TexasCHLforum.com

I have the XD40 Service (4-inch barrel). One of the benefits of this pistol is that you can convert down to 9mm for about $280 (half the price of the pistol) - even less if you use the factory recoil spring. This will allow you to practice with less expensive ammo, and during post-range cleaning, you can swap back in the .40 gear for carry.

I took my new XD to the range this weekend and put 200 rounds through it without a single malfunction. My 1911 wasn't that reliable out of the box.

I'm sure the other polymer pistols are equally easy/inexpensive to convert and are at least as reliable, but I have a XD, so that's what I'm commenting on.

My only advice is that you should go to a local gun store and actually grip each pistol that ends up on your short list. More often than not, your selection will come down to what pistol feels the most comfortable to *you*.