First handgun: Springfield XD vs Glock 17

You can't go wrong with either one, it's personal preference as to what feels better to you. I love the way the XD feels points shoots and all but Glock is an awesome gun and you can never go wrong with one unless you don't like the "bulkier" grip. I don't have a problem with them and I'm not that big, pretty average size 5'9 190lbs

I like the XD better.

Of those choices, I would opt for the xd as I would just prefer it over the 17.

Being your first handgun, the typical Glock layover that many, not so new, shooters experience will not be an issue for you as you will be learning on the Glock...

Either of these will serve you very well and it is very unlikely that you will ever shoot enough to wear them out.. even if you shoot a whole lot.

I recommend handling both of them, independent of one another, trying the trigger, grip, slidestop (release) mag release, takedown... etc and deciding which you like the best.. Aftermarket for the both of them is not lacking in the least, and, from what i have heard, the customer service, should you need it, is quite good for both as well...

On a side note, Glock will never admit that anything was wrong with their gun, they may replace every component necessary for functioning to get your gun going again but in the end, it will be your fault and your fault only... funny little tidbit on Glock.

double

Some objective pros for a Glock:
You can buy spare parts.
You can change the sights yourself.
You can buy cheap used LE or aftermarket mags.
Polygonal barrel means higher velocity and greater lifespan.
Lower bore axis.
Easy detail strip. No tools, no roll pins, no flying springs.

Objective pros for XD:
Comes with metal sights.
Depending on the model you may get some extra crap for free.
Traditional rifling means less fouling with lead bullets.

Glock: Polygonal barrel means higher velocity and greater lifespan.

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Con: MUST use jacketed bullets to prevent the gun from blowing up. (google "Glock ka-BOOM")

XD: Traditional rifling means less fouling with lead bullets.

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Pro: Means you can shoot jacketed OR cheaper lead bullets SAFELY.

Go to the gun store and hold both. It's all about the feel of the gun. They are both nearly identical in terms of function, reliability, and the number of accessories available. When I bought my first XD, I held a Glock 23 and an XD 4" side by side. It was the grip angle and shape that sold me on the XD, but other than that, it was a flip of coin.

Go to the gun store and SHOOT both. How it feels playing around and how it feels throwing lead are two completely different things.

Go to the gun store and SHOOT both. How it feels playing around and how it feels throwing lead are two completely different things.

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Not always an option.. in fact, rarely an option in my area.. I am pretty sure there is not a place within 100 miles in any direction that would allow this. I seriously doubt i am the only person in that boat.

GLOOB pretty much stated it. I own multiples of both and although I like the XD (and XDm), they won't be replacing my Glocks anytime soon.

For the record, Glocks CAN indeed shoot lead bullets. Many competition shooters do.

1) USE HARDCAST BULLETS.

2) SCRUB THE BORE every so often. Preferably right after shooting while the barrel is still warm and the lead in the bore is still soft.

3) use FRESH BRASS, not scrounged range-brass of unknown history

4) DON'T LOAD TO +P LEVELS...at least in 40 S&W caliber (it ain't a +P)

Follow the above advise and you will be fine.

Don't believe me? Give Glocktalk moderator MarkCO a call: http://dfuse.us/




M

GotToyota? said:

I am looking to get my first handgun and I'm trying to decide between the Springfield XD and the Glock 17. Which would you purchase and why? Looking to get either in the 9mm variation.

I'm looking for a gun that's fun to shoot, accurate, reliable, and able to carry on me if I had to. I have held the XD and love the way it feels but haven't had the change to hold the Glock.

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Between the two, I would go with the Glock. If you're open to a suggestion, take a look at the Glock 19. It's the G17's smaller cousin, but plenty large enough.

I like Glocks because they are easy to clean, repair, and buy parts for. Maybe that's the case with the XD, but I don't own one. As far as practical accuracy, that really depends on the shooter.

On the "accuracy" point, as I said that comes down to the shooter. If you are unfamiliar with handgun shooting, I strongly suggest buying 3 or 5 dummy rounds (like Action Trainers" and mixing them up randomly in your mags. Trigger control is the essence of "accuracy", and ball/dummy drills will help you master it.

Good luck.

I have held the XD and love the way it feels but haven't had the chance to hold the Glock.

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Me too. That's why I own Springfields.

PT, your ranges dont offer rentals? If so, that's a bummer. If that is the case for the OP then I suggest trying to make some friends who have guns and shoot what they have. I made the mistake of purchasing a handgun before I fired it. Felt great in the showroom though. I will never make that mistake again.

Con: MUST use jacketed bullets to prevent the gun from blowing up. (google "Glock ka-BOOM")

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That is a myth that likely resulted from a corporate attorney's personal opinion, and is not based on empirical evidence. I have run hundreds of hardcast loads through my G20 without a single issue. Actually, if you head over to the reloading section, you will find may others who have done the same.

I think it really boils down to personal taste between the Glock and the XD. I doubt that one is measurably more capable than the other. I prefer the Glock because I don't care for the extra redundant grip safety, and the Glock is just so easy to work on... not that they require much work.

Personal opinion, however, the Glock has but 34 parts, while the XD has in excess of 50!

My only 2 problems with the XD are the tiny backstrap safety and the mags suck, they break/bend easily. But other than that i want one but not before i get a glock.

Its your gun so just pick the one you wont regret buying.
Good luck

Anything but Glock, please!

If your anywhere near Ft Worth I know of a place that will rent guns for a flat $15 or $20, only catch is you get to buy their over priced ammo. Last time I went I think I spent $50 and shot 4 or 5 pistols and glad I did because everyone I shot I didnt like and therefore saved a ton of wasted time and money.

Its a place off of I30 near the west side of 820

I really recommend people shoot as many rentals/friend's pistols to get actual hands-on experience. Also, shoot other pistols not for consideration to compare. Often, people's preconceived notions about particular pistols are contradicted when they actually shoot the pistols. They'll often say, "Wow, this is not what I heard about this pistol. Why does this pistol shoot more accurate than others?"

It is the only way to determine how they shoot in YOUR hands.

The best gun for you is the gun that you feel most comfortable with and can shoot most accurate. No one else can tell you that.

I prefer the XD. Just as good and more comfortable.

Honestly, you can't make a bad decision there. Hold both and pick whichever feels best. Or whichever you think looks cooler. Or whichever you get a better deal on. Or flip a coin. It really doesn't matter.



I personally shoot XD's better than Glocks, and given that XD's are also a bit cheaper, I'd go for the XD. But that's me.

XD has thick metal frame rail vs Glocks polymer rail that has a metal liner.
XD has cocked and loaded chamber indicator
XD is 100% cocked... single action
XD has metal sights
XD has fully supported chamber
Metal mags too

I sold every Glock I owned after 1000 rounds through my .40 XD