[giggitygiggity]

I found what looks to be good deal on an XD in .45GAP. The person wants $325 for the pistol. It has about a box of ammo though it. It is the 4" service model with three magazines. Is this a good deal?

How do you like the XD? I am a big Glock fan, but am willing to pick up an XD for a good price. In particular, please comment on the 4" .45GAP service model. I realize that Springfield no longer makes GAP's. Thanks.

[Quoheleth]

My bigger concern would be the cartridge over the gun. The platform is great. The cartridge was a solution looking for a problem (many think the only problem was how to get Glock's name on a cartridge AND a gun).

My 2 cents is that before you buy the gun, check for ammo availability (on-line and local) and price. If you can find it and can live with the prices, it's a good price on a good platform.

Q

[bigfatdave]

ore you buy the gun, check for ammo availability and price. If you can find it and can live with the prices, it's a good price on a good platform.
I agree with Quoheleth, and was about to post the same thing ... if you want to get into .45GAP, then the XD platform is pretty solid.
Keep in mind that those 3 magazines might be the only 3 you ever see is S.A.inc has discontinued the production of the gun (just something to think about)

[jmr40]

There is a reason it is cheap. If you want a 45 GAP it is a good deal. The good news is that if you don't like it, you can still sell it cheap and not lose money.

I'd pass, but it could be a good deal for YOU.

[David E]

Ammotogo has several varieties of GAP ammo.

[arizona98tj]

As much as I enjoy the XD platform (I have 3 of them), I would let this one go by. The ammo will only become more difficult (read expensive) to find as time goes on. If you want a used XD in 45 ACP, I'm sure there are some to be found.

[railroader]

I wouldn't get it unless you reload.I quess if you have trouble getting ammo you could cut down 45 acp cases to load. Here are cheap gap mags in case you get it. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/spxd45gapfu9.html One other thing you can find new xd9 for around $400 and they will have a warranty which I'm not sure about if you buy an xd used. That's what I paid for mine in the last year and I got a holster mag holders and 5 mags because of a promotion.

[Mot45acp]

Can you swap it to any other calibers with a barrel/magazine change?

[C0untZer0]

It's nice to have a cartridge named after your company.

Colt has some, S&W has some.

I think though that a lot of people don't know what the "G" stands for in GAP.

I think it's funny that Springfield Armory makes a gun chambered in GAP and even Glock is having a rough time selling the GAP pistols.

At least once every 30 days there is a post on Glocktalk "Is the 45 GAP dead ???"

[postalnut25]

I have a XD45 GAP and an XD45 ACP, and I much perfer the GAP. There is enough of a size difference that I notice it. I have smaller hands, and the grip on the XD GAP is friendlier to a wider variety of hands.

[Mike J]

I have an XD-40 & it is a good gun. As far as the cartridge goes I would be inclined to agree with Quoheleth.

[SabbathWolf]

I prefer standard calibers.
The price seems OK for the gun, but I'd rather just stick with a standard 45acp for numerous reasons.
I never bought into the 357Sig thing either, even though the guns themselves can be quite nice.

[Quiet]

Keep in mind that those 3 magazines might be the only 3 you ever see is S.A.inc has discontinued the production of the gun (just something to think about)
FYI.
Springfield Armory does not manufacture any of the XD/XDM pistols.
Springfield Armory is just the exclusive importer of the XD/XDM pistol.
HS Produkt is still producing the HS-2000 in .45GAP, Springfield Armory choses not to continue importation of them.

Unless, it's a 1911 from the Springfield Armory Custom Shop, all handguns sold by Springfield Armory are manufactured by another company and imported into the USA.

[Warp]

Do you specifically want .45GAP? Have you held, or fired, that pistol in .45 ACP to compare how the grip feels?

Do you reload?

[coalman]

Nice gun. Novelty caliber - think 10mm and .357sig - that would have already caught on if it ever was. Too bad IMO as I think the GAP is the better .45 semi-auto. Discounted price rightly reflects demand. I'd pass.

[hentown]

GA State Patrol uses Glocks in .45GAP. I just hope none of those guys do any shooting at our local range. I'd hate to get that brass mixed up with my real .45 acp brass. :eek:

[David E]

The funniest think about the GAP, where Glock wanted their name on a cartridge, refuses to put the proper name of calibers on their guns that other gun companies brought out.

To wit; Glock calls the .357 Sig the ".357 Auto."

