S.A. XD 9mm or Sig P220

[squarehead]

Im looking at buying a pistol in the near future. It will mainly be used for target shooting and IPSC. Does anyone have experience with either of these two and what are your thoughts on them? They are both relatively the same price so thats not really an issue. Thanks.

Mike

[Werewolf01]

Lots of experience with Sigs. Love em. No experience with the Springfield.

[jpg]

Both are nice, but the Springfield is untested and unproven. SIG's are great.

Are you looking for low-cap? If so, why not get a 1911?

What is your price range?
What magazine capacity and caliber are you looking for?

I would suggest a USP if you have the money. I have been using a USP9F for years now for practical defensive pistol matches. I have never been outgunned. :oops: But I have been outclassed :oops: . There are some really good shooters out there. They focus more on skill and less on the tool(pistol).

[Uncle Sam]

but the Springfield is untested and unproven.

What do you mean by that?

I happen to own 2 XD's and they are proven. Very reliable and very accurate shooters.

The XD 5" Service model can be perfect for IPSC shooting, ask Rob Leatham

[squarehead]

Im looking for something in a smaller caliber. I think a .45 would be more than I need for its intended purpose. Price range is around 600-700 US. Im honestly not sure where to start as this will be my first pistol. The only thing Ive got any experience with is a Ruger Blackhawk 357 magnum which is no where even close to a semi-auto pistol.

[Werewolf01]

Why don't you try a Glock to start out with. They are generally the easiest autos to learn how to shoot IMHO.

[Uncle Sam]

Im looking for something in a smaller caliber. I think a .45 would be more than I need for its intended purpose. Price range is around 600-700 US. Im honestly not sure where to start as this will be my first pistol. The only thing Ive got any experience with is a Ruger Blackhawk 357 magnum which is no where even close to a semi-auto pistol.

If you're gonna just plink, I would get a 9mm. Cheap ammo. Or better yet a .22.

I've fired Glocks, Sigs, Springfield, etc.. Thay're all really good guns. You should go online, read about them, go get "hands on" somewhere, then make a decision.

[TacoDelRio]

IPSC = 9mm for low muzzle-jump.
Self defense = .45ACP for bigger holes in bad guys.

That was easy!

If you have the money, go with SIG. If you don't, go with SA. You should be happy as a clam either way.

[sergey31]

If you want to spend around $700 then might as well get something stainless so it's easier to clean and won't rust etc.
BTW Sig are overrated, I sold my 220. The worst handgun I ever had when it comes to cleaning it and surface finish.

This is nice.. (.40S&W)
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/M92_Inox_S_maxi.jpg

[Aerosoul]

I've always been partial to SA. I'd go with the XD.

[JTAR7242]

Both are nice, but the Springfield is untested and unproven.

The weapon has been around for years, Sprinfield just acquired the importation license.

[squarehead]

Thanks for the replies. Ill let you know how it goes.

[TacoDelRio]

Yeah have fun. Enjoy your new toy whenever you get it!

Good night

[QUALAN]

Glock 17 9mm pistol . Simple , affordable , accurate , reliable , durable , safe all out of the box,good to go. p-)

[Nelson]

I personally would go with the XD in 9mm. Its cheap (around $450 U.S. dollars) and is super easy to maintain IMHO one of the best beginner's guns out there. The XD has been around since 2000 it just wasn't in the U.S. SA also has a lifetime warranty so if your finish wears off, you lose a part, etc. just send it to the factory and they will fix it. They also use some of the best mags they are very high quality.

[sergey31]

I'm going to get
This one.....
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/M92FS_Vertec_Inox_S_maxi.jpg
Or this one... (.40S&W)
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/96FSBrigadierInox_S_maxi.jpg
Some of these are nice as well...... I had brigadier in 9mm which I sold about 3 years ago.
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/92G_Elite_II_S_maxi.jpg
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/92G_EliteIA_S_maxi.jpg
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/92G-SD_S_maxi.jpg
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/96_Vertec_S_maxi.jpg
http://products.berettausa.com/images/immagini_maxi/96_Brigadier_S_maxi.jpg

[Nelson]

Sergey, he didn't even ask about Berettas why are you spamming this thread with tons of pics or them?

