Whats so great about the XD? Please educate me, I know very little. I thought I could go read some articles, but then I realized that if I just ask, you folks may tell me the real scoop. Some people are talking about how the glock is outdated now that the XD is around. What other modern semi-autos are in the same ballpark?
Whats so great about the XD?
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lee n. field
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It points, it clicks.
If the Glock's grip angle doesn't agree with you, there's a good chance the XD's will.
The biggest beef I see people have with them is Springfield's parts policy. They want to do all repairs, and so don't provide parts.
If the Glock's grip angle doesn't agree with you, there's a good chance the XD's will.
The biggest beef I see people have with them is Springfield's parts policy. They want to do all repairs, and so don't provide parts.
GigaBuist
Member
Things it has over the Glock:
- True SA trigger (I could be wrong on this one, 90% sure I'm right)
- Less obtuse grip angle.
- Added a grip safety
- Loaded chamber indicator (useful if you want to be reasonably sure a round is chambered, not to be used to determine if the pistol is empty)
- Metal mags, not polymer. This makes the mags thinner and probably contributes to the smaller grip size.
I own 2 Glocks and no XD's but after shooting an XD I'd be happy to trade a Glock for one.
From what I gather the S&W M&P series is comprable to the XD line.
- True SA trigger (I could be wrong on this one, 90% sure I'm right)
- Less obtuse grip angle.
- Added a grip safety
- Loaded chamber indicator (useful if you want to be reasonably sure a round is chambered, not to be used to determine if the pistol is empty)
- Metal mags, not polymer. This makes the mags thinner and probably contributes to the smaller grip size.
I own 2 Glocks and no XD's but after shooting an XD I'd be happy to trade a Glock for one.
From what I gather the S&W M&P series is comprable to the XD line.
ugaarguy
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For many it's the grip angle. Glocks have very steep grip angle, while XDs have a more conventional one. The XD chambers are also fully supported unlike Glocks which helps with safety on reloads. The XD has a conventionally rifled bbl, vs. Glock's polygonal rifling, so you can shoot unjacketed lead bullets.
Perhaps the biggest areguement for the XD line is just how slim the XD 45 is - which is barely wider than it's 9mm/40 S&W/357 SIG counterparts. That innovation has really increased the XD's appeal.
Both are fine weapons, and the XD adresses many things folks didn't like about Glocks. The FN FNP, S&W M&P, SIG SIG Pro, Walther P99, and HK USP & P2000 are other competitors in the category. All are solid pistols with their own niche features that some folks prefer over others.
Perhaps the biggest areguement for the XD line is just how slim the XD 45 is - which is barely wider than it's 9mm/40 S&W/357 SIG counterparts. That innovation has really increased the XD's appeal.
Both are fine weapons, and the XD adresses many things folks didn't like about Glocks. The FN FNP, S&W M&P, SIG SIG Pro, Walther P99, and HK USP & P2000 are other competitors in the category. All are solid pistols with their own niche features that some folks prefer over others.
ugaarguy
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A few other things from previous posts.
From what I've been told by my employer, Springfield Armory will now ship parts to folks that have completed their armorer certification course. However, Glock and S&W's M&P will both detail strip with standard punches while the XD requires some more specialized tools.
It's pretty close. The striker is about 95% cocked on the XD, and the trigger pull finishes cocking, and then releases the striker. So, it's technically DAO, and classified as such by the BATFE, but functionally it feels single action.
It's like a Glock, except with a shallower grip angle and the extra safety features (grip safety, loaded chamber indicator) do appeal to those who are not "professional" enough for a Glock 
.
Personally, I do not like the idea of having to switch off a safety in a situation where my life is on the line. At the same time, I don't like the idea of having two different trigger pulls in a situation where my life is on the line.
Glocks and XDs provide simplicity: no safeties to switch off, and a consistent, relatively light trigger pull every shot. Both, as far as I can tell, are also very reliable.
.Personally, I do not like the idea of having to switch off a safety in a situation where my life is on the line. At the same time, I don't like the idea of having two different trigger pulls in a situation where my life is on the line.
Glocks and XDs provide simplicity: no safeties to switch off, and a consistent, relatively light trigger pull every shot. Both, as far as I can tell, are also very reliable.
GotGlock
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Glocks have a loaded chamber indicator. Personnaly i dislike the XD, its not the "glock on steroids" that everyone makes it out to be.
Fusedscrach
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GotGlock
Kind of figures with that screen name. But I've had that same problem with Glocks, where they point more towards the ground, when I hold it naturally in front of me. I have no problem with them, they just don't suit my style of handling. My new XD40 is coming home this Saturday, and I'm taking it out to the playground if you know what I mean. I have to start breaking it in. Well here is another thing, when I went to the shooting range. I tried the XD40, and the XD45. For some reason, I've always been a better shot with a 40 cal. Really the best way to tell if it suits you, is to go out to a shooting range that has rentals, and rent a few guns, and try them out. That way you can tell what your more comfortable with.
