ok so ive got some money to blow and also a 350.00 gift card to academy... with that said im looking in the 700 and below range. looking for a pistol of sorts but not sure what. i love the .45 cal so with academy's choices and lack of 1911's im looking at the xdm... but kinda looking at a smith revolver in 357 as well... what would yall pick for just a toy basically. sidearm id take in the field probably

I would say a Glock in 45 but the Academy here in Mesquite never seems to have one.

My next choice would be the Glock 20 in 10mm. Love that toy!

For the field, I like a revolver. Better for snake/rat shot.

yeah they had a smith 686 4 inch for the same price as that xdm...

Smith 686 is a smooth, slick, sweet piece of perfection. Best handgun I own. Action is like glass...

The Academy in McKinney usually has a good selection, and they can order whatever you want. I highly recommend the Taurus 1911. I've owned two, and if they ever come out with a Commander model, I'll add a third. They carry Springfield as well, and their 1911's are really top notch. You can get a Loaded Stainless for around $800...

the ones here in austin only have 2 1911's and they arent very good or atleast the stores ive been to arent very good

They can order anything Springfield makes, just make a friend behind the counter and ask... You've got Cabelas close to play with inventory, then go buy it with your gift card...

thinking for my purposes ill either go with xdm 45 or the 686 in 357

I won't touch a Taurus auto.

A 686 will make a solid field gun.

look around at ammo cost and availability before you make your decision...

I like the idea of the 686. You can plink with .38's for cheap, load it up with .357 for more punch, and easily run rat shot thorugh it.

In the field, I used to carry with a couple rounds of rat shot, followed by some hollow points so that you're ready for whatever. I bought a Judge and do the same thing now with .410 and .45 LC.

Yeah I feel the same about a Taurus auto. Although they have a pt1911 there that was 550. Felt decent. No springer or kimber but good. Not sure now though. I like the 686 and not crazy bout the xdm after I played with it today. So dOwn to me between that Taurus or that smith 686. Really leaning smith since it has versatility but love the 1911

s&w mp 40 cal for the field you cant beat that for a field gun runs great shoots great and you will still have money to customize it

You can't go wrong with a smith revolver. The 686 is an excellent choice. You can probably find a 66 a little cheaper. Same gun it just has a shorter underlug.
When I check around I see a whole lot of the xd's for sale with people saying that they only shot it one time and now they want something else. They may be ok guns but there sure seems to be a lot of people getting rid of them.