Help rounding out the crew

[tjburns1]

So in case you missed my intro post, Hi, I'm new here and from Anoka. Currently, handgun wise, I have a couple 1911's one of which is my carry piece, and a 22A. I am planning on picking up a Single Six and PF9 over the next year, but in the mean time am in the market for a full sized or compact 9mm or .45 to round out the collection.

So first, I'd like to hear your thoughts on standardization vs diversification of calibers. Originally, I thought, lets make them all .45. Then I only have to stock one kind of ammo, and when I start reloading, it's just one kind of ammo. As of late, I've been told be more then one individual that this kind of standardization is silly, and my best bet is to diversify. If I go that route, I think it would be only one more caliber, and likely 9mm.

Next, the age old question of Glock/XD/M&P, with the added bonus of the Stoeger Cougar and maybe the EAA Witness or K2 and Taurus 24/7, PT145. I can almost rule out the Glock. I like everything about them except the way they fit my hand. Specifically, I really wish I could like the G30. I owned a Cougar, and regret selling it almost every day. Never handled a CZ75 clone. Leaning towards the M&P if I can find one in stock, but again, I'd love to hear any first hand experience with any of these, both brand specific and model specific.

Appologies in advance if this is a traditional new guy kind of question I'm supposed to shy away from...

[cs tunes]

Welcome to the forum. I'm relatively new on the forum too so it doesnt bother me to contribute to what some may consider an age old, and boring question.

Personally, I'm a Glock guy. I agree with most that they dont feel the greatest (harsh simple plastic feel) but I shoot it the best, hence it's what I shoot.
Of those mentioned all have qualities that I like over the others. Somewhere in between a perfect handgun probably exists but I'm not sure what it would be.

The XDm's Ive shot (Two were 4.5" models in 9mm and .45 and one 3.8 in 9mm). Love their grips and the trigger out of the box. Of the poly guns I've shot, I prefer these triggers stock vs stock for overall smoothness and break weight. I prefer a full size grip over the 3.8 but the 4.5 seemed too large to conceal very well (not that my G34 isn't). If the XDm 5.25 was priced closer to the G34 I may have considered it but it was quite a bit more.

M&P 9mm: Cozy grip and grip angle is nice but the particular one I've shot has a very gritty trigger during the take up and the break is a litle heavy for my taste. To be frank, it was never really on my consideration list in the first place. It's OK. Some people love the ergos however I dont find those enough to offset the below par trigger and avarage everything else about it. The one I've shot had the larger grips on it and they feel a touch large for my hands. The smaller ones may be better yet but they wont fix that trigger?

Glock: Both I've owned are practical/tactical models. G34 and G35. They shoot the same for the most part. It has a bit of a mushy trigger on take up but the reset it short and pronounced and trigger pull while a touch mushy, is silky smoothe and the break is light enough. A little grip tape on my support side and the slippery grip isn't really a concern anymore. A G17 would definately be on my list for a smaller version. Lots of aftermarket support. I like the lower profile of the slide to grip area, especially compared to the XDm. The XDm's all seem very tall.

The only Taurus I've shot isa PT111 Millenium. I doubt highly that it compares to Taurus across the line but the only gun I've owned that was worse was a S&W Sigma .40. I'm not sure which of those has a worse trigger but they both must have a 12lb trigger in them filled with Grapenuts. Probably not a fair comparison because I hope not all Taurus models are that crappy to shoot. It has a lot of muzzle flip too, probably a product of being so short. I really dont have much good to say about that particular one.

That about the extent of the poly guns on your list I've shot with enough rounds to form any kind of opinion about. I'm sure there are others here that have shot more through each one than I have through all of them combined but those have been my experiences with them.

Good luck in your search.

[LePetomane]

I don't think there is a right way or a wrong way. I have two semi-autos, both in a 9mm and two revolvers and all fill a specific need. My 9mm's are carry guns, my .357 is for target use and the .44 mag is for open carry while fishing in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. What are your specific needs?

[igofast]

I've tried standardization, didn't take. Doesn't help that in competition there are advantages to each caliber, and I compete in most of 'em. Then I got into long guns. You would think that a .308 is a .308, but no, different guns like different loads and what works well for a gas semi is different from a bolt and I didn't actually reduce the amount of ammo I needed to stock.

WRT Taurus, I have a PT145, 24/7 OSS, and PT111. All are great shooters and have given me no problems - definitely not 12 lb triggers w/ grapenuts. I personally don't like the ergo's of the G2.

If you shoot the .45 well and want something small, I think a PT145 would be a good addition. If you're looking for something in full size, I would steer you towards a high cap nine - especially at this point it may become a collectable.