Disliked 9mm, Disliked XD, Just bought a XD-9.

[ddj8052]

So like the title says, I really was not an XD fan but I have been looking for a new plastic gun for HD ( I had a M3 Tactical light with no home so I had to have something to hang it from right ). So I tried to get a .40S&W Taurus 24/7 but no one has the CA legal 10rnd guns in stock. So I finally decided to take a serious look at the XD and bought a XD9. I ended up with a 9mm because of the cost of ammo. I feel it is somewhat of a compromise in the power dept, but then again I usually use a .38spl for HD and carry. It all comes down to making the shots count.

First off, I could not believe how well the gun felt in my hand. This is by far the best feeling plastic gun I have ever held. It felt much better than any of the 4 Glocks I have owned. Second thing I noticed is that the sights are much better than the Glocks. This past Sunday I got the gun to range. The gun shot very well. The trigger is pretty good. It was much nicer than anyother polymer gun I have shot in the past. I had my friend (who bought my G23 off of me) shoot the XD. His shooting was much better with the XD than the Glock. Although he insists that the Glock feels better than the XD. To each their own I guess. The gun functioned 100% so far. I have shot about 300rnds though it at this point.

What I did not like, The gun is still ugly. I cannot like the look of the gun at all. But I can get past that. The finish stinks. anything it touches seems to give it small surface scratches. Again this is not a big deal. the gun will just look well used quicker thats all. The sights from the factory were way off to the right. This is the one thing I really could not believe. For a company like Springfield to ship something that out of whack is inexcusable. I had to drift them over before I could even head to the range with the gun. Once I had the sights drifted between the hash marks on the slide the gun shot dead center. So no big deal I guess.

Over all I am sure the gun is a keeper. I loved the package and wish that more manufactures would sell in this manner. I got the gun, 2 mags, a mag holder, and holster for $410. This (in Cali) is a great deal. Like I said I really wish other companies would include holsters and stuff. As of right now I am a XD convert and would recomend the gun to anyone.

 

[ShelbyV8]

Don't blame it on Springfield, all they do is import them and resell them.

 

[Steelharp]

This is just my personal experience with an XD-9... I'm not, by any means, a well experienced shooter. I owned one for two weeks. I really wanted to like it. It felt good, pointed well... field stripping was a piece of cake... and it wasn't a Glock. At that time, that was good enough for me.

I couldn't hit diddly with it. I guess the bore axis had something to do with it; it was just so high. I would shoot at my plate, not see a hole, and watch a tall grass reed fall from behind it somewhere. No problem hitting plate with my 1911. Then...

... I bought a Glock 17. It was everything I didn't want it to be in my mind. It fit, it hit, it worked, period...

I hope the XD is a keeper for you; it's truly a great gun... it just wasn't for me.

 

[PCRit]

Welcome to the growing XD crowd! I also like the grip of the XD better than any of the Glocks I owned in the past. Comfort is 90% of shooting well (It must fit, before you can hit!). My wife loves shooting her XD9-Tactical.

Be sure to check out the HS2000talk.com forums for any XD questions and/or accessories. I just added to my XD collection by buying an XD-45ACP. I just love the XD-45ACP, even sold my SA 1911 because I doubt I'll be shooting is much any more

 

[TarpleyG]

I would shoot at my plate, not see a hole, and watch a tall grass reed fall from behind it somewhere.

Stop looking for your shots and you'll start hitting your target. Most common mistake made. SHOOT--LOOK UP SHOOT--LOOK UP. Keep your eyes on that front sight until you are done, THEN look at the target.

Greg

 

[PCRit]

Great advice Greg! I shoot my best "groups" when I shoot fast, not looking at where each shot hits. I use Shoot-N-C targets, so it's tempting to watch where the holes end up, but your grouping will be all over the place if you follow each shot to the target.....

 

[kennyboy]

Is the safety on the XD a pain or do you just not notice it? The XD looks like it has too much going on in its design. Glocks look simpler and have proven themselves.

 

[ddj8052]

Is the safety on the XD a pain or do you just not notice it? The XD looks like it has too much going on in its design. Glocks look simpler and have proven themselves.
Today 07:54 AM

Assuming a proper grip you should not even notice the grip safety. I have had no troubles with it at all. Then again I spend most of my time shooting 1911's so I am very used to grip safeties.

 

[osteodoc08]

You'll never notice it (grip safety). I have a XD 40 and am very happy with it.

 

[.40-.45]

Stop looking for your shots and you'll start hitting your target. Most common mistake made. SHOOT--LOOK UP SHOOT--LOOK UP. Keep your eyes on that front sight until you are done, THEN look at the target.

Greg

plus 1

 

[Steelharp]

TarpleyG, you said:

Stop looking for your shots and you'll start hitting your target.

I had stated:

No problem hitting plate with my 1911.

and

Glock 17... It fit, it hit

Your advice is certainly valid and appreciated. However, I was talking deliberate 1 shot exercise. I always focus on the front sight till I am finished. With the experience noted, I was done with each single shot. I was not trying to DT, or string 5 shot series.

 

[jungle]

Not trying to see where your shots impact is a good idea. Rather than shoot-n-see, I use shoot-no-see. My targets are out of date charts with a small aiming point, the busy background of the charts will hide the bullet holes until you are very close. A dark colored t-shirt or other low contrast background works well too.

 

[varoadking]

I couldn't hit diddly with it. I guess the bore axis had something to do with it

No...no, I don't think this has anything to do with it.

 

[Steelharp]

You're probably right. Me being just a generally lousy shot probably had the most to do with it...

 

[.40-.45]

not see a hole, and watch a tall grass reed fall from behind it somewhere

sorry iwas just reacting to what I read

 

[1911WB]

XD

Although I'm devoted to 1911's and .45 ACP, I got an XD-9 about a year ago. Got 800 rounds thru it now with no malfunctions- wish I could say the same for most of the 1911's I've had. With my rather small hands the grip fits me much better than a Glock. Also, the trigger is better than a Glock. Since I have the bitone (SS slide), the finish issue is moot. I'm considering the new .45 ACP XD, but I would want it in 5 inch, and I can't find any yet. Also, the grip on the ACP model is just wider enough to give me pause. The finish on the black ACP XD's is different BTW- it is a type of Tennifer finish like a Glock.

 

[albanian]

There seems to be a Glock type of person and a XD type of person. I am a XD type of person even though I respect Glocks. I think Glocks are just as good as XDs but the XD fits me so much better it isn't funny. Glocks never felt right in my hand but I shoot them well anyway. I shoot the XD even better and it feels good so that is enough for me.

If you get an XD, GET THE STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE!!!!! I can't stress this enough. The black coating they use on the carbon steel slide is about the worst I have seen on a non-Hi-point pistol. Pay the extra $25 and get the SS and you will never regret it.

I think on average, the 4" XD has been reported to be a little more accurate than the Glock 19 which is the closest gun that compares to it. I know my 4" XD is more accurate than the G-19s I have tried. I don't know if this is true but that is what I have been reading and it held true in my case. The XD has an edge is overall build quality. This is not opinion, just field strip both and look at how they are made. Glocks work because they are well designed not because they are well made. They are made well enough to work but some aspects of their construction seems very cheap to me. The slide rails (if you can call them that) are much weaker and cheaper than the XD's slide rails.

To each their own but I can't really see either gun being hands down better than the other. I prefer the XD but the Glock is more proven, it is older so the XD has a few years to catch up but I think it will. The XD seems to be a good alternative to those of us that find Glocks uncomfortable. I wouldn't say it is an improvement on the Glock but it is a good alternative.