[Charley]

I've been looking to buy a gun actively since April, and I've spent the time saving my money and doing my homework on various types of pistols. At first, I considered buying a Glock 19, then a Steyr M-Series on a tangent, but I eventually was persuaded away from these, either by trying them out or from hearing what other people thought of them. A few people I talked to a while back mentioned getting a Springfield XD...which I hadn't heard of at the time. I'm still somewhat of a gun novice (as in, I have some knowledge of guns and how to use them, etc, but I'm not a Tackleberry yet), so I really am trying to learn the ropes on every little detail. I knew that I wanted something with manageable size and weight, a polymer semi-automatic design, chambered in either 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, or 10mm. I'd considered a .45, but to be honest, I'd rather ante up for a 1911 if I'm gonna get one of those, because I want something with full capacity, and with the right kind of weight to be able to handle the more powerful .45, and from past experience, I've enjoyed firing the 1911.

So with that tangent aside, I knew the characteristics of what I wanted, so it narrowed the playing field. I was shopping around, and I was able to find a .40 Springfield XD Service model at one of my local gun stores, and being offered for $400. I sprung for it, seeing that it was over 100 less than what I'd seen for a new Glock 19, and a full 85 less than other XD's I'd seen on the Springfield Armory site, and even 50 less than other XD's I'd seen in other gun shops around town.

Took the lion's share of my last paycheck, but I brought the thing home. So far, I absolutely love it. It's a bit heavier than the Glock 19, and noticably heavier than my friend's .40 S&W Sigma, which is a good thing, because the Sigma bucks a bit much on recoil in the .40 It fits in the hand almost identically to a 1911 grip, which is comfortable. The only complaints I have are that the ambidextrous mag release on it is a little stiff, as is the slide catch, although the SIG-style takedown mechanism it has is excellent, far and above the Glock's system IMO. The trigger pull is a bit lengthy, but manageable, and all of the gun's safety features are really impressive (trigger safety, grip safety, firing pin indicator, chamber load indicator, etc).

I took it out for a brief test drive yesterday, and at 15 meters, it was consistently grouping at a 1.5 inch radius, with very mild recoil. Field-stripping and cleaning was a snap, and all in all, I have to say I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

Does anyone else own an XD, or have any time on one? What are your thoughts on it, for better or worse, and if I can ask...can you give me any advice or tips on using such a gun, maintaing it, or maybe a preference on ammunition and/or accessories.

[dleong]

Charley,

Bebop over to www.xdtalk.com and introduce yourself!

DL

[fnforme]

I second www.xdtalk.com !

My dad owns a XD 9mm and I love it! My next pistol will be a XD 9mm with stainless slide. I own several 9mms including Glocks, SIGs, and various others. For some reason I just shoot the XD better than any other 9mm I've ever shot. At 7 yards the bulets are all touching other when I shoot it. In my opinion you have made a great choice. This is without a doubt the best handgun bargain out there, especially if you're in the market for your first gun. At $400 what gun is even close to it's quality in that price range?

Good choice, enjoy your new toy! :)

[12 Volt Man]

I have the OD Green XD9. Many people on this board commented on how ugly it is when it came out. I like it. :D . It has been 100% reliable and although not as accurate as my CZ's, still very accurate. The trigger works nice for double taps. You will enjoy yours!

[Charley]

I love the XD, but I have to tell you...OD green is UUUUGLY man!

:)

I had to say it, cause its true.

Maybe I'm a prude, but to me, auto pistols have to be BLACK, or nothing at all.

BTW thanks guys for recommending XDtalk.com, even if it means ANOTHER gun forum to sign up for (OH NO! ;)) Between this place, AR15, and XDtalk, I've increased my bookmarks twofold today.

[Kcustom45]

My girlfriend has an XD-40 and she likes it. I have shot it several time and I have found it accurate, easy to care for, and fun to shoot. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else. BTW her mag release was stiff at first too, but it has gotten better.

[atek3]

xd lover here.

no kb's w/ .40 reloads or lead.

atek3

[trapguy]

I have had mine for 3 months and about 3000 rds and wouldn't trade for any other 9mm.

