.45 GAP, .45 ACP, Springfield XD

[Coronach]

So.

The XD-45 is out, featuring 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP.

The XD in .45 GAP is also out...featuring 9+1 rounds of .45 GAP.

Does anyone else see something odd about this? Has anyone heard if Springfield plans to redesign the .45 GAP XD to have a similar capacity to the .45 ACP XD?

Mike

 

[Marshall]

They should just drop the GAP all together in my opinion.

 

[Coronach]

I dunno. I understand the utility of a .45 round that mimics .45 ACP, but is shorter. I just don't know if it is worth adding another caliber to one's inventory just to get a slightly smaller grip size.

If you were, say, equipping an LE agency and wanted to get a high-capacity .45 round in a small grip size, I could see the GAP being worth considering.

Maybe.

Mike

 

[Correia]

I just got my first 45 XD in to FBMG.

All I can say is WOW. I'm very impressed with that grip. My poly Kimber is 14+1, and so far it has been the comfiest high cap .45 I've held, and the XD is far smaller.

 

[355sigfan]

Personally I feel the Gap is a waste. If you want a smaller grip size go with a single stack. 8 vs 9 or 10 rounds is not much difference.
Pat

 

[TABING]

I like the GAP concept and plan to get a Glock 37 this summer when on leave from the big sand box. I like the idea of the 3 extra rounds, lighter weight, and reliabilty. I've got 6 1911s, but found out recently that I like Glocks too.

 

[Coronach]

Personally I feel the Gap is a waste. If you want a smaller grip size go with a single stack. 8 vs 9 or 10 rounds is not much difference.
Pat

I agree, but that's not the equation, here. The equation here is 9+1 of GAP with a small grip size vs. 13+1 of ACP with a probably larger grip size (though obviously a comfortable one). As is, that's a no brainer (ACP all the way).

I'm wondering:

1. Is Springfield planning on redesigning the GAP to carry 13+1?

And, if so

2. How much better can that grip be made with the shorter cartridge?

Mike

 

[wally]

Until a gun in .45 GAP comes out that is smaller than the .45 ACP Kahr P45 I see no earthly use for .45 GAP unless you think .45 ACP ammo is too cheap

Compare the XD40, XD45 ACP and XD45 GAP, sure reinforces my opinion that .45 GAP is just a Gaston ego trip.

--wally.

 

[Ala Dan]

.45 GAP

What a wasted effort~!

 

[Technosavant]

I don't believe that the GAP frame is any smaller than that of the ACP model. They made room by scooping out a small amount of material from the mag well, not by increasing the size (well, not by much).

When the GAP model came out, it was received with yawns. When the ACP was announced, the line formed IMMEDIATELY and demand still hasn't been met. I would expect them, if anything, to quit making the GAP model and devote production to the ACP line. If they are going to retool, they may as well do it where more demand lies.

 

[Coronach]

I agree, in that I think the GAP is a niche round. When I see the XD and its capacities, I would never be tempted to buy it in .45 GAP when the capacity is 9+1. I would, however, hold both the ACP and the GAP version and allow hand-feel to decide which I would get, assuming the capacity of both were 13+1.

Mike