Why XD?

[BullpupBen]

I was comparing handguns and looking at the XD which everyone seems to highly recommend. However, in comparing it to other pistols in the market I noticed that the XD weighs siginificantly more than the Glock and only slightly less than competing metal-frame pistols.

For example, a Glock 19 4" weighs 21 oz but the XD compact 4" weighs 29 oz while the Sig P239 4" weighs 32 oz, along with most other compact metal-framed pistols.

The P239 might not be the best example since they are expensive, but I imagine medium-priced metal framed pistols would have the same stats.

So my question is, why do people prefer the XD over metal framed pistols?
I assume that the only discernable advantage of having parts made of polymer is that they weigh less and are cheaper to produce, but is a mere 3 oz really worth the uglification of a plastic frame or is there something I'm missing?

I'm not knocking the XD or trying to start the flame war, but just wondering the reason for their popularity.

 

[cpirtle]

I guess it depends on how important weight is to you. It's about 5th on my list of importance.

The XD does everything else so well for me why would I want to carry something that was less comfortable to shoot and less accurate in my hands just to save a few ounces?

YMMV

ETA: Also - If capacity is important than comparing it to a steel framed gun is out, so weight is really a non-issue there.

 

[possum]

The XD does everything else so well for me why would I want to carry something that was less comfortable to shoot and less accurate in my hands just to save a few ounces?

another big +1 for me. I love the xd and the weight has nothing to do with it.

 

[SCKimberFan]

All of my other handguns are steel (Kimber 45 and CZ Compact) so the weight of the XD is not really important to me. I just like the fit in my hand and how it hits where it is aimed.

 

[TG13]

my XD45 Service seems heavy, but i'm happy to deal with that.. it's the grip angle, the capacity and accuracy that i value.. not to mention SA's warranty, which from what i've seen the best that is offered..

 

[psyopspec]

I recommend going with what works for you. With a good belt and holster, the weight difference between a Glock 19 and a Service Size XD is negligible. Most of the people who buy XD's over Glocks do so for better perceived ergonomics.

 

[red headed stranger]

For me, the XD is much more easy to point and keep on target when following up.

YMMV.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

So my question is, why do people prefer the XD over metal framed pistols?
I assume that the only discernable advantage of having parts made of polymer is that they weigh less and are cheaper to produce, but is a mere 3 oz really worth the uglification of a plastic frame or is there something I'm missing?

It's a striker-fired gun with excellent reliability (like the Glock pistols), and a more 1911-ish grip angle (unlike the Glock pistols). I don't think weight savings ranks that high on the list since anything in a major caliber and decent capacity is going to have some heft. It's a well rounded design (reliable, reasonably accurate, concealable, good capacity, simple to operate, weatherproof, reasonably priced).

 

[Walkalong]

XD's feel good in the hand to most people, and have a nice easy to manage trigger pull. They have nice sights, are dependable, accurate and easy to shoot well.

 

[dairycreek]

my XD45 Service seems heavy, but i'm happy to deal with that.. it's the grip angle, the capacity and accuracy that i value.. not to mention SA's warranty, which from what i've seen the best that is offered..

Couldn't say it better. So I didn't

 

[shotgun12321]

It also depends on if you can grip it well.

Also, I guess more weight could mean better accuracy.

 

[ScottyT]

XD and Glock are both fantastic guns, it all comes down to your personal preference.

I find XD to be far more comfortable to hold and shoot, but my best friend's Glock is what feels natural to him.

Quality-wise you can't go wrong.

Rent and shoot both, if possible, before making your purchase!

 

[BullpupBen]

Thanks for the replies all.

So if the XD had an aluminum frame and weighed 3 ounces more, would you be as willing, less willing, or more willing, to purchase one?

 

[psyopspec]

3 ounces more wouldn't change my opinion. Like I said, good belt, good holster, good to go.

 

[ZombieKiller]

i don't consider my springfield XD40 the most accurate gun, but it is reliable, low-maintenance, and pops everytime i squeeze

 

[hunttheevil]

I like the way the XD feels in my hand and naturally aims for me. The grip safety is an added plus on re-holstering, in my opinion. The weight difference doesn't matter to me.

 

[Fatdaddy]

I never met a quality gun I didn't like, metal or plastic framed.
I do like how forgiving the plastic gun frames are. You can booger them up and you don't really notice it as much as with a metal framed gun.
The XD has a pretty good trigger also.

 

[tbtrout]

My wife bought one because it was cute.

 

[yhtomit]

- Vs. Glock, I prefer the XD's grip angle, as should all true Americans! (I kid, I kid)

- Grip safety; not all my guns have a grip safety, and on some it would be downright impractical, but ... in my fantasy world, all guns would have grip safeties of one kind or another (HK P7 is also ... acceptable ).

timothy

 

[ar10]

i don't consider my springfield XD40 the most accurate gun

HUH
There's only two problems I see shooting any guy.
1. gun
2. shooter
Which one fits?

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

Why XD?

1) Ergonomics, the placement of the controls is perfect for me
2) Affordable, less than $500 most places
3) Points naturally, good sights
4) Fits my hand like a glove
5) Very accurate, mine will do a 3" ragged hole from 25 yards off-hand
6) The trigger really smoothed out on mine after 500 rounds, smooth as butter now.
7) I've had zero failures through 1000 rounds, so far, so good.

 

[Three Man]

Why??

1. Because it supports Democracy in a former Communist country.

2.

 

[SoCalShooter]

I had a GLOCK 20 and I currently have an XD45 5" and I sold the G20 mainly cause the ammo is expensive but I preferred the xd's trigger and grip. The slide release is also in a better place and its very easy and comfortable to shoot it also has the ambi mag release.

 

[Rexster]

The XD has a grip safety which also locks the slide when not depressed. I see this as an issue if one is trying to clear a malfunction or reload the pistol when only one hand is available, or if both hands are available but are both injured and partially incapacitated. Think of FBI Supervisory Special Agent McNeill, during the shootout with Platt and Mattix. He had two injured hands, and tried in vain to reload his sixgun. As he tried to get to his shotgun, he was shot again.

The XD may be a great toy or competition gun, but it is no fighting pistol. I don't really care for the grip safety on the 1911, either, but at least it does not lock the slide.

 

[Prince Yamato]

The XD's grip wasn't engineered to be more like a 1911. The only reason the grip is at a different angle than the Glock's is because the XD was designed as an AWB alternative to the Glock. The XD's magazines are "modified" Beretta 92 mags. Beretta mags were easier to obtain during the AWB. The grip angle on the XD had little to do with comfort and more to do with accommodating a Beretta mag (with a mag catch hole in a different place).

You're basically buying a Glock that takes Beretta mags and has a grip safety. They feel pretty great in the hand. They are literally a Glock alternative.