[sergey31]

Hey calm down man, this is a free public forum..... He's confused himself and I just tried to show him some other alternative.
Springfield XD is not really in the same class as Sig P220, two totally different handguns... And if he's willing to spend $700 he could get something nicer and even more accurate with better looks then Sig 220 (speaking from experience).
If none want to comment on Berettas then just ignore it, it's not spamming, spamming would be if I posted some pics of bulldozers or submarines.... It's pretty close of being on topic. You can't limit yourself to just one or two while you can explore 10 others to expend you horizons.

[Apogee]

THe M92 is a piece of crap. I'm getting a 3 inch .40 XD-9 next week I think.

[RGRBOX]

Lots of experience with Sigs. Love em. No experience with the Springfield.

X2 My SIG 226 is the best handgun I've ever trained and used in my life,,

[sergey31]

THe M92 is a piece of crap. I'm getting a 3 inch .40 XD-9 next week I think.

It's mostly because Army personnel can't shoot...... That and the military version with thin slide wall are not as good as civilian 92/96 models.

BTW, anything is crap that is under 4" barbell length. Might as well carry good throwing rocks in your pocket (at least you will make bigger impression on someone).

[Nelson]

Sergey, just where do gain your knowledge? Everyone that has a 3in. version of the XD will tell you they are very accurate and reliable guns. Having that extra inch is not always good. Perhaps when refering to concealablity? You are a ****in joke man.

[sergey31]

Everyone that has a 3in. version of the XD will tell you they are very accurate and reliable guns.

3" is a compromise and pretty much point blank weapon, arms length self defense instrument. If 3" barrel handgun was that affective and accurate as the 4.4 or 5" then Police officers would carry them as standard duty guns to save all that weight on their duty belt... for every inch shorter you lose 15% + of velocity.

Having that extra inch is not always good.
It is always good if the gun barrel is 3" and not necessary good if the gun is already has 5" barrel.


Perhaps when refering to concealablity?
Not all who carry conceal need or want pocket pistol, many are happy with mid-size handguns...


You are a f*** joke man

That word ^ has 7 letters not 4, You are a f****** imbecile....see after F there's 6 stars not 3..... "ing"

[Mark Sman]

OK I'm going to weigh in. Adjust my two cents worth for inflation.

If I was going to get a pistol for IPSC competiton I would get this

http://www.paraord.com/product/product.html?id=63

Para Ordnance makes a good pistol. I know that I have touted their skills before. I am not a factory rep.

I have used their pistols. They are a quality product.


more on skill and less on the tool(pistol).

Amen

[TriggerPuller]

SigP220 no question. Sergey you are an assclown!!!!

TP

[sergey31]

SigP220 no question.
TP

Had Sig 220 and thank God I got rid of it... here's a photo when I had it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/sergey25/Stuff45/TRS.jpg



Sergey you are an assclown!!!!

I hope you feel like a big respectable man with that statement...

[Swedish Chef]

Squarehead, if I were you I'd try to shoot both pistols before purchasing to see which fits you best. I have no real experience with pistols but I've shot the H&K P7M13, SIG P210 and Glock 17, and there's a big difference between those and I expect there's a big difference between the P220 and XD too.

[coughybean]

If you are looking for a .45 I'd go with a 1911 style pistol rather than the p220. I love sigs, but 1911 is a better pistol in my opinion.

If you are on a budget I would definently get a 9mm. For target shooting the 45 is not as cheap to shoot as 9mm... And I also prefer the 9mm for competition because of the higher capacity mag.

For self defense, some people may say a 9mm is a wimpy bullet and swear by a 45 but when you fill their body with 9mm I doubt they would be calling it a wimp bullet anymore.

I would choose a Sig over XD. . . But I've only held the XD and never shot it so I can't really compare. But I do have a p226 and it's great.

[RGRBOX]

SigP220 no question. Sergey you are an assclown!!!!

TP

Good weapon, but the problem with the 220 is single stack, as for the light weight weapons, yes the longer barrel means more accuarcy, but most gun fights are between 0 to 3 meters... the short barrel will work for this.. I mayself prefer the longer barrel of the 226 and my Itica 1911.. I would like to get my hads on a lighter pistol to wrok with for fun.. but when it comes to a tactical handgun... Except for a 45 the SIG 226 I find is the best...

[Nelson]

Um have you ever seen the 3in. XD not exactly a pocket pistol maybe more of an IWB pistol or ankle pistol. Definitley a chunky little gun.

