what should be basis for choosing handgun??

Welcome to Steyr-land Shad!

I know forum member madecov is an experienced LEO, so he and others will hopefully provide their perspective.

You'll probably get many opinions about the question you asked. IMHO, I like to be as proficient with as many different platforms as possible. I've watched Cops when the officers have recovered weapons from suspects and I think in such situations it would pay to be intimately familiar with the different manual-of-arms of different weapons.

That said, for your intended purpose it does make sense to train with the same platform so that the manual-of-arms of your department-issued weapon will be engrained in your muscle-memory. For example, the 6 degree difference in grip angle between the Glock and Steyr MAY make a difference in your first shot time from a holster as you adjust your grip to align the sights when using the platform different from what you train with the most. Then again, it may make an insignificant difference.

I think it comes down to training, and if you have different platforms you use, make sure that before you do carry something that you are confident in your perfomance with it. 2 years is a long time and you never know what department you may end up with. One thing is likely, however, and that is they probably will not be issuing the Steyr. Although they may not prohibit you carrying it on duty if you qualify with it.

You will hear me say time and time again that I believe all defensive-minded pistol shooters should search out the most well-run IDPA matches in their area. This particular competition will get you familiar with your manual-of-arms and also practice your shooting skills with challenging courses and non-standard positions and situations.

Good luck!

Jeff

if you ccw the s9 you can still ccw the s9 as an off duty leo.
if your dept is one that will let you carry your own pistol if you qualify the try to do that and use an M (or the glock and s as a backup).

I do know people who shoot idpa w/ 3 or 4 different guns for different divisions and diffferent rankings w/ each (xd,1911, k frame SW) the key is putting in enough time practicing w/ each.

you have two years to ccw the s9 and train in your own time.

you will have the same time to train on glocks as every other cop to be in your class, the difference is you will still be going in w/ good gun handling and marskmanship skills.

become profecient in diffrerent platforms, shoot and train w/ others and borrow their guns 8)

what happens if you go to a dept that is GLOCK ONLY and don't even think about carrying anything else, then move to another dept that is berrata or SW only.

in other words you have no idea what the future holds and do what works for now, but be flexible enought to ditch it for something better later.

shoot some idpa or even ipsc if there is no idpa around you.

but i say if the s fits your hand and conceals better why buy a glock, and maybe even try to trade that xd for 4 or 5 inch xd or an M or..... unless you just like having two compacts but only carrying one.