9MM - Glock or XD

[Techsan]

Long time viewer, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 9mm to be used primarily for carry and conceal. I want a polymer gun for the light weight. I know the Glock is well thought of in many circles, but I don't know anyone that's owned or shot an XD. However, several posters on this site are high on the XD. Can I get some thoughts on what the pros/cons are of each gun as a CCW?

For my background, I have a limited working knowledge of handguns and own a Taurus .45 compact and a S&W 9mm, but have no experience with the Glock or XD. In advance, I appreciate any comments you may have.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Welcome!

As for GLOCK vs. XD, the only real difference is the grip. Find out which one fits your hand better. You can't go wron either way.

 

[Gary G23]

Welcome to the forum. I have owned several Glocks. All have been sold because I never could adjust to the unnatural grip angle. I prefer the XD's much more. I currently own 2 XD-9 Service models and one XD-45ACP Service. I personally feel they are the ideal size for carry. Another gun I would recommend for carry is the CZ P-01.

 

[wally]

Try to find a way to rent or borrow one of each and see which works best for you. I can't shoot Glocks worth crap untill I put in the 3.5lb connector -- after which I seriously question their safety for carry, but at least at the range I can usually most hit now.

The XD9 I shoot very well. I didn't think much of the XD until I shot one at the range in a "try mine" gun exchange. Impressed me enough that I ran out and got the XD9 tactical at the next gun show.

--wally.

 

[cookekdjr]

Generally speaking, the XD has much better ergonomics. It fits my hand better and points better.
Its major drawback is the finsih is sometimes prone to rust. This is not a problem with the stainless models. I hear the newer models have a better finish, but I'm not sure.
I bought a used Glock 19, and even though its not a natural pointer like the XD, I can hit with it very well (which is saying something, because I'm a lousy pisol shot).
Both Glock and XD have excellent reputations.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I had a G19 and the son has an XD-9. I prefer the Glock over the XD due to the trigger difference. As for the grip, I dont feel any difference.

See which one fits you the best and go with it. Both are good firearms.

 

['Card]

The finish issue on the XD's has been resolved now. The latest generation upgraded the finish from the old problematic and rust-prone burinal (I think that's what it was called) treatment to a new finish called melonite.

Melonite is the same nigh-indestructible and virtually rust-proof tennifer finish that you'll find on a Glock, with a different trade name.

So with finish no longer being an issue, the XD's better ergonomics, a couple of nifty features on the XD that the Glock foesn't have (loaded chamber and cocked indicators - visual and tactile), both of them being pretty much bombproof in terms of reliability, and the XD normally being a few dollars cheaper... I honestly can't think of a reason to choose a Glock over an XD now.

As everyone else has said, you should probably handle both before choosing. They're both great weapons, but I think the XD's have the edge in most categories at this point.

 

[Ala Dan]

Likewise, I have owned several Glock's; 17, 23, and a 27. All were really
good weapons; but I just could not hit the POA with the G-23. So, I
decided that too solve the problem I would just get rid of all three. I
have always been a big fan of the SIG Classic "P-series" handguns; so
I made do with two West German self-loaders: an original .45 caliber
P220A (without the light rail), and a now discontinued 9m/m P228.
Both, are still in my handgun stable as we speak; but to address the
original question, they have been joined by a first production run .45
caliber ACP Springfield Armory service model XD~! The final choice
was narrowed to a G-21 or the .45ACP Springer XD. Guess what? The
XD won hands down~! And, as they say the rest is history~!

 

[Control]

I have both a Glock 19 and a Springfield XD 9mm (5").

I slightly prefer the Glock but the XD is good too.

Both have been 100% reliable out of the box which is uncommon. The 19 appears to be a bit more accurate but that may be because I prefer the sharper grip angle. I prefer the ergonomics on the G19. Takedown on each is very easy. The fit and finish on the Glock is slightly better. I prefer the dovetailed front sight on the XD vs. the glock's plastic one. They are priced about the same. The Glock has a longer and more proven track record but that advantange is dwindling over time.

The best advice is to rent both and buy which one you like the best. In the $500 dollar price range, I would say the Glock or XD are both good bets.

 

[1911user]

If you want to buy spare parts, then glock is the only option. Springfield will not sell spare XD parts to a non-gunsmith and gunsmiths aren't allowed a side business selling XD parts. It has cost Springfield several sales from people I know.

 

[Frenchy]

I cannot fault the Glock for reliability and design...its one heck of a gun. However...As some have stated here, the ergonomics are subjectively better with the XD.
The parts issue is something that needs to be resolved, but Springfield does have a lifetime warrantee, and an A-1 customer service department.

 

[Ivy Mike]

can I throw a wrench in the works and suggest the FNP-9 from FN?

I bought one for my ex-GF as a gift to welcome her to the world of shooting and I ended up loving the thing. The grip is more ergonomic than either Glock or XD. The FNP-9 is hammer fired and has a decocker instead of simply relying on some half-cocked "safe action" system.
Recoil is easily controlled and the 16 round capacity is nice. The one I bought came with 3 magazines and has never failed to impress. My only gripe was the smallish slide release and decock lever. They look small and feel small, but you never lack the leverage. Just getting used to them I guess.

They have gone up in price lately, but I was able to get hers for $390 + tax and fees. They will fit in pretty much any USP compact holster.

 

[Frenchy]

How is warrantee and customer service with the FNP-9? What about parts availability? Service after the sale is as important as the actual sale nowadays.

 

[Ivy Mike]

I haven't needed warranty or customer support for my FN.

It hasn't exploded or rusted.

actually, I owned two handguns from FN. The FNP-9 (well, its the ex's but I got to shoot it every time we went out) and my Forty-Nine in .40S&W
Both have been flawless in every way. Nothing breaks, nothing fails. They are top quality firearms in every sense.

I'm contemplating selling the Forty-Nine, but only to fund the purchase of something else. If I could find an FNP-40, I'd pick that up in a heartbeat.

 

[Techsan]

Thanks for the comments

I appreciate the comments. Sounds like the XD is as well thought of as the Glock by many of you. I suspected I would be fine with either gun, but wanted some feedback from folks in the know. I have held (not shot) both guns and the grip of the Glock does not feel quite right, so I'll probably end up buying the XD. Thanks again for the comments. I'll re-post when I've made my purchase and shot some rounds through it.

 

[10-Ring]

I have a Glock 19, owned many others in the past, and was on the verge of buying a XD in 375 a few years ago. I rented a XD 9 and a XD 357 several times and shot several hundred rounds before I made my decision. In general, IMHO, they are nice guns...well made, good pointers and easy to shoot. The one thing I noticed between the 3 rental guns I shot were that the triggers were inconsistent between each model. One was really nice...short, crisp and about 4#'s; one was okay but w/ a fairly long trigger pull and the third was just really long & vague.
If you can check out the pistol before you purchase it and you're okay w/ the trigger, the XD would be an okay choice, me I just prefer my Glock 19

 

[Sry0fcr]

XD hands down, the only reason I sold mine was to buy a 1911.