FNP-9 vs. G17 vs. XD-9

General Firearms Handguns - Semi Auto
1

I’ve been shooting as a hobby for a little while now, and as the laws in my state have allowed, I am now eligible to purchase my first handgun. I don’t have a lot of experience in the handgun realm (which is why I have been doing quite a bit of research) as far as different models go, since the only ones I have shot are a G17 and a Ruger SR9, but I think I have my choices narrowed down to three.

The Glock 17 is the only handgun out of the three I have actually fired. I’ve heard some great things about Glock reliability and durability, which I like. I certainly won’t be out in the desert anytime soon, but its nice to know you’ve got a piece of hardware that will hold up if anything were to happen. I liked the feel of the gun in my hands, but I’ve heard some negative things in regards to accuracy. I don’t think with my first handgun I would for the life of me push it to its limits of accuracy by any means, but its still something I’ve read on more than one forum.

The Springfield XD-9 is very similar to the Glock 17 (at least to me) but I like the trigger feel and the grip angle a little better, and one thing I really like about it is the sear in the back of the gun that sticks out when there is a round chambered. I have always been taught to shoot with safety in mind at all times, but I really like this feature of the gun. My only hesitation at this point is the lack of available aftermarket parts due to the lifetime warranty. I’m not opposing the warranty by any means, I just think that after I build my comfort level with the gun, I’d want to do some tinkering, and that is something I like about the G17 is its upgradability options over the XD-9.

The last gun I’ve been looking at is the FNH FNP-9. I’ve really come to enjoy and admire FNH firearms over the years, and was actually quite shocked to not really find much information on the FNP’s. A few people I know in law enforcement (friend’s father and fellow officers we regularly shoot with) carry Glocks as duty guns but FNPs off duty and at the range. They have begun to swear by them, and I really liked the way it felt in my hand, and the overall finish and quality it seemed to exude when looking at it. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of information or aftermarket parts for it, but I’ve been told it is a solid platform and shoots great “out of the box” so that is why I am considering it as well.

So that is where I am at, and I would really appreciate anything information or advice you would care to throw my way. I’ve been to a few gun stores recently, gathering info, holding guns, and trying to figure out what would work best for me. All the above seem to be what I’m looking for and all are around the same price. I have been lurking around on these forums for a while and decided to finally post, so if you could offer any help, I would be truly grateful. I’m sure I’ll probably get a few M&P9 suggestions has well, but I haven’t held one or done much research on it, so if you could, try to stick to the aforementioned unless you’re uncontrollably in favor of something else, I would appreciate that too. Thanks.

2

If you’ve shot the Glock and it works for you, and you don’t have the opportunity to shoot the others before making a decision: buy the Glock. The accuracy thing is a red herring. Even assuming that Glocks are on average less accurate than other guns, that means nothing in this context. You’re as likely to get an exceptionally accurate Glock as you are to get an exceptionally inaccurate XD or FNP (or anything else). Furthermore, as a beginner, the gun is not going to be the main factor in your shooting performance.

If you can find some way to test drive other guns first: spend as much time as possible shooting as many options as possible before making a decision. Focus more on how well you shoot rather than how well the gun feels in your hand … because that comfort could be hiding things you don’t have the experience to assess yet.

Don’t be in a rush. Measure twice, cut once.

3

When I first handled a Glock 23 I was skeptical about the grip I bought it anyway and after shooting one for a while I have come to really like the mid-size Glocks grip alot. I shoot just as well if not better with my Glock23 as I do with my Glock 35 Im still not sure exactly why though… On the other hand I bought a Walther P99 .40 cause I luved the grip so much at the store but when I shot it I didnt luv it so much and have since put a Hogue handall grip on it. I do think that part of the Walther’s problem is it doesnt do so well taming the .40 recoil it might be fine in 9mm. Anyway the moral of this is shoot them if you get a chance and go from there. I have been toying with the idea of going to a plastic 9mm for CCW and right now it would either be a Glock19, M&P 9mm or an H&K P30 but that is my personal opinion. If money was no object it would be the P30 :wink: heck if money was no object Id get all three and some. :smiley:

4

I would recommend the Glock for several reasons; first, it’s very much a known and established quantity, and parts (if needed) are readily available and easily installed, factory support, both to individuals and organizations is superb, and the gun itself is excellent-not perfect, but excellent.

In the current 3rd Generation iteration of the G17, Glock has quietly instituted some product improvements, beyond the visible finger grooves and light rail. Barrel-to-slide fit is tightened, increasing accuracy (which was never horrible to begin with), the receiver has been strengthened (due to an extra pin and increased rear slide rail length-both measures adopted for other caliber use in the same frame, and subsequently carried over to the entire line in that frame size-more for manufacturing efficiencies, but also providing a side-benefit of a strengthened frame for 9mm G17s), and the trigger reset spring has been provided increased longevity.

I find the Glock to be comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to shoot, and quite weather impervious. Magazines are equally durable and reliable, and easily available-and relatively inexpensive.

Glock also sponsors a series of matches throughout the country each year aimed at all levels of users, through their Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF). The matches have easily understood and executed courses of fire, and are also challenging and fun. As a side benefit, each match will have a Glock Armorer present, who will be happy to examine your gun, do corrrective maintenance, and provide any factory upgrades and spot repairs needed-at no charge.

The 9mm Glocks, particularly the G17 and G19 are often considered to be the contemporary “gold standard” of combat (and sport) handguns, for good reasons.

I have nothing against the other guns you’re considering (particularly the XD), but I think you’ll be very pleased with a Glock 17, particularly as a first gun.

Best, Jon

5

Out of the three you list, I’d go with the Glock 17. But I’d try to shoot one of each first before you buy.