[axeman_g]

Sorry guys, I have to disagree with the above posters ...

I bought a OD green Xd in .40. I put a 22lb Wolf Spring from a Colt Commander in it and some SIG Ghost View sights frmo Entrepise Arms. I liked the gun, but it just did not suit me. First off, it could not get any uglier if it tried. It shot well, but not well enough. It recoiled higher then I felt it should due to the high center of gravity in the frame. I found it uncomfortale to carry OWB and finding hicaps would be an impossbility.

I do recomend xdtalk.com. That is a great bunch or shooters over there.

I sold it for about what I paid for it with the added accesories and purchased my FN HiPower 9mm.

Now there is a gun to love.

Axe

[10-Ring]

A few months ago, I was renting a XD 9 & XD 357 and shot a decent amount of rounds through them. I like the guns. I have come across a few guys who don't like the grip angle, but that's a personal preference thing and I don' recommend you buying a gun that doesn't fit you anyway..

[38snapcaps]

I had an XD-9 for a few months, put about 800 rnds thru it.

That trigger safety thingy felt sharp on my finger, annoyed me after half a box of ammo, even left an sharp impression in my skin.. Its only plastic so I took sand paper and smoothed out the sharp edge. That helped but I still didn't like it.

The grip safety was an annoyance too, I liked the concept, just not the feel on my hand.

The gun really liked Winchester white box FMJ and JHP. I tried some Silver Bear and had something happen (maybe a powder overload) where the case expanded so much that it jammed in the chamber it took a metal punch down the barrel and a hammer to knock it out. After that the spent brass started hitting me in the head once or twice a magazine. That was too much on top of the others, so I sold it.

But, it was/is a clean shooting gun, easy to take down and clean up. Accuracy was excellent My neighbor has a compact XD-9 and is thrilled with it.

I like the looks, I had the SS slide version. The magazines are things of beauty, and the controls are right where you want them. I mostly liked the gun but I don't regret letting it go.

[SouthpawShootr]

I've found that my XD9 does not like reloads. I bought 1000 rounds of reloaded 9mm from a commercial reloader and had not one trouble with the ammo until I bought my XD9. First round out of the first mag jammed the gun up pretty tight. :scrutiny: Managed to clear it only to have it lock up so tight on the next round that I had to have it removed by a gunsmith (who put a dowel down the barrel and tapped it until the round was out of the chamber). :what: I finished the lot through a Glock 19 and S&W 5946 without a hitch. Seems the chambers are much tighter on XDs than other guns in my collection. A veteran XD shooter at the range told me to get one of those Lee factory crimp dies and that will make the problem go away. Anyway, I'm not shooting reloads anymore unless I assemble them my self and check each round prior to use. Other than this one instance, my XD has been exceptional. I'd really like to put night sights on this gun, but if you go over to XDtalk, you'll find that this isn't easy to do and it's just not worth it to me to send the slide back to Springfield. Overall impression is that they are pretty good quality guns, but I still shoot my G19 better. A bonified problem that I heard from a bunch of shooters: the finish seems to wear pretty easily. A good number of people have solved this one by having the slide chromed or applied a similar hard finish.

[New_comer]

If I hadn't acquired my USP two years ago, I'm sure I'll be gravitating towards the XD9 (HS2000) first, due to its lower price compared to the other available wundernines...

You've got a good gun. If I were you, I'd shoot the daylights out of it :D:D:D

[Shweboner]

I ahve almost 1000 through my XD9(OD frame), I love it.

Next Im going to get the XD40 "tactical" model (all black)

IMO there is no better pistol for the $$$ out there.

[Chupacabra]

I took a look at an XD9 at the gunshop yesterday just for funzies. The guy working the counter let me work the action and pull the trigger...and I was really surprised! A nice crisp break at 4 or 5#s, the grip was good, weight was good, and at $479 I almost picked it up but I restrained myself. When I go back there I'll have to see if they are renting one at the range. I'd love to try it out.