I am very sorry I didn't put 6 asteriks after the letter F. From now on I will refrain from letting the word editor on here censor my post you F****** jackass

[squarehead]

Unfortunately because I live in Canada and due to my location, my options are rather limited. Our prices here seem to be rather steep as well. The Sig P220 and XD are around 800$ cdn, which is around my price range. The Glock 17 is 1025, th Sig P226 is around 1400$ depending on model. I dont really have the opportunity to go out and try all these weapons before I buy. I really appreciate all the positive replies to my questions though.

[sergey31]

SigP220 no question. Sergey you are an assclown!!!!

TP

Good weapon, but the problem with the 220 is single stack, as for the light weight weapons, yes the longer barrel means more accuarcy, but most gun fights are between 0 to 3 meters... the short barrel will work for this.. I mayself prefer the longer barrel of the 226 and my Itica 1911.. I would like to get my hads on a lighter pistol to wrok with for fun.. but when it comes to a tactical handgun... Except for a 45 the SIG 226 I find is the best...

The problem with 220 is...

1. Horrible finish on the gun, worst then any other manufacturer and it wears out faster then anything else, especially if you holster it allot.

2. Single stack magazines are ****e to damage when dropping on the hard pavement, not to mention being expensive and costing as much as $60 for 8 rounder. Also, holes on the side attract dirt inside (mainly when used in dirty, muddy environment = field use)

3. The barrel on 220 sit's higher then most other .45's (Glock 21 example) and this results in a bit slower follow up shots due to a bit higher muzzle rise…(you need to shoot both to compare and I do know that Glocks polymer frame flaxes and absorbs some of the recoil as result…. This is different).

4. Unlike most other handguns out there that are have their slides machined from steel, Sig 220 has a stamped steel slide (aluminum frame).

5. 230 gr 45ACP ball ammo is a subsonic ammo (850 or so FPS), That's out of 5" 1911. Out of 4.4" Sig 220 it's slower and you need to use +P ammo which sometimes defeats the purpose of 230gr not to mention premature wear & tear on the gun.

6.Overpriced for such a handgun that factory sights loose their white painted dot's (triangles) after about of 200 rounds of firing, not to mention poorly designed.

[sergey31]

Um have you ever seen the 3in. XD not exactly a pocket pistol maybe more of an IWB pistol or ankle pistol. Definitley a chunky little gun.

Yes, it qute small.


I am very sorry I didn't put 6 asteriks after the letter F. From now on I will refrain from letting the word editor on here censor my post you F****** jackass

Yah.. I just called someone a F****** jackass, Yah I feel like a big badass guy, I just called him jackass over the internet (but in real life I would **** myself because I'm a 14 year old who plays with BB guns).

Get a life looser and go masturbate with your 3" friend’s ****.

[Seraphim]

3. The barrel on 220 sit's higher then most other .45's (Glock 21 example) and this results in a bit slower follow up shots due to a bit higher muzzle rise…(you need to shoot both to compare and I do know that Glocks polymer frame flaxes and absorbs some of the recoil as result…. This is different).

The Glocks barrel that you mention is called low bore axis, which helps reduce muzzle flip. And about the frame flexing....I think that was just some unforseen event that turned out to work. Just like wine and penicillin. ;)

[Nelson]

Actually not a 14 yr. old. 18 yr. old PFC in the U.S. Army. But, nice try. I'm done with this.

[CMEPTb]

I have never handled or shot an XD, but my stainless sig 220 is the most reliable pistol I own (not a single ftf, fte, or any kind of jam and malfunction since round 1)...I can't say the same about my glocks, cz's, or springfield 1911, jericho. I bought mine from sportingarms.com for about $670, and quality mags can be had for $18 from http://www.copesdist.com/sigsauer.htm

[sergey31]

I would have to say that Sig 220 "Stainless" is the exception to my opinion of Sigs. Nice overall gun, a little heavier but worth the extra weight.
Aftermarket magazines are only good for the range; don't trust them with my life.

[Erik_MAA]

Boxers or Briefs? It's an equally personal question.

Only you know what pistol is best for you. Try them both out, and make the decision yourself.

[TacoDelRio]

They are both good.

As a former employee of the US Army, and a former competition shooter, Sergey, I challenge you to a shoot. I've worked at a damn gun store for the past year, and I'd say that the M9/M92 isn't crap because of US Army training. The M9 is a great police sidearm, or shooter's pistol. It is NOT a good combat weapon. IN combat, lots of bits of dirt and rock of varying size fly through the air and *SOMETIMES*lodge in your weapon. The open slide of an M9 is an invitation to getting **** caught in it. Plus it seems as though some of the magazines commonly in use aren't up to par. Overall, reliability/durability of the M9 has shown it to be an inferior weapon (not gun, WEAPON) to the M1911A1 it replaced. Keep in mind, the decision to replace the M1911A1 was born out of Government, not logic.

