Some advice

Well I have decided to purchase my first handgun and am a little confused on where to go from here. I have talked to a couple good friends who are knowledgeable about handguns and narrowed it to a few different options. I am pretty settled on a 9mm due to me being a smaller framed guy and the ammo is very affordable. Here are the guns that I am looking at:
1. Beretta Px4c 9mm
2. S&W M&Pc 9mm
3. H&K USP 9mm
4. Springfield XD 9mm

I was also looking at the Glock 26 but I don't like how short the grip is. I also have held a Glock 19 and the grip seems a little big for my liking. I am looking for the gun for home defense and general purpose recreational shooting. I have done a bunch of research on all of these guns but would like some opinions on the guns.

Thanks a bunch!

Any on your list will serve you well. The best way to choose is to try them all. Find a range that rents and have a go at it, Be sure to try the various grip inserts in the M&P and any others you try that have adjustable grips. As an absolute minimum fondel all of them in a gun store if you are not able to shoot them. I have owned XD's 9 and 40 plus M&P 9 and 40. They were all good equipment and I reccomend either brand and or caliber. Haven't owned the others so wait for additional comments on them.

Good luck

As TOF stated, they are all good guns and any would serve you well. Which ever feels best in your hand and you shoot well is the one for you.

Note that the guns on your list do not all operate with the same trigger action. You really need to determine if you have a significant preference for one action over another. The PX4 for example, has a DA/SA action while the M&P is a striker fire action.

Hope this helps.

Could someone explain the principles behind the different trigger actions? I read about them online, but am still a little confused.

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Originally Posted by laddnorcal

Could someone explain the principles behind the different trigger actions? I read about them online, but am still a little confused.

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This will be covered in a NRA basic handgun (safety) course. I highly recommend you attend.

Also read the FAQ for New Shooters: http://www.handgunforum.net/new-handguns-area/14198-faq-new-shooters.html

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Originally Posted by submoa

This will be covered in a NRA basic handgun (safety) course. I highly recommend you attend.

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+1. Before buying my first gun, a Glock 35, I took a course and tried out as many guns and finally made my decision. Best to be prepared and know fully what you want.

Have you shot any of those guns on your list? Do you have a local rental range or friends to let you try it out? Try before you buy...and don't forget to take the class.

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Originally Posted by laddnorcal

Could someone explain the principles behind the different trigger actions? I read about them online, but am still a little confused.

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You will probably never understand or fully grasp this concept until you have hands on experience with the various trigger types or it is being explained to you with the guns present.

So far it sounds like you're on the right track, continue your research, take a class, handle the guns, and shoot them before you buy if possible.

I have taken a handgun safety course, and unfortunately I don't know of any ranges in the area that rent the guns. I have held the glocks as well as the springfield. I like the feel of the XD but I will definitely hold them all before buying. I probably won't be making the purchase until august when the gun show rolls around, but i thought i would get started in the research.

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Originally Posted by laddnorcal

Could someone explain the principles behind the different trigger actions?

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Originally Posted by laddnorcal

I have taken a handgun safety course

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Differences in trigger actions should have been covered had you taken this course.

If you cannot find a range that rents guns, see if you can go with your "knowledgable" friends and try theirs out...

Hmmm... can't shoot them huh. Well you just might have to decide based on your research and how the gun feels in your grip.

Out of your choices, I personally would buy the HK USP9 but in compact.