[JSR]

I'v had an XD40 Bi-tone for a month or two. I'm a little more impressed with this pistol every time I fire it. I haven't had any problems with reloads,I do use a Lee FCD.Since its my CCW I haven't bothered with Dons Guide rod,I know a lot of guys have 1000s of rounds thru theirs with it installed but.... The next pistol will most likely be a XD 357 sig Tactical,if and when. :)
Jeff

[SoDFW Jason]

IMO, XD is fantastic. I got myself into a bind a few months back and had to sell mine and have been trying to get one back ever since. I've had a Glock 32 w/nite sites up for trade for one for a while now and no one wants to part with an XD even for the more expensive Glock.

[litework]

I've had an XD for a few months and love it. Best polymer pistol on the market in my opinion. I just sent it away to get it hard chromed by Tripp Research. Although I haven't had a problem with the finish, I wanted an upgrade. I'm not the type of person who buys a pistol based on its finish anyway. I also purchased Don's guide rod and a 22# Wolf Spring for target sessions. I am going to upgrade the sights to something more "high vis" but haven't really decided on a set-up. The XD is my "do everything" gun. I love the simplicity of the Glock pistol, but I love the fit, form and function of the XD.

[Charley]

So shoot quality, factory ammo and baby the Brunrial finish, and I should be okay? Those seem to be the only main sticking points for some people.

[dleong]

So shoot quality, factory ammo and baby the Brunrial finish, and I should be okay? Those seem to be the only main sticking points for some people.
Baby the bruniral finish if you care about aesthetics, but don't feel you have to shoot only factory ammo. I have shot over 5000 of my reloaded rounds through my XD-40 Tactical without a single problem. Not one. The chamber of the XD-40's barrel is more than adequately supported.

DL

[Charley]

I've never really shot reloads anyway, so its not a big worry for me. I can shell out the cash for new rounds, especially since I have a friend of mine who is a cop, who buys in bulk at wholesale.

[SouthpawShootr]

I never really cared about the finish of my guns. I buy 'em to shoot and I believe honest wear adds character. There were some issues a while back with ejectors breaking because the mag impacts the ejector during seating. Haven't heard of it happening with XD40s and I suspect many of these instances involve modified pre-ban mags. Maintain it according to manufacturer's instructions and you'll probably get alot of use out of it.

[Charley]

Yes, there have been issues of hi-cap mags in XD-9's causing the ejector to break, but mainly due to people slamming them in, and trying to force them flush with the grip. I attribute that as a general issue of stupidity, not an issue of the gun.

[.45Ruger]

First I bought the XD40. After about 2000 rounds thorough it wih only 2 issues I decided it was my new carry gun. I am wery pleased with the gun and I carry it whenever possible. I liked it so much I bought its little brother the XD9 subcompact. This gun is great for me because I have small hands and can fit three fingers on the grip. The 40 mags make great hicaps bu do look a litle funny because they do not sit flush with the end of the gun.

[Brad Johnson]

7000 rounds through my XD9. The only problem was a failed extractor which the factory quickly replaced under warranty (the weak extractors were an early production problem that has been resolved).

Other than a couple of extraction failures that were linked directly to the bad extractor, I have had exactly zero problems of any kind. It has digested everything from Wolf, to Blazer, to Win white box, to virtually every flavor of premium ammo.

You've got yourself a good gun. Keep it clean and it should last you a lifetime. Don't worry about the Bruniral finish wearing, because it will. Just keep a little protectant like BreakFree CLP or Militec on it to keep surface rust from being a problem.

Brad

[Opeybarr68]

I have a tactical XD in 45 GAP. I like it. It isn't perfect by any means but I have yet to find a weapon that is. The pistol has performed very well. No malfunctions and no failures to this point. I too was bothered by the trigger safety. not only is it not needed but it is a little uncomfortable if you like to shoot a lot. My other complaint may not be valid. I expect a lot from a weapon and would like better accuracy. Not that this pistol is bad but it seems to shoot a little low left. By a little I mean at 50 yards supported I am consistantly 7 inches low left of point of aim. The group is about 6 1/2 inches. Not terrible but not as good as I have gotten from my CZ40 or my new FNP 9.

