SpringField XD 45 ACP

[Liquid Metal]

I am planning to get one but can't decide the differences between the Compact, Tactical and Services.

The only differences I noticed is the height and length. Plus the recoil system.

What is the difference between "Dual Spring with Full Length Guide Rod" vs "One Piece Full Length Guide Rod"? Which one is recommended?

I am getting this gun for both home security and target practice, but more for home security.

Thank You

 

[blackops]

Well first of all do you want a full size or compact? This will dictate which particular model your going to get. Personally if it's not a carry I would go full size Tactical.

 

[tprice]

The dual-spring is foiund on the compact/subcompact models. It allows the same total spring weight as on recoil of the longer, single spring models so the felt recoil isn't as bad.

I've owned an XD subcompact and shot it against a XD full-size, didn't notice a difference in accuracy.

A longer slide will start to reduce your ability to manouver the gun. Personally, the tactical is overkill. You don't need 5 inches for home defense or shooting targets at less than 25 yards. While some might argue a longer sight-radius will increase your accuracy, it will also increase the time it takes to line up your targets.

In real world self defense you won't really be using the sights as much, the manouverability will be more important.

Conclusion: For target and home defense, the Service 4" is plenty.

If you also wanted to carry the pistol for self-defense (CCW) then the compact is an interesting option. Same barrel length as the service but with a shorter grip. SA makes a spacer that will "convert" the shorter grip to a full sized one. That's a really good idea if you are adding the possibility of CCW to your stated needs.

Of course, if you really want a 5" barrel, I'd rather go with a 1911 than an XD 45 tactical. Springfield makes some excellent full-sized 1911's, though they do cost more than the XD.

 

[bigmike45]

I have the Service (4") model. I prefer the full size grip and the shorter than Tactical (5") for concealment. The 4" also gives a longer sight radius than the Compact. It is the same with my preferences on my 1911's.

 

[CDW4ME]

I have a XD45 compact with 4'' barrel. Height is 5'' including the rear sight. I can get my whole hand on the compact grip. It is concealable & comfortable in a Blade Tech Ultimate Kydex IWB holster. I would not want a bigger pistol. It's plenty accurate at 25 yards and the 4'' barrel spits Winchester 230 gr. Ranger T at 865 fps.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I own the .45 acp Service and it's easy to carry and shoots very well. It's a good all around .45 and 14 rounds of .45 ammunition is nothing to sneeze at.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Liquid Metal]

Thanks for all your posts and sharing your experiences.

I have to say special thanks to tprice because you pretty much answered what I was looking for in terms of recoil.

Also, to add to your post about barrel length, I originally was going to get a subcompact since the barrel length is only 3 inches. That will will provide less for intruders to grabbing the barrel. I also agree with the line of sight that you shared. The only problem is that a subcompact does not come in a 45 acp.

Before starting this thread, I have eyes on the compact because if I want to converted it into full-size grip, it comes with an extension clip.

I still like to understand more "Dual Spring with Full Length Guide Rod" vs "One Piece Full Length Guide Rod". Which one is easier to take a part? Are there any advantages and disadvantages? I know Dual Spring are usually for smaller frames.

I threw all those up (Compact, Tactical and Services) in the original post to see if there are any other differences besides the height and length. I am pretty sure I will stick with a 4 compact unless someone up here shares some thing fascinating about the Tactical or Services.

 

[S&WMP45]

get a mp or glock 45, i sold my xd 45 after only a month and 700 rounds. it was a steamy piece of crap.

 

[ArmedBear]

My 4" Service model has been a great gun. It includes some neat features not found on others, like the grip safety that allows you to check the chamber without ever accidentally ejecting a round or taking the gun out of battery. (While I don't necesarily want a thumb safety on a defensive pistol, I'm also not interested in a semiauto with the only "safety" on the trigger, but that's personal preference.)

When fully loaded, it's a pretty heavy beast. That's the price of 14 big rounds on tap, I guess.

For me, the high capacity was a significant factor in the purchase decision. I might go with a 1911 instead of the blocky compact. It's a pretty bulky gun if you intend to CCW it.

 

[John Parker]

The compact gives you the best of both worlds.

 

[Guillermo]

The Springfield XD line is outstanding. I have a 4 inch Service and it is as dependable as gravity.

