I only owned one XD & I didn't have a good experience with Springfield. The gun misfired occasionally. I shipped it to Springfield & when I got it back, the invoice said "Reamed Chamber, Test Fired OK." The chamber looked like a drunk employee or a small child worked on it - it was all scratched up. At the range, it still misfired.
Very discouraged with subcompact autos...
- Thread starter Hammer059
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My 9MM Springfield XDs has never failed using Blazer or Speer Lawman. Neither has my Ruger LC9s. Both newish but at least 1000 rounds.
I value them both for different reasons. The XDs aims beautifully. It just fits my style. It is a little too big for everyday carry. The LC9s is harder to aim, but carries easily and everywhere.
Both are worthwhile . . . if they work reliably.
I value them both for different reasons. The XDs aims beautifully. It just fits my style. It is a little too big for everyday carry. The LC9s is harder to aim, but carries easily and everywhere.
Both are worthwhile . . . if they work reliably.
98Redline
Member
I have had my XDs 3.3 45 for about 3 years and in that time and thousands of rounds later it has never once failed to fire and cycle correctly.
Just a couple of thoughts on your issue. Have somebody else shoot the gun and see if it still has the FTF issue. Is it possible that due to the shorter frame you may not be getting enough purchase on the grip and sort of limp wristing it? The XDs is well known to not like limp wristing and will show the type of failures you are seeing if not held tightly.
My suggestion would be to use the longer (9 round) mags and hold on to it tightly. Fire 50 or so rounds in this configuration and see if the behavior does not change.
If it doesn't, send it back to springfield and have them look at it.
Just a couple of thoughts on your issue. Have somebody else shoot the gun and see if it still has the FTF issue. Is it possible that due to the shorter frame you may not be getting enough purchase on the grip and sort of limp wristing it? The XDs is well known to not like limp wristing and will show the type of failures you are seeing if not held tightly.
My suggestion would be to use the longer (9 round) mags and hold on to it tightly. Fire 50 or so rounds in this configuration and see if the behavior does not change.
If it doesn't, send it back to springfield and have them look at it.
RainDodger
Member
I've had an XDs for a number of years. Mine happens to have the Powder River spring kit in it, which makes it even more likely to have light strike, but it has NEVER had a light strike. You said you're cleaning it well every 100 rounds. Carbon and crud can and does get into the firing pin channel as you're aware. It's very easy to clean it out with a Q-tip. Are you doing that when you clean the gun each time? It's simple to do. There should be no need to clean it every 100 rounds, but when you do clean it, clean the firing pin channel and leave it and the firing pin dry.
If you're still having misfires after that, I'd say you have a spring issue and should ask Springfield about it. Don't give up on it. It's a great little carry gun.
Edit: once you get it working 100%.... this isn't a range gun in my opinion. It's a carry gun that you should be proficient with and confident of.
If you're still having misfires after that, I'd say you have a spring issue and should ask Springfield about it. Don't give up on it. It's a great little carry gun.
Edit: once you get it working 100%.... this isn't a range gun in my opinion. It's a carry gun that you should be proficient with and confident of.
Zendude
Member
Once a gun fails, it is sometimes difficult to regain the confidence you had with it. Subcompact autos are often at a disadvantage because they are more mechanically sensitive and price points are low. Get the XDS fixed and trade it for something else.
98Redline
Member
The off center primer hits and light strikes are indication the gun is not fully in battery when it fires which is exactly what happens if you limp wrist it.
I have an XDS in 40 S&W and have about 800 rounds through it without one FLF or hiccup. I love the gun and it's reliability has been awesome. I'd definitely give Springfield the chance to make it right with you. OTH my brother has the 9mm Shield and wouldn't part with it. Actually have thought about getting one for myself. The only bad gun is the one I don't own. Lol.
Pietro Beretta
Member
LOL! No you don't. These 938's, most need a break-in, mine certainly did. Within the first 300 rounds I had 7 FTFs in addition to the last round not being controlled by the magazine into battery where the slide would not go into battery because the round is in front of the extractor. Additionally, if you bought one before 8/2014 they had MSH (main spring housing) issues that would literally wear out within 500 rounds; this has been fixed in new models.
Additionally, a small gun like the 938 requires a high level of muzzle management and trigger pull control, MUCH more so than my Ruger SR9C or Mod.2 45 3.3"
Very sorry to hear about your XDS, they are usually solid pieces.
I have an XD Mod2 .45 3.3" with Trijicon HD sights. Over 800 rounds with no problems. I know you wanted a 9mm, but if you want something that you know has been tested to feed every time I would be happy to sell it to you for exactly what it cost me, wouldn't try to make money.