Plus, the 9x19mm Luger round was designed to demonstrate the Luger Borchardt pistol, AKA not designed to kill shaved apes (humans).

As a gun (not a weapon), the Beretta M9/M92/M96/etc is not a bad gun. It is, however, in my opinion and the opinions of thousands of servicemembers who actually have to point it at bad guys, a ****TY WEAPON. It may be more ACCEPTABLE if it were not against the laws of land warfare to use better ammunition, like JHP's. Little girly 9mm FMJ's go right through **** without making much of that red wet stuff come out of bad guys.

I don't have any problems with you, Sergey, just don't blame **** on Army Personel. Roger?



BACK ON TOPIC (sorry guys)
The XD is a good gun! You cannot go wrong for the price. We haven't gotten any returns or repairs, and we've been selling these things since they came out on the market as imported by Springfield Armory.

A good buy!

I'd opt for the P220 personally, but that's me. It's more $$$$$$, but it's a good handgun!

Have a good day!

[sergey31]

Sergey, I challenge you to a shoot
Any time any day :D


and I'd say that the M9/M92 isn't crap because of US Army training. The M9 is a great police sidearm, or shooter's pistol. It is NOT a good combat weapon. IN combat, lots of bits of dirt and rock of varying size fly through the air and *SOMETIMES*lodge in your weapon. The open slide of an M9 is an invitation to getting **** caught in it. Plus it seems as though some of the magazines commonly in use aren't up to par. Overall, reliability/durability of the M9 has shown it to be an inferior weapon (not gun, WEAPON) to the M1911A1 it replaced

There's two sides to it. One negative view about Berettas came from people who did not liked the idea of Army using 9mm round.

The M9 pistol did pass rigorous field use and abuse tests and proved to be reliable weapon. Sig Sauer 226 did pass those tests just as well but was not chosen because it was Berretta made a better $ deal. But both guns were and are reliable.
The open top is only open when gun is firing and that happens really fast anyway so it's really not an issue, when slide is locked the dirt would not get in.
I had a 92FS Brigadier in 9mm 3 years ago and sold it because I'm not a 9mm fan, I'm planning to purchase 96 (.40S&W). As a duty weapon it should suit me perfectly (which I plan to use it for).


I don't have any problems with you, Sergey, just don't blame **** on Army Personel. Roger?


There were several article on this (I'll see if I can find them). Even the Army admitted that their personnel do not get enough training with handguns and are not accurate with them. So that makes me think that it's not necessarily the gun but people who shoot them. I did not make this up.
Like I mention I had 9mm Brigadier and it never malfunction and was more accurate then other guns, the mag worked perfect (but then again I was not rolling in dirt all day).

I'd opt for the P220 personally, but that's me. It's more $$$$$$, but it's a good handgun!

I had one for 3 years and was not happy with it what-so-ever and sold it. I am a fan of .45 but Sig 220 was very disappointing. IMO they are overrated and overpriced. Everyone jumps on the bandwagon of Sigs but mainly what I always hear is "BATF is using them, I'm planning to buy one because BATF has them" or "U.S Navy SEAL's use Sig 226 so next mount I'm going to get one".
I purchased mine 220 because I wanted .45 and it was 220 or USP and I got 220....Speaking from experience I made a mistake, it's almost like I hate that gun with a passion, I just thank God I sold it.

[yiorgo]

Sig 220 hands down the best hand gun I have ever owned, most ACCURATE 45 out of the box I have ever shot and TOTALLY trust it with my life....you can never go wrong with a sig the reason you pay a little higher is becouse your getting the best....let me get this straight yould rather take a BERETTA over a SIG? rofl how many issues have you heard about the berettas? compared to the functioning of a sig 220? doesnt even compare

[TriggerPuller]

SigP220 no question. Sergey you are an assclown!!!!

TP

Good weapon, but the problem with the 220 is single stack, as for the light weight weapons, yes the longer barrel means more accuarcy, but most gun fights are between 0 to 3 meters... the short barrel will work for this.. I mayself prefer the longer barrel of the 226 and my Itica 1911.. I would like to get my hads on a lighter pistol to wrok with for fun.. but when it comes to a tactical handgun... Except for a 45 the SIG 226 I find is the best...

The problem with 220 is...

