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trying to decide on a 9mm range gun and this one keeps coming up.

Is this really a range gun?

The choice will eventually become a night stand piece.

Struggling between this and a 4" Springfield XD.

For nightstand/range use, how about a glock 34 instead?

Glock 17 is a very nice shooting pistol. It is a very accurate, full size gun. No stories, does what it does, very well.

They both work. I would say Glock because I've carried one for over a decade and have holsters and magazines for them.


+ for the Glock

OEM Glock 33rd mags are awesome

There are long guns that take Glock mags (Sub2000, etc)

Just about ANY holster made, is made for the Glock



+ for the XD

The XDM fullsize has two more rounds

It has a grip safety if you like them (I've never used a gun with one)

74novaman wrote:For nightstand/range use, how about a glock 34 instead?

Costs more...

Less holsters available if he decided to carry it...

Lighter trigger is not always the best for a defensive weapon...


I was issued a G22 with the NY trigger and I prefer it over the standard and light trigger (had a 24 with that one, quite a difference).

There is a slight difference in your guns. 17 is 4.5" barrel. The 19 would more closely match the Springfield XD 4". If you are truly looking at only range use, then I would go with the 17. If you may want to carry or use for defense otherwise, then go with the 19. The XD is also a choice, but I prefer the Glock myself.

Grog wrote:
I was issued a G22 with the NY trigger and I prefer it over the standard and light trigger (had a 24 with that one, quite a difference).

Presumably a "New York 1" trigger. A "New York 2" trigger (12 lb pull) is enough to make most people want to kick a small puppy. Of course, if you're in the NYPD, you have no choice, as the NY City government saw fit to require NY2 triggers in their Glocks.

Shoot both guns and see which one feels best to you. The biggest difference between the two brands, in general, is that the Glock has a more acute grip angle; the XD has a more obtuse grip angle, almost identical to the 1911. Hard to beat Glock's history of reliability and swappable parts. I own a few Glocks and they've never let me down. However, XDs more naturally fit my natural point of aim, probably because I shot 1911s before buying any plastic guns.

When you try out the guns, remember that different models, in some cases, have different features. For example, you can get an XD(M) in the same 4.5" barrel length as the G17, plus it comes with interchangeable backstraps to customize the size of the grip.

And "range gun" may mean you might want to try a practical shooting sport like IDPA. You can shoot the Glock in the Stock Service Pistol division. The XD, however, is considered to be a single-action pistol because there is some striker pre-loading before the trigger pull begins, so you have to move up to the Enhanced Service Pistol division if you want to shoot the XD in IDPA.

As for holsters, I can't think of any notable holster manufacturer that doesn't make options for both guns.

If it's intended to be a nightstand gun, consider Tritium night sights. In low-light conditions, it can be difficult to see conventional notch-and-post sights unless you're also employing a flashlight at the same time. 'Course, it's always a good idea to have a bright, tactical light handy on the nightstand, too, and practice using it in conjunction with your firearm.

Guess I don't understand "Range Gun". All of mine are range guns and each will go with me to the range at some point in the month as I usually go about 3 times a month. If it doesn't go to the range then I don't carry it, and if I don't carry it, I won't own it.

RPBrown wrote:Guess I don't understand "Range Gun". All of mine are range guns and each will go with me to the range at some point in the month as I usually go about 3 times a month. If it doesn't go to the range then I don't carry it, and if I don't carry it, I won't own it.

I have my carry piece and an upper end 9mm.

I'm looking for a quality range/bag gun to shoot with my kids.

I looked at an FNp 9mm and while i liked the controls the trigger in sa and da felt really mushy.

Agree with the FNP trigger... when it comes to the G17 I'd ask why not? It's a proven do-it-all. Try the 19 as well as I consider it to be full sized to me.

Rugerboy50 wrote:

RPBrown wrote:Guess I don't understand "Range Gun". All of mine are range guns and each will go with me to the range at some point in the month as I usually go about 3 times a month. If it doesn't go to the range then I don't carry it, and if I don't carry it, I won't own it.

I have my carry piece and an upper end 9mm.

I'm looking for a quality range/bag gun to shoot with my kids.

Okay. But that isn't what you said originally.

Guns need to be fit for purpose, like any tool.

If you want a handgun to introduce your kids into shooting--and improve their fundamentals--you need a .22. Period. Great accuracy, no recoil. Think about a Ruger or Buck Mark.

The bigger the gun, the less perceived recoil. If your intent is a 9mm your kids will shoot at the range, go big. Get a 5" barrel.

If you want a nightstand pistol, choose one with a caliber that starts with a "4." And pony up the extra for night sights.

IMHO

I voted Glock b/c there is nothing that it can't do, and do reliably with proven track record. The XD is a fine weapon very accurate and reliable. I just think the Glock is the way to go. I have several and would not let them go for anything. I'm also looking to add more to my collection.

I agree IF the kids are just starting then a .22 is more appropriate, if they have some range experience then by all means get the Glock and never look back. I will disagree that you need a caliber that starts with a .4 to be adequate for self defense, to each there own. Mine starts with a 12 and ends with a 9

Pick whichever gun fits you (and I guess your kids') hands best. Both are extremely well built and reliable - only real differences are the relatively minor details that could make one fit YOU better.

That said, one aspect I like about Glock (not sure if available for XD) is the aftermarket Advantage Arms .22-caliber conversion kits (a separate slide and magazine that mounts to your Glock frame, converting it to a .22 plinker). I have a G17 with this setup and it's great for training new shooters - start with .22 then once fundamentals are established, convert to 9mm (or whatever full-size caliber you prefer) and they still have exact same grip and trigger with the larger caliber.

A-R wrote:Pick whichever gun fits you (and I guess your kids') hands best. Both are extremely well built and reliable - only real differences are the relatively minor details that could make one fit YOU better.

That said, one aspect I like about Glock (not sure if available for XD) is the aftermarket Advantage Arms .22-caliber conversion kits (a separate slide and magazine that mounts to your Glock frame, converting it to a .22 plinker). I have a G17 with this setup and it's great for training new shooters - start with .22 then once fundamentals are established, convert to 9mm (or whatever full-size caliber you prefer) and they still have exact same grip and trigger with the larger caliber.

Excellent point