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/loca...12&popState=WY

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