1. Horrible finish on the gun, worst then any other manufacturer and it wears out faster then anything else, especially if you holster it allot.

2. Single stack magazines are ****e to damage when dropping on the hard pavement, not to mention being expensive and costing as much as $60 for 8 rounder. Also, holes on the side attract dirt inside (mainly when used in dirty, muddy environment = field use)

3. The barrel on 220 sit's higher then most other .45's (Glock 21 example) and this results in a bit slower follow up shots due to a bit higher muzzle rise…(you need to shoot both to compare and I do know that Glocks polymer frame flaxes and absorbs some of the recoil as result…. This is different).

4. Unlike most other handguns out there that are have their slides machined from steel, Sig 220 has a stamped steel slide (aluminum frame).

5. 230 gr 45ACP ball ammo is a subsonic ammo (850 or so FPS), That's out of 5" 1911. Out of 4.4" Sig 220 it's slower and you need to use +P ammo which sometimes defeats the purpose of 230gr not to mention premature wear & tear on the gun.

6.Overpriced for such a handgun that factory sights loose their white painted dot's (triangles) after about of 200 rounds of firing, not to mention poorly designed.Remember what the original question was and Iam comparing the 2 and IMHO. Iam not talking about any others but the two referred to in the original question. Out here in the sandbox I have been using a SigP226 staineless that has worked flawlessly and believe me I have put it to the test on the target range and the two way target range!!

TP

[Baboonass]

Gotta disagree with TP on this one.

I personally don't really care for the 220, it's too top heavy, single stack, double/single action, etc..

Not my taste. The 226 was o.k., but I did like the 228.

All around pistol for every environment? Glock 19.

Just my .02

[Jippo]

Plus, the 9x19mm Luger round was designed to demonstrate the Luger Borchardt pistol, AKA not designed to kill shaved apes (humans).

9x19mm was designed for Luger 1902 military pistol, adopted by German navy 1904. Even the name of the cartridge in many countries is 9mm Parabellum, literally meaning "For War". (From Latin "Si vis pacem, para bellum"; if you want peace, prepare for war) So the cartridge was especially designed to kill shaved apes.

Borchardt was chambered in 7,65mm.


-jippo

[Hyper]

I just started shooting IPSC with my USP9. Love the gun.....one thing to consider, if you plan on getting competitive in IPSC, look at going to the .40. The scoring is tougher for the 9mm.

For instance the center (Alpha) of the siloutte is still 5 pts, but instead of 4 points for the next "ring" if you shoot anything under .40 you get scored as a three. Even things out I guess for the supposedly lower recoil.

Goofy thing is though, the guys that shoot the .45, load their own ammo, and use a real high bullet weight with minimal powder and there is hardly any recoil.

I like the 9mm b/c it's cheap to shoot, and I don't care if I am competitive in IPSC...mostly for fun.

I have heard many good things about the XD, but my buddy who recently picked up the XD long slide in .40 has been having feeding problems. Looks like the case is somehow catching on the slide face(?) or the extractor.

You can get some trigger kit to lower the pull to 2-2.5 pounds.

Some guys at the IPSC course had trouble with their XD's feeding as well....blamed them on the Magtech rounds.....come to think of it, my buddy was shooting the same.....good luck!

[TacoDelRio]

Plus, the 9x19mm Luger round was designed to demonstrate the Luger Borchardt pistol, AKA not designed to kill shaved apes (humans).

9x19mm was designed for Luger 1902 military pistol, adopted by German navy 1904. Even the name of the cartridge in many countries is 9mm Parabellum, literally meaning "For War". (From Latin "Si vis pacem, para bellum"; if you want peace, prepare for war) So the cartridge was especially designed to kill shaved apes.

Borchardt was chambered in 7,65mm.


-jippo

BAH! Dare I ever trust History Channel with facts!

Well it was designed by some crackheads, cause it ain't that good at killing ANY apes, regardless of the amount of hair on them.

[TriggerPuller]

Gotta disagree with TP on this one.

I personally don't really care for the 220, it's too top heavy, single stack, double/single action, etc..

Not my taste. The 226 was o.k., but I did like the 228.

All around pistol for every environment? Glock 19.

Just my .02 Match.Iam not saying the 220 is perfect its just a better all around gun than the SA XD. Many of my team use G 17's and 19's and they are great the P226 fits me better ergonomically. I own both in my personal collection and at home I carry the G23,same frame as a 19 but in .40

TP

PS I will be home June 10th for 3 days then back to Thailand for 3 weeks and then home for good,no more sandbox....contract finished! later bro

[Baboonass]

BAH! Dare I ever trust History Channel with facts!

