Wondering what my options are

Feb 2013
212
0
Puyallup, Wa
So I've been looking at pistols to see what I want to purchase as a 21st birthday present to myself in January. I want something in 9mm do I only need to shop for one caliber for now. I want something fun to shoot, but also small enough I could carry it concealed if I wanted to. I've been looking around and so far my preference is an xd. I'm not set on one path, but I really do like the xd line. I would like to keep it under 700 dollars all said and done. Any suggestions?
 
Mar 2013
19
0
Puyallup
Fun to shoot, AND small enough to carry...

Well, my favorite carry 9mm is a Kel-Tec PF9, with a belt clip. It is really lightweight (about 12 oz). I wouldn't rate it as a "fun gun", though. It's a no bullshit, defensive piece, can carry inside waistband, nobody knows it's there, even when I just have a t-shirt and jeans on.

Fun to shoot? I have a P6 that has been tuned up, (short trigger, short reset kit, wolff springs) it's a hoot to shoot. I put thin grips on it, made it as thin as possible. But, it's two and a half times the weight, up around 29 oz.
I carry it outside waistband, but only when I've got a jacket that will conceal it well.

I recently shot a Stoeger 9mm, and it was sweet. Felt good in the grip, loved the trigger, and target re-acquisition was quick. It belonged to a friend of mine...I have a feeling I will probably own one sooner than later.

If you haven't done it yet, get down to the ranges and check out some rental 9mm, might help you fine tune your decision.
 
Dec 2012
356
0
Lacey, Wa
Try to get your hands on a Walther P99c AS

I very much so have a thing for the Walther lineup...they are worth a look.


OR


You could just go get a glock, like most anybody else.
 
Feb 2013
212
0
Puyallup, Wa
Fun to shoot, AND small enough to carry...

Well, my favorite carry 9mm is a Kel-Tec PF9, with a belt clip. It is really lightweight (about 12 oz). I wouldn't rate it as a "fun gun", though. It's a no bullshit, defensive piece, can carry inside waistband, nobody knows it's there, even when I just have a t-shirt and jeans on.

Fun to shoot? I have a P6 that has been tuned up, (short trigger, short reset kit, wolff springs) it's a hoot to shoot. I put thin grips on it, made it as thin as possible. But, it's two and a half times the weight, up around 29 oz.
I carry it outside waistband, but only when I've got a jacket that will conceal it well.

I recently shot a Stoeger 9mm, and it was sweet. Felt good in the grip, loved the trigger, and target re-acquisition was quick. It belonged to a friend of mine...I have a feeling I will probably own one sooner than later.

If you haven't done it yet, get down to the ranges and check out some rental 9mm, might help you fine tune your decision.

I've done that when I can but I have to bring someone over 21 to rent the handgun. Thanks.

Try to get your hands on a Walther P99c AS

I very much so have a thing for the Walther lineup...they are worth a look.


OR


You could just go get a glock, like most anybody else.

I know what you mean about the Walthers. I've considered that. I'm not really a glock fan though.
 
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Feb 2013
212
0
Puyallup, Wa
Yep. I don't know the reasons why (I would assume it's because you have to purchase the ammo) but if I take my 9mm rifle to a range (some won't even let me shoot it there because of my age) they always make sure I don't have a pistol on me as well.
 
Jan 2009
1,318
1
Kirkland, WA
Have you considered getting an XD in 9mm? You can easily get them for less than your budget. They have a sub-compact model that you could carry -- and they're fun to shoot. You can use extended mags if you want more bullets to shoot with, or the standard mag if carrying.

Springfield Armory XD-9 Sub-Compact

3877458426_d147eaf061_z.jpg
 
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Feb 2013
212
0
Puyallup, Wa
Have you considered getting an XD in 9mm? You can easily get them for less than your budget. They have a sub-compact model that you could carry -- and they're fun to shoot. You can use extended mags if you want more bullets to shoot with, or the standard mag if carrying.

Springfield Armory XD-9 Sub-Compact

3877458426_d147eaf061_z.jpg

The XD's are actually where I've been leaning. I've shot one before and quite enjoyed it and it seems to me to fit my criteria.

I was looking at Walthers like was mentioned and they seem A) awesome B) rare and C) expensive. Right now it's between a subcompact XD and the p99c.
 
Jan 2009
1,684
0
s. greenlake *****
The XD's are actually where I've been leaning. I've shot one before and quite enjoyed it and it seems to me to fit my criteria.

I was looking at Walthers like was mentioned and they seem A) awesome B) rare and C) expensive. Right now it's between a subcompact XD and the p99c.

I have one, and I LOVE IT.....

I can hit silhouettes at 50 yrds pretty easy.. (which is more than I can say for LCP's and other tiny little pistolas)
 

Rix

Jul 2011
32
0
Tacoma Wa
Define "small enough to carry"
I carry a full size sr9.
I put a ghost rocket in it, it's not a target trigger by any stretch of the imagination..
But the things got 6000+ rounds through it, no issues.
It's really accurate with most ammo ( I generally use s&b) and it's a nice shooter.
400 bucks is a good value too.
There's the sr9c as well.
 
Jan 2009
1,684
0
s. greenlake *****
solid pistol.. have shot it a BUNCH..

Pretty happy with it. I need some night sites.. but other than that it's awesome!!!
If you get the option, go with the night sites to begin with.. Wish I would have.. lol
 
Jan 2010
371
0
Sherwood, OR
For a few bucks more, you can get the XDm. The "more" factor might not be for you, but I love mine. The 3.8 compact is plenty small to carry, at least for me.

But I would say don't forget the Glocks either. It all depends on what feels better in your hand, and what you shoot best. I have the XDm, my brother went with the G26, and we are both happy.
 
Jan 2009
227
0
Seattle
I've had my XD9 Service since 2006. I've got over 30,000 rounds through it, hundreds of hours of defensive handgun classes and hundreds of IDPA matches shot with it. Its worked great!! Its also my every day carry gun, I carry it everywhere I go where I legally can.

You can see my match videos here. http://www.youtube.com/dmonwai
 
Feb 2013
212
0
Puyallup, Wa
For a few bucks more, you can get the XDm. The "more" factor might not be for you, but I love mine. The 3.8 compact is plenty small to carry, at least for me.

But I would say don't forget the Glocks either. It all depends on what feels better in your hand, and what you shoot best. I have the XDm, my brother went with the G26, and we are both happy.

I haven't shot the XDm but I am leaning away from it for two reasons. It costs more and because I have pretty limited pistol shooting experience I wouldn't be able to utilize it.
And I'm leaning away from glocks because I just haven't really enjoyed shooting them as much and they don't feel as good in my hand.
This is all theoretical because as of right now shops don't even let me hold the handguns so being able to fondle a couple will help me even more once the time comes.
 
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