Were I to do it again I would buy the compact due to versatility. The extended mag gives you same grip as the full size yet you have the option of a smaller profile with the regular magazine.

BTW, since the XD45 proved itself I sold my G19. (only slightly smaller and a lot less firepower)

 

[tprice]

Liquid, no worries - was in your place a few months back too

Both the dual spring and the single-spring systems are captive, so no difference in difficulty stripping the gun. The only problem is that it's hard to get a replacement one. Recoil springs only last 3-4k rounds usually (less in subcompact/compact frames) so if you're a heavy shooter keep that in mind. You'd probably have to call Springfield to get a replacement spring/rod module since it's a captive system (not easy to just replace the spring alone).

I also have a captive system on my P250 SIG and my Glock 22. Hard to get replacements for the SIG, but I always keep a spare on the 22.

 

[danweasel]

My HD/target pistol is a XD45 tactical 5"er. It has malfunctioned only once (in sub-zero temps) it's accurate and it was cheap too. Like the man said, 14 rounds is very nice too. Although, in retrospect, I have decided that the 4" service model looks better.

 

[Liquid Metal]

Thanks TPrice and the rest of participants.

I am getting the Compact 4 inch and the reason I asked about the recoil system because XD Compact comes in both. I think if I understand you correctly, you are saying "Dual Spring" will need to be replace sooner than "One Piece". If that is the case, I should go for the "One Piece". By any chance, are there pictures some where on the net of both recoil system?

Is a Beretta 96FS considered as "Dual Spring" or "One Piece"? I have that gun and I only see one spring.

BTW... Is the XD Compact fixed or adjustable sights? I think I remember reading it is Fixed. I will be test shooting 45 ACP tomorrow at the gun range because I shot the 40 caliber version a while back.

Thanks!

 

[ReloaderFred]

You won't be sorry with either the Compact or Service XD. Mine are super reliable and I carry one every day. Just remember that the XD is a "service pistol", and as such, is intended to be fired with "service" ammunition. Mine won't feed with SWC bullets, but it's not designed to, so it's no big deal for me.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[remmy1911]

Here's a couple of pictures of my XD-45 Compact; great gun.
Mine had fixed white dot sights and I had them changed out with TFO's.

 

[Liquid Metal]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your pictures. So, that is what a dual spring looks like?

 

[remmy1911]

Yep, Dual-Captive Springs

 

[KenW.]

The .45 ACP XD is not currently available in subcompact (3"). The compact is the best of both worlds; duty exposed carry AND concealmentt. 4 inch barrel and a shortend grip for the ten round mag. The 13 round mags fit and have a spacer that matches the grip and fills the gap.

On duty I carry a 10 rounder in the weapon, and two 13s as spares. 37 rounds is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[blackops]

Understand, that all types have pros and cons. That sub and compact are not going to be as accurate period! As far as manuverability, its a pistol! Its not like a rifle. If you having problems handling a pistol barrel that is two inches longer you need go to the range more often. There is a reason the gun is labled "Tactical."

 

[Liquid Metal]

I will be buying XD Compact 4 for home defense. I agreed with TPrice and as he has mentioned, more than 4 is an over killed. I actually even prefer a 3 but the subcompact does not come in a 45 ACP.

1-2 inches more does makes a difference (for the reason that I am buying for) if I am entering a dark home and an intruder and I end-up on top of each other as he trys to struggle to grab my gun (especially barrel). So, this is not about manuverability or accuracy (range time) but it is more to the line of concealment.

 

[ejfalvo]

I have the 4inch XD45 Compact. Fits my hand great (better than the M&P and Glock. Ive had it for over a year now, shoot it every other weekend (odd weekends are for revolvers) and have put well over 500 rounds thru it.

For me, it was all about fit and balance. The XD Compact fit my hand, balanced well, and went to point of aim without any fuss. It's my favorite semi.

 

[KaliS-Pugilist]

get the XD45 compact (4") and call it a day. it is probably the best bargain you can get for a compact .45, extremely accurate, reliable, and a pleasure to carry. u also get a 13 round mag to go along with the short 10 stack. the larger mag makes it to the same size as the service .45...best of both worlds. i would get the XD45c and also order an extra 10rd & 13rd mag...then u are set.

with night sights you will have one of the best carry guns around...with no regrets.