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+--- Thread: Hello, need some advice. (/thread-1592.html)
Hello, need some advice. - Codyp911 - 06-18-2015
I am new to the forum as of today. I am also a little new to the firearms world. I am looking 2 pistols and need some guidance. I have narrowed it down to Glock, S&W, or Springfield as for the Brand. I am looking for 1 at home, and 1 for ccw. Suggestions for caliber and brand would be appriciated.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Dutz - 06-18-2015
Welcome to the board.
You will find a lot of input on this question, and searching you will find a number of related threads.
All those brands are good quality, it will come down to what fits you.
I would suggest shooting all on your short list by renting them. If you are in Northern Illinois, then both Gat Guns and OnTarget have rentals and OnTarget you can shoot multiple in one session for one price. But come back and buy from Red Dot.
A lot of stores will keep talking until you buy a gun, Red Dot will talk about things like the picture below.
I did that with all three brands and a couple more when I started buying. I went with Springfield. I have an XDM 5.5 inch 9 MM for competition, and a Springfield 1911 (.45). I have the XDS 3.5 inch .45 for carry. The Springfiels fit my hand best, and allow me to have a good trigger placement with a proper hand/wrist/arm alignment, i.e. it fits me.
The XDS in .45 is a good gun to correct grip/form errors. My 1911 shoots itself and is very forgiving, but the XDS is like put bull on a leash. If you play around with it, it will not like you, so you need to bring your "A" game, and that way it helps you develop an "A" game.
The Springfields let me do the top picture best, i.e. the fit.
![[Image: straight-alignment.jpg]](http://www.usacarry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/straight-alignment.jpg)
RE: Hello, need some advice. - AcilletaM - 06-18-2015
What do you mean when you say for at home?
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Codyp911 - 06-18-2015
(06-18-2015, 10:12 AM)AcilletaM Wrote: What do you mean when you say for at home?
For in home personal defense when I might not be at home but my wife is.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - mikereddot - 06-18-2015
Springfield has a new Promo for the XDs. Get 3 mags and a mag pouch. That's a $150 deal.
![[Image: SPFLD-XDS-SUMMER-PROMO-2015-1.jpg]](http://www.reddotarms.com/forum_pics/SPFLD-XDS-SUMMER-PROMO-2015-1.jpg)
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Codyp911 - 06-18-2015
I have practiced with all in 9mm, but just really looking for past experience I should say.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - British Gunner - 06-18-2015
Not to make any brand suggestions, but how about going to On Target to rent and try them all out and see which feels best for you.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Fireman - 06-18-2015
As stated above, narrow it down to first how the weapon feels in your hand. Make your list and go rent and shoot. As far as caliber, me personally I went with 9mm for mine. The reasons were cost, availability, ease(all shooting same only one to buy) also which could my wife shoot and handle best. You say for home you want your wife to be able to shoot it. Well, you need to do the same procedure with her, an example is I have the FNS 9mm and my wife has a SIG SP2022. The slide was easier for her to pull back.
My home and fun gun is the FNS 9mm and my carry is the XD Mod 2. As I said both in 9mm.
The guys at Red Dot are great to work with and can tell you the positives and negatives of each model you are looking at and still they remain objective.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - BelieveIn308 - 06-18-2015
Great advice. Find 3 that are comfortable for both of you to hold and handle. The go rent them and pick the one that you feel is the best for both of you. Or buy two. You really cannot go wrong with XD's, FNS's or Glocks, and there are many other fine brands.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Karl B - 06-18-2015
Welcome!
I'll echo what others have said. Try before you buy.
I have large hands, so Glocks work well for me. I also like the XD platform. The ergonomics are nice. I would put the M&P #3 on my list. It really comes down to what's comfy in your hand and what you are accurate with. The only way to know that is by shooting them. All are good in my book if you are looking for a striker fired gun.
Also, don't underestimate the usefulness of practice and training. You mentioned you are fairly new to firearms. Maybe a training course or two would make your decision easier, especially when it comes to a carry gun.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - reddotdad - 06-19-2015
Absolutely try them before buying... both you and your wife. Gun needs to fit each of you and you need to be comfortable with it. A good fitting .45 doesn't help if you flinch in anticipation of discharge and can't hit what you're aiming at. That goes for any make, model, caliber. You need to decide what capacity you are comfortable with, are 5 single stack .45s enough or are double digit 9mm better for you. A lot of personal factors to consider. We have have both here. The XDs in .45 and HK VP9 ( and a few other too)
Try them all and RDA will fix you up with whatever you decide works best.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - Codyp911 - 06-19-2015
Yeah I have already rented these three brands. Was just trying to get some past experiences with each brand. Still got to get my wife out there though. Thanks for the guidance.
RE: Hello, need some advice. - mikereddot - 06-19-2015
Training is the best advice I can give you. Learn about guns before you pick one. I see a lot of folks in class that tell us that their guns don't fit them after they know what they are looking for.