Choosing a Pistol

[Gilgamesh]

I am thinking about buying a semi-automatic pistol for self defense.

I am currently looking at the the 9mm Glock 17, Sig Sauer P226, or possibly an HK model.

The Glocks seem like a good general choice with an internal hammer, no decocker lever, and are seem to cost in the $500 range vs. $700-800 range for the Sig and HK.

For those of you who have used and are familiar with these models, my questions are:

1.) Are the Sig and HK pistols worth the extra $200-300 over the Glock?  If so, why?
2.) Is the decocker lever annoying and/or easy to forget once you move the slide back?  Is there an advantage to it (i.e. to 'get a shot off faster')?  I see there may be a non-decocker double-action only model too.
3.) General question: Is 9mm sufficient for general self defense or is .40 or higher caliber better?
4.) Are rails nice to have?
5.) Any other semi-auto's you might recommend?  Other comments?

Thanks.

[opsec]

1) I haven't used Sigs or HK pistols. But Glock does everything I need it to, and $200-$300 will buy a good amount of ammo.
2) I used a pistol with a decocking lever once. I think it is just one more detail that consumes time when time is at a premium.
3) I prefer the .40 over the 9mm because it fires a heavier bullet and there is less chance of over penetration as has been a problem with the 9mm, yet it does not have the drawbacks of the .45 (heavy ammo, too slow, etc.)
4) I've never used the rails even though my Glock has them. I don't like "swiss army" pistols.
5) XD is a shameless pirate of Glock. For all practical purposes, they are the same. I like Glock because it can't fire accidentally, and it is a true pull-point-shoot pistol which makes for a faster first shot. You don't have to fiddle around with a safety, because Glocks are always on safety until the very moment the trigger is pulled. The Glock model 23 is easier to carry concealed than the full size Glocks. Glocks can also change calibers depending on the model you have. My model 23 fires both .40 and with drop in barrels, will fire .357 sig, and 9mm.

[Gilgamesh]

I thought about getting a shorter barrel model for CC.  I guess the only significant drawback is that you get a few less rounds in the clip, but the difference does not seem that significant.  Does the barrel length difference between the 17 (4.49") vs. the 23 (4.02") make much difference in accuracy?

Have you tried a Glock "C" (compensated) model?  Does it significantly reduce recoil vs. a standard model?

Your answers help, thanks.

[Rusty Shackelford]

What's really important about a pistol is how you feel about it.  Go to a shop that has a lot of pistols and try every one.  Check the grip, check the focal length, check the balance.  The big thing I look for is that the front of the barrel should feel slightly heavy and a solid grip that fits my hand.  Can I reach all the levers and safeties I'm supposed to?  For one person the Glock will be the perfect pistol.  For another the Glock will be a useless piece of Tupperware.  It's a personal choice.  I'd also check what the "add-ons" cost - do you want a light?  Extra mags?  How will cost and availability affect your decision (I recently passed on buying a weapon that I'd wanted for almost 20 years - A Wilkerson Arms Linda - because you can't get parts or magazines for them).

I personally like the XDs.  They made several improvements over the Glock.  They cost less than the Glocks.      Here are links to some articles about XDs:

http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php  (reposted on Springfield's website).
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/XD-9_Tactical.htm

You can Google 'XD Torture Test' and you'll all kinds of data on them.

Here's similar links for Glock:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/10/06/1000-round-9mm-glock-19-torture-test/

You can see that the Glock performs well.  The only problem I have with this is that he attributes the stovepipes to S&B ammo - because he does it without doing any inspection to determine if there was another cause.  There are a lot of nicknames for guys who like Glocks, but lets just say that it seems they've all drank the Koolaid   

http://www.rawmeat.com/link.php?id=10919  (This guy is a little nuts, but the article is a hoot - he really drops the Glock out of a plane).

Also, visit some of the forums - XDTalk, GlockTalk, etc.  Here's some links with comments that will put everything in perspective:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310977&highlight=most+durable
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/archive/index.php/t-30684.html

I've also got the older Ruger P98 and P90 with the decocker, and I'd recommend staying away from it - especially in a self-defense weapon. It's just something that gets in the way. 

[Gilgamesh]

The XD looks like a nice pistol choice too.  I am left handed so the ambidextrous mag release is a plus.  The chamber loaded indicators are a plus too.

I am going to test fire some of these soon.  Thanks.

[Rusty Shackelford]

The XD looks like a nice pistol choice too.  I am left handed so the ambidextrous mag release is a plus.  The chamber loaded indicators are a plus too.

I am going to test fire some of these soon.  Thanks.

Not being left handed, that's something would never occurred to me.  Also, think about how you are going to use the pistol - for example -

Target shooting - a bigger gun has less recoil, 9mm is generally cheaper.
Self Defense - most people like bigger calibers (my carry gun is 9mm, but I also have a .45 I can carry).  Most of the guys that shoot IDPA use .45.
Concealed Carry - you'll want a smaller weapon.  I don't know the Glock/Sig/HK/SW configurations, but the XDs an subcompact version for concealed carry, a service version for LEO style carry (open carry) and a large tactical version.  They also have a match version of the 9mm and .40.

Going out and shooting them is good.  I really wanted a S&W MP until I shot it.  It's a nice weapon, but it just didn't work for me.  Once I shot a couple of XDs the choice was clear.  I even like them better than my Colt GC 1911, which is a premium weapon.  For me, the Glocks seem underweight - you might like them and they may work great for you.  I've got a couple of guys I work with who feel the same way about Sigs. 

Get what works for you.

