KingAirDriver

Yeah, I don't like the long pull on the HK, but it feels better than the DA pull of any others I've tried! Definitely nicer than my Beretta 96's pull.

The actual feel of the trigger on the HK seems better to me. Not talking about the operation, but how it feels against my finger...not sure how to explain it, but it feels better to me. I've also found that the XD's grip safety, although very easy to depress, just feels a little "different" and a little uncomfortable now. Prior to buying the HK the XD felt better than anything else. These are all purely my observations for my hand. What I like about one gun, someone else will dislike, etc.

AceRider

Hopefully my range will have the following in either 9 or 45 mm, because they are my top 4 choices:

- HK Subcompact
- Sig P229
- Taurus PT
- Springfield XD

purple88yj

All of the above guns are fine quality guns. One suggestion though: go to a range and shoot as many different guns as possible.

Two reasons. One is that you may find that you like one over the others.

Two, your price ranges are kind of all over the board.

If you are buying new, expect the HK and Sigs to both be between the mid-$600 to mid-$800 ranges. Possibly more depending on your area.

The Springer will run you in the $500's+/-, again depending on your area.

The Taurus line can be found below $500 if you look hard enough.

In reality, you are looking at a pontential $300 difference from the lowest to highest. If that doesn't make any difference, then go for what you like. I know with me $300 can make the difference between getting and not getting, at least for now.

jowgafist

I don't have a 229 yet but have a Sig 2340. I have HK USP 45 FS and XD9 SC. Love all these guns very reliable and accurate. Never had any rust problems with the XD and I got mines a month or two after it was released. What helps me in deciding is actually handling the gun or guns I'm interested in purchasing. See which guns feels right to you.

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KingAirDriver

I agree with what Purple said about price ranges. Check around town and online. I bought my XD-9SC from Sportsman's Warehouse for $459 + tax this Spring. They have consistently been the best on prices in my area. Gander Mtn wanted $500+ for the same gun and if you wanted the extra goodies (holster, mag loader, mag holder) that are supposed to come with the gun, Gander would charge another $25-30 or so!! Wtf?! I wanted to buy my XD from my local gun shop where I shoot, but their prices are the highest in the area from what I've found... $565 for the XD-9SC.

I did a lot of research prior to buying my HK USPc. I checked with all the local stores and several online sites as well. I could've gotten the USPc for about $110 cheaper at www.budsgunshop.com, but after shipping and FFL fees, I wouldn't be saving too terribly much. The only place in town that had one to even hold and feel was my local range. I knew they'd be high and they were... $785 or so. I paid $840 out the door, NIB. I know I could've saved if I had ordered online, and Sportsman's probably could've ordered it for less too, but I really wanted to try and give my money to the little guys for once. I always feel bad for going in to look at their guns, hold them, have the guy spend time telling be about it, only to buy the same thing elsewhere. But this time I had extra money from working an extra week, so I thought I'd toss it their way.

AceRider

I'll likely have to buy at my range or a gun show, since I'm not a citizen and have to provide utility bills and junk.

I've found often in purchasing motorcycle gear that if you tell your retailer the price you are going to go and buy something for elsewhere, they may make it worth your while and adjust the price.

If they come close, I'll buy from them.

AceRider

By the way, on the price issue:

I bought a $235 Skyy, which is a KelTec replica. I was not at all happy with the performance of the gun. I saw the HK at $800ish at my local store. I don't want to spend that much, but I can, so price isn't the biggest determining factor. Although it plays a BIG role...

I'd rather a lifetime gun for $800 than something that doesn't work properly.

purple88yj

Any of the ones that you mentioned would be what I would consider lifetime guns.

I have shot all of those manufacturers, excepting the XD, and found that each have their strong suits and weaknesses. This is opinion of course.

I, like Mr. White, am left handed, therefore Sig's, though they are fine shooters, don't fit my needs.

The HK was an exceptional shooter, but shot well below point of aim for me. An easy fix by replacing the front sight with one that is shorter.

The Taurus PT-101, which is a clone of the old model Beretta's, has been a faithful and reliable companion now going on 12 years. It has performed flawlessly for me for 20,000 rounds or more. It is a bit large for some, but has been good to me.

The XD may just be the gun that sways me to buying a striker fired weapon. The info above on the XD is partially incorrect by the way. The XD a single action weapon. The striker is fully cocked and remains that way until the trigger is pulled. Unlike the Glock which is a double action and is partially cocked.

sevesteen

Assume you mean XD9.
FBI decided to use 10mm, but with reduced power. S&W realized that the same ballistics could be realized with a short round that fit existing 9mm frames, invented the .40 S&W. Very popular.


Automatic Colt Pistol.

No, the XD is mechanically single-action. Not sure why second strike is considered an advantage, I'd rather a gun that goes off the first time, every time. I've had a few times where a round hasn't gone off. So far, it has never been something second strike would correct, and always been my mistake. My standard drill for almost all malfunctions is tap, rack, bang. In competition or real world, it's better to immediatly do what is most likely to clear most malfunctions, rather than spend the time to analyze what went wrong.

Distance between the rear of the front sight and the rear of the rear sight. The longer the distance the easier it is to shoot accuratly, all other things being equal.

I'm happy with mine. The trigger is a good compromise, and the grip safety is a slight bonus when reholstering. It wouldn't be a dealbreaker--I'd carry a Glock if I liked the grips better.

I don't like DA/SA guns like the HK, and I believe most Sigs. I much prefer a consistant trigger pull, even if it is a bit stiffer than the followup shots with a DA/SA. I believe the Sig has a decocker, and relies on the heavy trigger pull of the first shot like the HK.

Make sure you'll actually carry the gun. A .45 is better than a .380, but a .380 in your pocket is better than a .45 in the safe. Get a good holster, the "holsters and carry options" forum here is the best on the internet for holster info.