First handgun purchase

[32_d3gr33s]

Been doing a little shopping around, but am kind of torn between a few, and just dont have the experience to really decide.  A big part is everybody has personal preferences, so its hard to really tell when the guns themselves are actually so close comparison wise.  Did quite a bit of reading and looking in some local stores and I've narrowed it down to 4 guns.  S&W M&P 9c, Glock 19, Springfield XDM, and Ruger SR9C.  All of which are right around the $500 range.  Anybody have any input on any of these?  Im just trying to get some feedback, to try to help decide.  I'm planning on purchasing at the end of the month so i have a little time to read up a little more, and maybe even shoot one. 

Any other suggestions for a first time pistol?  Places recommended near Grand Rapids to purchase?

Side note: I will more than likely be open carrying, but want the option to conceal once i get my license.

Thanks

[METL]

I would not buy the ruger.

You will not be disappointed with the M&P, Glock, or XDm.   (though I believe you are mistaken on the cost of the XDm... it is likely the most expensive of the 3)


All are very nice and reliable pistols. 


You should narrow it down to 2 of them then flip a coin. 

[32_d3gr33s]

I would not buy the ruger.

You will not be disappointed with the M&P, Glock, or XDm.   (though I believe you are mistaken on the cost of the XDm... it is likely the most expensive of the 3)


All are very nice and reliable pistols. 


You should narrow it down to 2 of them then flip a coin. 

the XDm is a little more $.   the ruger is a little less $...   My personal preference was between the G19 and  the M&P, but was just throwing the other 2 in there to see if someone had any insight on getting one of those. 

[TheQ]

Any of the other three guns are guns I have or would carry. Avoid the ruger.

If you plan to OC (or IWB CC) get the Glock 17, XDm 9, or M&P. no need to get a compact. Bigger really is better.

Why would you want the compact over the full-size? Just curious....

[32_d3gr33s]

If you could only pick 1 of the other 3, what would it be and why?

[TheQ]

If you could only pick 1 of the other 3, what would it be and why?

It's really a toss up. Just don't get a compact.

FWIW, my EDC is a Springfield XDm 9mm 4.5". Why the XDm? At 19 rounds the magazine capacity second to none (pea shooter FM five-seven aside). That was the deciding consideration for me.

[32_d3gr33s]

Reason I'm looking at the compact versions is I do want the option to conceal. I held both versions of all the weapons and they all feel very comfortable in my hand, but I actually like the feel of the compact a little better.  Both the xdm and m&p have the larger clips that have extended grip if I wasn't concerned with concealing as well.

[bigt8261]

When I was looking for a more concealable option, I had my choices narrowed down to the M&P9c, SR9C and G26. Out of those three I chose the M&P9c, but someone put an XDs in my hand before I decided to buy. That might be a little smaller than what you are looking for.

I live in GR and have purchased two pistols from Silver Bullet Firearms. Both times they happened to be the only one that had exactly what I was looking for. Their prices seem to be competitive too. My experiences with them are generally good and I have no problem recommending them. Not everyone here feels the same way. Al & Bobs is just up the road from Silver Bullet. Rylee's Ace, Gander Mountain and MC Sports on 28th st. (I think) are other options that come to mind. On Target is in KZoo but usually has helpful staff and a good selection. I think their prices are a bit higher though.

FYI, Silver Bullet has a 10 for 10 deal. Everything you need to test a firearm with 10 rounds for $10. (including target, eyes and ears) Might be a good option if you can't decide between two.

Good luck

[32_d3gr33s]

^ thanks. Silver bullet is actually where I was looking at the guns. At this point I'm leaning towards the m&p. they had one in there with the laser grip that I really like. That bumps the price up about 200 bucks but its something I could add down the road (right?).  The g19 is a little plain for my tastes, but it still looks to be a very nice gun.  And the xdm is just a little more expensive so that takes away from accessories / ammo I can purchase.  Does anyone know exactly what the guns come with when bought brand new.  I've seen that some come with multiple mags but want to be sure...

[TheQ]

Reason I'm looking at the compact versions is I do want the option to conceal. I held both versions of all the weapons and they all feel very comfortable in my hand, but I actually like the feel of the compact a little better.  Both the xdm and m&p have the larger clips that have extended grip if I wasn't concerned with concealing as well.

You can IWB conceal a full sized just as well as a compact. OWB your concealment will suck in either case (major printing).

HTH.

I'll upload pictures later of me concealing my full size XDm IWB.

[TheQ]

If mag capacity is a concern, avoid the XDs where the s stands for single stack/slim

[TheQ]

^ thanks. Silver bullet is actually where I was looking at the guns. At this point I'm leaning towards the m&p. they had one in there with the laser grip that I really like. That bumps the price up about 200 bucks but its something I could add down the road (right?).  The g19 is a little plain for my tastes, but it still looks to be a very nice gun.  And the xdm is just a little more expensive so that takes away from accessories / ammo I can purchase.  Does anyone know exactly what the guns come with when bought brand new.  I've seen that some come with multiple mags but want to be sure...

XDm comes with:

PoS paddle holster (no active retention)
2 mags
1 mag loader
1 dual mag pouch

[TheQ]

I was concealing the larger of these two firearms.

Please note: practically no print under a very thin "wife beater" shirt.

I can take more pictures if requested -- or even do a YouTube video.

[32_d3gr33s]

Thanks for that!  How about when you sit?  I was worried about that more than standing, that's why I was opting for the smaller guns

[TheQ]

Sitting

[TheQ]

I'll be in GR on Dec 1, I'm told. I can show you more then.

We're holding a Seminar that is yet to be posted.

[32_d3gr33s]

I'll be in GR on Dec 1, I'm told. I can show you more then.

We're holding a Seminar that is yet to be posted.

Awesome!!!  I get like 1 weekend off every other month and that's my weekend off. Would definitely be interested in going!

[TheQ]

Back to what I was saying. Get the full sized:

More ammo capacity
Better aim (longer sight base)
The concealment won't disappoint.

Seriously, all you can see maybe under a tighter shirt is the corner of the bottom of the grip and that could be ANYTHING...including a cell phone.

If you cant the gun just right, you won't even see that.

[32_d3gr33s]

Side question...  Is it legal to have a suppressor for a handgun?

[TheQ]

Side question...  Is it legal to have a suppressor for a handgun?

Yes, but getting one is complicated and expensive. By the time you get one, you will have spent over a grand.