[Karmick]

If you really are just looking for a short range (in the hallway) self defense gun, you should have a look at the Judge by Taurus.  They are revolvers that shoot a .410 shot shell, as well as a .45 long colt.  When it comes down to it the ability to shoot shot first, followed by a large caliber "knock em down" bullet, is priceless.  Apparently they are a popular choice for under the robe.  This is what I set my father up with, as well as a good ol' 12 gauge pump for the more dramatic front porch style encounters, and a small suppressed .22 for cheap and easy target practice.  Good luck!

[opsec]

I thought about getting a shorter barrel model for CC.  I guess the only significant drawback is that you get a few less rounds in the clip, but the difference does not seem that significant.  Does the barrel length difference between the 17 (4.49") vs. the 23 (4.02") make much difference in accuracy?

Not for the distances you are likely to use a pistol at. The shorter barrel make is easier to carry and deploy in a hurry.

Have you tried a Glock "C" (compensated) model?  Does it significantly reduce recoil vs. a standard model?

You don't want the compensated barrel. Even if it does work as advertised, your stance and grip on the gun is what should compensate for the recoil, not the barrel. The really bad thing about the compensated barrel is that it directs the blast upwards. If you are holding you gun close to your body for short distance engagements (measured in feet, not yards), the blast of hot gasses will be directed up into your face. Also, if you are shooting at night or in low light, the flash will jump right up in front of you causing momentary night blindness. Both of these can get you killed in an engagement. Check out www.quickshoot.com for details on how to manage recoil.

[Carpenter]

Just purchased an FNP-9. Its great like it a lot. My buddy had one as well as the glock 17. I used both of them quit a bit and just really liked the FNP thats why I got one. As for a CC take a look a the Ruger LCP I love mine.

[mantis308]

I have S&W .357 featherweight for CC, but I don't recommend that because of over penetration. My overall favorite pistol was my HK USP .40, the accuracy was amazing and had little recoil because of the heavy weight. I had a Glock 26 with grip extenders, and it was okay, but a bit jarring to fire. My wife loved it though.

[oscar615]

I have shot the Glocks and have owned a 1911 for many years.  The Glocks grip angle was a little off for me.  Three weeks ago I bought the XD45 compact.  As Springfield says " it is two pistols in one.  It comes with a compact grip for easier CC but also has an extended mag which basically turns it into the service model.  It has the 4" barrel so it is still accurate and the grip angle of the 1911, which is supposed to be the most natural.  I am sure that is different for each person. Springfield markets it as point and shoot.  And the XD has several features the Glock does not, that have been mentioned in earlier posts.  It is a very nice gun and my 1911 will now be relegated to storage for the time being.  I like the 45 over the 40 for several reasons.  But generally it has good stopping power and availablity of the ammunition is outstanding.  You can get it everywhere.  The 40 is not quite as common in some places.  I think the ammo is cheaper too.  So all things to consider.

[Publius]

I favor the Glock 19 for concealed carry. If you want .40 then the 23 is a good choice. I have owned/carried Glock, SIG 226, Beretta 92FS and HK USP in .40 and Colt Combat Commander (Small 1911) and SW 681 .357 wheel gun. Don't like Beretta, big and heavy double action first shot and single action second, plus accidentally having the safety pop on while drawing it on the LE range. Never had to draw in bad situation, but that was always at the back of my mind. SIG had the same double trigger feel. The Glock, HK and revolver were always double action. Same feel with every shot. 1911 has single action every time. Like someone said whatever is your preference. One thing to keep in mind is ammo. How plentiful the supply? 9mm is used buy many military's and law Enforcement depts. world wide. .40 is, but not as much and .45 is fading. The U.S. Army has the Beretta 92 and that is 9mm. .40 and .45 seem to be more effective in stopping on first shot than 9mm, but I always double tap anyhow. Another thing would be to train, train, train with whatever you choose. Get used to the recoil and time it takes to get back on target, plus reload drills. Practice shooting with your week hand too. I'm a righty, but I can shoot quite accurately with my left. Most ranges won't let you do this, but if you have some private space, then practice quick drawing from side holster or concealed holster where you carry it. Gives you an idea and get your muscles used to doing it. Remember train, train, train. Train like you would fight too.

[Ryder]

Sooooo, what is everyones thought on a couple of wheel guns 38/357 that you can buy right now rather than a cool semi clip fed? Something about no safety levers and switches and just pull the triger.

[opsec]

Revolvers don't hold enough rounds and take too long to reload. A magazine can be changed in under a second. The double action revolver is less accurate than a semi-auto because of the amount of movement necessary to fire a round unless you use it as a single action by taking the time to cock back the hammer for each shot. You don't have that kind of time in a firefight, especially if your opponent has a semi-auto.

[Publius]

Sooooo, what is everyones thought on a couple of wheel guns 38/357 that you can buy right now rather than a cool semi clip fed? Something about no safety levers and switches and just pull the triger.

If you can afford it buy .357 in stainless, but do NOT buy it instead of an semi-auto. Be sure to get a couple half moon clips for it. That way you can shoot 9mm and .380 too. I say .357, because you can shoot obviously .357 and .38, .38 +p and the above mentioned 9mm and .380. Crappy accuracy with the auto loader round, but it's a survival weapon not an IPSC gun. I agree that it's too few rounds for a fight, but as a backup, not so bad, depending on the frame. Medium frame like a SW 681 or 686 doesn't hide so well But a smaller framed gun in .357 would be nice. As for reloading after empty, I got pretty darn good at reloads with my Safariland speed loaders, but still can't beat a magazine for capacity. The reloading with speed loaders takes practice, practice, practice.