I also have a Ruger SR9C that went back to the factory three times before they got it fixed. (Light primer strikers, trigger reset failures) So I know how disappointing it can be when something doesn't work from the factory.
Pietro Beretta
Member
Everyone will have a bad experience with the Kimber Solo; except those people that read the manual.
Hornady, Remington or Federal 147 grain Hollow-Point rounds, ONLY. This means no FMJ, Plated, or any other grain bullet but 147. Its a very particular gun with tight tolerances. I would never buy one.
bluestarlizzard
Member
Okay, last week I finally hit the breaking point because my hands were getting filthy every time I touched the thing. 801 rounds, no cleaning, dirty (factory) ammo.
XDs .45, I'm up to about 1200 rounds through it total (got it around Christmas), now and have had one malfunction (failure to feed, may have been the ammo) to date.
I've heard about another one jamming, supposedly for being dirty... and I'm really not getting it, because either I got like the one good one, or somebodies doing something not right...
XDs .45, I'm up to about 1200 rounds through it total (got it around Christmas), now and have had one malfunction (failure to feed, may have been the ammo) to date.
I've heard about another one jamming, supposedly for being dirty... and I'm really not getting it, because either I got like the one good one, or somebodies doing something not right...
Hammer059
Member
Thanks all for sharing your input. I do appreciate it, and one of the reasons I love THR is that people are generally respectful and insightful.
The XDS has been sold. I made it clear the problem I was having, and the guy said if he couldn't fix it he'd get Springfield to fix it.
I'm making one last attempt at finding a semi-auto carry gun that isn't a lemon. I currently have a Sig P938 on layaway, and should have it in the next week or two. I have shot one before, and I absolutely love them, so let's hope that after a break-in period mine functions as it should.
A Ruger LCR in 9mm is also in the works for me. That way I can have a revolver for carry, and it will be in 9mm so I can keep my centerfire handguns all the same caliber. I have shot several LCR's before and I do like them, I think between the 938 and LCR I will have a nice concealed carry setup.
To make it clear to a few of you: I'm not bashing the XDS. I'm not saying it's a horrible gun. Obviously I know there are lots of people out there who never have any issues with theirs. However there are also lots of folks who have experiences similar to mine. I give it 600 rounds of a fair chance and thoroughly cleaned out the striker/firing pin channel TWICE. I've explained my reasoning in depth in previous posts and I feel I am very justified in my dissatisfaction with my XDS' performance. I wanted to keep it, I really did like shooting the thing.
Just like if someone buys their first Chevy (for example), and all it ever does is break down on them and have problems and they'll never get another Chevy, even though they know plenty of people never have a negative experience with them. Like Chevy, this was my first Springfield and will most likely be my last.
The XDS has been sold. I made it clear the problem I was having, and the guy said if he couldn't fix it he'd get Springfield to fix it.
I'm making one last attempt at finding a semi-auto carry gun that isn't a lemon. I currently have a Sig P938 on layaway, and should have it in the next week or two. I have shot one before, and I absolutely love them, so let's hope that after a break-in period mine functions as it should.
A Ruger LCR in 9mm is also in the works for me. That way I can have a revolver for carry, and it will be in 9mm so I can keep my centerfire handguns all the same caliber. I have shot several LCR's before and I do like them, I think between the 938 and LCR I will have a nice concealed carry setup.
To make it clear to a few of you: I'm not bashing the XDS. I'm not saying it's a horrible gun. Obviously I know there are lots of people out there who never have any issues with theirs. However there are also lots of folks who have experiences similar to mine. I give it 600 rounds of a fair chance and thoroughly cleaned out the striker/firing pin channel TWICE. I've explained my reasoning in depth in previous posts and I feel I am very justified in my dissatisfaction with my XDS' performance. I wanted to keep it, I really did like shooting the thing.
Just like if someone buys their first Chevy (for example), and all it ever does is break down on them and have problems and they'll never get another Chevy, even though they know plenty of people never have a negative experience with them. Like Chevy, this was my first Springfield and will most likely be my last.
kevincallahan
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2006
- Messages
- 65
snubby
I carried an old model 60 for over 20 years as a backup/off duty gun. It was a great gun for its time. Just before I retired the Sig corporate guy came by our department and after comparing the 938 and 290rs, I bought a 290 to take into retirement. It was a very good choice for me. It is a little heavier than some, but it has been 100 percent reliable for me since I got it. It has a pull about like my model 60, a good finish for up close to my body and sweat, and has sig night sights as well. I am very happy with the gun and would recommend it to any experienced shooter moving from a small revolver.
