Posted on 06/19/2015 5:23:06 PM PDT by Skooz
After doing due diligence researching a high quality, yet affordable, handgun for concealed carry purposes (as well as the first handgun I will own) I've decided on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
I'm still not sure if I'll go with the 9mm or .40. Any ideas on that?
Like I said, this is my first ever handgun purchase, having owned only rifles and shotguns in the past, so I think this will be a fine starter handgun for a middle aged rookie.
I know FR is populated with experts and I greatly value your opinions. Please advise. Thanks.
. . . maybe even revolvers.
+2
Oldplayer
I have both a Glock and an S&W and prefer the Glock for 9.
You should look at the XD 40 if you want a very smooth action with surprisingly little recoil (less than either of my 9’s. As others have suggested shoot them at the rnage before you buy.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd-series/
I second the “rent at range” choice when choosing. That is a most solid experience before buying anything. Happy shopping!
Glock's the better choice. 9mm ammunition is pretty plentiful, I don't own any .40 cal handguns so I can't speak to the availability or cost of that ammo.
In before someone labels you something unkind for not buying a .50 cal handgun...
; )
Congrats on your purchase and wishing you safe shooting!
Full size police non-issued / 3 mags. Still a good size for carry. And good deal. IMO
Best advice.
Glocks are great I like them and use them but for a rookie it may be problematic. Glocks are very unforgiving of bad or careless handling and for a rookie it may be better to go with a Sig or even a quality revolver till skills improve
“4/6” .357.”
Yep. My first handgun.
“Glock 23. .40 cal. IMHO, the best handgun on the market.”
I like mine.
I’d also suggest finding a range that has rental guns so you can try out various models and decide what you like best.
The outdoor range I like has 15-20 handguns for rent but you have to purchase ammo with the rental. A local indoor range here has what looks like about 100 rental pistols available.
As an aside, a .38 special revolver has about the same recoil as a 9 or 40 if you want to try a revolver.
“.45 ACP when you care enough the SHOOT the VERY Best!”
http://www.tactical-life.com/gear/45-acp-vs-9mm-ammo/#bsum-9mm-win
That’s what I use when I’m hunting androids or physically enhanced clones.
Do yourself a favor and give a look to the Springfield Armory XD series...I've spent some time with the XD40 subcompact (three-inch barrel, .40 cal, double stack, 12 round magazine).
Terrific little brute of a gun that will allow you to shoot surprisingly well with a little practice. Tough like a Glock but the handle is better designed (for me) and it does have the grip safety.
Yep, yer gonna get all the opinions from the neophytes to the hardcore commandos citing "center mass", "double tap" and all such neat commando words................
My advice? Just find a handgun that you feel comfortable with........
Take a class from a reputable supplier that also offers classes. Have the instructor/ supplier bring both weapons to the class. Shoot both of them, one at a time, but at varying distances and situations. Make sure that you can draw your weapon just as fast with the bigger gun, as the smaller one. Which one is gives you the most accuracy? If both are equal then go with the bigger gun. You don’t want to carry a gun that you are afraid to use, are clumsy with, or aren’t accurate. My instructor explained to me that you only have around a 50% accuracy rate in a real setting as you do during practice. Then, once you purchase it, make sure that you at least practice several times a year.
I went back to my model 19 as my carry gun.
The HK USP made it to 35,000 rounds without a failure.
I have several .40s and they are a joy to shoot. The M&P Shield design is probably the issue.
Love the Glock 9mm. Also have S & W. Hard to go wrong with either.
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