Daily Carry Opinion

Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
Besides the opinions of my buddies I'm also turning to different forums that I lurk in for opinions for a daily carry.

Right now the only handgun I have is an RIA 1911 Tactical .45ACP. I just got my CPL and now I'm looking for another handgun that can be used as a daily carry. So far I've narrowed it down to 4 guns: Taurus 740 Slim, SA XD40 subcompact, S&W M&P40c, and a Glock 27.

Of the 4 guns, I've recently handled and fired a few XD series guns and really like them. They feel and fire very good, and are accurate.

As for the Glock 27, I've only put that on my list to keep my options open. Of the Glocks I've handled in the past I didn't like the feel of the grip, but the big thing is a lack of a safety other than the trigger safety system. This is a concern for me because I've heard/read of an above average number of accidental discharges with Glocks...yes, I know a gun is only as safe as the shooter, but it's still a concern.

I have no experience with the S&W M&P40c or the Taurus 740 Slim. But I've heard and read nothing but good things about both.

Thanks in advanced...Vince
 
Feb 2011
255
0
Portland, Oregon
I have owned both the XD 40 subcompact and the Glock 27 within the past few years. If I had to choose between them, I would go with the Springfield. In my opinion, you get more for your money with the XD and they are every bit as reliable as the Glocks. I can't say anything about the other 2 because I have no experience with them. Good luck in your gun hunting.
 
Feb 2011
258
0
Seattle, Wa
I have a Taurus 740 Slim, every time I pull the trigger it goes Bang, no FTF's or FTE's. I have only put about 100 rounds through it so far. Being a single stack it conceals well, even with just a T shirt, no regrets.

740SS_06.jpg
740SS_02.jpg
 
Jan 2011
230
0
Prineville, OR
I am ordering a slim for my carry gun. I had the 709 and sold it recently to get new tires for my car. I loved carrying it. Go with what fits you the best and that you will actually carry.
 
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May 2011
288
0
NW Quadrant WA State
Haven't owned any of the pistols you listed but I'd like to toss one into the "mix" for your consideration.

Years ago I bought a Sig P-229 for my everyday carry piece. Couldn't have been happier.

Mine happened to be from an "overpurchase" by a local PD that was returned to servicing Dealer. Saved a few bucks that way.

It has had over 40k rounds fired though it since I purchased it and has yet to show signs of wear or have a failure.

Another way to buy Sig's are to look for CPO's (Certified Pre-Owned) where Sig has completely refurbished them including finish.

The P-229 offered to me a good size, great feel in my hand, adequate firepower, and excellent durability. If I were to do it again, I'd buy one in .40 S&W, buy a .357Sig Barrel, and a Bar-Sto 9mm barrel for it. I could then have one firearm that offered a choice of three calibers.

From your list I would probably select either the XD or the S&W based on others close to me relating their experiences with them.
 
May 2011
255
0
Woodinville WA
Of the ones you listed I would go with the Springer or the Smith. They feel very different, and the design of the smith (barrel lower to your hand) does make it a little easier to control recoil with the 40. That's why I went with an M&P. But the Springer is one heck of gun. All three you listed in that $500 to $600 composite grouping are bad muthas, and if someone wouldn't be okay with any of them, that person is way out of my league!

The Glock grip isn't for me. Not a surprise you didn't like the grip either if your #1 is a 1911! But you certainly can't argue with Glock's track record. Just their grip :nana:

The taurus? I think it's just one step below the other 3. Not a bad gun at all. It's just that of all your guns, the one you need to go all out on is your carry gun. Spend what it takes to get you into whichever of the three others you like. Do check the M&P out though before you decide. All three will give you all the holster, and aftermarket sight choices you could want. All three have after market support for fancy barrels, and mostly drop in "match" trigger parts. I know that with the M&P if you buy the 40, you can get a conversion 9mm barrel (but it doesn't work the other way). but with the glock you can get 22 cal conversion kits (not yet available for the M&P) I don't know about the Springer and conversions. For me the feel and the "double decker bus" design knocked it out of the running before the glock, so I didn't check out what's available for it.

They cost about the same and you really can't make a mistake with any of them. How cool is that?
 
