is the XD bore height noticeable

[UT PROSIM]

im in the market for a compact carry pistol and i in between on the xd compact and the M&P9c. In 9mm is the higher bore axis of the XD noticeable in muzzle rise? i have handled many of them in gun stores but never shot one. all my friends are glock fans and the closest rental range in over an hour away. So since i cant shoot one im looking to you guys for some $.02.
Pat

 

[Sam1911]

No one can say, for you. Bore height isn't the only variable in the felt-recoil equation, so without hands-on experience you're relying on one data point that might be completely irrelevant.

You're considering spending over $5-600. Surely that's worth an hour's drive to make the best choice you can?

 

[ForumSurfer]

I agree with Sam. Make the drive and rent each. You're bound to prefer one over the other after you run 100 rounds through each one, back to back. Both are great weapons, so you don't have much to worry about. I've got an XDm40 and a glock 19 and I like both for different reasons.

 

[mfcmb]

I have a full size XD45 so can't answer specifically for the compact version, but for what it's worth I have no problem at all with muzzle rise.

 

[2wheels]

+1 on renting and shooting each side by side to compare them.

I've only ever shot a full sized M&P 9, so I can't really compare that to my subcompact XD40.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I've shot both of those exact models, approximately 500 rounds each. The M&P9c is my daily carry, and the XD9sc my wife's daily carry. The difference is not noticeable. The slightly smaller frame of the XD is noticeable for both good (concealment) and bad (shooting). I prefer the M&P9c between those two choices. Among all similar options, I think the Ruger SR9c is the best, and I would choose a Glock 26 in the second place.

 

[GLOOB]

High bore axis doesn't increase muzzle rise. It increases muzzle flip and may even decreases arm lift. But within reason, muzzle flip isn't a problem. It's just a "wristy" type motion, up and back down. This tends to decrease felt recoil, in many cases.

With a lower bore axis, more of the recoil goes straight back into the arm and shoulder. It tends to increase felt recoil, in many cases, and can increase the amount of arm lift between shots.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

I can't speak to the XD9 specifically but I have an XD45 Compact and I often shoot against my father's Glock 19. To me the XD45 was just as controllable as my father's Glock 19...there was not a considerable amount of muzzle flip (though granted that may have to do with the lower speeds of the .45 ACP as I felt more muzzle flip with his 9mm G19). The bore height is certainly higher but I don't think it has a noticable effect during firing.

Personally, I found that the slight differences in grip made a bigger difference for me in terms of accuracy (my large mits really like a 1911 style angle and so the XD points very well for me whereas the Glock works better for my father). I would also recommend taking the drive and trying them both out side by side. They're very comparable and you may find that one just feels better to you.

 

[Jed Carter]

For me rapid fire is faster and more accurate with a Glock 17 vs an XD 9. There are little difference in felt recoil but 5 shot groups in under 2 seconds are better with the G17 (at least for me). Cost and availability of magazines and accessories, is also another concern, again Glock over the XD. Competitive shooters in IDPA and USPSA shoot Glock, S&W M&P, and CZs with few if any XDs ( at my local club ). People whine about grip angle on the Glock, the problem ain't the pistol. I can shoot a 1911 and then pick up a Glock and not miss a beat, or vice versa. I have shot more models of XDs and XDm than I have Glocks, I cannot say I will ever own any Springfield except a 1911 A1. If you want to skip the 2 hour round trip, get a Glock G19 or G17, you won't be disapointed, with an XD you might not be, maybe.

 

[possum]

to me the sc xd in .40 wasn't bad on felt recoil and muzzle flip considering how small they are. The 9mm is even better. Of course you can't go wrong with either choice. Additionally if you are using the appropriate technique you shouldn't have any issue with any of them.