[bggun]

I am going to buy my first handgun tomorrow. I have shot various pistol's in my life, but would like to get my own now. I have pretty much decided on the SA XD45 ACP, but I am trying to decide between the 4" and 5" model. One store I went to had the tactical .40 and a service model .45 and the service model seemed a little more in balance to me. I have never touched the .45 tactical. Tomorrow the store I am going to purchase from has 2 service model .45's and one tactical .45 coming in and they say they don't get many of the tacticals because SA doesn't manufacture as many and they sell quickly so I don't want to miss out.

I don't plan on using it for CCW or anything like that, but I was curious of comparisons between the tactical and service model xd45's.

Thanks

[yhtomit]

I have the 4" barrel version, and it feels better to me than the 5".

Though it's hard for that to mean anything by way of comparison unless we were identical twins, note that I'm 5'10-and-change, 185lbs (not portly, but far from thin), medium-small hands. Adjust to your stats ;)

The 5" just felt a bit top-heavy for me; I like my 5" barrel S&W 625 (stainless steel revolver), but the XD has a bit more mass up front than a revolver (slide *and* barrel, not just barrel), which may be why it feels different to me.

However, I've only ever held (not fired) the 5"; in firing, the longer sight radius and that extra mass probably feels just fine, but based on hand-feel, I went with the 4" instead. I might at some point even end up carrying the XD concealed, but I'll start that most likely with a much smaller gun, then see what the next few Thanksgivings do to my profile ;)

timothy

[bggun]

When I held the .40 tactical model. It just felt heavy up front where the 4" felt balanced. I am just a little bigger than you it seems. I suspect that I would like the 5" just fine once I fired it, but I will have a hard time purchasing if it doesn't feel right in the store. I will likely go with the 4". Everything I have heard about it has been good and sounds like it is very accurate.

[possum]

well what can i say but great choice on a handgun, i think either model would be great, the longer barreled model will give you a little more velocity and the longer sight radius will help in the accuracy department, and since you won't be using it as a ccw the ,longer model would probally be best, but if the 4" model feels better to you go with it. i like all the xd;s but between the 4" and 5" models i prefer the 4" i think they are better balanced and they just feel better to me, it is a preference thing.

[marksman13]

I've got a .45 Tac model and love it. I am 6' 3" and 230 pounds though, so the size of the pistol is about right for me. It shoots great, and recoil is very light for a .45. I absolutely love this pistol and I am strongly considering the sub compact in .40 cal or 9mm. Buy the one you feel the most comfortable with.

[dmftoy1]

I've got the 4 inch service model and absolutely love it . . . .BUT if I could do it over I'd by the 5 inch. (as I don't have a CCW option here in Illinois). I tend to do most of my shooting at 25 yards and I find that my buddies 5 inch is easier for me to pick up the sights when trying to shoot tight groups than my 4. (although my 4 does surprisingly well)

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

[bggun]

Well, I took the leap yesterday. Went in to the store and they had both the 4" and 5" model XD 45 as they said. I really loved the look of the tactical, but in the end I just couldn't make it feal as comfortable as the 4". Holding the 4", I didn't even feel like I was holding a gun if that makes any sense. It just seemed to have more balance. I went with my gut and got the 4". Have to wait a til Monday to get it, but can't wait. Too bad it's going to be about 3 degrees out that day. I will probably wait for a little nicer day before I go out shooting.

What kind of ammo does this gun like?

[battlehatch]

I own an XD45 Tactical, I love it to death but I can't really say I'd recommend it for a first pistol. I think I'd recommend a Sig or Ruger P94/944 series which has a safety and decocker. Just a thought.

[dmftoy1]

What kind of ammo does this gun like?

Anything but LSWC's. :)

[Ala Dan]

I have the 4" XD-.45 ACP service model and its a great firearm; but if
concealment isn't an issue, then I see NO reason not to get the extra
sight radius of the 5" tactical model~!:uhoh: ;) :D