Need a new .40

[wyododge]

Hey guys,

I am now working in the oil fields again and it looks as though I will be in ND for most of my time on location (650 miles from home). I currently own a .40 barreta and a .38 snubby. I was going to ND a while back and my truck had a hickup and I was all alone on the side of the highway. A few 'locals' came by and were starting to get a little, shall we say aggressive, when a ND State Trooper pulled up and offered assistance. Long story short, my wife feels very secure knowing that she has my .40 next to the bed and the .38 along the way of our emergency evacuation route. The reason I did not take either weapon with me is they are not allowed on location and your truck is subject to search at any time on location.

So, I have figured out the search issue, I will just hide it above the spare in a pelican box while on site.

But what to get for a new weapon? I already have the .40 S&W so I would like to keep the same ammo, I am not much of a revolver person, so a semi-auto seems the way to go. I just got back to work so I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, I would like to keep it around $500.

I know that I need to go 'feel' out a few to see what fits, but I thought maybe you guys could chime in to get me started in the right direction. I don't need a cadillac, but I don't want a pinto either. Not really worried about conceal-ability, just something to keep in the truck.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Fronty Owner]

I like my XD sub compact in .40 S&W.

Personally, Ive never had a vehicle searched while on location, but Ive got friends that have be searched. Depends on what your job is and the driller your working for on how often you get searched.

[wyododge]

Currently it is H&P and Hunt Oil. I'm on the MWD/DD side of things so I am on location from nipple up to casing. they searched trucks on the last location and during a safety meeting they told us there would be more and more because they have found a few.

XD sub compact, how much did you pay for yours?? If you don't mind me asking.

[Fronty Owner]

The only people I have seen get away with it are contractors who are on sight for a short period of time (electricians).
Mine was $507.49 with tax. I broke the factory seal on the box.

[wyododge]

Wow, that's not bad at all. My baretta has a bit of rise but not to bad, and the rear sight is a pain. Any quirks with your XD?

I am actually thinking of getting it for my wife and keeping the baretta for my truck.

It is pretty big and bulky and would be pretty difficult to conceal anyway. If I ever carry it I just wear it on my hip. We can carry anywhere here. I actually went to the high school to pick up my boy after a morning hunt and forgot it was on my hip. the principle walked over to me and told me I should probably go ahead and leave that in my truck. (redface!!!) It fits me pretty good, and although the wife can shoot it very well she never really has been that fond of it.

Hows the recoil on your XD? (relatively speaking)

[Fronty Owner]

quirks... yea, there is one that comes to mind.
the slide release is in just the right place that if your not paying attention, you'll lock the slide back from recoil.
Concealing isn't bad. The sub compact has a shortened grip so it doesn't protrude as bad. Its a double stack so its a bit thick however. I just go one size larger on pants and its fine.
a 3" barrel with a .40S&W is honestly a bit snappy compared to a 9mm or a .45ACP.

[wyododge]

I was also looking at the Glock 27. What do you think. I really like the internal laser they have for it. Laser Max I believe is the name. Makes me feel good that the wife could just pin the dot on the idiot and dispatch justice the old fashioned way.

[Fronty Owner]

Glock is a good gun if it works for you.
I find with a glock, I have to actively aim lower. the angle between the barrel and the grip is different than on other semi-autos. its more like a high grip on a revolver.

[wyododge]

Interesting, I wish things were like they were 10 or 15 years ago when you could actually go to a gun shop with an indoor range. Can't find them anymore. I would really like her to shoot one before we buy it.

[Fronty Owner]

http://www.gunshowdirectory.com/local.asp?searchType=12&popState=WY

take a look at some of the descriptions, it looks like there might be one in Cody

[Blake Clark]

Interesting, I wish things were like they were 10 or 15 years ago when you could actually go to a gun shop with an indoor range. Can't find them anymore. I would really like her to shoot one before we buy it.

Come spend a weekend over here, we still have em.

http://www.mycopshop.com/about_us.cfm

Love my 27, carried a 23 for duty weapon. Im one of those different guys that when I pull up with a Glock, its just there. I like Sigs, but the grip angle was all wrong for me. Only thing else I will shoot and carry on a regular basis that is non-austrian is my 1911.

[wyododge]

Kinda weird, you would think that they would have something like that here. but no go. May have to take you up on that offer sir.

[Blake Clark]

Thinkin about rescinding that offer.... Meany





Ok I lie, you can come visit.

[wyododge]

Thinkin about rescinding that offer.... Meany





Ok I lie, you can come visit.

So on casing break I was able to look at, and handle the Glock .45 ACP version (can't think of the number right now). Any way, I understand why you like them. Fit really well. For me, the short grip may take a bit of getting used to and the man at the counter would not let me dry fire it or even open the slide. Kinda weird but, his weapon, his rules. I think it will be a very good CW for my wife. Now I just have to find one in .40.

The wife was able to look at the 9mm at cabellas, but the guy at the counter was kind of a jerk to her. Told her she probably could not handle a .40. That guy has no idea how close he was to a full frontal reorganization. Good thing she was in a good mood that day!!! :eek:

Having never bought a gun online, I know you have to go through a dealer (FFL), but do you have to have it shipped to the dealer? Or can you have it shipped to your house? Anybody know? I know stupid question, OF COURSE YOU GUYS KNOW!!!

And, if you can get it shipped to your house, any gun dealers out there?

Let me know, or PM me here or over on DTR.

Thanks for all your help!!!

[Blake Clark]

Just as a note, but youre lookin for a .40 anyway, I normally stay away from what I call the "fad calibers". Such as .45 GAP, .356 Sig etc. You never know the future of such a round and whether or not it will fall off the face of the world.

You have to have the gun shipped to the FFL.

Sadly, I dont have my FFL :(

So the only way it will get to my house is if you bring it to shoot.

[wyododge]

Just as a note, but youre lookin for a .40 anyway, I normally stay away from what I call the "fad calibers". Such as .45 GAP, .356 Sig etc. You never know the future of such a round and whether or not it will fall off the face of the world.

You have to have the gun shipped to the FFL.

Sadly, I dont have my FFL :(

So the only way it will get to my house is if you bring it to shoot.

Can't think of anything I'd rather do than shoot a few, cook a few, and relax for a few...

Nope don't want any fancy rounds. Actually want to limit the different calibers I have in my , err collection.

12 and 20 gauge, .223, 7mm and .40. I do also have a .38 snubby but I have about 500 rounds of fired brass for it already. Unless I find something that I really want, Like a Henry lever action 30-30. That is my dream gun. I will have one of those someday.

Guess I need to find a local FFL dealer. Unless there is someone here who is.

Would be cool to keep the money in the forum.

[tightgroup]

Take a serious look at the S&W M&P40. The M&P was designed around the 40 cartridge and I find it more pleasant to shoot than a Glock.

Glocks are fine guns, I own a G19, but I like the M&P much better.

[Redleg]

Another Sig fan here, though friends with XD's and M&P's are very happy with their choice. Another option to check out might be CZ. I haven't gotten aound to checking out the .40's yet, but I am an old CZ75 (9mm) fan. Lot of gun for the money.

Check gunbroker for FFL transfers in your area most average $25, some reduced for NRA members. Most liocal shops would do it for around $25 as well.

[jimlj]

Hey wyododge, if you havn't found a 40, and are ever in Evanston, send me a pm. If we can hook up, you can shoot my Glock 23.

[annabelle]

I like the H&K USP Compact......very accurate out of the box.....a bit pricey.