Anyone here into firearms?

tvfreakazoid

Well every since I got my 9mm stolen from my house about a 1 or so ago, i've been itching to get a new one. I've been looking to get a xd 45 acp compact (4" barrel version). Although i rather prefer to get the xd "m" version but since this is california and there not approved to be sold here what can you do. Well there is a way to get one over here legally but i don't have any family members or friends that live out of this state to do so.
Anyways what are you thoughts on the xd models? It would be nice if you guys or gals can suggest any other brands and the reasons why and if possible a price. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot of money for a hand gun but, some where between 400 to 600. Thanks.
I plan on getting one probably either this month or next. I just want some opinions on other brands.

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vash_241987

Is this going to be used as a carry weapon? I have an Xdm9 and it pretty good IMO, I do need more tigger time on it though. XD I believe are just a little better than glock just cause you get extra goodies like a holster and a two mag holder. Plus springfield armory customer service is great. I don;t know if these are still being imported, but the steyr M-A1 guns are from what I heard pretty good considering the designer of glock also designed it
Maybe you should also consider a compact 1911 style pistol.

Inspector71

I can definitely relate to your problem. I left California in 1990. I was probably the only living NRA member in the Bay area. Much of what I have bought here in Missouri is not legal in California. I haev a brother still living in Fresno and my family is planning a rescue mission. I like the SIG 239 in 9mm. Drawbacks for some is that it is a single stack model so it holds only 8 rounds. Pluses include it is not hard to conceal, reliable, and shoots great. They can be pricey. I paid $660 but they have gone up. For concealed carry I like the Kahr MK40. Are they legal in California? This gun is no fun to shoot at the range but I got it for the concealed carry mission. Kahr makes good 9mms as well but they are not cheap. I really like the XD. I may get one eventually. I don't want to get into a Glock versus XD argument but, as much as I like the Glock 19, the XD fits me better. Hope this helps.

Inspector71

I have an acquaintance who has several Springfiled Mil Specs. He showed me step by step how he upgraded each one and they are really nice guns. His outlay was still way less than a mass produced "custom" gun. The nice thing is they can still be used over the stages of upgrades. Springfield has a menu of upgrades but if you can find a good local gunsmith you trust, you can save a lot of money and have a realy shooter.

j.arnaldo

I don't own one, yet, BUT I saw a TV show recently, where they had these three belles with a different handgun, each. One had a .357 Magnum, another a .44 Magnum and, the last one had a weapon I had NEVER seen or heard of before, a .500 Smith & Wesson.
Man, that thing was a mini-cannon! It blew into bits and pieces a huge watermelon. The .357 and the .44 also busted the watermelon, but the .500 S&W simply demolished the "poor" fruit! And, the best part, it has a lot less recoil than the .44!

StealthZ

I'm pretty big into the firearms industry, built many different firearms and work on them on a regular basis. Primarily AR derived variations for precision engagements and target work. I am a sole believer in Bravo Company manufacturing, and smith and wesson M&P line. I carry and train with the M&P 9 Pro model and it got a great trigger from the factory 17 round capacity, smoother recoil then any of my HK guns ever had and just as accurate, replaced with Tritium fixed combat night sights (10-8) rear. stippled grip to further the grip in wet and adverse environments. its a dream gun.
as for sprignfield 1911, they are good guns, mil-spec model needs to have atleast 500+ rounds for breaking it in, if your seriouse about it send it off to a great 1911 smith like Mars armament. the guy will make it a real reliable pistol replacing all the factory MIM (cast) parts. also Springfield custom shop for sure is a well established and great place, they always work a guy and return it better and more reliable then when it left the factory. their Pro models are by far one of the best out the door factory guns available but pricey ($2,000+)

StealthZ

I'm pretty big into the firearms industry, built many different firearms and work on them on a regular basis. Primarily AR derived variations for precision engagements and target work. I am a sole believer in Bravo Company manufacturing, and smith and wesson M&P line. I carry and train with the M&P 9 Pro model and it got a great trigger from the factory 17 round capacity, smoother recoil then any of my HK guns ever had and just as accurate, replaced with Tritium fixed combat night sights (10-8) rear. stippled grip to further the grip in wet and adverse environments. its a dream gun.
as for sprignfield 1911, they are good guns, mil-spec model needs to have atleast 500+ rounds for breaking it in, if your seriouse about it send it off to a great 1911 smith like Mars armament. the guy will make it a real reliable pistol replacing all the factory MIM (cast) parts. also Springfield custom shop for sure is a well established and great place, they always work a guy and return it better and more reliable then when it left the factory. their Pro models are by far one of the best out the door factory guns available but pricey ($2,000+)

as for what was previously said, its not a this campany vs this company. many manufacturers put out great guns. they are mechanical and can and will eventually fail. that said, i've seen XDs, Glocks, S&W, etc... all fail. when you choose what you want, don't do what is cool like I see many people do buying HKs, get what works for you and most of all what FITS your hands.

vash_241987

I should have also mentioned that you should see if there is a range that allows you to rent some handguns that you are intrested in.

Inspector71

That was a great post and I read it twice. Good information. Do you have any take on the M&P Pistols from Smith? I handled one at a gun show and liked it. It is actually trimmer than it looks in the catalogue. Then I was on Gun Broker. A fellow there claimed he was with the San Diego or L.A. Sheriffs, I don't remember which, and they had recalled ALL the Smith M&P pistols because of so many malfunctions. I read the tests for this pistol in Gun Tests and they didn't mention anything about malfunctions. Any help would be appreciated.

dad

xd "m" version but since this is california and there not approved to be sold here ----

Why not?

vash_241987

Specifically IMO the reason why not is cause the xdm was built from the beginning as a hi-capacity handgun. If you see all of the adverts. they are usually talking about it capacity. SA could send one to the bureau of firearms in CA to see IF it gets approved, but IMO it won't be for awhile. Yes they probley can make a 10rd mag for the xdm...but you lose IMO one of the highlights of the gun.

tvfreakazoid

"IMO" what does that mean?

There is a range in my area that allows us to rent guns. Thats what i'm going to do. I just wanted some opionions and what not.

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Mudders milk

SgtGoldy

In My Opinion

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StealthZ

Smith and Wesson M&P line is a great line of handguns and rifles. The pistols are awsome. I own a M&P 9 Pro witch comes with longer 5" barrel, and performance center trigger (Tool steal trigger parts for better trigger pull and reset and around 4.5lbs of trigger pull) perfect for fast follow ups and a better trigger will help in being a better shooter. longer barrel helps out some with 9mm ballistics and sight radius (length of sights) the interchangable grips allow one to fit the handgun to them as best as possible. all those features beat out glocks, XDs, etc... and priced right and made here in USA with excellent S&W service. one of the highly recommended handguns I always tell newr shooters and someone looking for a new handgun to check out. don't be surprised if you shoot one then go out and buy it, seams to be a trend with all who have shot mine.
YMMV

Inspector71

I am confident that what you say is correct. I wish I could remember where I read it, but on some site, or magazine, an alleged deputy sheriff from LA said that his department recalled all the Smith M&P's due to massive malfunctions. I have read it no where else so I wonder if this is legit. I held one at a gun show and you are correct. They look big in pictures but are actually thinner than the Glock or XD, feel better in the hand than the Rugers, and the price was very right. I am reconsidering not getting one. Your post helped. Thanks.