even when it's holster. The Xd also has a loaded chamber indicator.

Not being sure of the chamber status is a big bugaboo with pistols, especially the Glock, because if the trigger is pushed back, even by a loose pen in a gym bag etc, it WILL go BANG. An Xd will not. There are far more negligent discharges with a Glock than almost any other gun. ESPECIALLY for newbies.

Like I said up thread, a GLOCK for a first gun is like learning to drive on a stick shift sportscar. At least the Xd has some features that are lacking on a GLOCK.

Now Glock fans will dismiss all I just said, but they are coming at it as experienced pistol shooters, like somebody who has already mastered driving a hot sports car. But that is not you at this point.

Me, I'd buy a good revolver first. But if you do buy a pistol, check out the Xds.

[MileHi]

You should listen to TMs advice

[WayneS]

About how much should I expect to pay for an XD in .45 ACP?

By the way, loaded chamber indicator visible in either of those photos?

[CrazyIvan]

Yesterday it was Ruger Standards, today Springfield XDs. We must have identical taste in pistols.

[Pollster1]

Glocks sometimes go BANG by surprise.

To be fair to those who love Glocks and to those who distrust them (and I'm a Glock lover, so I like to be fair), no one should ever be surprised when a Glock goes BANG. There are dozens of well-known videos in which someone careless or showing off shoots himself, and it's always a Glock. People know it's a Glock before they even see the video.

Shooters probably thought of a dozen popular Youtube videos, and this is one of them: "police instructor shoots himself in the foot for the class".

This is another one of them: "Police Officer Accidentally Shoots Himself in Elevator". I could go on, but they're all the same, someone violating safety rules while holding a Glock.

It's always a Glock - but no one ever pulls a loaded Glock's trigger, wanting it to shoot, and just hears "click" or silence.

[lostboy61]

All your reasons are why I carry the Springfield XDM-40 for the last four years 24/7/365. Fits my hand (big) and is the best shooting hand gun I have ever owned. Only thing to add is don’t go cheap as you will be getting another weapon in a year or so. My dream weapon is the Sig 226 in 40 with night sights and trigger job. That’s $1500.00 so that won’t happen soon.

[Lurker]

Love my XD. XDS in .45 ACP is my next purchase. Just about ideal for CC in my neck of the woods.

L