Kind of figures with that screen name. But I've had that same problem with Glocks, where they point more towards the ground, when I hold it naturally in front of me. I have no problem with them, they just don't suit my style of handling. My new XD40 is coming home this Saturday, and I'm taking it out to the playground if you know what I mean. I have to start breaking it in. Well here is another thing, when I went to the shooting range. I tried the XD40, and the XD45. For some reason, I've always been a better shot with a 40 cal. Really the best way to tell if it suits you, is to go out to a shooting range that has rentals, and rent a few guns, and try them out. That way you can tell what your more comfortable with.
Ooops... I didn't really intend for this to be a Glock vs. XD thread. I just mentioned the comparison to the Glock because that's what I've been hearing about.... so... what's so great about the XD? But if you want to talk about Glocks, it's still ok by me.
wes
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originally posted by GigaBuist
Last time I checked (30 sec. ago) my glock has metal mags coated in polymer that is less than an eighth of an inch thick (the sum of both sides of polymer sleeve).
choochboost
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I was in the market for a point and shoot "wonder action" pistol - I ruled out Glocks due to ergos and grip angle, then seriously considered the XD, but forgot all about XDs and never looked back the first time I shot a M&P.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I shot one in .40 as a rental and neither actively liked or disliked it - just sort of ho-hum. I didn't like the trigger action, a long sweep with a break at the very end and a vague reset point, as well as the M&P's (although this one suffers mildly from the lack of a distinct reset, the stroke is much shorter). It did go bang every time, at least for the box of ammo I put through it - 95% of my criteria for a good gun.
ChuckB
Member
I have a 9mm Service XD. It fits my hands perfectly (YMMV, of course), and is much more accurate than I expected. Just swapping hammer and sear springs reduced the trigger pull to where I wanted it. Replacing the sear will, I have read, also give a crisper trigger break.
Chuck
Chuck
Reliable, accurate, good grip angle and feel, high capacity, safety features that don't hinder the normal operation of the pistol, lifetime warranty with a record of pretty good customer service, easy field strip, tough finish, ambi mag release, decent trigger for that style of pistol, and you can shoot lead reloads. Yup, I like em!
RNB65
Member
I own both Glock and XD. Both are fine guns that go BANG every time. If I had to choose one other the other, I'd go with the XD as I prefer the XD's grip angle, trigger pull, and I also like the grip safety. However, Glocks will always rule due to their high LE market share and their pop/thug culture status.
the naked prophet
Member
I love shooting revolvers. And with a revolver, you get a very high grip, so the barrel is nearly in line with your forearm bones. This allows you to shoot with less muzzle flip. I chose a Glock 19 for its reputed reliability, but I shoot it well because of its similarity to a revolver - you get a much higher grip than on a SIG or an XD. For revolver shooters, the Glock is much more natural, with a higher grip and a better angle.
And that's the problem I have with the XD line - the slide is so tall, and the barrel is so high above your hand, the muzzle flip is ridiculous. That said, they have the best double-stack .45 on the market. If they made a .45 with a glock-style grip, I'd buy that. Or, conversely, if Glock made a .45 with a small enough grip, I'd buy that.
And that's the problem I have with the XD line - the slide is so tall, and the barrel is so high above your hand, the muzzle flip is ridiculous. That said, they have the best double-stack .45 on the market. If they made a .45 with a glock-style grip, I'd buy that. Or, conversely, if Glock made a .45 with a small enough grip, I'd buy that.
DomMega
Member
So Springfield did some work on my XD40 and I go to pick it up from FedEx after work. Evidently they cut and polished the barrel ramp because of the constant jamming. I sincerely hope its fixed because if this gun keeps on doing what its been doing (especially when the slide just stays open after only firing 2 or 3 rounds) its getting turned into my dealer for something else entirely. I hope I just had a minor problem and that everything is straight now because I know Springfield makes outstanding weapons. However if the same behavior continues I know I'm going to lose it and turn that thing in as quick as I possibly can. My patience is no more for that XD40.
IT BETTER WORK! hehe
IT BETTER WORK! hehe
yhtomit
Member
I like mine because it has been reliable (less the one time I took it shooting in well-below-zero [EDIT: that's "well-below-freezing," unless you're thinking in centrigrade] weather, when I had some failures to feed), seems very sturdy, is easy for break down for cleaning, holds 13+1 rounds of .45ACP, and has a 1911-style grip angle.
I don't find it an ultra-sexy gun; in fact, the shape is a bit homely, IMO. The grip is largish -- except considering what it holds -- for my smallish hands, but not Desert Eagle-large. It's easily holdable, though if I were shooting IPDA (perhaps will do that for the first time next month), I might not like it for weak-hand-only shooting, (I will work on that next time I'm at the range in Cumberland, PA.)
timothy
I don't find it an ultra-sexy gun; in fact, the shape is a bit homely, IMO. The grip is largish -- except considering what it holds -- for my smallish hands, but not Desert Eagle-large. It's easily holdable, though if I were shooting IPDA (perhaps will do that for the first time next month), I might not like it for weak-hand-only shooting, (I will work on that next time I'm at the range in Cumberland, PA.)
timothy
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Mr Weebles
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I just bought an XD40 today and what most people have said about it fitting their hands is why I bought it.
