Gun Enthusiasts

[Koz]

I want to purchase a new CCW (40 Cal.). I have narrowed it down to the Glock 27 (4th gen) and the XDm 3.8 compact. I’m leaning towards the Glock because of the size, weight, ease of aftermarket accessories and reliability. If anyone can share their thoughts or experience, it would be greatly appreciated.

Koz

 

[ogden8]

I want to purchase a new CCW (40 Cal.). I have narrowed it down to the Glock 27 (4th gen) and the XDm 3.8 compact. I’m leaning towards the Glock because of the size, weight, ease of aftermarket accessories and reliability. If anyone can share their thoughts or experience, it would be greatly appreciated.

Koz

Glocks are very reliable weapons, and the trigger is great out the box. However, I have a Glock 23 the compact version of the .40. It's not bad, I just don't like the sights on the Glocks. But, it is a great home defense weapon.

After a lot of trial and error I found the gun I am most accurate with, and that is Barretta 92fs standard military edition pistol. I tried the XDM, P30, CZ75, Glock 17, and a Smith and Wesson .40 cal. I like the 9mm because it's still a two shot drop, but can carry alot more rounds in the clip, and the ammo is a lot cheaper.

My next will be a Rock Island M1911.

 

[Cale]

I vote for the G27, but 3rd Gen. I'm just not sold on the 4th gens yet, but that's just me. Another reason I like the G27 is that you can throw a G33 barrel in it and shoot .357Sig as well (love that round).

 

[Koz]

Glocks are very reliable weapons, and the trigger is great out the box. However, I have a Glock 23 the compact version of the .40. It's not bad, I just don't like the sights on the Glocks. But, it is a great home defense weapon.

After a lot of trial and error I found the gun I am most accurate with, and that is Barretta 92fs standard military edition pistol. I tried the XDM, P30, CZ75, Glock 17, and a Smith and Wesson .40 cal. I like the 9mm because it's still a two shot drop, but can carry alot more rounds in the clip, and the ammo is a lot cheaper.

My next will be a Rock Island M1911.

Thanks for your input but the 92s is way too big and heavy to carry (concealed). I did consider the Beretta Px4 but it is approx a half pound heaver. I will be changing the sights on whatever I get (night sights and a built in laser), so that doesn't matter. I will also be getting a 9mm barrel to swap out, to save. I live in New Jersey and I’m limited to 14 round mags (maybe less in future).

Koz

 

[josh.bunch]

My daily concealed carry is the XD 3.8 subcompact .40 and I love it. I have the XDM 9mm too. I much prefer the XD to the Glock. I like the sights mug better. The Glocks feel too big in my hand and I don't like how you have to aim down with the glock to shoot straight. To each his own.

 

[CraigRoberts]

I'd recommend going for the Glock 26. Using high end ammunition like the Cor-Bon DPX loads nets you great penetration and expansion, but far more controllable in 9mm than trying to use a .40 in Sub Compact. This means faster follow-up shots with increased accuracy and slightly higher capacity.

 

[Thai]

Koz, here are a few good threads for your reading:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-topic/89922-help-me-choose-right-gun.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-topic/38499-conceal-handgun-what-do-you-carry.html

For me, i am bias against the "Glock" trigger for CC...but this is solely a personal bias. In regards to your two choices, i rather get Glock over Xd.

 

[Atlanta_man]

another vote for the XD from me
sure it is a Glock knock off, but way better !

 

[Koz]

My daily concealed carry is the XD 3.8 subcompact .40 and I love it. I have the XDM 9mm too. I much prefer the XD to the Glock. I like the sights mug better. The Glocks feel too big in my hand and I don't like how you have to aim down with the glock to shoot straight. To each his own.

The reason the XDm is one of the final two is because of its looks and feel (better then Glock). I feel they are both as accurate and reliable.

Koz

 

[Rix]

Rent and shoot first.
Glocks don't work for me at ALL.
Rugers new Sr40c might be one to look at, too. Definately some glock influence, but different ergonomics.

 

[Pikeman]

I have a G19 and I am accurate and quick enough for use a Carry. My preferred choice is the XDm however can't really get it since last time I looked they didn't have the CA package of 10rd magazines. A long time family friend got his FFL and is a Glock dealer/armorer so got a great deal.

 

[chucknorris]

I CC an XDm 9mm everyday. No issues with printing with the right holster.

Both guns are excellent SD (self defense) weapons. However, for me, the geometry of the Glock does not fit my grip geometry.

I have no hesitations on the XDm reliability and quality of the brand. I have taken several tactical and CQB courses with my XDm and have yet to have any issues besides the occasional FTE on a multiple adversary, multiple hit drill in 100+ degree weather.

I tried the .40 XDm and G23, but the "snap" recoil of the .40 (as opposed to a "push" recoil) delayed my target reaquisition time.

The only "1 shot drop" is to the "T" area of the head. That said, for the average shooter, its going to take multiple hits to COM to stop anyone. For myself, my follow up shots are more accurate and quicker with the 9mm vs the .40

Best advice I can give you, like others have said, is to rent both guns, put rounds downrange and choose what feels best for you (assuming you have sound firearm fundamentals).

Good Luck and let us know what you end up with!

 

[ogden8]

I don't know if you have pawn shops you can rent pistols from, I live at Fort bragg, there are lots. See if you can rent a few and try different ones out. Feel the difference between the ultra light frames compared to a metal frame. I like the extra weight, it just feels good in the hand.

Another nice aspect of Glocks too, is it's just point and shoot, no selector switch.

From 10 meters away I can shoot this consistantly with a Berretta, I can't say the same with my Glock. I probably could if I spent some more time at the range.

