I think the XD9 and XD40 can convert back and forth but the XD45 uses a slightly larger frame so it can't.

I'd add that I can feed my .45 ~really~ cheaply by casting my own bullets. While that can be done with 9 and .40 its a bit more difficult because those rounds are significantly higher velocity. Something to consider since you're already set up for reloading.

still can't get used to the idea of melting lead and having all the fumes near you, think i'd rather opt for coated rounds. definitely leaning toward something that i can interchange barrels, will look hard at the xd though thanks again

The LIFE class allows you to shoot so many different handguns its unbelievable. 9 instructors with about 7 guns each, you will definitely find the gun that fits well and you enjoy shooting.... Guarantee you will find the gun you like taking that course.... Hardest part is finding the gun you like in stock at a LGS.... Good Luck!!!!

well if worse comes to worse i can always buy it from the mainland......gunbroker has alot
   

You should try look into a 1911 with a 22LR conversion. Even my wife shot the 1911 45acp with no issue.

Kimber has one.
http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/rimfire/rimfire-target-conversion-kit

And Kimber makes nice 1911s although it is not a Colt.

If I were only able to get 1 handgun it would be a sig. I love my p229 and its in 9mm. If I were to do it again I'd probably get the .40 and get a 9mm conversion barrel.
Nothing against other guns as I haven't shot much others. I just love my sig

so many choices, so little money, but at least i have an idea, will definitely look for something that is convertible, and i have an idea on which brands to look at, thanks guys...

i know you are looking for just one semi auto
but, theres too many out there to settle for just one.
i set out to get a 1911, but after weighing the price vs options, I opted to get a .45 XDM and a .22 Beretta Neos.
for both of those it ran me in the $1000 range.  which is about the price for a good 1911, if not cheaper.
I like the option of shooting different calibers out of different guns.  that way I can switch back and forth with absolutely no delay.
if you want to practice with the same gun, but in a cheaper ammo, thats different.
but i like that i'm shooting 2 different guns, gives me 2 different perspectives.
nobody mentioned the Neos.  its a good, very inexpensive .22 semi auto that comes with a rail on top so you can mount optics if you want very easily.
I have a red dot sight with 4 different reticles.  easy to point and shoot.  it looks a little odd, but its fun to shoot.
just my 2 cents.
let us know what you decide on.

I think the XD9 and XD40 can convert back and forth but the XD45 uses a slightly larger frame so it can't.

I'd add that I can feed my .45 ~really~ cheaply by casting my own bullets. While that can be done with 9 and .40 its a bit more difficult because those rounds are significantly higher velocity. Something to consider since you're already set up for reloading.

I'm not sure if this applies to XD's and other handguns but I know for a Sig you can convert a .40 to a 9 but not the other way around. The reason you can't convert up in size is because the barrel is slightly larger so it won't fit. I think there were a few other reasons as well but they don't matter if the barrel doesn't fit.

I beleive that's correct for all of them.

.40's can convert down to 9 mms but generally 9 mms cannot convert up to .40s.  There's a lot of brands with conversions.

And I forgot about the 1911 .45s with .22 conversion kits. Good point Jl808.

What's your reason for only one pistol? Here is my opinion...

If your answer is financial, right now there is an ammo is at a premium if you can find it. Even 9mm is running in the neighborhood of 30 cents a round if your lucky. So if your new to shooting you will spend some $$$ on ammo to get to a proficient level. So buying a one centerfire pistol and .22lr pistol actually makes a whole lot of sense. Just to break in your centerfire pistol will be around $150 in ammo for a 9mm.

Shooting is a skill that needs to be practiced like shooting a basketball. .22lr pistols will help you hone and maintain your skills at a cheaper price. Something to think about.

no argument from me on that, but with a gun that is easily converted to another caliber and that's cheaper to shoot, you get the best of both worlds. your familiarity with the gun and how it feels versus shooting two different guns that feel and act differently, that seems like an easier way to become proficient at shooting, what do you think, am i way off base?

I'd highly recommend you test fire as many guns as possible and in as many calibers as possible.  If you can't shoot them, go down to a few gun stores and handle them to see if they fit you.  They all are a bit different.  Your gonna have to take a handgun safety course either way and they ususally have a portion where you get to shoot various guns in various calibers at the end of the class.  I highly recommend hawaii defense foundation because you get the paperwork to actually go out and buy a gun right after the class and not 2 months later like others do.  It's very fun and you learn a lot since your not familar with semiauto handguns.   


P.S.  more people have been killed by .22lr then any other caliber out there.  it can and will kill a human just fine.  Shot placement is what is important.  Id rather get shot in the hand or foot with a .45acp then in the head or heart with a .22lr!

no argument from me on that, but with a gun that is easily converted to another caliber and that's cheaper to shoot, you get the best of both worlds. your familiarity with the gun and how it feels versus shooting two different guns that feel and act differently, that seems like an easier way to become proficient at shooting, what do you think, am i way off base?

You make a good point. Most conversion kits aren't nearly reliable and cost as much a a whole other pistol. My philosophy is why spend $300 or so on a .22lr conversion slide when you can spend $50 more and get a complete .22lr pistol. When you go to the range you and a friend can shoot at the same time. Also adds another pistol for home defense albeit a .22lr, its better than nothing. There are many .22lr pistols that mimic their centerfire counterparts like the M&P's, Sigs and Walthers.  Be aware shooting .22lr is a cheaper option but nothing replaces the practicing with centerfire. With that said, you can probabaly train away most issues like sight picture, trigger squeeze,stance, flinch etc with the .22lr for a lot cheaper than centerfire.

This is a good pistol. If I didn't already have a MkII, I'd jump on this.

http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=6667.msg63907#new

thanks, i saw this listing an it is so tempting, anything more i should know about this gun

+1 I was going down the same route and was told to get a conversion barrel. Decided to just get 2 handguns one 22lr and one 9mm. 22lr conversion not worth the money, just buy a dedicated 22lr...

Go down to the gun store and handle every gun they have till u find a good fit...

i  was thinking more in the line of a 40 with a 9mm conversion, depending on funds a 22 would be nice...

I went with 22lr only cause its way cheaper to shoot.... 9mm with 40 conversion is good. Be careful when switching back and forth, mark your mags and barrels carefully.

+1 I was going down the same route and was told to get a conversion barrel. Decided to just get 2 handguns one 22lr and one 9mm. 22lr conversion not worth the money, just buy a dedicated 22lr...

Go down to the gun store and handle every gun they have till u find a good fit...

+1, just buy a dedicated .22lr 

Its cheaper and now you have 2 guns instead of one.