Just my thoughts on it.. I am glad I bought it and I will keep it but it isn't my first choice for a long range session with the trigger safety, and high priced ammo.

Good luck..

[CougarRed]

XD9 4" service model, all black.

It's been flawless and very accurate. The trigger is almost as good as my P7. Love how it fits my hand and points for me.

According to my gunsmith, the extractor is difficult to remove. If it ever breaks, it will be hell to fix. Aside from that, I have nothing negative to say about the gun.

[scubie02]

well, I don't own an xd...


I own 2! An xd9 service, and then more recently I got the subcompact. No problems with either, and I haven't noticed any unusual slide wear on either (they are both the standard black models). I have owned several polymer guns, including a walther P99, Sig Pro, etc, and a cz-75, and have fored several High Powers. Then I got that first 4" xd, and the other 9's are all gone. The xd is easy to shoot, and shoot fast if desired, is more accurate than any of the others were (my cz-75 was close in that department) is very easy to disassemble, and gobbles up any ammo I run through it. Not much more one could ask. I do find it more uncomfortable to carry than my 1911's due to its blocky style, but then the other polymer guns are pretty similar--nothing as comfy as a 1911.

BTW, I kind of like the looks of the olive drab--i only have the black because thats what the store had.

[Sactown]

I have an XD9 Tactical and it's a great shooter. The only FTF was my fault because it was really really dirty. It shoots accurate and has a nice grip angle. The only change I would make would be the trigger, but then again, I'm really used to 1911 triggers. I think the XDs are great choices whether you're on a budget or not.

[Camjr]

XD40 bi-tone service model (4"). I've put nearly 2k rounds downrange with no FTE or FTF issues in either FMJ or JHP, typically 180 or 165gr. I have relatively small hands and the controls are all very accessible. I started to get a few spots on the slide when new, but a little Break Free and a wipedown after each session has resulted in no additional blemishes. My wife has no problem with recoil when firing it. I've been very impressed--it seems well thought out and well engineered. I've heard great things about Springfield's service should I need it, and that was a key in my purchase.

I like it so much, my next purchase may be the XD40 SC.

[kart racer]

I shot about 300 rds thru my xd9 this weekend,that makes about 300rds and it has never malfunctioned.Great pistol for the money.When Tuner and me went shooting he even shot it!I always try to let someone at the range shoot it so they can see what a bargain it really is.

[Pietro Beretta]

XD40 Sub-Compact

I have 900 rounds through it, with one failure for a round to load fully in the chamber at about round 80. Last weekend I took it out to the woods and fired 100 roundsrapid firing two magazines as fast as I could, she didnt hic up at all. I keep this in my night stand with an XML light on her.

However she does have an inferior finish its already showing a lot of wear on the grip safety, slide, and a lot on the barrel. Some people have complained about rust problems, but I have not experienced this.

I love my Springfield XD40 Sub-Compact, wouldnt trade her for anything!

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

I've put around 2000 rounds through my XD-9. Still loving it, despite the finish wearing (but not rusting) in a few areas. I've since picked up an HK USP45 that is probably headed back out before too terribly long. I just prefer the XD.

[Mossyrock]

While I don't own an XD at the moment, the .45 GAP model looks interesting.... I owned a 9mm XD a few years ago (when hi-caps weren't available) and the lack of hi-caps was the main reason I sold it. From a functioning standpoint, I only had one gripe with it. Most of my shooting is with custom 1911s with really good triggers. One of the strong points of the 1911 (with a good trigger job) is a short trigger reset. This is the weakest point with the XD, in my opinion. The trigger reset is WAY too long. I love the grip angle, but just couldn't get used to the trigger reset. If there is a way to shorten that, I'd sure like to hear about it!

[jkswiss]

Rich at Canyon Creek can work miracles w/ the trigger. Do a search at xdtalk.com and you'll hear only good things. He can give you a #3 pull w. a 1/4 trigger reset and virtually no overtravel.