The .40 Smith & Wesson, already shortened to .40 S&W, is called ".40 Auto."

Likewise, both the .380 ACP and .45 ACP (ACP stands for "Automatic COLT Pistol") are called ".380 Auto" and ".45 Auto."

It's interesting to note that all of those calibers, including the .357 Sig, are doing better than the .45 Short, um, I mean, GAP

[Buck Kramer]

Buy it, you can swap out the mags and barrel for 9mm, .40, 45ACP, or .357 sig.

[dsb1829]

The price is good if it is LNIB. The GAP is neither good nor bad. It is harder to come by but IME it is easier to find GAP ammo than 10mm. If I can even find 10mm it is watered down. The GAP often has a few varieties in stock and all are pushing 45acp velocity/power. I reload, so I really could care less about off the shelf fodder. 45GAP brass is readilly available and all other components are common.

Of those who knock the GAP I would bet money less than 10% have actually fired one. IMO it is a unique round. It has less snap/recoil than 9mm, yet lays down 45 power (this is subjective,but owning a G19 and G38 I do make the comparison).

[David E]

I personally like the GAP. I own a Glock 37 and 38

The window for the GAP closed in 2004 when the AWB expired. Had it been renewed, the situation would be: your handgun can hold no more than 10 rds in the magazine, regardless of caliber. Would you choose 10 rds of 9mm, .40 or .45?

Hopefully, that window will remain closed.....

[Warp]

Even where the 10 round limit is still in play if you want your conceal carry gun to hold 10 rounds you may select the Glock 30 or 30SF. ;) 10+1 of .45 ACP in a package almost identical in size to the Glock models 19, 23 and 32.

[coalman]

The window for the GAP closed in 2004 when the AWB expired. ...


Very true. Glock was late to the party with innovation as per usual. To make it worse they ran the fatter .45 slide on the GAP instead of the 9mm/.40sw slide. Plus, the G38 only holds 8 rounds (some cram 9 in) instead of 10 like the G30 manages. These were a deal-killers IMO. IMO, Glock made mistake after mistake after mistake with the GAP. After being proactive with R&D, marketing and deals with LE to get on the .40sw bandwagon early, and enjoying huge success, they pretty much got lazy and stopped being timely, relavent or creative IMO. The Gen4 backstraps are a joke IMO. The XDm and M&P, like 'em or not, show real efforts at innovation while attempting to stay relevant with the times. I digress....

[Walking Dead]

@DavidE Smith & Wesson does the same thing. The M&P adds show it available in .357 auto too.

[Warp]

Lots of companies do it. Some people just like to grab onto anything they can in an attempt to criticize that which they do not like.

[David E]

Even where the 10 round limit is still in play if you want your conceal carry gun to hold 10 rounds you may select the Glock 30 or 30SF. ;) 10+1 of .45 ACP in a package almost identical in size to the Glock models 19, 23 and 32.

When the choice is 10 rds of 9mm, .40 or .45 in essentially the same size package, many will choose the .45. One thing the GAP allows is using the same grip size as the 9mm/.40. The G-30 grip is larger. This matters to some.

When the duty-size choice is 17 rds of 9mm, 15 rds of .40 or 10 rds of .45 GAP, most will pick one of the first two.

[Warp]

When the duty-size choice is 17 rds of 9mm, 15 rds of .40 or 10 rds of .45 GAP, most will pick one of the first two

Generally the duty size choice is a total of 18 of 9x19, 16 of .40 S&W or 14 of .45 ACP. ;)

Models 17, 22 and 21 (or 21SF), respectively.

I guarantee there are a ton more Glock 21 and 21SF models in law enforcement hands, and civilian hands, than there are Glock 37s.

[David E]

Lots of companies do it. Some people just like to grab onto anything they can in an attempt to criticize that which they do not like.

Are you referring to me? I didn't say Glock was the ONLY company that did it.

Yeah, I hate Glocks sooooo much I own 13 of them, have various additional top ends for them, have won major matches with them and carry them for personal protection....those damn Glocks....;)

[Warp]

Wasn't referring to anybody specifically. Just responding to the post I quoted. It was a general statement. If I was referring to somebody specifically, I would quote them or put their user name in the post. ;)

[bigfatdave]

Quiet, I'm well aware of the way S.A.inc sources their products, but I rather doubt that it was the factory in Croatia that decided that getting into the 45GAP game was a good idea, unless 45GAP is a popular loading over there?

