Seeking input, first handgun

[FirstResponderMatt]

Hi everyone


I have been raised around guns, I EDC my favorite Kershaw Blur most everywhere I go, except school. And I am looking to get my CCW before I'm 21 because of my occupations. As my name on here suggests I am a first responder, an EMT/ volunteer firefighter. I commute a fair distance to the station I volunteer at, which is why I intend to pursue my CCW license fairly soon.

I am looking at getting a 9mm for my first handgun, I have shot glocks and Barettas and they are alright in my hand. I feel that glocks are uncomfortable in my hand and tend to feel very plastic. I am most interested in getting a gun that is not only going to be a good first gun, but something I can inevitability CC fairly easily. I am looking at the Glock 17, 19, and a Springfield XD9 4 inch service issue.

Before I purchase either I will shoot them, and it is going to depend on how they feel in my hand.


But I was wondering if you all could give me some pros and cons to getting one over the other for a first gun, knowing that it might become my first CC gun.

I intend to buy used if I can find either used, just because of price; I am leaning toward the XD9 even before shooting it because of all the research I have done on them, and the fact that the Glock feels so plastic and hard in my hand. I am 5’11" and have fairly big hands, and without the magazine extension on the Glock I find myself awkwardly trying to fit my hand around it properly, making shooting the Glock not very fun, I much prefer my mothers PX4 Storm because of the ergonomics of it.

Thanks for reading this long winded post, and taking the time to write a response!
- Matt

[Fox75]

If your wanting to CC fairly easily I would scratch the Glock 17 of the list. As far as the Glock 19 and SA XD9 go it's going to come down to exactly what you said "it is going to depend on how they feel in my hand". IMO both are fine choices and very reliable and easy to maintain firearms. Choosing a proper holster (IWB) is going to be as important because although these are compact guns and lots of people do CCW them, others find them difficult to carry as the design is for double stack magazine.

The PX4 storm is another beast all together as it is DA/SA trigger. Some people love this system and others just can't get used to having two different trigger pulls. I would say that if this is your first handgun you should be fine learning on this type of trigger.

The 19 and XD9 are both great all around pistols that can be carried and also be used as a nightstand bump in the night gun, both would be considered great first time handguns. Later down the road you can always purchase an additional firearm suited just for CCW that has a single stack mag. Lot's of guys on the forums right now are loving the M&P shield.Hope this helps a little and good luck!

[The Waco Kid]

First post nails it. The Glock 19 was my first, and is sort of a "Jack of All Trades." It's not perfect as a a CCW (big for only 10 rounds), target pistol (combat sights), or home defense weapon, but its pretty darn close to perfect.

I would go with the G19, or its Springfield or S & W version. It's hard to go wrong with a Compact size polymer as your first.

[zippo]

take a look at XD9 sub. easy to ccw.

[Euphoria526]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. I'd get the XD if you think you will be worried about the glock. Xd's just feel better and I shoot better with them.
But I overall still prefer the cz to both.

[Rusled]

Another vote for CZ.
Ergonomics are very close to the 1911 and almost identical to the Browning HP.

[Squidward]

It's not on your list but a S&W M&P in 9mm may be worth a look. It has three grip panels that you can choose from to suit your hand size. It may not feel as as plastic to you. It can be had with or without a thumb safety, if that matters.

People also seem to be excited about the S&W Shield.

[p7m8jg]

Whatever you get, make sure it has a trigger and a hammer or striker and a barrel and a place to hold ammunition.......

But seriously, there is no such thing as a "perfect" gun, only what is perfect for you. I've bought, traded and sold many over the years in my search for what is best for concealed carry: AMT backup .380; S&W Model 66 .357 in 2.5 in bbl; Star PD in .45 ACP; Star BKS in 9mm; H&K P7 M8; Glock 19; S&W 649 J frame; High Standard .22 Mag derringer; Springfield Champion .45 ACP; Kimber Pro carry .45 acp and the list goes on and on.

