NotSoFast
Member
If you buy an XD, I would suggest a .40 S&W. Of the three calibers you listed, that one has the most energy out of the muzzle for a standard load. My definition of standard is 124gr, 165gr, and 230gr respectively.
New Pistol- XD or 1911
- Thread starter shaggy430
- Start date
- Status
My suggestion would be as you have shot the 1911 but not the XD for you to go rent an XD & shoot it before making your decision. While I have never shot a 1911 I know many love them so I respect the platform. I have an XD and know it to be accurate & reliable as well as easy to maintain.
oldFred
Member
Buy a Taurus PT1911 in stainless. So you will never have to muck with it. Just make sure the serial doesn't start in "NZx". Also check operation in store before you take it home.
You get a custom 1911 with most all the features of a $1200-$2500 brand for about ~$700.
PS. I only mentioned checking the operation because some guy named James Sharpes posts his "hit or miss" quality posts everywhere on the internet. Since I only have experience with my "single" piece and it's in perfect order I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
If you like technology, get an XD. They are high-tech and highly praised.
You get a custom 1911 with most all the features of a $1200-$2500 brand for about ~$700.
PS. I only mentioned checking the operation because some guy named James Sharpes posts his "hit or miss" quality posts everywhere on the internet. Since I only have experience with my "single" piece and it's in perfect order I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
If you like technology, get an XD. They are high-tech and highly praised.
NGIB
Member
"XD over and over again. CHeaper, more reliable, cheaper to shoot, etc."
OK, your opinion not mine. I'll answer this way, I have 8 1911s and 1 XD. My XD is a 9mm SC that I use as my truck gun. My 1911s are used for just about everything else. Also don't fall for the Taurus sales pitch that you get a $2100 gun for the asking price. The Taurus and the Rock Island Tactical are very similar - and the Rock Island is cheaper. I've owned multiples of both so I speak from experience...
OK, your opinion not mine. I'll answer this way, I have 8 1911s and 1 XD. My XD is a 9mm SC that I use as my truck gun. My 1911s are used for just about everything else. Also don't fall for the Taurus sales pitch that you get a $2100 gun for the asking price. The Taurus and the Rock Island Tactical are very similar - and the Rock Island is cheaper. I've owned multiples of both so I speak from experience...
ojibweindian
Member
I've owned both, and like both. If forced to choose, I'd go with the XD. Personal preference, and not a knock of the 1911.
The XD is a very practical tool. Simple, reliable, relatively safe, easy to shoot. I really like mine. That said, it's a bit bulky -- not bad for a 13+1 .45ACP, but that firepower comes with a price.
The 1911 is a wonderful fine firearm. I like them a lot, but I see little point in buying a lower-grade one. It's a heavy, low-capacity gun, a tad more complicated than any modern design, but without nice features like an LCI. It IS skinny, though, which is a big plus for carry.
I have serious concerns about using a target-grade pistol for self-defense. I'll use one for 2700 if I ever muster up the cash for a match-grade 1911...
While our CC laws here say nothing about trigger pull, I would not care to explain to a jury of idiots in civil court why I carried around this customized gun and used it on the poor innocent widdle armed robber across the courtroom, with his vile tort lawyer asking the questions.
The 1911 is a wonderful fine firearm. I like them a lot, but I see little point in buying a lower-grade one. It's a heavy, low-capacity gun, a tad more complicated than any modern design, but without nice features like an LCI. It IS skinny, though, which is a big plus for carry.
I have serious concerns about using a target-grade pistol for self-defense. I'll use one for 2700 if I ever muster up the cash for a match-grade 1911...
While our CC laws here say nothing about trigger pull, I would not care to explain to a jury of idiots in civil court why I carried around this customized gun and used it on the poor innocent widdle armed robber across the courtroom, with his vile tort lawyer asking the questions.
I guess it would depend on the 1911. I have owned both: XD9sc and XD9 (full frame) as well as a Springfield 1911 Champion. I truly miss the Champion...unfortunately, the price has jumped nearly $500 on the Champion since I bought mine in 2004.
Do your research on the 1911's. Shoot a few to boot, then make a well informed decision.
Do your research on the 1911's. Shoot a few to boot, then make a well informed decision.
catzman
Member
I have 2 XD's and the XD-9 is my wifes carry gun. they are very fine firearms and I also own three 1911's. My current carry gun is a Kimber Ultra Carry and if I were laying down the cash today it would be for a Kimber Raptor. My advise is go to a range that has rentals and try them out. You woun't be wrong with a XD or a high quality 1911.