I've shot Glocks and just didn't like the way they felt. They're a fine firearm, but I prefer the XD.
I've shot Glocks and just didn't like the way they felt. They're a fine firearm, but I prefer the XD.
PennsyPlinker
Member
I've had an XD-45 for about a month now, so I can't give a real definitive opinion other than it fits my hand very well, and the bullets go where I have it pointed. I compared it to a Glock while at the gunshop before plunking down my money. I did not like the grip angle of the Glock, and the ribbing on the grip is not designed to fit my fingers.
ALL this stuff is subjective! Of all the guns mentioned so far in this thread, I think you would have a hard time buying a lemon. Sure there are bad ones out there with every brand name on them, but what is important is for you to find one that feels good and shoots well in your hand. The feel good part is easy enough, and shoot well part can come with practice, although feeling good has a lot to do with it.
Good luck with your search.
ALL this stuff is subjective! Of all the guns mentioned so far in this thread, I think you would have a hard time buying a lemon. Sure there are bad ones out there with every brand name on them, but what is important is for you to find one that feels good and shoots well in your hand. The feel good part is easy enough, and shoot well part can come with practice, although feeling good has a lot to do with it.
Good luck with your search.
What's great about it?
This is my opinion. Please don't "straighten me out" if you disagree. I respect your right to your opinion, please extend me the same courtesy
I have a service model (4") XD45 and here's what I think is so great about it:
--Reliability.
--Ergonomics-natural pointability.
--Slim grip--especially for 14 rds of 45. No fat backstrap and fits my hand nicely.
--Not blocky like my Glock 21 especially on the slide which is a factor for me since I carry IWB.
--Fully supported chamber and rifled barrel so I can shoot lead, reloads, whatever and not worry about kB!.
--Mag catch doesn't poke me when toted IWB like on the 21.
--Grip safety to avoid unintentional discharge if clothing gets hung in trigger guard or similar (I personally like this feature).
--Melonite.
--Beefier slide rails than my 21.
--Metal mags.
--Metal guide rod.
--Recoils very similarly to a Sig P220 due to its bore axis. It's smooooth.
--Trigger is much better IN MY OPINION than my Glock 21.
--Lifetime warranty from SA.
--It was awarded the 2006 handgun of the year.
--The price is nice.
I could go on...
This is my opinion. Please don't "straighten me out" if you disagree. I respect your right to your opinion, please extend me the same courtesy
I have a service model (4") XD45 and here's what I think is so great about it:
--Reliability.
--Ergonomics-natural pointability.
--Slim grip--especially for 14 rds of 45. No fat backstrap and fits my hand nicely.
--Not blocky like my Glock 21 especially on the slide which is a factor for me since I carry IWB.
--Fully supported chamber and rifled barrel so I can shoot lead, reloads, whatever and not worry about kB!.
--Mag catch doesn't poke me when toted IWB like on the 21.
--Grip safety to avoid unintentional discharge if clothing gets hung in trigger guard or similar (I personally like this feature).
--Melonite.
--Beefier slide rails than my 21.
--Metal mags.
--Metal guide rod.
--Recoils very similarly to a Sig P220 due to its bore axis. It's smooooth.
--Trigger is much better IN MY OPINION than my Glock 21.
--Lifetime warranty from SA.
--It was awarded the 2006 handgun of the year.
--The price is nice.
I could go on...
dralarms
Member
I have an XD-40 subcompact. this too is a nice shootin gun. Easy target acquisition, good feel.
the only problem I have is the finish, I have the "older" finish, and it's not very strong. I had the gun refinished buy a local gun dealer in "teflon" well he didn't do it right and it started peeling within a month. I took it to a nice gunstore in Knoxville, tn. and they "duracoated" it, nice smooth, the only problem is after 8 months or so it started showing signs of "holster wear", This I expect, however I did return to the store and showed it to them and they said that's holster wear but we can refinish it for you for FREE. Wow, so while I was there I bought a set of night sites for it and they are installing them for free.
The only draw back is I will be without my favorite carry firearm for 3 to 4 weeks while it is getting a new face lift.
the only problem I have is the finish, I have the "older" finish, and it's not very strong. I had the gun refinished buy a local gun dealer in "teflon" well he didn't do it right and it started peeling within a month. I took it to a nice gunstore in Knoxville, tn. and they "duracoated" it, nice smooth, the only problem is after 8 months or so it started showing signs of "holster wear", This I expect, however I did return to the store and showed it to them and they said that's holster wear but we can refinish it for you for FREE. Wow, so while I was there I bought a set of night sites for it and they are installing them for free.
The only draw back is I will be without my favorite carry firearm for 3 to 4 weeks while it is getting a new face lift.
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