.


I would.

The History channel has a huge gambit of historians it goes through for fact checking before any story broadcasts for authentisity. I have a friend who is an editor for some of the shows on the HC.

[Baboonass]

Gotta disagree with TP on this one.

I personally don't really care for the 220, it's too top heavy, single stack, double/single action, etc..

Not my taste. The 226 was o.k., but I did like the 228.

All around pistol for every environment? Glock 19.

Just my .02 Match.Iam not saying the 220 is perfect its just a better all around gun than the SA XD. Many of my team use G 17's and 19's and they are great the P226 fits me better ergonomically. I own both in my personal collection and at home I carry the G23,same frame as a 19 but in .40

TP

PS I will be home June 10th for 3 days then back to Thailand for 3 weeks and then home for good,no more sandbox....contract finished! later bro

Gotcha.

Hell, I don't even know what a SA XD is.

Personal prefernece with pistols, seriously as long as you can put your rounds into a target, who cares?

3 more weeks in Thailand? I think that place is probably more hazardous to you than the sand box. p-)

Hopefully you have contacted that guy about the job I told you about. You could work some of my gigs, it'll be a hoot.

[Erik_MAA]

I love the way that everyone keeps talking about what a worthless round the 9mm is, completely ignoring the fact that it's been around since the early 1900s, and is used by well over 90% of the world's armies.

My favorite was when back in the 1980s every police department in the country was getting rid of revolvers (many of which were chambered in .357 magnum) and replacing them with the 9mm...it was "the wave of the future".

About 10 years later, the same people who said the 9mm was "the wave of the future" decided that the 9mm was worthless, and everyone needed a 10mm or a .40.

I'll take practicality over hype any day. There are 3 things you should consider when purchasing a pistol:

1. Reliability. If it doesn't go "bang" then it doesn't work. Accuracy and stopping power are irrelevant if the gun does not fire. I carry a 9mm because of it's excellent reliability.

2. Shootability. You need a gun you can shoot well, which fits your hand, is easy for you to naturally point, and has a recoil you can control. The best way to determine what works best for you in this arena is to rent/borrow and shoot guns you are interested in.

3. Carryability - only relevant if you intend to carry the gun, but very relevant there. The gun does not get lighter as the day gets longer. If you intend to carry, you want a gun that you can wear and conceal comfortably for your entire day.

If you can find a gun which meets these needs, it doesn't matter if it's a 9mm or .454 Casul, a HiPoint or a Sig. Deciding what gun is best for you is something only you can do.

[joe mama]

I love the way that everyone keeps talking about what a worthless round the 9mm is, completely ignoring the fact that it's been around since the early 1900s, and is used by well over 90% of the world's armies.

My favorite was when back in the 1980s every police department in the country was getting rid of revolvers (many of which were chambered in .357 magnum) and replacing them with the 9mm...it was "the wave of the future".

About 10 years later, the same people who said the 9mm was "the wave of the future" decided that the 9mm was worthless, and everyone needed a 10mm or a .40.

I'll take practicality over hype any day. There are 3 things you should consider when purchasing a pistol:

1. Reliability. If it doesn't go "bang" then it doesn't work. Accuracy and stopping power are irrelevant if the gun does not fire. I carry a 9mm because of it's excellent reliability.

2. Shootability. You need a gun you can shoot well, which fits your hand, is easy for you to naturally point, and has a recoil you can control. The best way to determine what works best for you in this arena is to rent/borrow and shoot guns you are interested in.

3. Carryability - only relevant if you intend to carry the gun, but very relevant there. The gun does not get lighter as the day gets longer. If you intend to carry, you want a gun that you can wear and conceal comfortably for your entire day.

If you can find a gun which meets these needs, it doesn't matter if it's a 9mm or .454 Casul, a HiPoint or a Sig. Deciding what gun is best for you is something only you can do.

WRONG! Only the 88 magnum will do! It shoots through schools...
p-)

[Aerosoul]

oops. edit.

[sergey31]

WRONG! Only the 88 magnum will do! It shoots through schools...

I have that 88 magnum, its terrorist approved.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/sergey25/Stuff45/P5155359.jpg

[TacoDelRio]

9mm 1s t3h suXX0rz! :bash:

Unless it's in a subgun goin' 900rpm. :P