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i recently got my concealed carry permit and am looking for a good carry/home defense pistol in .40cal. ive been looking around and have narrowed it down to either a glock 23 or 23c, the springfield arms xd service model 4", and the smith and wesson sw40ve. any opinions on which would make a better carry/home defense pistol?? or any suggestions of others??? thanks for any input
I would get the Springfield, the Glock would be last on my list.
PS welcome to the forum.
Welcome from Eastern North Carolina. I would get the one that feels the best to me. Other people will tell you this or that but it all boils down to what fits and feels best for you.
Welcome to the forum!
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1) Do not get a ported model if you intend to carry or use in the home. If you have to fire at night or from a compromised position, the hot gases and debris coming from the top of the gun are going to be hitting you (not fun) and also affecting your sight. Ported models, IMO, are range-only guns.
2) Is this your first gun? If so, why .40? I suggest considering a 9mm. Ammo is cheaper which means you can practice more and loaded with a premium defense round, it's just as capable of stopping a threat as other calibers. Remember is shot placement, not just how big the hole is or how fast the bullet is going.
3) For CCW, I'd look at a sub-compact model instead of the full-size that you are now. Trying to carry a full-size model can get old quick with the weight and size. I carried a full-size XD40 for over a year then switched to the XD9SC. It was a world of difference, especially with the smaller grip printing less. I have since switched to a Sig P229 SAS Gen 2, which I consider to be in between a full-size and a sub-compact, and have found what is the best of both worlds for me. No matter what gun you get, remember to get a quality holster and belt, as those will greatly impact your carry comfort.
Welcome to the forum from North Central Texas - I think you'll like it here.
I suggest you go to a range that will let you rent and shoot several of the guns your considering.
And then you decide which one fells best to you and which one do you shoot the best.
:smt1099
Either of those are fine, although I would not want a ported handgun for SD, and I personally don't see the attraction to .40 caiber, although they must be OK since so many LEO's carry them. I just think that with modern ammo, a 9mm is just as good, and a lot cheaper and more pleasant to practice with. A .45 is even better because it is a lower pressure round that packs a hard punch without beating you up to do it.
I to would second you not getting a XD 4" service model if you plan to carry it. While you can conceal it, I think its too big and heavy. I recently bought a XD9 and I already know that I need to buy something smaller or I won't end up carrying all the time. If I could do it again i would have bought the XD subcompact, it comes with the extension to make the grip the same as the service model......but then I wouldn't have a reason to buy another gun!
Of your choices I'd go with the Glock over the XD. Smaller in width and a little lighter. Don't know anything about the smith. G23 or G27 but would agree 9mm be better to start G19/G26. As suggested a range trip to try all the models your interested in would be wise. The one you shoot best and inspires the most confidence ought to be the winner. Sig, Glock, XD, M&P, Beretta, HK (my preference) all good choices depending on what you want and how they work for you.
Welcome and check out the M&P .40 fs or M&P .40c.
Remember, a fully-loaded 40 SW magazine is going to be heavy. Try 9mm +P+
Check out the Beretta PX4. It is available in 40SW, 9mm, or 45. :)
I agree with the members quote, except its not an easy task to find the "right" "quality holster and belt" to go with... I've already had about five and I've only been carrying about 6 months! You can't know how its going to feel to carry for hours until you've carried it for hours..."duh!!" I know it sounds stupid when you type it out...:rolleyes::smt1099Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd
+1 falchunt
The Beretta PX4 is a nice looking gun .
Here's mine:
http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1267158908
I really like the looks, the way it handles & points.
I like the hammer in sight & safety / decocker.
:smt1099
All the guns listed are very nice weapons. It does actually come down to what you can afford, and from there what feels best and you can shoot best. If it were me I would without a doubt or second thought pick the CZ P-01
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...ilguy/2CZs.jpg
It is the gun to the rear of the CZ75B in front.
I have many handguns and if forced to only keep one that is the one I would keep.
Good luck with your choice and what ever you pick learn to shoot it and have fun.
RCG
I'd suggest the Glock, and I'd also 2nd what Todd said about the 9mm. It's significantly cheaper to shoot than .40, and still works well.
Make sure you handle (and fire if possible) all of your suggested weapons before making a final purchase. Theres nothing worse than having a gun you dont like, but id you do buy one, and don't like, feel free to give it to me, heck I'll even pay for shipping!:rolleyes:
recoilguy, those are great looking grips - what are they?
highside, I recently was in the exact same boat as you (although I'm still waiting for my carry permit). I went with the S&W M&P .40. I liked that the backstraps on the grips were interchangeable. Med for me, but when I take my girlfriend, she likes the small ones (they come with the gun, L, M &S). I can change them out quicker than I can load a magazine. It's a nice feature, and because of that, it felt much better then the glock in my hands. I've got 300 or so rounds through her, and so far, no problems. It's also easy to take a apart and clean. I'd recommend it.
I did get the full frame, as I'm hoping to do some IDPA this year, and it's a little big for carry, so you might want to look at the compact.
Hope this helps.
This was OP's one an only post and he hasn't been back since a few days after this hit the board last October. No need for us to waste time on questions where no one is reading the answers.