I would also add another choice for you to consider, the S&W M&P 9mm. I have been issued one for almost 3 years now. I rank the M&P right up there with the Glock 17. Both are excellent guns that could easily last you a lifetime.

I have no experience with the XD series, so I can’t comment on them.

No matter what gun you end up with, i would also recommend you seek out competent and professional training and instruction.

6

G17 or M&P. The FN is an unknown at this time. The XD is a no go for several reasons already discussed on this forum.

7

If you like the Glock, I’d get the G19 for it’s compactness, otherwise, I’d go with the M&P9c. You should, as Todd suggested, fire all of the weapons before purchasing IMHO.

8

Having owned or fired all three that you mention, I choose the Glock. It’s time-tested and has more proponents than the other two combined. Be wary of people saying that Glocks are less accurate than other pistols. I’ve owned 3 different Glock models and all three could put an entire mag through just about the same hole…right out of the box.

Honestly, it comes down to what you like. If you say you like the S&W grip angle, go shoot one. Personally, I found the recoil of the XD series to be unnecessarily harsh compared to a Glock, and thus, the pistol was less controllable for follow up shots. Are there any gun ranges in your area that rent pistols? If so, shoot a box through all three and buy the one you like best.

Thats really the key in buying a handgun. True, everyone wants the coolest thing they can buy, but if it doesn’t fit them mechanically (how your body meshes with the gun to form a fighting unit) then it’s worthless. I think the Desert Eagle .50 is about the coolest pistol out there, but its heavy as s*** and I can’t grip it well…so I don’t have one.

Pick something you like, something that fits you well, and that you feel comfortable operating and go with it.

9

What’s wrong with the XD?? I did a quick search, and could’nt find much…

10

Why would you not consider an M&P?

11

I know a lot of people really like the Xd and I suppose I can see why but for me it’s too “busy” a pistol. i don’t want or need half the parts on the thing plus I understand it’s till very difficult to get parts and that you pretty much have to send it to Springfield to get anything fixed. The FNP is too new. You simply can’t go wrong with a Glock 17 or 19 for that matter. Whoever told you it is less accurate than other pistols is wrong btw. Plus it’s so widely used there are a ton of accessories like holsters etc. available for it as well as parts and you can easily get it fixed or fix it yourself if you need to. You might consider the 19 though if you also plan on carrying. I will third or fourth the idea that you should take a long look at the M&P 9mm as well. Very ergonomic and Smith takes good care of their customers. I don’t agree that it is as proven as the Glock 9mm’s but Smith has made a lot of subtle improvements to it over the fairly short time it has been around compared to the Glocks.

12

Ding ding ding! Love the HK P30. But it is considerably higher priced, plus HK is not nearly as ubiquitous as the Glocks or M&P’s and their customer service is not something you should put a newcomer through.

13

huh, well, I guess I’m going to have to be the rebel here and recommend the XD :smiley:

I’ve owned all sorts of polymer pistols, and personally I have found the XD to be the most accurate and easiest to shoot. I have 3 now and the two service models will keep up with or better most of my 1911’s. I have nothing against Glocks, but if you get a glock, you might as well just plan to shoot other Glock’s IMO because the grip angle is totally different than pretty much anything else you are going to shoot. Since I shoot 1911’s the XD is my polymer gun of choice because the grip angle is very similar, and also since I shoot 1911’s I have no probem with grip safeties, in fact I rather like the extra safety. Mine have never failed to go bang with any sort of ammo, from cheapo plinking stuff to any sort of hp. The only negative I can think of is the blocky design compared to a nice slim 1911 (but then nothing carries as nice as a 1911) but any of the other polymer’s are just as blocky.

I have handled the FN though never fired one, and have to say it felt nice and it seems like they get good reviews. I would suspect they might be harder to find holsters for than the other two though.

I doubt you’ll go wrong with any of them in terms of reliability or accuracy. Just depends on what works for you. I;d try handling both an xd and a glock and try pointing them (unloaded) and see which one points naturally for you–VERY different grip angle. Then grab the one that works for you.

14

I don’t know anyone that is true for including myself.

[QUOTE=scubie02;228288I have nothing against Glocks, but if you get a glock, you might as well just plan to shoot other Glock’s IMO because the grip angle is totally different than pretty much anything else you are going to shoot. [/QUOTE]

15

In general, grip safeties are fine. There have been some annoying small parts failures when XD’s (particularly the .40’s) are run hard, but my main problem with XD’s is the inability to retract the slide without engaging the grip safety–this makes one-hand injured operation very difficult. This is a no go for me.

16

I have owned all three models mentioned. All are excellent reliable weapons. However, I sold the Xd and Fn and kept the Glock 17. If I had to choose a single handgun to own (thankfully I don’t:)) it would be (actually is) a Glock. But get whatever you shoot best with!

17

+1…

18

I think the G17 and G19 would be my first choice and as a matter of fact they are. They are very easy to work on and replace worn parts at a user level and they work well in a variety of conditions.

19

Well I have to agree with scubie02. I cut my teeth on a 1911 and that is in part why I am partial to the XD. I shoot it very well and do not find follow up shots difficult. The one hand operation may well be a valid point to but I must admit I am not overly concerned with. If I am expecting to get into a fight I will bring my FAL! I would say if you go Glock stay Glock do to the grip angle. If I were to go to the range now and do some point shooting I would be high do to the grip angle. I have shot many Glocks and I respect and admire them for their smiplicity and durability but I do not own them. So my vote is for the XD. If you want something to tinker with and mod then nothing beats a 1911. But a 1911 may not be the best for an inexperience shooter. YMMV

20

I have a brand new still in the box unfired XD-9 w/5 mags that I think I am going to sell or trade in on a glock 19…