browningguy
Member
Well I got out to the range yesterday, really to get the new SU16 "C" sighted in but shot my new XD9 Tactical (5" barrel) and the Witness Match .40 side by side. All shooting was at 15 yards, both resting on my bag and two handed offhand shooting. I chose the XD9 over other similar platforms particularly for the grip safety
The XD9 Tactical looks like a combat gun, the grip fits me extremely well and it points nearly the same as my BHP's, so that's a good thing. The trigger on my particular pistol is very nice, although long. I went to pull it with my scale but it isn't working, so I'm going to guess mine is right at 5-5.5pounds, which is below the minimum Springfield lists in their specs. It is fairly smooth and reasonable crisp for a striker fired gun. Definately not a high quality 1911 trigger but after I get used to the length of pull I think I will like it. The sights are good three dot low profile sights, pretty standard for this type of pistol and they work well.
Although a light pistol the recoil is negligible in 9mm, although as others have reported there is some muzzle flip due to the high bore axis. With a strong two handed grip though it is very controllable and you get back on target pretty quickly. Group size was nothing to write home about, 3" or so (rested) with Remington and Winchester 115 gr. FMJ. No need to write off accuracy yet though. This was the first time the pistol had been fired and I still have to try some 124 gr. and heavier weights to see what it likes best. The accessory pack that is included is of decent quality also, the dual magazine holder and holster fit and work well. I also tried a couple of different lights on it and they all fit with no problem.
The EAA Witness Elite Match .40, well there really isn't much more to say. Superb trigger, good adjustable sights (although I'm changing out the front to fiber-optic), and groups 1/2 the size of the Springer whether rested or offhand. For me the only downside to the Match model is the size, it's a big psitol. With my medium size hands it's bordering on too large for accurate weak hand hand shooting. Although I do it, it does require a good grip and concentration. Because of it's size it's also not a carry gun for me, makes my BHP .40 feel downright svelte on my belt. However the size really helps soak up recoil and I find the felt recoil not much more than the XD9.
Is one better than the other? Not really, they are completely different tools. The Elite Match is for games, IDPA,IPSC etc., it has good adjustable target sights, holds 15 rounds of .40, or 18 rounds of 9mm/.38 Super, extremely accurate and heavy enough to help control recoil. The Springer may become more accurate with different ammo weight, I think this would make an excellent HD/SD pistol, particluarly for the home with a light attached, and without the light it's a fairly easy pistol to carry even with the 5" barrel.
The XD9 Tactical looks like a combat gun, the grip fits me extremely well and it points nearly the same as my BHP's, so that's a good thing. The trigger on my particular pistol is very nice, although long. I went to pull it with my scale but it isn't working, so I'm going to guess mine is right at 5-5.5pounds, which is below the minimum Springfield lists in their specs. It is fairly smooth and reasonable crisp for a striker fired gun. Definately not a high quality 1911 trigger but after I get used to the length of pull I think I will like it. The sights are good three dot low profile sights, pretty standard for this type of pistol and they work well.
Although a light pistol the recoil is negligible in 9mm, although as others have reported there is some muzzle flip due to the high bore axis. With a strong two handed grip though it is very controllable and you get back on target pretty quickly. Group size was nothing to write home about, 3" or so (rested) with Remington and Winchester 115 gr. FMJ. No need to write off accuracy yet though. This was the first time the pistol had been fired and I still have to try some 124 gr. and heavier weights to see what it likes best. The accessory pack that is included is of decent quality also, the dual magazine holder and holster fit and work well. I also tried a couple of different lights on it and they all fit with no problem.
The EAA Witness Elite Match .40, well there really isn't much more to say. Superb trigger, good adjustable sights (although I'm changing out the front to fiber-optic), and groups 1/2 the size of the Springer whether rested or offhand. For me the only downside to the Match model is the size, it's a big psitol. With my medium size hands it's bordering on too large for accurate weak hand hand shooting. Although I do it, it does require a good grip and concentration. Because of it's size it's also not a carry gun for me, makes my BHP .40 feel downright svelte on my belt. However the size really helps soak up recoil and I find the felt recoil not much more than the XD9.
Is one better than the other? Not really, they are completely different tools. The Elite Match is for games, IDPA,IPSC etc., it has good adjustable target sights, holds 15 rounds of .40, or 18 rounds of 9mm/.38 Super, extremely accurate and heavy enough to help control recoil. The Springer may become more accurate with different ammo weight, I think this would make an excellent HD/SD pistol, particluarly for the home with a light attached, and without the light it's a fairly easy pistol to carry even with the 5" barrel.