Feb 2011
64
0
Seattle Wa
You need to shoot them. I have Xd Sub and G27. I prefer the G27. I like them both but would pick the G27. But you already don't like the Grip on the Glock I would rent an Xd at the range. My meat hooks prefer the Glock grip
 
Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
For all the Glock owners out there: I started to look into the Glock platform a bit more...why, I'm not really sure, but you can't beat the reliability. Anyway, while looking over the Glock compacts, I noticed that the grips look slightly different in shape than the full size Glocks. Is this correct, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

One other thing I've been thinking about is sticking with the same pistol caliber for now...that means sticking with the .45 ACP since I've already got a 1911. Now, I've heard of the .45 GAP and noticed that Glock has .45 Auto and .45 GAP pistol models. Just so it's clear to me, .45 Auto is not related to the .45 GAP...correct?
 
May 2011
255
0
Woodinville WA
For all the Glock owners out there: I started to look into the Glock platform a bit more...why, I'm not really sure, but you can't beat the reliability. Anyway, while looking over the Glock compacts, I noticed that the grips look slightly different in shape than the full size Glocks. Is this correct, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

One other thing I've been thinking about is sticking with the same pistol caliber for now...that means sticking with the .45 ACP since I've already got a 1911. Now, I've heard of the .45 GAP and noticed that Glock has .45 Auto and .45 GAP pistol models. Just so it's clear to me, .45 Auto is not related to the .45 GAP...correct?

Run as fast and as far away as you can from 45 GAP. Glock Automatic Pistol. Intended to make the 45 grip smaller on the glock 45 gap than 45 acp. A hard to find, expensive ammo that could go the way of the dodo bird... Same principle behind cutting down the 10mm to 40 cal. On the 40 cal it was done to make the grip friendlier to, and I'm not making this up "female and minority FBI agents who may have smaller hands". I'm currently trying to decide between a M&P 45 and a "carry" 1911, so I'm totally down with the 45. I shoot 45acp much better than 40 cal (45 is more of a "push" recoil, and 40 feels more like a "Jab" to me, throwing me more off target, and more likely to make me blink when I pull the trigger). And as the old saying goes "A 9mm may expand as it penetrates, but a 45 cal never shrinks!"

Glocks are totally reliable. But so are the other two composites we're talking about here. Don't get one that doesn't feel good in the hand right out of the box. That's one reason I'm looking at a 1911 commander sized gun. I shoot both the M&P9 and a 1911 currently. They are very similar in grip angle, but I shoot the 1911 better (grip width and trigger), but I know intellectually the M&P 45 will be more reliable with less maintenance.

Gun choices are hard. Take your time.
 
Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
Went to the Wes Knodel Gun and Knife show in Centralia, Wa today to look at getting a handgun. I was able to get my hands on all the ones I was interest in to get a feel for them. Of all the ones I tried, I liked the S&W M&P and SA XDm 40 compacts the best. I ended up getting the SA XDm 40 compact from Woodland Guns and Ammo. I'm still in process of getting my CPL, so I have a 5 day wait until I can bring her home.

Here's a stock photo of the gun
XDm40Compact.jpg
 
May 2011
288
0
NW Quadrant WA State
Same principle behind cutting down the 10mm to 40 cal. On the 40 cal it was done to make the grip friendlier to, and I'm not making this up "female and minority FBI agents who may have smaller hands".

They also found out that a .40 S&W could be loaded to the same performance level as the 10mm which had to be "loaded down" in order to yield a manageable recoil for these individuals.

In the end, the .40 won out although the 10mm sure is nice for those that don't get all "flinchy" over recoil.

As for the .45 GAP, it's almost like a hilarious punch line in a joke. Mere mention of it gets a good laugh.
hahaha-024.gif
 
May 2011
255
0
Woodinville WA
I ended up getting the SA XDm 40 compact from Woodland Guns and Ammo. I'm still in process of getting my CPL, so I have a 5 day wait until I can bring her home.

You fool! :scared:

Just kidding! I honestly do believe that between Glock, the XDs and the M&Ps no matter which you pick, you win.
 
Feb 2009
246
0
redmond,wa
cant go wrong with an XDM! i love em! whenever i carry I usually choose what im packing for where im going.. if im just going out like normal i pack the LCP in my front pocket. If i feel i need more punch i carry the LC9 in my IWB holster.. I used to carry my glock 30 but that was too wide, then i switched to a glock 36 but that thing i just didnt like and got rid of it. (30 and 36 are both .45's but i like 9 a lot more now.)
 
Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
Just brought my new Springfield Armory XD(M) 40 Compact home...looking forward to taking her out and putting some rounds down range.

SAXDM40.jpg
 
Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
The XDM40 compact I bought is sweet. I've only got about 200 rounds through her, and I definitely need to work on my pistol shooting mechanics, but she's a smooth shooter.
 
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