does he have big hands? if so, he might no like the grip, trigger reach is way short. the m version addresses that with a modular backstrap, ala m&p, h&k and others. otherwise, as ryan2 said, nothing wrong with them. based off the glock patents, they are extremely reliable, at least from what i've seen. i don't like them due to the trigger reach, i feel like i'm palming the gun istead of gripping it. however, i am thinking about one for the wife in .45. others to look at... glock 21 and 21sf. the sf stands for slim frame and it's all about a slightly shorter trigger reach and overall grip dimensions compared to the standard g21. g21sf also gives you an ambi mag release, which is worth about +1billion. i love my g21sf. fn 45...14+1 capacity, decocker and alll that jazz. a great gun thati'm thinking i might grab as my next 45. s&w m&p, modular backstrap, very reliable, and not as blocky as most. great shooter, it's on my must have list. there are othes, but price starts going up from those listed polymers...i want a sig p220 SAO, but $$$ says no,lol. of course any good 1911, no kimbers!!, should always be on the short list! wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee He loves the ergonomics of the XD more than pretty much every pistol we've looked at, I just wasn't sure of their track record...