[hartzpad]

Which gun would you prefer for carry? I just handled both at a local shop and I was impressed with both but the Springfield felt just a little better to me. I like the backstrap safety, I know it locks the slide, but does it also act as a safety on the trigger like a 1911?

The Glock with a finger rest installed feels great but so does the XD. I really like the slighty shorter barrel and overall length of the XD, feels great, but I also love how short the GLock 26 is in height, which is more important for concealability.

Those of you that own both or either, which do you prefer and why?

Glock 26 9mm w/ fingerrest
http://www.libertyarms.net/images/Glock%2026.jpg

Springfield XD subcompact 9mm
http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/xd-pistol/XD9801Large.jpg

I also really like the Olive Drab frames of both, it's very different, but I don't believe that Glock makes a G26 in green

Springfield XD subcompact 9mm in Olive Drab Green
http://pix.gunbroker.com/pixhost/2004-04-04/rlyent_1081347094_XD9811subOD.jpg

The last gun that I've been considering is a Steyr S9. I already have a Steyr M9 and love it, but The S9 is just slightly smaller, so it will be harder to conceal. Big plus is that I love everything about the Steyr design, the price and I already have tons of mags that will work in the S9 for plinking. I just don't think that the Steyr S9 is as small as I would like for carry. I really wish Steyr made a subcompact version of their pistols. The S9 feels great in my hand just like it's larger brother the M9, perfect fit with a Hogue handall slip on grip. Because the Steyr is larger than both the Glock and the XD, I can comfortably fit all three fingers on the frame. I just wish they made a smaller version with a 3" barrel like the XD. Only downside is that the Steyr slide is very wide, slightly wider than the Glocks.

Steyr S9
http://www.kaliber.hu/kaliber/59/s91.jpg

[GunNut]

For purely CCW use, the Glock 26 is quite a bit smaller.

The XD9 Sub compact is more comfortable in the hand because it is larger.



I would prefer the 26: it is smaller for CCW, still holds 10 rounds, and is extremely accurate for a small gun.


Steve

[George Hill]

I'd go with the XD.
http://www.madogre.com/Interviews/Springfield_XD_Sub_Compact.htm

[denfoote]

I carry the G26 because of the superior ergonomics and simplicity of controls. There are to many levers on the XD for my taste and the Steyr's sights are to funky for me to deal with!! In fact, my wife and I both carry the G26!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/G26_rotated_small.jpg

[cratz2]

Well, I generally tend to migrate towards the G19/G23/XD Compact/CZ PCR or P-01 sized guns for CCW. The subcompacts only are marginally easier to conceal and the expense of fewer rounds, decreased velocity, shorter sight radius and being more difficult to shoot at speed.

I know one could take this to the nth degree, but for me and my needs, I can carry a G23 just as easily as the G27.

Of the guns listed, the XD in Subcomapct feels ill-proprotioned to my hands though if I didn't own a G23 and was set on buying a plastic 40, the XD compact would probably edge out the G23. Not enough experience with the Steyr's to form an opinion other than they are very comfortable in my hand and they have some seriously funky sites. :p

[Grunt]

Well, while I have a Glock 27, I think after shooting the wife's XD-40, I think I could easily get an XD sub-compact and be quite happy. Her XD-40 has been outperforming my Glock 23 (though my USP-40 Compact beats both of them) and I do like a lot of the features they put on the XD such as the ambidextrious magazine release, and a grip safety that you never even notice is there.
Personally though, I'm comfortable with the compacts and during the winter months, full size handguns over the sub-compact variety. Yeah, in theory they are easier to conceal but is it really that big of an issue in the real world? I mean, what did we do before the sub-compacts came along? Myself, I carried a full size 1911 and didn't have any problems with concealing it.

[itgoesboom]

When I purchased my current carry piece, the decision was between the G19 (can't stand the G26, doesn't fit my hand at all), a XD9 or a 1911 of some sort.

Why I didn't go with the 1911 doesn't really matter in this thread, so I will instead focus on why I went with the XD9 subcompact.

First, it fits my hand. No matter how many times I held G26s, with or without extensions, they never felt comfortable. I always felt that I would have to adjust my grip while drawing, and that is just a big problem.

The XD9 subcompact, while uglier than the Glock, fits my hand well. I can draw in one smooth motion, and I know that it will be in my hand properly. In a bad situation, I would rather not have to think about how uncomfortable the pistol is in my hand, and if I am holding it right or not, I want to be thinking about other things, like surviving.

Also, when I purchased it, the AWB was still looking like it would be renewed, so the availibility of hi-caps was a factor. Now, you might say that there are Glock hi-caps out there, but no XD hicaps. Sure, but Glock hi-caps were going for $100+ used at the time. But I could purchase XD40 mags, and they would work just fine. 12 rounds of 9mm in the XD40c mags.

