Brian A. Thomas .com

This was originally part of my Christmas List post, but I moved it out to it’s own post. While I really want a good gun, and given the neighborhood we live it, may indeed need one, further reflection makes me think dumping $600+ on a single gun right now unwise… but I want one .

CCW class, which is required to get the license.
Additional funds will go with a small part of the tax return to acquire a handgun. Mostly for home defense, some recreational shooting (more or less a requirement anyhow after you get one to improve your accuracy and familiarity with the gun) and some CCW. I originally was wanting to get a Kahr P9. However, seeing how expensive it is, the lack of accessories and all that, I have dropped it in favor of the Springfield XD-9. I chose the 9mm over the .40 S&W and .45 ACP simply because I figure it is the better choice for all the things I will be using it for, with a caliber I would be more comfortable using. I am still in the air between the 3″, 4″ and 5″. I figure the 5″ probably isn’t reasonable for CCW, but is the best choice for the other two. 3″ is the best for CCW, but worst for recreational… and probably okay for home defense. 4″ probably hits the sweet spot, but probably is a bit big for CCW during the summer. So I debate myself between the 3″ and 4″… I’ll probably get it a Kames, since they are $50 to $100 cheaper than Gander Mountain in addition to having a better selection of in stock items. The XD comes with a belt holster, two magazines, magazine loader, double magazine pouch, and of course a lock. The 3″ (ignore that link, a plugin here thinks I am trying to link to a Bible verse) model also comes with a magazine extension (taking the capacity from 10+1 to 16+1 on the 9mm model). I’ll probably go with all black rather than the bi-tone or OD Green.
EDIT: I may actually go for one of the others, perhaps the .40 S&W or .45 ACP. I hear that the 9mm actually has better wall penetration than the other two since it has a higher velocity. I’ll have to see if the local range has some to rent and check them out.
Accessories that I’ll need to go with it include a IWB holster, though I haven’t decided leather or what on that front. Possibly Tritium sights, and possibly a gun mounted flashlight (since if a break in happens at night, you need a way to see and identify your target easily). Aside from a holster, most of those would probably be down the line things, although the Tritium sights do help in the dark. No laser sights/grip to be sure, since I think that would make you lazy with aiming skills.

Tags: General