New Member from PA here
Just wanted to post a quick HI to the members here.
I'm Rick, I live in PA, and have recently gotten into handguns in the past several years (since moving out of NJ)
I'm going to share my busily traveled path of pistol ownership over the past four years.
So, my first pistol was a S&W SW40VE. Nice gun, but after learning more and reading a lot about the XD, I traded the S&W for the XD .45. I had that gun for a while, but decided I wanted to carry, and wasn't crazy about the pistol not having a manual safety - just my thing. Despite that, I loved that gun! Now that they offer the XD .45 with manual safety, I may look into that again in the future.
So, after MORE reading, and shooting more at the range, I rented a plain jane Kimber series 1 and shot that one night. The thing shot awesome, and felt great in my hand. So...the new search ensues!
I found a nice used full-sized Kimber stainless series I at a gun show and worked a deal on that.
However...not seemingly happy enough with any of my purchases to carry to this point, at the time, I still had the XD and "new" Kimber. After shooting the Kimber quite a bit, I decided I wanted to carry a 1911, but a little smaller than the full-sized.
I load the XD in the car, and off we go to Cabela's one night. Now, some may knock the next few statements, but I have to say, I'm very happy with my trade. I traded the XD for a High Standard Crusader Compact (4" barrel). Four guns in, and that's my carry gun. High Standard is made by Armscor, and they also make RIA (Rock Island). I know everybody has their opinions (esp on the 1911 board), but it's a good shooting, reliable gun!
Oh...then I needed a Ruger .22 for plinking.
Then, the search started for a holster. Rather than bore you with all that, I currently have a Crossbreed Supertuck and Nick Matthews #1.
I also made a console holster to carry in my vehicle on longer trips, instead of on my body.
I'm looking forward to learning more here, and will be feverishly searching shortly to find out what's required to travel to reciprocal states with my pistol.
Thanks for reading, and sorry if I bored you!