Springfield XD-9...I wouldn't go Glock as a first gun, since it only has a trigger safety and you might not be comfortable carrying it. I've had 2 XD's and love them, great guns.
My dad has the smith & Wesson M&P and it shoots pretty good and I've had a change to test it out and wasn't disappointed,and only negative I'd had to say that it kinda shot a little bit to the left.
the Xd's seemed nice but im favoring the ruger over it. but what i really need to do is hold each of the guns and possibly fire them.
My first handgun purchase was an early predecessor of that Ruger model. I liked it allot, although the DA trigger pull was a little strong and took some getting used to. I have also fired that Glock a fair bit (friend has it) and I personally don't care for Glock handguns, since none of them have felt "right" in my hand(s). That's very much personal preference though. I don't have very much hands on exp. with Smith & Wesson pistols, although I have shot their revolvers and liked them. I actually found out over time that I like revolvers best. I shoot just as accurately with them and the recoil and feel of them is much more natural to me. .357 Magnum FTW!!! My best advice is to find a gun shop with a range that will let you test a variety of models. Most bigger gun stores have a range of the most popular models that they rent out for a range session. Only you will know what feels the most comfortable to you and buying something that expensive without trying it out first isn't a good idea...
Agree with Elder III about finding a range with a rental program. The ones around here have rentals for cheap, but they make you purchase their ammo. Also, I would like to ask what is the max you're willing to pay for a handgun and what caliber are you looking for? I can possibly put up a list over the next few days for you to look at.
I would try to get my hands on one of these - It's what I would likely buy if i were looking for a 9mm in the ~$500 range. http://www.cabelas.com/semiautomatic-pistols-springfield-xd-4-pistols.shtml
yeah the XD has my attention now. i like the stainless slide. seems great not sure how that grip safety would feel though. would have to pick it up. i guess its between that XD and the ruger SR9
I'm not sure what the gun laws are in your state for having something shipped to you from OH, but this showed up in my Sunday paper ads today (a big gun shop in my rough area). http://www.vanceoutdoors.com/produc...-and-wesson-mp9-9mm-full-size-no-thumb-safety Anything Smith & Wesson makes is worth consideration and that's a pretty good sale price too. Depending on how strict your local gun laws are it may or may not be worthwhile to buy out of state, but sometimes you can save considerably that way...
the gun shop near me sells these guns at this price. In new hampshire we have very loose gun laws. http://shop.nhgunshop.com/catalog_detail.php?product_id=80509 http://shop.nhgunshop.com/catalog_detail.php?product_id=11941 http://shop.nhgunshop.com/catalog_detail.php?product_id=65103
Decisions decisions lol. Those 3 you listed are going to be your best bet. Personally i'd go for the XD or S&W.
Some of us still like the old school revolvers. My Taurus 38 special medium frame revolver. 3 inch barrel, rubber grips, nickel finish and a couple of speed loaders. Perfect for home protection. Guaranteed to never jam and it has plenty of stopping power using hollow point ammo.
I use this Taurus 605 .357 Magnum for my carry/home protection sidearm. @ OP - if that store will let you test those 3 out then you sgould just go and put a clip through each to see which you like the best.