Also, the standard Glock sights, well, they just aren't that nice. The XD comes with good sights already installed. Plus there was a lot of discussion about various issues with the Glock pistols at the time.

I still would like to get a Glock, it will probably be a G19, when the time comes, but I am not in any hurry to do it. I will probably get a 1911 first, and move up to .45, and maybe get a small 5 shot revo or a P3AT as a bug, a HK P7M8 would be cool too......

So I am in no rush.

I.G.B.

[Texshooter]

Shoot both and you will choose the XD most likely.

Hold both in your hand and you will choose the XD without a doubt.

[jc2]

There are to many levers on the XD for my taste
The only lever on the XD is the take-down lever on the forward part of frame (and it is very flat).

Ergonomics, however, are very subjective. I prefer (and it seems like most people) find the XD's somewhat better than the Glock's.

One thing I ever definitely found out the XD is more accurate (or at least easier to shoot accurately) than the Glock--probably a combination of a superior trigger and better fit in the hand.

[YammyMonkey]

Itgoesboom, you might just end up selling your other hand guns to buy more 1911's after you get one, you've been warned.

Personally, I'd probably go with the XD. I was a big Glock fan until I started shooting other guns. The Glocks just don't fit me very well and I can shoot better with a compact aluminum framed 1911 than I can with a G23C so...

[who me]

I love my XD-9 SC, it is very comfortable and is accurate. No problems with any ammo. My vote goes for the springfield.

[Tecolote]

I've never had a problem with a Glock 26. They've always fed any brand of FMJ and JHP without a hitch.

[WalkerTexasRanger]

I would also throw into the mix the P99c or SW99c.

Of what you mentioned, the XD fit my hand much better than the G26.

Either would be a good choice..

[itgoesboom]

YammyMonkey,

That, unfortunatly, won't be a problem.

Since our finances aren't so hot right now, I am having to stop purchasing firearms for the time being. :(

But I have warned her, if we win the lottery, I am going to have a rec room that more than just rivals Burt Gummers from Tremors.

We are talking National Guard armory size here. :D

I.G.B.

[bill2]

How does the 27 in 40Sw compare to the model 26? I have fired a model 26 and there was a bigger kick to it than I would have thought. Is the model 27 recoil a lot worse? I assume, ignoring the recoil, you would always want a bigger caliber for SD.

[Marshall]

XD

[cratz2]

For a novice shooter or even a shooter with some recoil sensitivity, the G27 with most loads is going to have more recoil, muzzle blast and muzzle flip than pretty much any load in the G26. A lot of that has to do with the short barrels and the short grip. To my hands, Geogria Arms 124 Gr +P Gold Dots in a G26 feels generally more unpleasant than 165 Golden Sabers do in my G23 so I think a lot of it has to do with the guns themselves than the cartridge.

[yur_maker]

I have both a glock 26 and the Springfield XD9.
Both Guns are Very Fine Pieces and Both are of Very High Quality Workmanship.
The Glock 26 is a Hair Lighter in weight,
The XD has a Better trigger as the glock has that springy trigger and the XD is More Like a 1911, Very Crisp.
The Glock Pistols tend to aim high until you get used to them as the grip angle in slanted a bit more, While the XD is Dead on and Natural to shot right away.
I Like The Extra safety Features on The XD.
Overall this was a Hard Choice for Me but I would Say The XD is The Finest Auto on the Market for The Price Range its in.
The Glock has Been Out Glocked as The XD took the Best Features From Glock, Sig and the 1911 and Made an Excellent affordable Hand Gun.
Mine has spit out 2000 Rounds of cheap Winchester white box with out a hiccup.
I have Recommended it to all My Law Enforcement Buddy's and its becoming hard to get one in stock because there always sold around here.
I hope this Helps You.
I want To Say I am Not Putting down the Glock as I Have 2 of them, A 26 and a 19, and there Damn Fine Pistols, Its Just The Springfield XD Has Improved on what Glock Made First.

[CountGlockula]

Glock.

[Hanzerik]

I have been carrying the XD9SC since I traded my XD9 Service for it to a member here. Nice little carry pistol, accurate, and has not failed to go bang when I pull the trigger.

I have a G19 also. I know the G19 is not as small as the G26, but it is still pretty easy for me to carry without printing issues. I would still like to get a G26 some day.

[glockman19]

I have the Glock 26 would buy it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a subcompact in 9mm.

[DoubleTapDrew]

Haven't shot the Steyr but I have a 26 and an XDsc and the 26 is my favorite carry gun. I shoot the 26 and the XD about the same but due to the grip size and angle of the XD, it is about as concealable as my Glock 23 (and I'd rather have 14 rounds of .40 than 11 of 9mm). The 26 just blends in and carries nice. On paper the height difference is only about 1/4" or so but the XD feels much larger in the hand and on the body, plus I prefer the lower bore centerline of the glock, the XD feels a little top-heavy.
Go rent both if you can and try them. I don't think anyone can say one is "better", it's about which one feels better to you.

