suggestions for a gun

I just got my CWP application turned in and will be recive it shorly. I am looking into getting a 9mm semi auto. Mainly for target plinking and future carry. What are some suggestions for a gun (not a Glock i did not like the few i have shot) I am looking at the XD9 tactical. I have found nothing but good reviews about this gun and that just bothers me a little. Is there anything bad about this gun? What are your experiances with this gun? I hear some ranges are having problems with them but they have not told me what they are. Thanks and all info is appreciated along with suggestions of other guns to try out.

Sorry, what brand is the XD9 tactical?

If you don't like Glocks, oh well. The model 26 is about as concealable as you can get in 9mm. You might look for a gun class that includes a good deal of range time, that's a good way to try different guns. Or perhaps you can find a pistol range that will let you rent guns.

The XD9 is made by springfield. Its almost identical in appearance to a Glock 17 (just different color composite frame and lower - OD green) It looks like a good choice, but to me, its hard to beat a glock or a beretta. just my opinion, though.

And I agree with you.

Another bit of information worth noting: I was taking an intermediate pistol class once. The students tried one another's pistols. One of the pistols I tried was another student's Ruger P-89. I took my brass home to reload it, and I had several empty casings that had been fired through the P-89. They were harder to resize than the cases that had been fired through my Glock. Apparently, the chamber diameter of the P-89 had a slightly larger tolerance than the chamber diameter of the Glock. Or, you could say the Glock had a slightly tighter tolerance.

Very interesting.

IMO, a glock is like a kalishnikov when it comes to reliability. The only difference is that the AK is reliable because of its 'loose' action, and the glock is the opposite, reliable because of its tight action. I've got several Glocks of different calibers and models, and two of M-22 and M-17's. I shoot two to five times each week, time permitting, and have NEVER, not one single time, had any of my glocks to misfire or jam on me. That is very amazing, considering the amount of shooting I do.

I had a Ruger P97 .45, but traded it about two weeks after I bought it.

I've never really been a fan of ruger pistols, although I like my mini-14 and mini-30 really well. They are very fun guns, and even though they could be more accurate, the sound and feel is irreplaceable.

I also like magnum research baby eagles. They are reliable, or at least, they have been for me; But if I had to pick one weapon to take into combat, or even use to simply defend myself, it would be one of my Glocks. Fires everytime.

I had a Glock 27 and sold it, as I found it clunky to carry all day and it's not easy to conceal on a hot day when you can't wear a coat. Got a Kel-Tec P-11 instead. Like the slightly heavier trigger. The Glock scared me that it would go off while re-holstering during the practice drills, if you snagged the trigger on the holster edge. I also have a S&W Airlite 5 shot to carry. Both have been very dependable with no malfunctions. Different stokes for different I guess.

Thats respectable, sir. To each their own. The glock and beretta fit me better, personally. Everyone is different, tho.

I wouldn't mind trying one of those XD9's out. They look like a good weapon.

Thanks for all the advice and keep it coming i have shot a beretta now and liked the triger but not the fit of the gun. I shot the glock and did t=not like the triger or the fit either. I have held a cd 4o and liked the fit and the xd 9 also fit great. I al still trying to find an xd to shoot but the local ranges do not have any to rent i was told that wades in bellevue, wa had one but i have called and they say no.

I plan on going out and try other guns still so thansk for the info Evan

Go to the best stocked gun store in your area ...or wherever it takes to find a good selection... and ask them to put out every gun they have in the caliber you want. Pick them up and try each one. Heft it up, feel the grip. Notice the distance/feel to the trigger. Fondle those babies!! Keep track of the guns that feel best in your hand. Go to a range that rents guns and rent/shoot the guns that felt the best in your hand. Buy the gun you like the best. Real simple.

There is only one way to get the right gun, buy one of each. I have a couple of 25's including a baby Colt and a 380 Guardian. Also a 45-70 Magnum Research and the Desert Eagle in .50 AE. That big gap is filled with revolvers and semi auto's in all of the popular calibers. Also have a wildcat in a Makarov, 32NAA, sweet shooting gun.

I've shot them all until I was comfortable with them except maybe the Eagle, got to practice more with that puppy. The best carry is a S&W model 10 heavy barrel, most accurate is a toss up between the S&W 586, 629 and this Model 10. Never got into the spray a pray type guns especially the Hi cap semi autos although I have some. Still like the simple, safer design of the revolver, and then learn to hit what you shoot at.

Every one gives you a different feel and has some desirable trait. You have the right idea, when that one gun sits in your hand right when you pick it up and hits what you're shooting at, get it. Not one like it, that one. The S&W 629 was one of those guns, and it is still the one I drag out to shoot against my son that has always been better than me, beats him ever time.

Come on up to Virginia. We'll go do some shootin.

Happy Thanksgiving.

B. Hunter