I kinda figured that I couldn't go wrong with either. I know the M&P works for me, but not sure about the Block. I'll have to find one shoot before I decide. I was just looking around and found that Sig actually makes a double stack 45 now, the p227. It looks decent and you get 10+1 rounds. $900ish for one though and I don't think I want to spend that much.
I wish we had somewhere with rentals around here. I had an M&P for as while and really liked it, but wanted to get away from the 40. I borrowed an XD 45 a while back and it didn't excite me too much.
I don't love the Kahr, but it carries nice and I shoot it really well. I have model 10 38 special and à 357 mag Blackhawk. I suppose I could make one of them a truck gun, but then I don't have a good reason to buy something new!! I really hope I don't end up in any gun fights!! As far as it being a truck gun, it would likely only ever be called on for target practice or to dispatch a deer.
The Gen IV with the back strap spacers was a bit of an improvement but Glock really screwed the pooch (as they do) by not coming out with a completely changeable back straps with different shapes. The #1 complaint is the shape and angle of the grip so a flatter back strap would be a welcome change for many people.
I had an XD .45 compact for a bit. Shot a few hundred rounds through it without issue but I learned what a boring guns was. Plus I hung out on a gun board full of super hard core shooters. ex-military, LEO, instructors and just guys that took their guns really seriously. I came across a few reports of the XD's not being as durable in the long run and just having more issues than the M&P or Glock as they accumulated higher round counts. Most people probably won't notice because they only shoot 500 rounds a year, if that. It was also pointed out that most agencies issue glock or M&P and some Beretta 92's and sigs while practically none issue the XD. Now that may mean nothing but it does raise a flag for me. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a gun snob. If I'm going to buy a gun I want something to trust my life to, it'll still work as a range toy and cost the same or a little bit more, might as well get the best quality I can.
Seriously, ac700wildcat. Have you tried a PPQ yet? It's a very fun gun to shoot (everyone from Nutnfancy to hickok45 has tried and loved it), and will run you under 600. If you get a chance to handle one and feel the trigger, check it out. I'd think that a Glock or M&P etc would be a step down after a CZ. Best factory trigger for a polymer pistol on the market, and very comfortable in grip.
If I were wanting a plinker though, I might see if I could source a Kel-tec PMR-30 though. 30 rounds of 22 WMR per mag, nice big fireball and loud boom when you shoot, negligible recoil... Downside is that it feels like a toy.
I haven't heard anything bad yet about Walthers but like I said above, most people buy a gun, shoot 100 rounds and it sits and collects dust for six months. Nothing wrong with that but I'm not going to take gun advice from those people. Hickok45 and Nutnfancy shoot a good amount but as far as I know they're not professionals in the industry beyond youtube reviewers. I watch their videos but I take them with a grain of salt.
I don't really get the PMR-30 beyond a range toy. What do I need 30 rounds of .22WMR for other than the joy of shooting 30 rounds really fast? (which is a totally legit reason to buy a gun, don't get me wrong) It's not good for defense because the .22 mag just doesn't have the punch. Sure 30 rounds will stop most threats but no one is going to have time to fire 30 rounds. You're probably only going to get off 3 or 4 shots so might as well go with something a lot more effective. Might be good for population control of nuisance or invasive species of smaller animals I suppose. Or it could just be fun. Perfectly good reason to own anything.
I knew I missed a post I wanted to reply to. If I can get my hands on one I'll definitely check the Walthers out. I've heard nothing but good about them that's for sure. You're probably right about them being somewhat of a step down. I love my CZ, but would never leave it bouncing around in a lock box in my pickup. I font think I would find myself worrying as much about a Glock or M&P, which is why I'm checking them out. Anyways I'll definitely check around and see if I know anyone with a PPQ that I can check out.
Every now and then if you keep your eyes peeled you can come across a deal on a used gun, especially police trade-ins. I've seen two places that had used trade-in M&P's for under $400.
I talked a lot of crap above but just so ya'll know where I'm coming from, I'm not claiming to be an expert or an authority, just an enthusiast. If I say I don't recommend a certain gun I'm not trying to tell people who already own it that they need to ditch it and buy something on my "approved" list, that their gun sucks, and that they're wrong if they don't kiss my feet and obey my commands. If you have a gun that has been working fine then there's no reason to not keep it. Truth is any gun on the market has a higher chance of working just fine than not. However if a person is going to keep a gun to protect themselves then they need to shoot it often. I had a co-worker swear up and down that his gun from a manufacturer of questionable quality was dead-nuts reliable. When I asked him how many round he's shot through it he told me about 75. Three years ago. This was a gun he carried daily, mind you. I didn't tell him to sell it, I told him to go run 500 round through it as soon as possible so he'd have an actual baseline. You have to put your guns through the wringer and then continue to practice with them. So when I heard someone say that their model-x works just fine despite the bad press, I ask them how much they shoot it.
"you gotta be kidding me.... a quality engineer!"