I carried an old model 60 for over 20 years as a backup/off duty gun. It was a great gun for its time. Just before I retired the Sig corporate guy came by our department and after comparing the 938 and 290rs, I bought a 290 to take into retirement. It was a very good choice for me. It is a little heavier than some, but it has been 100 percent reliable for me since I got it. It has a pull about like my model 60, a good finish for up close to my body and sweat, and has sig night sights as well. I am very happy with the gun and would recommend it to any experienced shooter moving from a small revolver.
Pietro Beretta
Member
Please tell me you didn't pay more than $600 for it...
A lot of LGS have them priced at $700, if you know where to look you can pick one up for $590.
SSN Vet
Member
I've had several light primer strikes with both a subcompact striker fired 9mm and a BHP with a reduced power hammer spring.
They have always occurred with WWB or my reloads with Winchester primers.
Never with defense ammo or any other brand of primer.
I now use Federal primers for 9mm reloads and I haven't purchased factory ammo in years.
They have always occurred with WWB or my reloads with Winchester primers.
Never with defense ammo or any other brand of primer.
I now use Federal primers for 9mm reloads and I haven't purchased factory ammo in years.
Sergei Mosin
Member
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- Oct 7, 2011
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- 1,918
I think you'll like the P938 and the LCR, but choose your LCR ammo carefully - crimp jump is a hazard in lightweight revolvers shooting autoloader cartridges.
Coal Dragger
member
This thread reminds me why I avoid any semi-auto pistol with a barrel much shorter than 4". They are just too temperamental.
The only short barrel auto I had problems with was a German made PPK in .380.
P938 - no problems, G43 - no problems, Shield- no problems, XDS 9mm - no problems.
I had high hopes for the PPK being a carry pistol for me, but it wasn't to be. Just too many feeding issues. Kinda sad as my Makarovs proved to be very reliable.
P938 - no problems, G43 - no problems, Shield- no problems, XDS 9mm - no problems.
I had high hopes for the PPK being a carry pistol for me, but it wasn't to be. Just too many feeding issues. Kinda sad as my Makarovs proved to be very reliable.
Murphys Law
Member
CNobbe, If you still have the PPK, take it to a good smith or armorer and have them polish the feed ramp. Also polish the breech face on the slide and remove that stupid loaded chamber indicator. My own Walther had some problems when new and those three simple things made the gun completely reliable.
amd6547
Member
My G26 has been utterly faultless through many many rounds. Accurate too...no problem hitting 10" steel plates at 50yds at my rifle club.
Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,814
"Expecting 100% functionality out of the box with any weapon is unrealistic..."
My expectations are unrealistic. I want them to go bang every single time - maybe that's why I tend to prefer revolvers. However, I have lot of semi-autos that have made the cut. My LC9 is one of them.
If it has malfunctioned every once in a while it is just fine as a range toy or plinker. For SD I want 100% perfection.
My expectations are unrealistic. I want them to go bang every single time - maybe that's why I tend to prefer revolvers. However, I have lot of semi-autos that have made the cut. My LC9 is one of them.
If it has malfunctioned every once in a while it is just fine as a range toy or plinker. For SD I want 100% perfection.
Hammer059
Member
Update:
300 flawless rounds through the Sig 938, which has excellent sights, ergonomics, and stunning good looks as a bonus.
So far, so good.
I've decided against also getting a Ruger LCR in 9mm. As someone mentioned, crimp jump is a concern and there are other guns I "need" much more. If I get another pocket revolver it will be another 642…. someday. In the meantime I have a Ruger LCR in .22lr that I love.
Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts.
300 flawless rounds through the Sig 938, which has excellent sights, ergonomics, and stunning good looks as a bonus.
So far, so good.
I've decided against also getting a Ruger LCR in 9mm. As someone mentioned, crimp jump is a concern and there are other guns I "need" much more. If I get another pocket revolver it will be another 642…. someday. In the meantime I have a Ruger LCR in .22lr that I love.
Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts.
I carry a 442 and a Sig P290RS. The 442 is a great gun like the 642, and the 290 has been flawless. I can also vouch for the Sig 938. My son-in-law has one, also flawless. I liked the feel of his gun, but didn't want to carry cocked and locked. You can't go wrong with either Sig.
RON in PA
Member
Let me suggest you look at a Kahr CM9. It is a small pocket pistol with 6+1 capacity and the trigger pull is very revolver like. It has been 100% reliable in my experience.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,308
RON in PA
I concur with you on the Kahr CM9; very easy to carry concealed and for a semi-auto it has a great DAO trigger. In a revolver I have always had a soft spot for the S&W Model 38 and the Model 49. Currently I have my Model 638 in the CCW rotation.
I concur with you on the Kahr CM9; very easy to carry concealed and for a semi-auto it has a great DAO trigger. In a revolver I have always had a soft spot for the S&W Model 38 and the Model 49. Currently I have my Model 638 in the CCW rotation.
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