For defense and target shooting
I recommend a Glock 19 to everyone that asks the same question, particularly those that are looking for their first handgun. The G19 is one of the most vetted and carried handgun by serious shooters in the world. Many US LEO's carry them and they are about as boring to shoot as any handgun out there because they just plain run. The compact size of the G19 allows comfortable CCW as well as holding hi-capacity mags, which if legal in your state, are reasonably priced. Any replacement and aftermarket parts are widespread and abundant.
Working on a Glock is simple after about one hour of competetent instruction. Even a good used G19 can be had for $350-400.
The S&W M&P is a good alternative.
The HK P30 is a nice shooter but rather pricey.
I personally would not recommend the XD and XDm. No disrespect to those that have one. Here are just a few of my reasons:
- High bore to grip, causing excessive and undesired muzzle rize and felt recoil. (your mileage may vary)
- Nowhere NEAR as simple as the GLOCK in regards to detail stripping.
- Relatively unproven.
- Lack of armorer support and easy access to spare parts. In particular, the extractor mechanism is integral to the weapon and not user or local armorer servicable. The weapon must be shipped to the manufacturer should anything go wrong in this part of the system.
Keep in mind that the pistol is made in Croatia (as the HS2000) and existed long before anyone heard of an XD, (and which commonly sold for about half of the current price under the previous and original name), but it is advertised and marketed as such to appear that it is an American design and manufactured product. It's basically one giant marketing and advertising scam. This near double price came about when SA had their name stamped into the side of the HS2000 and "reintroduced" the pistol as the newest/latest/greatest thing on the market with beautiful full color ads in every firearms related magazine available at your nearest B&N and 7/11.
-Finally, and maybe the biggest reason is that there is not a great following in Law Enforcement. Rarely has an agency looked to the SA XD/XDm line as a duty weapon. This reason alone will stop many from placing thier lives in the hands of a weapon system that the professionals by-and-large tend to shy away from. If this was to be just a range gun, then perhaps the above wound not be as important. But you did mention that it would also be used for self defense.
My unbiased opinion is that if you have or desire an XD/XDm, it is not going to fall apart in your hands. It will LIKELY function fine for many, many years. My recommendation is to do plenty of homework prior to purchasing any firearm. Make sure to check the serious and dedicated
firearms forums as well (and not just one dedicated to "toys"...
)
P.S. If you do go with the XD, I highly recommend that you toss the cheap-ass holster and mag holder that comes with it and purchase quality kit from Milt Sparks or Raven Concealment, just to name a couple.
