Afternoon, Gents. Recommend me a Handgun (Final Decision in OP)

Shield

I think one of the most versatile handguns for general use would be a full sized 9mm. Reasons:

1. Cost of ammo is cheap
2. Magazine capacity is higher with a smaller caliber
3. It's the easiest to shoot
4. There are a ton of options out there

Stick with a reputable manufacturer and you should be fine. I'll copy a bookmarked response I did a while back.

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I would think you would be leaning towards a full sized one for home defense:

So with handguns (in this case 9mm) I see about 5 different sizes. I'll list them in descending order:

1. Extended slide/competition length (barrel over 4.5"; full sized frame)
2. Full sized (barrel 4.25"-4.5"; full sized frame)
3. Mid sized (Barrel 4"; full sized frame)
4. Compact (Barrel 3.5"; shortened grip)
5. Subcompact single stack (Barrel 3"-3.5"; shortened grip; single stack magazine)

Where this differs slightly is with 1911s. You have:

1. Government (5" barrel; full sized frame)
2. Commander (4.25" barrel; full sized frame)
3. Hybrid (4.25" barrel; shortened frame)
4. Officer (3.5" barrel; shortened frame)

There will obviously be some variation in your polymer pistol sizes, but for the most part I would say those 5 categories are the main ones. Some companies will blur the lines of sizes (like the Beretta PX4 "compact" and the Springfield XD "subcompact") that will generally fit in a different category. The PX4 compact is more of a midsized than a compact and the Springfield XD subcompact is really more of a compact. You have to look at the specs or hold them to notice this so it's good to feel the guns before purchasing.

Now if you think you MAY carry the gun that would mean you should stick with something mid sized or smaller. Remember, if you don't plan on carrying the gun, it's always smarter to get a full sized because of its numerous advantages over a compact or subcompact gun:

1. Longer grip (which also gives...)
2. Higher magazine capacity
3. Longer sight radius
4. Less felt recoil (because of the weight)
5. Higher muzzle velocity (from the longer barrel)
6. Full length rail (covers a wider range of accessories)

The only place that a full sized gun loses out on in terms of carry is weight and size. That's pretty much it. A full sized gun will almost always be more shootable than its compact counterpart.

Full sized guns can be concealed and there are some people that do it with relative ease. But generally, a full sized gun will start to be left at home. While it gives you the highest capacity and the highest potential to put accurate shots on target, it isn't as easy to tote around as a compact. Some popular full sized polymer striker-fired guns are:

S&W M&P
Springfield XD
Glock 17
Ruger SR9
FN FNS9

The very popular Glock 19 fits in the mid sized category. It has a slightly shortened frame compared to a full sized but still is long enough to get all your fingers on the grip. Some other mid sized guns are:

Walther PPQ
HK VP9

Compact pistols have a shortened grip for your ring and middle finger with the pinky finger dangling because it is less likely to print when carried concealed. But with the shortened frame comes less control-ability. There is always a tradeoff. Most full sized guns have a compact counterpart so I won't list any here.

The upside of compact pistols are that they can accept a full sized magazine of their full sized counterparts. So if you think you might carry the gun but it may spend most of the time stored away, I usually suggest this size as a compromise since you can load the full sized mag or the shortened mag. Some guns like the Ruger SR9c come with both a full sized magazine and a shortened magazine. It is great for this role.

Subcompact single stack guns I usually only suggest if you are guaranteed to carry it. They have a very thin profile but a lower magazine capacity since the magazine is thinner. The upside of these guns is that they virtually disappear when carried and carry very comfortably.

So to sum up, if you don't plan on carrying it, I would suggest a full sized gun regardless if it's for your house or your car. If you think you may carry it sometimes or already have a dedicated single stack carry gun, I'd suggest the compact. You can always have more than one gun in a carry rotation. And finally if you know you'll carry it, I would get a single stack subcompact.

Spend a LITTLE more than "pretty damn cheap" for a LOT more gun. There is a huge diminishing returns on guns you spend more than 500-600 bucks in terms of your uses, but you will see a noticeable difference in quality from guns between 300-600. Just my two cents.

And with that, I suggest:

Springfield XDM series
glock or XD/XDM is a safe bet *go pawnshopping for used* these are safe to buy used.
Shield M&P is really popular, too.

do you want fullsize/compact/subcompact?

*edit*

guy above mentioned the ruger SR series, i shot one ONE time and i was an instant fan. i'll slap my 2 bit endorsement on that too. do NOT fall for a smith and wesson sigma series. they're a decent looking gun with a reputable name... both of the ones I've shot i could get to jam up real easy.

Police trade-in Glock 17 or M&P 9 if you are budget shopping. Sometimes they have Sig P226s as well.

Should be able to find either for ~$350

Stay away from the concealed carry/single stack guns since you are not going to be carrying it concealed, just on your hip while hunting.

Get a S&W 500, unless you're a pansy

quote:

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I know that sounds dumb, but I'd like something that won't drag me down If I wear it on my hip. But also not something I'll forget is there, if you know what i mean.

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doesn't sound dumb at all. you would THINK that a compact fit most britches pretty well, but i find they're still too big for me. i'm not a big guy though. i weigh 160. so, i absolutely had to opt for subcompact to actually be motivated enough to daily carry. otherwise i just found myself leaving it at home.

ask bapple for a better picture of it... but i do have two examples. i have a beretta 92fs, full size. my brother in law has the compact version. it is almost not noticable the size difference. likewise, they call my XD-40 a compact... that sucker ain't small. don't have a comparison for the XD vs another one that is full tho.



That's full size vs compact.

Below is sub compact in the guy's hand.

quote:

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RadBro

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I think to get the most out of your experience and dollars spent you just really need to consider what its function for you REALLY is in terms of day to day. Do you wanna carry? Do you just want a fun toy to plink around with / lock in your car to have proximal to you at all times?

Is this going to be just a nightstand sorta deal?

Where would one find a police trade-in?

Look on Slick guns. Bud's gun shop and many other companies have police trade ins quite often, almost all of the time. Most times they are listed and priced according to their scale of use/condition. They seem to be reasonably priced. I have never purchased one, but I have researched and most seem to have to good luck buying these.