My First Pistol: Springfield XD9 Sub Compact

Though I have others and have shot others, this is the first gun that I have bought, with my own money, for me.  After much deliberation over size, maker, caliber, and all the other things that you can worry over, I decided to get this:

As you can see, it is a Springfield XD Sub Compact in 9mm.  While searching on the internet, everyone liked it.  While at the gun shows, everyone I talked to liked it.  My CHP instructor liked it.  While holding it in my hand, I liked the look and feel (and the price!) of it.  And it's "NOT LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA," which is a win in my book.

I chose 9mm over 40S&W for two reasons, really—the availability and price of ammunition.  Next to .22LR, 9mm is about the cheapest ammo out there.  I figured that because of that, I would be able to shoot and practice with it more often, which in turn would lead to better shot placement—and you know “caliber doesn’t matter if you can’t hit the target.”

Shooting it was easy, even though I am used more to .22's and rifles.  With the short barrel I had to frequently remind myself to keep the front sight from wandering; missed shots were my fault and not the gun's. I had no problems with misfires.  It was at least able to stop an invading hoard of Cherry Dr. Pepper abominations:

So there you have it.  This is my pistol.  It is fun to shoot, but it is not a plinker.  The XD series has an interesting history, but this is no “historical firearm.”  9mm is not a hunting caliber, and it has a 3” barrel anyway.  This is a self-defense weapon.   If that bothers you I suggest you move to England.