i just bought a glock 23 2 weeks ago for my first gun and i love it. the 9mm is more accurate for multiple rounds for me, but with practive with the .40 i have gotten a lot better. the XD's are very nice also. i got a deal on my glock new($400) so i could not pass it up, but if i did not get it and XD was 2nd in line. go rent a few and see how they feel for you, i was afraid a .40 would be too much for me for my first gun, but after renting and shooting my g/f glock .45 i was sold on the .40. 9mm wasn't enough for me. where do you live b/c i am planning on going to the range within the week again.