[NG VI]

I think ten different state police departments go with the .45 GAP, and some scattered communities as well.

So there will be reasonable name brand defense and practice ammunition available for it for some time, and there's always cutting down ACP cases too.

As far as the gun and cartridge, which I think is more important to think about, it's a good gun in a cartridge that seems to make fans out of owners. I don't think I've seen anyone post anything negative about the GAP pistols they've owned, and not many seem to have any issue getting more ammunition, except maybe from some local shops. I know one guy that priced all his 20/25 round defense ammunition boxes at $28-$40, it was insane.

Never bought from him. Online good GAP JHP ammunition is often a hair cheaper than ACP.

[Warp]

I have a .45 GAP pistol on my mental wish list for the future. My hands are not very large. The full size .45ACP/10mm Glock frames are a bit big to me (had a G20 and sold it). I would like a decent capacity compact .45 and I like Glocks/am used to shooting Glocks. I tried a G30SF, against my better judgement, and had problems with it. Eventually I exchanged it with Glock for a new 21SF, which I like...but it's a bit large for concealment.

I think I ought to try out a G38. Or maybe I'll end up rolling the dice on another 30SF, who knows.

There is a niche for the GAP cartridge...but it's just that, a niche...it will never be mainstream enough though it should stick around. Same for .357 sig and 10mm

[David E]

Generally the duty size choice is a total of 18 of 9x19, 16 of .40 S&W or 14 of .45 ACP. ;)

As you are aware, since all these guns have a chamber, I have been referring to MAGAZINE capacity in all my posts related to this. :rolleyes:

[Warp]

As you are aware, I have been referring to MAGAZINE capacity in all my posts related to this.

In case you are not aware:

1) You referenced a 10 round magazine capacity for the .45 choice. I referenced a 13 round magazine capacity for the .45 choice. My main point was that you were not referencing the .45 model that would more commonly be used or issued. Yes, I realize you were using the .45 GAP model, but given that you were responding to my post (which you quoted) about how the model 30 or 30SF, in 10+1 of .45 ACP is a great option for places and times where magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds, I am not sure why you were bringing up the G37.

2) I chose to use total capacity because that is how they will typically be carried, thus that represents reality a little bit more accurately.

[David E]

In case you are not aware:

1) You referenced a 10 round magazine capacity for the .45 choice. I referenced a 13 round magazine capacity for the .45 choice.

you want to play this again??

The 21 (and 30) is LARGER in nearly every dimension than the 37. A fact I already pointed out, as this size difference matters to some people.

If all the guns hold 10+1 in various calibers, most folks will either:

1) size the gun around the cartridge (Glock 26, Glock 30)

Or

2) choose the larger caliber (G 22 or 37 over a G 17)

[Warp]

you want to play this again??

The 21 (and 30) is LARGER in nearly every dimension than the 37. A fact I already pointed out, as this size difference matters to some people.

If all the guns hold 10+1 in various calibers, most folks will either:

1) size the gun around the cartridge (Glock 26, Glock 30)

Or

2) choose the larger caliber (G 22 or 37 over a G 17)

Oh, so that why you listed magazine capacity choices of 17, 15 and 10. Now it makes sense.

Wait, what? lol

[Quiet]

Quiet, I'm well aware of the way S.A.inc sources their products, but I rather doubt that it was the factory in Croatia that decided that getting into the 45GAP game was a good idea, unless 45GAP is a popular loading over there?

It's popular enough that a couple of European ammo manufacturers have been making .45GAP ammo for the EU market for the last 2-3 years.

Supposedly, .45GAP has been gaining some use in countries that forbid their citizens from owning handguns in calibers that their Gov/Mil/LE use.

[bigfatdave]

Supposedly, .45GAP has been gaining some use in countries that forbid their citizens from owning handguns in calibers that their Gov/Mil/LE use.

Now that's an angle I hand't considered, and makes sense.

[Sheepdog1968]

The funniest think about the GAP, where Glock wanted their name on a cartridge, refuses to put the proper name of calibers on their guns that other gun companies brought out.

To wit; Glock calls the .357 Sig the ".357 Auto."

The .40 Smith & Wesson, already shortened to .40 S&W, is called ".40 Auto."

Likewise, both the .380 ACP and .45 ACP (ACP stands for "Automatic COLT Pistol") are called ".380 Auto" and ".45 Auto."