 

[UARandy3]

I want to purchase a new CCW (40 Cal.). I have narrowed it down to the Glock 27 (4th gen) and the XDm 3.8 compact. I’m leaning towards the Glock because of the size, weight, ease of aftermarket accessories and reliability. If anyone can share their thoughts or experience, it would be greatly appreciated.

Koz

When I was purchasing my pistol for home and truck use, I narrowed it down to Glock and the XDm in .40. I was not biased in my search and just wanted something that was comfortable in MY hand and that I could trust to go bang every time. I ultimately chose the 4.5" XDm (only size available at that time).
I wasn't able to rent either but based my decision on research and on the fact that the XDm felt great in my hand, whereas the Glock was uncomfortable to me. I also liked the capacity of the XDm at 16+1 in .40 cal...though I shouldn't ever need that many, or I'm in the wrong place and/or need more practice haha. I also like the grip safety, striker indicator, and loaded chamber indicator. I have been very very happy with my choice, and my wife also enjoys shooting it and shoots it well.
I am planning to get a compact gun for carry and will likely go with the XDm 3.8. That's my experience. Good luck with your choice! Either of those you choose will be a great gun.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

I want to purchase a new CCW (40 Cal.). I have narrowed it down to the Glock 27 (4th gen) and the XDm 3.8 compact. I’m leaning towards the Glock because of the size, weight, ease of aftermarket accessories and reliability. If anyone can share their thoughts or experience, it would be greatly appreciated. Koz

Before we go any further, lets just agree that Glocks are not the most attractive firearm out there. Every time there's a discussion about Glocks, someone jumps in and claims "they're ugly." So lets just move beyond that and talk about the issues at hand. They are light weight, reasonably priced, accurate and reliable.

I've been carrying Glocks for over 20 years. In that period of time I've had just about every model they offered (except the competition) in 9mm, .40 and .45. Glocks are reliable as reliable can get. I currently carry a 4th Gen 22 and a 3rd Gen 27. You can't go wrong the the 4th Gen 27. It has a beefier locking block and recoil spring, which is important because of the high pressures of the .40 cartridge.

Another advantage of the Glock is the super simple tear down. Both field stripping and detail stripping can be done with one tool. A 3/32" punch. As far as accessories...so many out there for Glocks.

I'm not pushing Glock because I'm a Glock cheerleader. I also own Colt, Smith&Wesson, Sig Sauer and until I traded it in for my latest Glock, a Beretta 96f. My loyalty lays not with any particular brand but with what works for my specific needs and application. I think you'll be happy with the Glock 27.

 

[JPWendtinc]

I don't think any of us can recommend a gun for you. A handgun is such a intimate and personal possession. You really have to go to a range and rent all the models in the caliber and frame you want. Then purchase based on what feels the best.

 

[MattH72]

G27 is my choice. I don't carry as much as I used to, but it is always with me In the T4R.

 

[ogden8]

Check out Hickock45 on youtube. He is a little Glock biased, but extremely entertaining to watch. He is very knowledgeagle on weapons and his opinion is honest. But like JPWendtinc said, everyone is different. You gotta try before you buy.

 

[CraigRoberts]

If you're considering something other than a Glock, don't buy anything without trying the Smith & Wesson M&P9 first. Both full-size and compact. Grip angle matches 1911 if that's your thing.

 

[JackOSU]

As others have mentioned you need to rent several guns and try them out to see which gun works best for you and feels best in your hands. You are going to have to be the one that wears this 24/7 for cc. You should also familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of each pistol selected as to give an honest assesment of it's manual of arms if you will.

I think the most prevalent mistake people make is not really the firearm chosen as much as not training with reputable instructors and putting things into perspective more on the responsibilities one takes upon themselves when they choose to carry a concealed handgun for personal protection each and every day.

If you cannot hit the broad side of a barn with any given firearm then it doesn't matter what one purchases and how much macho talk they do on a routine basis at the range or within their circle of like minded friends. In my opinion one should be able to draw from concealment and be able to place the first shot COM in the 8" circle of a IDPA target in under 2 seconds from 21 feet at the very least as a good starting point and then be able to improve to under 1.5 seconds and then 1.25 sec etc.

Another aspect is going to be the type/method of carry and what your normal interactions are going to be with people. Are you in a business environment where you need to wear a suit and a tie, are you in the business casual or just the normal jeans and a t-shirt routine? Finding proper holsters and mag carriers and their availability as well as quality of materials is also very important.

Availability and price of parts and components for each model of firearm are also a big consideration. You should be able to detail strip and maintain your own pistol at all times and have proper back up replacement parts. I would say Glock is probably the easiest to find and probably the cheapest as well.

I personally carry a G19 Gen3 with Warren sights and my own custom stiple job in a Raven holster IWB w/ x300. I'm a pretty big guy and it just disappears on me. Knowing your body type and whatnot could also play a role in how you plan to carry your pistol.

Again above all else I cannot stress the importance of taking classes from reputable instructors and pushing yourself to get better enough. Train like you'll have to end up fighting and don't get caught up in "training" that is designed to be a "game" if you will. I'm not knocking events like IPSC and IDPA etc, but they have their limitations on real world scenarios that you will likely face in a gunfight. Instructors like Southnarc, LAV, Hackathorn etc etc are good places to start with looking for an instructor.

Good luck with the hunt. I personally would buy the G23 if you are sold on a .40cal over the G27 and the XDm. The XDm to me has too high of a bore axis and parts are limited. I like the 23 over the 27 due to the sight radius and it's really not that much bigger if you put them side to side, but has a better purchase on the grip if you will.

Good luck!!