[CountGlockula]

This one:

http://www.libertyarms.net/images/Glock%2026.jpg

[TOADMAN]

Glock 26....

[Rokman]

My Glock 26 has served me well for a long time and would recommend it to anyone. I have been wanting to step up to a .40sw and am thinking about buying the XD sub-compact over the G27. I like Glocks and XDs, so I would say buy what fits you best. No knowledge of the Steyr.

[Redneck with a 40]

For the above mentioned reasons, I'd go with the XD. Accuracy, reliability, excellent ergonomics, they really did their homework on that one. I own an XD-40 service and I absolutely love it, the thing rocks.:D

Glock's are good guns in their own right, but in my view, the XD has better ergo's, better sights, better trigger, better grip frame size and angle.

[stormyone]

3 year old thread

[possum]

i just happen to carry a sa xd sc but in .40, i love it, i am not a fan of the glock sc's and the xd is a springfield what more can you say they are g2g. i have had zero problems from my xd sc and no malfunctions in 1500rds or so.

[ognnosnim]

Glock 26 is my choice too. My XD-9 SC sits in the safe.

[Daggertphi]

I have not yet purchased my gun, but I will be going with the XD. The simple truth of the matter is that I am getting married and I want my fiance to feel safe around the gun and shooting the gun. While I will know whether its cocked and loaded, she may not. The striker status indicator and loaded chamber indicator will let her know that if she grabs the gun, it will be ready to fire. This one little additional safety has made all the difference in my choice.


M

[Geno]

I already have a G17 and a G19C, so the G26 makes logical sense. I have owned an XD sub-compact and had nothing against it, I simply like the fit of the Glock even more. Both are excellent. The Steyr, I have never owned or fired.

[Lonestar49]

Quote: I have not yet purchased my gun, but I will be going with the XD. The simple truth of the matter is that I am getting married and I want my fiance to feel safe around the gun and shooting the gun. While I will know whether its cocked and loaded, she may not. The striker status indicator and loaded chamber indicator will let her know that if she grabs the gun, it will be ready to fire. This one little additional safety has made all the difference in my choice.
------------
...

First, congrats to you both, as a life long "best friend" is one of life's bonus's, as well as a, the, right gun for her, and for you.

I had bought my wife a new Sig P232 SL 380, thinking it was perfect for her, and I was in for a big surprise both, by how much snap, and twist, in recoil, this seemly, little, but heavy gun, produced with its blow-back action, and the maintenance it and the magazines require because of so much powder residue, because of the blow-back action to cycle the slide.

Then the thumb-release for the magazine really thru her, and me, when I realized, that no matter the break-in, those mags do not pop out, rather, you have to pull them out, as well as, angle them at first, before they will then go up and in.. Just time eaters, especially with any jams that require the mag to be released.. no joy.

Point of my story: I did a lot of research on the new Springfield 1911 EMP 9mm, which I believe, it is considered a sub-compact.. a very nice small gun.

Small, yet heavy, yet not, because of its balance, and nice, 9 round, single stack magazine/s (3) with purchase, and thin grip.

Slide action is so much easier than the Sig P232 for her to activate, along with; no long, rather heavy, full DA pull, as the EMP is a SAO, with the same, consistent, crisp trigger pull every time. Cocked and locked, rdy for instant use, with 2 safety's on, one the thumb, slide-release, safety, and the Grips rear palm-grip safety.

She loves it, as do I, and she can shoot it one handed, without it twisting like the Sig does, nor is the recoil as snappy as the Sig 380, and her accuracy went up 100% with this gun over the Sig.

It comes with Novak night sights, and IMO, and for her as well, this gun is a tack driver at close range, 16ft, out to 50ft, and it has been flawless thru 470 rounds to date.

Just wanted to say ya might want to check one out as well..

Best of luck in the marriage to come, as well as whatever gun you choose for the both of you.


LS


PS.. yes, the Sig has a bullet-chambered-indicator, and believe me, that little red indicator is not easy to see, nor would I trust it, as it was some kind of Lawyer agreement IMHO, and any and all guns should be considered loaded, until properly checked out > that it is not. Otherwise, a false since of protection that can lead to a big mistake if relied on.

[pablo45]

Glock. No eXaggerated Dreams

[Daggertphi]

Thanks for the info, I just took a look at the new emp this morning, and unfortunately its a little out of our pre-wedding price-range :rolleyes: I know that's not a great way to look at purchasing a new gun, but its what we have! Maybe I'll get one for her afer the reception money comes flowing in...:D


M

[mgregg85]

Go with the XD. Its got all the benefits of the block but without the funky grip angle. The addition of the grip safety is a nice, unobtrusive way to make the pistol safer and I've found my XD45 compact to be very accurate.

Probably the best thing you could do if you haven't already is find a place where you can try all three side by side by side and see what fits your hand the best.