what is better for a security guard M&P or XDM?

Although I prefer the M&P, I would strongly recommend you go with the XDM because that is what you are familiar with. Since you are going to start working as a security guard fairly soon, you do not have the time or luxury to re-learn/re-train yourself on a different pistol and the last thing you want to do is arm yourself with a weapon you are inexperienced with. When it comes to preserving your life, you got to go with what you know and know how to use well.

That goes for the caliber, too. Train like you fight and fight like you train.

Both are good firearms but I am a fan of the XDm.

No, there is not that big of a difference between the 9 (.38 caliber) and the .40.

With all the excellent self defense rounds on the market, you will get good performance from the 9. I have more problems with my officers trying to qual with the .40 than either the 9 or the .45 together. The snappy recoil intimidates them.

I have been carrying an XDm 9 4.5" in my security work for a few years. If I want a bigger hammer, I grab my XD .45 4".

Either of these guns will be fine. I personally like the Springfield better- but the MP is okay too.

The 40 develops a little more power and has an unnecessarily rough recoil. There is not enough difference in the effectiveness to barely measure. 12 rounds of 9mm is better than 10 rounds of 40 any day anywhere. The 9mm is the optimal choice.

Now. Have you considered a da/sa hammer fired gun? The FNX is an awesome gun for about $625. If money is a little tight look at a Sig 2022, or CZ P-07 for about $475. These are all poly frame like the MP/XD, except good da/sa triggers and de-cocker safety- when the MP and XD do not (some models may have a safety- not all).

Want a metal frame gun...look at the CZ-75 Compact...another awesome gun.

Get an XDm Tactical in 45 ACP. It cheuses aper ammo and easier to get than 40 plus has more punch to it. 9 mm is a weak round similar to the 38 special.

Take this for what it is. I have been an armed person for 33 years now- paid and un paid.

If you are asking this question on this forum and someone is paying you to carry a firearm... you need to ask for more training. Period.

That gun is for your protection... and you should be savvy on the continuim of force available to yourself that generally avoids going to a gun in the first place. "Security" really means "good witness" in law enforcment circles.

As far as your question... any of the modern striker fired pistols are good enough for most para military, enforcement or security use. I'd prefer a Glock or M&P over the xD pistols.. the Glock by a slim margin simply because aftermarket parts (mags, holsters, small parts) are easy to find anyplace and the guns are cheap and reliable and just dead simple.

Caliber? I don't know what ammo is approved by your employer... but several brands of today's 9mm is more than good enough for defensive use or LEO work.

More rounds or harder hits? That- simply the way it's phrased tells me that your mindset is almost as underdeveloped as your skill set. If your trained and confident and able ... any round you let go should hit what you aimed at... and we don't shoot unless we can make the shot. Any thing we hit other than the target is "ours" baby. You may want to look at your general liability insurance with that attitude.

If your planning on staying in this kind of work... save your pennies and get to a quality trainer to learn your pistolcraft.

Hi Dear, Border Collies are great security guard dogs,they are # 1 dog on the breed list as the smartest dog out of all breeds. German Shepards are used a lot for guard dogs,let's not forget the German Rottweiler they are very sweet to their owners but deadly to tresspassers.Last on my list is Dobermans pinchers.They run in a group and they can be killers. Your Friend, poppy1

I am a fan of the Springfields. I don't see a need for the .40 S&W. If 9mm isn't enough, go with a .45 ACP.

How about getting in some range time with both, and decided which works best for YOU?

You can also compare the .40 versions as they compared to the 9mm versions, while at the range as well.

You may find that you like one as your work firearm and another as your personal firearm. As Quinn stated, you may want to stick with what you already know for work, but nothing keeps you from getting something else as your personal firearm, or even backup work gun.

I've only ever shot the M&P 9C and I've owned the XDm .40 and for me the XDm was a far better gun. Right now I'm only trying to stick to shooting and carrying one gun so I use my Glock 23. But I wished I had my XDm back!!!

Which one you like more. The stopping power argument is pointless. .40S&W has 50% more power than a 9mm but that power increase comes at a cost of controllability and a snappy recoil many people don't like.