[yankeesfan]

i am very new to the gun world and just doing some research before buying a gun. i think i have narrowed it down to 2 guns, the springfield xd 40 and the s&w 40 subcompacts. the gun would be for conceal carry. i was wondering if i can get some opinions on the pros and cons of each and any suggestions on which one to buy or even a different model but similar to size and weight. thanks

[spittinfire]

Welcome to the forum. Please stop by the introduction area and let everyone know you are here and little about yourself.

I'm a big XD fan but have you shot either weapon? have you handled both?

[yankeesfan]

i have handled both but not shot either yet. they both feel real similar to me size and weight wise. the s&w is about 100.00 more and i think the xd is a little nicer than the s&w.

[spittinfire]

Personally I don't like the feel of the S&W trigger. When I picked up an XD I knew that was the weapon I wanted. Are you sold on a 40?

I ask to see if you are open to other suggestions and to find out what made you pick a 40.

[yankeesfan]

i was told by several people to get either a 40 or a 45 but open to suggestions. i want something along the size of those two.

[spittinfire]

How much experience do you have shooting handguns?

[yankeesfan]

hardly any experience at all. i have a friend that is going to teach me from the ground up, from taking it apart to shooting.

[spittinfire]

I would highly suggest that you shoot as many guns as you can get your hands on before you decide. I'm glad you have someone that is willin to teach you but you need to spend some time behind a pistol before you make your decision. Both the guns you mentioned are solid weapons but that doesn't mean that either one is right for you. Also, don't rule out a revolver or another caliber. You have to shoot what you are comfortable with and what you will practice with. Take your time in picking your weapon, your life may very well depend on it.