1st pistol

[r3drum1]

Been researcher and looking at the MP9, MP9C, or XD9 all in 9 mm. Not looking to CCW, but easily able to carry around for camping. Maybe visit the range maybe once or twice a month but mostly will stay home probably in a safe. As a 1st pistol/gun, which should I go with? I would consider .40cal as I won't hit the range much, but from what I hear, the recoil would be much stronger. I mostly like the MP9C due to the size, I can grip all 3 pistols just fine tho. If I do get 1, I doubt I will be able to pick up another pistol for a while, a 2nd pistol will most likely be SA/DA like a SIG or CZ P-01. Any advice?

UPDATE: Went with a MP9C, just ordered from UGimports.com, waiting for it to arrice to start DROS. Checked out the full size M&P9 at the GS, grips fine, but I just feel the MP9C was a bit better. Just my opinion.

[wurger]

.40 SW recoil is a little stronger, not "much" stronger. There isn't a lot of difference shooting my Glock 35 with .40 or 9mm with a conversion barrel. The G35 doesn't recoil that much more with .40 SW than my XD9 does shooting 9mm.

[dem0critus]

Honestly the recoil on a .40 is not that much more than a 9mm. Best thing for you to do is just go to the range, try a bunch of different handguns/calibers, and then choose which one you like best. There's TONS of threads on this forum discussing the exact question your asking, so search around and you'll find some really good tips/info.

[Jayson_L]

I say try holding/renting a glock at the range. I loved it as my first.

[r3drum1]

THanks, I have been researching, checking out forums for the past couple months. I probably made up my mind and changed it half a dozen times. I just don't have the luxury of going to a range nearby where you can rent a pistol. Also I doubt I will be able to make anohter pistol purchase soon after the 1st one which is why I need to make the right choice. I'm under the impression you can't go wrong with either mp9 or XD9 tho.

[Euphoria526]

Can't say for the mp9, but xd's are very nice. I personally do not like glock's much, if your even considering a CZ p-01, I'd say buy that, very reliable, the p-01 has VERY little recoil and very accurate. Or if you can find a CZ 75b in 9 get that as well. Lil heavier then the p-01 but worth every penny. That and the da/SA on the p01 is very nice as well

[$nake-Eye$]

first gun

Have not shot any of the M&P's but a lot of the threads here mention they are good but really need an "Apex" trigger job. That must be the company name, I am guessing. But, after the trigger job, people seem to really like them.

My first gun was a 2nd Gen Glock 19 back in 1993 and it has faithfully served me well to this day. No FTE or FTF with routine cleaning and maintenance trips to the Glock armorer every so often to make sure all the inner workings are in good shape. The ergonomics of the grip aren't as nice as the M&Ps but it goes bang every time.

Recently jumped on the Walther band wagon, though, with the purchase of my Walther PPQ in 9mm; 007's favorite handgun get's an update:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/weapons/the-walther-ppq-007s-favorite-handgun-gets-an-update-7865938

Expensive in CA due to the "off roster" status but has a huge fan club if you believe all the hype on the internet. Will shoot it for the first time this weekend and we will see if I drink the Koolaid or not...

[r3drum1]

P-01 is pretty much impossible to find here in CA, also theres a big price difference, for a 1st, I really dont want to go over 600$. Does the beaver tail on the XD give anyone problems? I like the look of the XD over the full size MP9, however I can't help but feel the XD because of more parts can potentially have more problems.

[Euphoria526]

Lol funny you mention that.last I SAW there was still a p01 up at oaktree in newhall It's where I got both my p01 and 75b SA You can also find cz 75's in .9/.40/.45 at gun world In Burbank went last weekend looking for mags and they have all 3 last I checked.
True about the price, but you can find 75b's for mid to low

[$nake-Eye$]

Once again not sure about the M&Ps but price-wise there are always advertised deals on the XDs. I see ads all the time for them in Turner's for one source.

I have the XDM so I'm not sure how valid a comparison is with the internal workings of an XD, but I've had it for over a year with steady shooting and routine cleaning and it has worked fine. The one Achilles heel is the striker retaining pin which may break from excessive dry-firing and cause the striker to not function correctly/be out of position. Some have reported the gun still working but I would not fire it with a broken pin. This is easily remedied by buying an after market (much thicker) pin and have a gun armorer replace the stock pin. My stock pin never broke but I replaced it anyway proactively.

You really can't go wrong with either and I will go with the advice most if not all shooters say on this forum. Shoot both if you can find them (rent or friends or other Calgunners in your area) and decide upon the feel and your accuracy vs. any one else's experience.

SE

P-01 is pretty much impossible to find here in CA, also theres a big price difference, for a 1st, I really dont want to go over 600$. Does the beaver tail on the XD give anyone problems? I like the look of the XD over the full size MP9, however I can't help but feel the XD because of more parts can potentially have more problems.

[JON KARGATHALON]

Be like me, Beretta Px4 storm in 9mm or 40. My first pistol, and the best choice i have ever made the SA/DA is awesome, and the SA is butter smooth, almost a hair trigger

[r3drum1]

Didnt know about the pin, pretty risky/dangerous, how would you know if one was going bad? I dont think I'll be dry firing much, maybe get snapcaps, but this changes my lean towards XD abit. Thanks for the info

[Euphoria526]

Pretty sure you won't be dissapointed by it at all. In either .9 or .40. Accurate reliable and fun to shoot.
My .2- my first pistol IS a CZ p-01 for reference, and i love it!!!

[doc66]

Hey Drum I started out like you with my first purchase. I just brought home my first Sig! Never thought I could ever afford one. Look into the Sig Sauer SP 2022. Comes in both 9mm and .40 cal. Can't wait to go to the range. But I did the reviews before the purchase- don't think you will be disappointed. Also cheaper then the guns you're looking at- by at least $70 bucks or so. Good luck. Oh btw I would go with the M&P too. Smith Wesson was my first gun purchase ever

[r3drum1]

Hey Drum I started out like you with my first purchase. I just brought home my first Sig! Never thought I could ever afford one. Look into the Sig Sauer SP 2022. Comes in both 9mm and .40 cal. Can't wait to go to the range. But I did the reviews before the purchase- don't think you will be disappointed. Also cheaper then the guns you're looking at- by at least $70 bucks or so. Good luck. Oh btw I would go with the M&P too. Smith Wesson was my first gun purchase ever

I seriously considered the sp2022 as well, great reviews, did yours come with 1 mag or 2? I hear the mags are expensive and hard to find.