It's interesting to note that all of those calibers, including the .357 Sig, are doing better than the .45 Short, um, I mean, GAP
Same thing was happening 100+ years ago with 30-30 Winchester cartridge and other manufacturers not wanting to put any part of the Winchester name on their rifles. . I don't all the specifics.

[Skribs]

David, when the duty size is 13 rounds of .45 ACP or 10 rounds of .45 GAP...that's what always got me. The GAP was supposed to take up less space, but it had less capacity. Springfield has the same issue - 13 rounds of .45 ACP or 9 rounds of .45 GAP. I'm sure if you made the gun fit 9 rounds of .45 ACP, it would fit people better.

As to .45 GAP vs. 357 Sig/10mm, keep in mind a few things...
1) The GAP is the answer to a different problem. It was designed to reduce the size, whereas the Sig was designed to increase the size and power, and the 10mm was actually the original - the more-popular .40 was based off the 10, not the other way around.
2) The .357 Sig and 10mm still have a lot of popularity. 10mm not quite so much (I do plan on getting a 10mm glock eventually), and they have a niche - where you need the flatter trajectory or extra power (barrier penetration, 4-legged predators).

[David E]

David, when the duty size is 13 rounds of .45 ACP or 10 rounds of .45 GAP...that's what always got me. The GAP was supposed to take up less space, but it had less capacity.

The G-37 was introduced before the AWB sunset, altho I don't know how much Glock cared about that.

As I understand it, their main reason (aside from getting their name on a cartridge) was to put .45 caliber power in a 9mm size platform. Their G-21 is fatter and longer than the 37, resulting in more capacity, but feeling like a 2x4 to many.

I'm sure if you made the gun fit 9 rounds of .45 ACP, it would fit people better.

In thickness, but not front to back. when I heard Springfield was going to reduce the frame size of a compact 1911, front to back, to accommodate the GAP, I thought it was a good idea. Apparently, after making only 2, they changed their mind. Instead, they chambered the EMP in 9mm and .40

(I do plan on getting a 10mm glock eventually), and they have a niche - where you need the flatter trajectory or extra power (barrier penetration, 4-legged predators).

I have one. It makes a great woods gun for me. I recently learned the area I generally go to has black bears, hogs and meth/pot activities. Hogs I've seen, but not the other two....yet. The G-20 can handle it all and is easily concealable to boot.

[Fishslayer]

GA State Patrol uses Glocks in .45GAP. I just hope none of those guys do any shooting at our local range. I'd hate to get that brass mixed up with my real .45 acp brass. :eek:

I've had a few GAP mixed in from time to time. GRRRRRR....:fire:

[Skribs]

David, what I was trying to say is that I do not think GAP will ever catch on with more than a few if manufacturers don't give it comparable capacity to a .45 ACP model.

[David E]

I understand.

My point was, if the 10 rd mag capacity limit comes back, the GAP might have a chance at making a comeback.....albeit a small one.

[parados]

7 to 8 rounds of .45 is plenty for self defense... just ask the 1911 guys.

The 45 Gap Glocks are are great if you don't want the bulk of the 45 ACP frame (you can feel the difference) and prefer the smaller 9mm sized frame but want a 45 diameter bore.

The XD though... I had a XD45 and sold it for a G38... it wasn't that the grip was too big (unlike the Glock 21/30), for me it was the poor trigger and bulk of the XD over Glock. To be honest, I was impressed that Springfield molded a comfortable grip in 45 ACP.

When I had the XD with its 13 rounds of .45 ACP I laughed at the Gap until I tried it. Then I bought one, then another and hopefully soon a third. I have a bias toward Glocks and the XD just didn't do it for me. For self defense purposes I like having the reliability of a Glock, the power of a .45 and the grip that I'm familiar with (9mm/40). I love my Glock 37 and Glock 38.

[wally]

Actually it was the XD45 that proved there was no worthwhile reason for the 45GAP -- compare (hold) the XD45GAP to the XD45 and the "reason" for 45GAp is gone.

[parados]

Except that the XD is not a Glock.

Sorry but I owned the XD45 and it doesn't shoot like a Glock and feels bulkier than a 9mm/40/45GAP sized Glock. I haven't held an XD in 45 GAP however so I can't tell you how thinner that grip is, but XD45(ACP) had a decent sized grip. It still isn't a Glock and if you want a Glock in 45 that fits your hand then the 45 GAP is the ticket.