Thread: buying first semi

Welcome to the forum! I don't know anything about any of those, and haven't heard reviews on them as they do not interest me in any way. I would check the respective forums like the Springfield and Beretta specific forums to see what's being said about those pistols. Good luck.

Originally Posted by stbarsh

I'm going to a gun show this weekend to buy my first semiautomatic handgun. I have it narrowed down the SA XD9, the M&P 9 compact, and the Beretta PX 4 in 9mm.

Any suggestions on these three guns? They all seem like good guns.

I'm shooting a SIG p-6 and a Glock 26. Both are 9mm and I wouldn't give either of them up (which dismays my wife, BTW.) From what I've read from others here, though, I don't think you will be disappointed in any of the three that you've mentioned (unless, of course, you get an opportunity to shoot the two that I told you I have. )

I have the MP-9 and it is a very accurate pistol and well balanced. How ever I don't think you could go wrong with any one of the three. I would get the one that feels the best to me. If there is more than one big dealer there besure and check all tables and barter one against the other for the best price. Good luck.

I have the 2 XD's, and they're both great guns. You won't go wrong with any of the choices however.

I will suggest checking out Bud's Gun Shop http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php and calling some local stores to see how much those guns are going for. Don't automatically assume you're going to get a good deal because you bought it at a gun show. Do your homework so you won't get taken advantage of. The last show I went to, I was was looking for an XD9SC. Some of the vendors were charging $500+ and people were paying!

I think any of the candidates you selected would be excellent. I am partial to Beretta weapons and strangely enough don't own a PX-4 as I own a Cougar in .40 S&W. I also have an S&W M&P 40, full sized. They both shoot very well and haven't let me down in any way. My carry gun is a Beretta 96. Welcome to the forum and enjoy whatever you purchase.

of your 3 i would go with the XD
but
i have the glock 26 and you could be very satisfied with either a glock
17 or 19 or 34
the 34 has the lightest trigger pull and longest barrel
three different sizes for various purposes
i am thinking about buying another glock in 17 or 34 version

They are all high quality firearms. I'm not sure but my understanding is that the PX4 is a double/single action pistol while the others I think are Glock style safe-action pistols. Someone correct me if this is wrong.

Assuming you have no definite preference regarding the trigger type, what feels best in your hand and what you shoot the best should determine.

Originally Posted by Wyatt

They are all high quality firearms. I'm not sure but my understanding is that the PX4 is a double/single action pistol while the others I think are Glock style safe-action pistols. Someone correct me if this is wrong.

The XD is single action only. Operates much like the Glock, though. The striker is completely cocked when the slide is cycled, which is basically the only difference.

I vote for the XD. I've also shot the M&P, and it didn't impress me (the 9mm, that is). The .45 shot much better for me, however I didn't dig the 9.

Also, don't expect much for gun show prices. I've yet to find any good deals at the ones by me. You shouldn't be paying more then $500 for a brand new XD9 sub compact or service in all black. You can get them for $450 new by me.

thanks to all for the responses...I got a price of $455 for the SC in black at a local dealer.

Originally Posted by stbarsh

thanks to all for the responses...I got a price of $455 for the SC in black at a local dealer.

That is a fine price.

If you are interested in purchasing an XD I suggest heading over to XDTalk.com. Great forum, lots of good information and good members as well. It's a good place to just hang out if you want. There are also a number of forum sponsors that offer parts and services for the XD.

You find lots of good upgrades and modifications there, and all the forum sponsors are great to work with. I bought a safety lever and overtravel stop from Daniel at Powder River Precision due to the rave reviews from other forum members.

I just finished a tacticle gun course and the instructors opinion of the Springfield products was very high. Two participants using them were quite satisified with their choice of the XD's. I have two Glock's in 9mm a 19 and a 26 and with about 500 rounds thru both of them I have no complaints. Remember that the price displayed
at gun shows, if displayed, can usually be reduced, offer a cash price and see what happens, you might be surprised at what you can buy it for !!