ItsMyRight2

Its pretty much like Pepsi and Coke. Its all personal opinion. Just try a few out and see what feels good. Just make sure its a stopping power caliber..no 22's,25's and such. And not a cheapie brand(is your life worth a few more bucks?)

When I chose my XD40 it was mostly because it just felt really good in my hand compared to all the rest ,almost like it was custom made. But then I have buddies who hate the way it feels.

Its all about you.

Guns and more

I'll bet there are ranges closer than an hour away. Virginia is a gun friendly state. (except near DC).
Whatever you get, you'll want to practice with it. 9mm. ammo is a lot cheaper than .45 so that may be a consideration. Also, there's carry, and then there's CARRY. Some folks feel okay carrying a full size and dressing around it. I happen to like the "smaller is better" because you are more likely to have it always on you.
Don't rush the decision, go to a gun store and feel different guns, even if you can't shoot it there. Your hand will like one more than another. Then your budget will also play a roll. You may love that $1000 EMP but can't swing it. Both S&W and Glock make some fine firearms, so you won't get hurt on either one.

XD 45

I would go glock or SIG

__________________
XD .45, Glock 23, SIG 229

You Stop Being A Leader When Your Men Stop Coming To You With Their Problems

Thumper

Welcome aboard!

As far as the "small mag on the Glock 36", you do your job and the Glock 36 with the small magazine will do it's!

__________________

USMC 1968-1971

ALWAYS carry! - NEVER tell!

"Don't go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things!"

sgb

Handguns like shoes must fit or they're not worth a darn. You need to find a range that rents handguns and try before you buy.

__________________
"The 1911 was the design given by God to us through John M. Browning that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and is true now."—Colonel Robert J. Coates, USMC

Oldskoolfan

I would suggest a Glock 19 myself. You are new to pistols and this is a great one. You can shoot your father's Glock 17 as well as use its mags. I would also suggest the 9mm as it is tamer than a .45 (not by much) but it is the round that Glock was designed for. Not to mention the ammo is cheaper and you can shoot it more when you are lucky enough to find some 9mm. .45 ACP is also hard to find.

Orygun2

The best thing you can do is go to a good range and rent a bunch of guns you think you might like. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive right?

I had a Kahr PM9, but never much cared for it. Traded it for another S&W M&P compact with laser grips and LOVE it. I always try to buy American to support my countrymen. Plus S&W customer service (should you need it) is unbeatable.

Good luck!

__________________
M&P 9 and 9c
Remington 810 20 gauge

BikerRN

Being a person that has been known to carry three guns, with two reloads per gun for when I'm off duty and on my own time, you may want to rethink this. When I carry a revolver as a "primary" gun I carry at least three of them. If a "bottomfeeder" is my "primary" then my minimum number of guns is two, but sometimes more.

You cannot know how many rounds you will need beforehand and statistics lie. I'll give you an example. Let's say we have ten gunfights, and the total number of rounds fired in the fight, by both sides is in the right column:

1) 3
2) 1
3) 2
4) 9
5) 6
6) 2
7) 3
8) 1
9) 12
10) 3

In ten gunfights that's 4.2 rounds per gunfight by both sides. Some were just a little slower on the trigger than others. You will notice however that in fights #4, #5 and #9 the number of rounds exceeded the "average" by at least 50% and in fight #9 by almost 300%.

Momma and Daddy didn't raise me to be a statistic. The point I'm trying to make is, while concealed carry is a compromise, but I'm not comfortable with one gun and only one reload or no reload.

Years ago I faced three on one odds with a little five shot J-Frame revolver. To say that I found the gun wanting would be an understatement.

Biker

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If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

sass20485

Handling and trying guns that interest you is always the best way to make an informed decision, rather relying blindly on some else's recommendations. Glock and S&W are both quality firearms. A Springfield XD, Kahr, Sig, CZ and a myriad of 1911's are all potential good carry guns. Just depends on what suits you are far as fit, ability to shoot accurately under pressure ( not just calmly standing at the range facing a piece of card board ) and ability to conceal ( if you intend to carry it ). After trying several diffrent guns, my EDC choice is now my Glock 26, and for times when I can't wear a gun on my hip, I carry either a Ruger LCP or SW 642 in a pocket. As far as Glocks go, the G36 has the smallest grip dimensions, so it might suit your smaller hands better. It carries enough ammo for getting through most SD encounters. You can shoot your dad's 9mm Glock 17 for practicing the basics, then spend time with whatever gun you choose as your ownto hone your skills with that gun. 9mm, 40.SW, .45 ACP, .38, all are only effective, IF you hit your targets in a vital zone, so don't get too hung up on which caliber might reign supreme. Learn to shoot fast & accurately, that's the only way to really get the job done, if the need should ever arise. Good luck and enjoy your search. Can't ever have TOO many guns!!

nhunterjr

I am 5' 11" and 190 lbs. I am happy carrying a Glock 27 with a Pierce mag extension for 10+1 rounds of .40. IWB holster, two extra mags. With the current ammo shortage I have better luck getting .40 ammo than .45. Also the Springfield XD is excellent if you don't like the Glock's trigger.