Ted
Ted
Jed Carter
Member
If you don't have a 1911 then you should ad one to your collection, mine is a Springfield Long slide with the 6" barrel. However it is a complete b***** to take down compared to my other pistols. Still love it.
gglass
Member
Go for the one not made in Croatia.
My suggestion is to try to shoot the XD first before making a decision. I have an XD45c that is the perfect gun for me. I shoot it well, it is easy to conceal, I can load it with 13 round mags when I store it at home or carry it with 10+1 and and extra 10 round mag. I have shot a couple of 1911's and they are great, but for me and for the money I like the XD. Also keep in mind the comments of others and the time and commitment you need to spend on the 1911's with maintenance and cleaning. For the average person a point and shoot weapon is probably the best way to go under stress. Also the new XDm is a great weapon and I would not overlook them. With that said the Springfield 1911's seem to be regarded as some of the very best out of the box accurate/reliable 1911's you can buy and they aren't too expensive. Anyway I hope this helps, Good Luck and be Safe!
awg1203r
Member
Go for the 1911. I chose Kimber Warrior. (Kimber's version of the Operator.) I recently tested out an XD, didn't like it. It shot very well but it didn't feel good for me to shoot, went with a glock instead. Test out a glock. Getting peoples opinions is great but you need to shoot the guns you are considering and even their competition. Find a range with rentals. If you do decide on a 1911, I highly recommend Kimber, or Dan Wesson; spend the $$$ and do it right the first time.
Just One Shot
Member
It's a matter of preference.
I was faced with this delima just a couple of days ago. I had been eyeballin a couple of different 1911's and was determined to get one or the other.
On the day I was trying to decide on which one I wanted, I went to the gun store and was looking over the selection.
While there I started checking out the XD models they had laying around. I fell for the XD Tactical .40 with the 5" barrel.
There are many features that stood out on the XD that I really liked. Here is a good review of it to read before making your pick.
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory02.php
Also Dr. Ignatius Piazza, Four Weapons Combat Master and founder of Front Sight Firearms Training Institute gives it high marks. I recently read a news letter where he ranked it 2nd behind the Glock's for being the best self defense handgun on the market today.
Now I'm not knocking the 1911. Everyone who knows anything about handguns knows that it has proven itself reliable in the combat environment. In fact, there may still be one added to my safe in the distant future.
Ask yourself this, what is it's intended purpose? Is it for CC, range use or just general usage? My choice was based on the many safety features that the Xd has and how you can go from the holster, with the chamber loaded, to the firing mode without having to disable any type of manual safety.
If you decide to go with the 1911 and you are going to CC then make sure you practice, practice, practice until it becomes second nature to draw and disarm the safety in one fluid motion.
What ever you decide I'm sure you will be happy with your choice.
I was faced with this delima just a couple of days ago. I had been eyeballin a couple of different 1911's and was determined to get one or the other.
On the day I was trying to decide on which one I wanted, I went to the gun store and was looking over the selection.
While there I started checking out the XD models they had laying around. I fell for the XD Tactical .40 with the 5" barrel.
There are many features that stood out on the XD that I really liked. Here is a good review of it to read before making your pick.
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory02.php
Also Dr. Ignatius Piazza, Four Weapons Combat Master and founder of Front Sight Firearms Training Institute gives it high marks. I recently read a news letter where he ranked it 2nd behind the Glock's for being the best self defense handgun on the market today.
Now I'm not knocking the 1911. Everyone who knows anything about handguns knows that it has proven itself reliable in the combat environment. In fact, there may still be one added to my safe in the distant future.
Ask yourself this, what is it's intended purpose? Is it for CC, range use or just general usage? My choice was based on the many safety features that the Xd has and how you can go from the holster, with the chamber loaded, to the firing mode without having to disable any type of manual safety.
If you decide to go with the 1911 and you are going to CC then make sure you practice, practice, practice until it becomes second nature to draw and disarm the safety in one fluid motion.
What ever you decide I'm sure you will be happy with your choice.
GRAYRID3R
Member
I have an XDm 9 and a Colt Government 1911. I love them both and would not give up either one. They are so different, but both great guns. I guess since they're both pretty hard to get right now I'd go with the easiest to find and start saving for the other. Also depends on the $ you have to spend. 1911s are almost 2X the $ of a XD. So go for the price and availability. Big help huh?
- Status