Seeking Advice from Veterans

Hi all. Let me first introduce myself. My name is Nate and I recently just finished 6 years in the Air Force as TACP (Tactical Air Control Party), "the unknown spec ops force". I spent the majority of my service in austere conditions, so I am familiar with various arms.

I just moved back to the Baltimore area, and seeing as the crime rate here seems to skyrocket everyday, purchased a Mossberg 590 A1 Tactical Shotgun for home defense. While this weapon is most likely more than adequate, I am looking to add either a Springfield XD .45 or Smith and Wesson .40 M&P for home defense. I realize that you should pick the handgun that "fits like a glove", but am looking for opinions to steer me one way or another. I have held and fired both of these hanguns, and at the moment am undecided.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

XD .45.

The caliber makes the choice for me, but not for the reason some might think.
I'm just not a huge fan of the .40 cartridge, in any platform.

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Originally Posted by DJ Niner

XD .45.

The caliber makes the choice for me, but not for the reason some might think.
I'm just not a huge fan of the .40 cartridge, in any platform.

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+1 :smt023

There's no need to post the same question in separate sections of this forum...

-Jeff-

Understood. Just trying to get as much insightful advice as possible.

Hey Kalmia also just got out of the AF was SF and I just purchased a M&P 40 and I love it, like it alot more than the Beretta 92 we carried everyday. Just like the feel alot more and I am more accurate with it, I can see the sights better and a few other small things.

The only 2 reasons I didn't get a XD was one I didn't like the feeling of the XD also didn't like the feeling of the XD(m), and I wasn't to crazy about the double safety even though you don't feel it when shooting the gun. The changeable backstrap on the MP and the overall feel did me in.

First and foremost: Thank you for your service. I'm former Air Force, but was a desk jockey (Acquisitions) for Space Systems in LA. I got to play and train with some of the best, since my best friend was Combat Control. Is TACP what CC use to be??? Sounds like a similar gig. He trainer with SEALS, and Green Berets, and from what I could tell directed some forward air, and aimed the lasers from the ground for the guys in the sky, and then made damage assessments, and then bugged the f__k out before the very pissed off bad guys knew he was there.

Both the XD and M&P are excellent guns. Shoot them both first if you can.

Just interested? Why 45 in one, and 40 in the other? Why, as an ex-military, would you choose either 40 or 45 over a 9mm?

Not being critical, just looking for the thought process of an experienced shooter in a personal first gun choice.

I own 2 XDs, and may own a 3rd within the month... But I'm also looking at the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Pro Series or 9L, as an IPSC/USPSA gun.

If I had to choose between your two, the XD45. I love mine, and it's probably the hottest poly 45 on the market right now for a reason.

JeffWard

Stats show Baltimore's murder rate dropping a quite a bit from 2007 to 2008. Still pretty bad, though. Other violent crime remains the same, according to the stats, with larcenies increasing.

Not sure why veteran's advice would be more valid than anyone else's when it comes to guns and calibers like the XD/M&P in 40/45, which aren't used by the military. Anyway, I'm a vet. Both guns are very good pistols - reliable and easy to shoot well. But looking at ammo costs and ease of shooting, I'd get one in 9mm and load with good JHPs for defense.

Threads merged and moved to General Semi-Auto.

Normally I would just say get the one that fits you best, but since you've used both platforms and still can't decide, then I would consider overall cost of ownership. After all, both are good and reliable handguns, with really nothing that puts one over the other.

Of the two, I would get the S&W for it's interchangeable grip inserts which might make it fit my hand better.

Personally, I wouldn't get either one. I would get a 9mm version for it's increased capacity. It would also have a bonus of being cheaper to shoot, which translates to more shooting, which translates to increased proficiency, which translates to a higher chance of putting bullets on target. Putting a cost ceiling on my family's defense isn't the issue here, as a 9mm with modern HP's is more than adequate for the job.

You should really hold a Walther P99 before you decide.......:mrgreen:

PhilR.
p.s. yes, I'm a vet (4th generation in a line of 5), but I think there are a lot of knowledgeable people here who are not vets but can still provide good advice.

I'm not a fan of the .40. Seems to try to solve a problem that isn't there. High case pressure as well.

Anyway, I'd go with the .45 because it leaves a bigger hole. I'm a fan of the .45. I do like 9mm as well because it has very mild recoil.

Thanks for all the replies. First off, the title of this thread should have stated "Seeking Advice from Veteran Handgun Owners." I did not solely mean military veterans, but all those proficient in handgun use. Sorry about that.

JeffWard, TACP is exactly how you described it, more or less, w/o getting into the politics of it. I worked mainly with Army Spec Ops units. We were responsible for "painting targets" for aircraft and gathering intel on enemy positions, etc, all while remaining undetected, to the best of our ability.

Another turtle
All riiiiight.

Go with the .45.

AFS

for your two choices go with the XD
however fitting like a glove would be the glock 19 in 9mm
plenty good for home defense and cheaper to shoot/practice with

also i can hardly wait to hold a FNP-45 which should really take off in sales

Go with the 45.

The 40 caliber is an excellent pistol round. It came into being after "my time" but I have not neglected it. Many law enforcement agencies use it; and the good reason. I personally prefer the .45 ACP (perhaps I am stuck in time- haha) but, I think the 40 caliber is similar in its overall effect, and certainly equally adequate for self defense.

Then again, the 9 mm that you may have used in your duties is also equally adequate with modern ammunition. I think they are all similar.

As to brand, I think your surmise is correct. Get the one that fits you best. There is little difference in them, if any, at the functional level.

Good luck with your choices. And be safe!

I have the XD45 and after a couple thousand rounds, I still find it a pleasure to shoot. The XD trigger is OK to start with, but sweetens considerably at about a thousand rounds down-range. Also, I prefer the big gentle 'push' of the .45 recoil to the somewhat snappier recoil of the .40 cal.

I have handguns in both the 40 cal and the 45. For home defense, I would go with the 45. I believe that it is less likely to overpenetrate, and the XD 45 is an excellent choice. However, if you are planning to eventually carry a pistol as a CCW you mind find the xd 45 to be a bit large for that task. So if you are planning to carry your pistol I would go with the 40 cal. It is a bit smaller and easier to pack than the XD 45.

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Originally Posted by DJ Niner

XD .45.

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+1...because I have 2 of them. The XD45C and the XD45 service model.:smt023

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Originally Posted by jeb21

I believe that it is less likely to overpenetrate...

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It's not. 9mm, .40 and .45 all go through about the same amount of wallboard (about three interior walls' worth). With equivalent JHPs, all three dig to about the same depth in gelatin and people.