The entire Springfield XD and XDM series are great guns for the money, no matter what size you choose.

Yeah, in all honesty a shotgun is the best weapon for home defense. Although screw racking the gun, I'd always have one chambered, I'm not in it to simply "scare" someone that is breaking into my house. I might pick one up, but I wouldn't want to keep it out unless I'm home (same as with my pistol).

I have one spot where I keep my pistol locked down/hidden when I'm not home, and then at night before I go to sleep (or if I'm home for a long period of time), I'll move it over to a spot that's closer to me. I don't have any kids to worry about getting their hands on, and I don't like the idea of being too far removed from access to a weapon if it is needed while I'm asleep.

I guess what most people do is they keep their pistol near by, and lock up/hide their shotgun, and then use the pistol to get to their shotgun. Or rather, that is the plan if **** goes down. One concern I have is keeping the gun secured and/or hidden well if someone was to break in while I wasn't home. I've read quite a few horror stories where someone comes home, only to have their own weapon used on them because they didn't keep it secured.

Also for a first gun and one you plan on taking to the range, 9mm is a good choice I think. Not too much kick, and the ammo is cheaper. 45 would be a better choice just for shear stopping power though.

Whats the going rate for 9mm ammo at Walmart now? Last I checked they were always the cheapest, I think it was $15 for 100 rounds a year ago? Of course it was something like $8 for 100 rounds only about 5 years ago. :rolleyes:

i think its near 30 now

No way?! I hope that isn't true, that would be completely insane.

Actually, I think they were 50 round boxes for $15, so if it is 100 rounds for $30 that's okay.

o

Found a post on another forum that someone bought a 250ct box of Remington 9mm ammo from Walmart for $52 + tax, not bad at all.

Stay away from the 9mm, it doesn't seem to phase some one who is intoxicated or high on hard drugs! A .45 acp, is an excellent choice for self defense. Ruger, Sig Arms, Kimber, Spring Field XD are all excellent hand guns!

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A friend was going to sell me his Sig P226. ~500 bucks. Bad idea? Should I look into the XD or something?

I'm debating 9mm or 45 ACP...same as project tho, first gun, haven't really fired many. I guess I need to hit the practice range first...

Hit the range! I've read and heard to many horror stories of the 9mm failing to get a bad guys attention when shot! Lots of police departments have ditched the 9mm, and now carry the .40 acp, or the .45acp!

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Springfield XD :tup:
Go with a 45. :twocents:

Actually 9mm and .40 tend to over penetrate worse than 45s.
45ACP transfers most of its energy to the first "object" it hits due to its bullet size.
If it makes it though that "object" it doesn't go far.
That's why it has the reputation of being an effective "man stopper".

Even when using JHP rounds?

aren't those illegal?

EDIT: seems like just in New Jersey they are illegal for private citicens.

Florida is pretty awesome when it comes to guns. You can get a concealed weapons permit (although its a bit too easy in my opinion). We also have the "Stand Your Ground" law, which basically extends the Castle Doctrine law to wherever we are at the time if an attack takes place and we feel our lives are in danger.