Which Pistol

[Hawkez]

A couple of months ago someone posted a question asking which pistol members of the forum would recommend. I have searched and I cannot find that post. I am considering a Baby Eagle in a .40 or a Springfield XD. Any input, or suggestion on other guns that I should look at would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]I think it would depend on the intended use of the hand gun. Also, what is your level of experience ?[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]A 40 cal is a very good round for personal defense. If possible, try to get an opportunity to go out and sample several different hand guns - i.e. large frame vs. smaller ones, automatics vs. revolvers, 357 vs 40 vs 45 cal, etc. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]How the weapon feels in your hand and how it fires are considerations that might affect your choice. If your hand is smaller or your wrist is not as strong, perhaps a smaller calibre or larger framed weapon would be preferable, as the recoil of a larger calibre pistol in a smaller frame could adversely affect target reacquisition if more than one shot is required to achieve the desired level of effect(stopping power) in case of a poorly positioned first shot.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Also, in some cases, pistols like Glocks, work really well in the hand of professionals while in the hands of the inexperienced or weaker wristed people, the lighter composit construction seems to promote more jamming of the expelled round due to the fluidity of the wrist absorbing too much of the recoil and negating the designed action involved in the exchange of the round.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Additionally, professional instruction and a lot of practice would be recommended if your experience is not extensive. If you've had a good deal of experience, then you know that virtually any calibre will get the job done.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Having had a good deal of experience with Desert Eagles(I've shot all of them), I would have no problem recommending any of their products. The baby Eagle would be a good choice - The Baby is called a small handgun by the manufacturer; "small" being a relative concept when considering any Desert Eagle. My personal favorite is the Desert Eagle 357, although the 50 cal Action Express is also a nice handgun - albeit a little overkill for most purposes. Even in the largest of calibres offered by Desert Eagle, all of their hand guns are easy to fire and target reacquisition is more simple than the size of the weapon would suggest.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]The bottom line - Any Eagle, in any calibre, would be a good choice.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]Good Luck and Be Carefull.[/size]
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[windknot]

Hey Hawkez that was me who inquired about pistols. The most popular guns were the springfield XD series and the Glock. After doing alot of research it seamed more like a Chevy vs. Ford discussion. Try them both and see what feels right to you. A few guys recommmended a Sig but I couldn't justify that kind of coin for a toy.
I hope this helps.
(I ended up just getting a lever action 30-30, at least I could somewhat justify as a deer rifle)
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I had also posted about pistols. I ended up getting the Springfield XD in .45. Feels good and shoots good. Also got a good deal at Doug's Shootin' Sports that included some range time and a discount on CC permit.[/#0000ff]
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[ugmecaveman]

Just wanted to put in my 2 cents, Hawkeye pretty much summed it up. He knows his stuff for sure. I was told during our CC class, that bullet and gun manufacturers get together every 5 years to discuss new ammos, calibers and pressure levels for ammo. so they basically make the gun springs and guides etc, handle the new velocities and pressure levels. So a +p or ++p bullet from a .32 has the same stopping percentage as a .45. I CC Ruger P97 .45, but i wanted a .45 and it was only $260 brand new w/2 clips at Smith & Edwards. So far I have never had a jam and pretty much can hit a pop bottle at 40ft. And on a draw can get all 8 shots in 7x10 area at 21 feet. And if your going to CC, seriously think about if your able to shoot someone, if not dont CC. So many stories of people pulling their gun and hesitating then get their gun taken away and getting killed. If your just going to fish and keep a gun with you, you can open carry in most places. Just make sure you know the law and definitions before you open carry anywhere.
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[Ewetah]

Earlier this year I have put my two cents in regarding the "which pistol?" question and stated that I prefer the Glock 23 in .40 caliber S&W. I now need to update this and state that I am switching to the 357 Sig round in the same pistol.

I have shot the 357 Sig round in both the Glock and the Sig 229 DAK model. The round is truly amazing! My groups were tighter than ever before. The recoil of the 357 Sig has more of a direct straight back push rather than the muzzle flip that can come with the .40 caliber. This is mainly due to the higher velocity and lower weight bullet in the Sig round. The ballistics of the Sig are great and most 40 caliber pistols can be easily converted just by switching barrels.

The 357 sig is actually a 9mm (.355) round in a necked down .40 caliber case. I would encourage anyone who is looking at a .40 to really take a close look at the 357 Sig!
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