Need some advice on a carry gun

[scout]

Glock G22, full sized so maybe its apples to oranges but I just didn't care for it.

[David]

Oh, I see. I figured since you were talking about .45s you probably handled a 21 of one stripe or another, rather than a .40. The 22 is actually a little thinner than even the 21 SF, so if you didn't like the 22, don't bother with any of the other full-size Glocks. Good luck!

[Belgiboy]

The S&W MP felt almost overly ergonomic, as in I could feel every bump in the grip and it was just a titch to short for my liking. Although I'm probably bias for liking the XD outta the gate based on looks, the XD definitely felt the most form-fitting to my hand, the most "I didn't even realize I was holding it".

IMHO, 'looks' is the most underrated factor in choosing a sidearm. There is absolutely no shame in picking the best looking gun for what your intentions are. You'll feel better carrying/shooting it, hence you will carry and/or train with it more. My perpetual gripe with Glocks or hammerless snubbies is not that they don't work. I will probably never own one because I think they are ugly and life's to short to carry an ugly gun.

[ree]

If you do opt to go with the XD45, consider the compact model. It's just like the 4" service model, but the grip is cut down a bit shorter to accept a 10-round mag. When you decide to start carrying it, this may (or may not) help you conceal it a little better. And as a house gun or if concealment isn't an issue, you can choose to use the 13-round mags.

[Flip]

First of all--Welcome Scout------------------second--Thank You for Your Service I don't need to add anything else---------------you'll get plenty without my .02.

+100

Welcome & Thank You!

Another good thing to consider when buying a new pistol, accessories and parts. If you buy a pistol, try to find one that you can get accessories locally(mags, holsters, sights, etc).
...
Also, don't skimp on the holster... some people don't mind an Uncle Mike's nylon holster, I can't stand Uncle Mike's. For my carry pistol I have a Blackhawk Serpa holster, cost me a fair bit more than the Uncle Mike's, but it's worth it in comfort, fit to the pistol, and ease of use. Srigs and Vlad (both on the board here) make custom holsters, and I bet someone here has a couple you could try on to see how they work.

+1 as well - http://www.Sideguardholsters.com is a good way to go for a quality holster at a reasonable price (Srig's website)


Scout,

I asked a LOT of questions about guns & holsters and it saved me a LOT of $$$. I also did a LOT of reading on this board and others.

One thing I haven't seen said outright is that a gun should "fit" you. In other words, when you pick up a weapon, it should almost point right where you think it should point without thinking about it. You'll know it when you pick it up. If someone tells you to use a certain handgun, I wouldn't listen too closely. I would narrow down your choices (as you have already) and then go to a gun shop and hold several of them and see how it feels in your hand. Choose 3-4 (or some samll number of them) and go shoot them. When you're done, you'll know which one or possibly two really fit you. Some folks like the feel of a revolver, some a semi auto, some Glock, some 1911 etc.

I always thought that a gun's fit is one of the most important things because in a bad situation, you'll act a great deal on instinct. It's my $0.02 that if you have a gun that fits you, it'll help your odds.

Again, Thanks for your service & good luck

Flip

[goalie]

I will probably never own one because I think they are ugly and life's to short to carry an ugly gun.

Life's too short for ugly women and bad beer.

Life get's shorter with a handgun that goes "click" instead of "BANG" no matter how pretty it is.

[Belgiboy]

I will probably never own one because I think they are ugly and life's to short to carry an ugly gun.

Life's too short for ugly women and bad beer.

Life get's shorter with a handgun that goes "click" instead of "BANG" no matter how pretty it is.

I know that. What I was trying to say is this:
When you've set your criteria for your gun purchase (RELIABLE polymer handgun in .45 ACP with nightsights for home defense) and you researched potential candidates, you may come up with 4 or more choices that are more or less equal:
Glock 21, S&W MP 45, XD 45, HK USP 45, etc
Chances are very good that these pistols will do exactly what you expect from them, which is go bang when you pull the trigger and enable you to some rounds. My only point is that there's no problem with picking the one that is visually the most appealing to you.

[goalie]

I didn't really have a point. I am trying to pad the post count so people take me seriously.....

[Belgiboy]

Oh well in that case,

I like popcorn, how about you

[Stradawhovious]

I didn't really have a point. I am trying to pad the post count so people take me seriously.....

Good luck with that. I'm almost at 6,000 and I'm still the laughing stock of the daycare.

[David]

I know that. What I was trying to say is this:

People take me too literally sometimes too!

[dragonb8]

I have 7 XD's 4 in 9mm and 3 in 45acp. they range in size from 3 inch to the 5 inch tactical. I like them all but carry the 45 4 inch every day.
My .02 is if you like the XD just buy it! If you get any other thing else you will always regret it and will just end up buying an XD in the future.

[lumbering.buffalo]

It seems that most are fixated on the 45acp. If you're looking for a self-defense gun that can handle both two-legged and four-legged beasts might I suggest a 44 mag or a 45 long colt. The gun I'm thinking of is the 4" Ruger Redhawk stainless steel. Comes in either caliber. What these guns allow is the ability to stack your load. You can start with 44 special/mild 45 colt backed up with 44 mag /hot 45 colt. Corbon and buffalo make some stout loads in either caliber if you don't roll your own. The Redhawk will handle those stout loads and (I'm told) is not all that heavy. Reloads with speedloaders are very quick with some practice.

I currently have a Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag. I bought it to able to exactly that. However, I carry a 642 as a backup as well because of the reload situation.

Just a thought.

[Rem700]

And if you really like the XD45 make sure and search the firearms for sale section on this site

[Belgiboy]

It seems that most are fixated on the 45acp. If you're looking for a self-defense gun that can handle both two-legged and four-legged beasts might I suggest a 44 mag or a 45 long colt. The gun I'm thinking of is the 4" Ruger Redhawk stainless steel. Comes in either caliber. What these guns allow is the ability to stack your load. You can start with 44 special/mild 45 colt backed up with 44 mag /hot 45 colt. Corbon and buffalo make some stout loads in either caliber if you don't roll your own. The Redhawk will handle those stout loads and (I'm told) is not all that heavy. Reloads with speedloaders are very quick with some practice.

I currently have a Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag. I bought it to able to exactly that. However, I carry a 642 as a backup as well because of the reload situation.

Just a thought.

I wouldn't mind owning that Ruger Redhawk myself but it is a solid chunk of steel. Built like a tank, not a gun you want to hang off your belt all day. It will drag your pants down at some point, and I for one hate it when that happens.