Opinions are great but like bodily orifices everybody has one. Almost any of the modern handguns in at least 9mm will serve you well as you begin your search. S&W or Glock 19 in 9mm is a great start and there are used ones available for modest prices. Go hold them. Shoot them. Then make your decision.

And whatever you do, enjoy the process!

[5ZS]

Consider the XDS-4"
4" barrel, so the sight radius is better for range as compared to more common ~3" barrel guns.
Extended magazine, use as needed at the range, and use the flush fit magazine for CCW.
Single stack so it's slimmer, so it's just that much more comfortable if you go IWB.
Polymer is light weight, love my CZ, but no just becasue of the daily weight advantage.

I would just separate ccw (XDS-3.3/Shield) and range (something funner), having more is funner.

[colossians323]

Another vote for CZ.
Ergonomics are very close to the 1911 and almost identical to the Browning HP.

and another for cz

[desertjosh]

Id look at the XD9 compact if you are going to be CCW. I have the XD9 Tactical and I love it. They are great guns with lifetime transferable warranty so maybe try and find one used?

[calgunnerpix]

Start with a G17 or G19 and 5 mags. Take several tactical training courses. Shoot about 3,000 rounds. Get pretty good. Then figure out your CCW. IMO CCW training is more valuable after building a solid foundation, so that you might maximize speed and efficiency when you are prepared to do so. Get a .22 slide and mags and shoot thousands to save $. Training is far more valuable than the tool itself.

[FirstResponderMatt]

If your wanting to CC fairly easily I would scratch the Glock 17 of the list. As far as the Glock 19 and SA XD9 go it's going to come down to exactly what you said "it is going to depend on how they feel in my hand". IMO both are fine choices and very reliable and easy to maintain firearms. Choosing a proper holster (IWB) is going to be as important because although these are compact guns and lots of people do CCW them, others find them difficult to carry as the design is for double stack magazine.

The PX4 storm is another beast all together as it is DA/SA trigger. Some people love this system and others just can't get used to having two different trigger pulls. I would say that if this is your first handgun you should be fine learning on this type of trigger.

The 19 and XD9 are both great all around pistols that can be carried and also be used as a nightstand bump in the night gun, both would be considered great first time handguns. Later down the road you can always purchase an additional firearm suited just for CCW that has a single stack mag. Lot's of guys on the forums right now are loving the M&P shield.Hope this helps a little and good luck!

Awesome response, this was exactly what I was looking to hear, thanks very much. I will be shooting a few guns here in the coming weeks to find my fit!

It's not on your list but a S&W M&P in 9mm may be worth a look. It has three grip panels that you can choose from to suit your hand size. It may not feel as as plastic to you. It can be had with or without a thumb safety, if that matters.

People also seem to be excited about the S&W Shield.

I do like the S&W, I will add them to the list to look at; I've got some research to do! Thanks!

Consider the XDS-4"
4" barrel, so the sight radius is better for range as compared to more common ~3" barrel guns.
Extended magazine, use as needed at the range, and use the flush fit magazine for CCW.
Single stack so it's slimmer, so it's just that much more comfortable if you go IWB.
Polymer is light weight, love my CZ, but no just becasue of the daily weight advantage.

I would just separate ccw (XDS-3.3/Shield) and range (something funner), having more is funner.

The XDS-4 is the 4 inch service model right!? I am looking at that very model!



Thanks everyone for your input I appreciate it all!

[Port Authority]

I would recommend you try on a Glock 36 for size.

It's fairly small, has an effective punch and doesn't feel like a Glock 2x2.

It's so thin my hand doesn't even touch the grip side under my first knuckles, and I have kinda small hand(s).

The length of pull to the trigger is long so the depth of the grip makes for good recoil control.

Port

[smak28]

I usually recommend steel Sig with a decocker. 2 reasons: additional safety mechanism to drop the hammer and extra weight to help with recoil compared to polymer guns.