XD-45 4" Service vs. 5" Tactical

[phantomak47]

I am in the market for an XD 45, but I am really on the fence between both of these models, I like the idea of carrying the 4" (I have the frame to be able to carry a sig 226) , but I also like the size and fit of the tac 5" xd.

Is there really much difference between these models?

 

[The-Fly]

The 5" will give you a tad more accuracy and a tad less recoil. The 4" will definitely be lighter and easier to conceal and carry. I own a 5" myself and love it, but its DEFINITELY not a carry gun.

 

[DerbyDale]

From the two you have there, I would buy the Tactical.

If you want to carry, you might want to look at the compact model. It has a shorter grip, which is always the hardest part to hide when carrying. The compact also has a 4" barrel just like the service model, but is more versatile with the grip extension. That extension "basically" allows you to switch it from a compact model to a service model.

For a range gun, you can’t beat the larger Tactical model with its longer sight radius.

 

[Bo]

I have the 4" model and carry it all the time. I'm not that small (6' 270lbs.) so I don't have a hard time concealing it. I bought a Laser-Max guide rod system for it. It really helps these old eyes. Great pistol, it will shoot anything you feed it. I've never had a failure of any kind! Probably looking at about a 1000 rds. so far.

 

[wally]

The .45ACP was designed to be shot in a 5" barrel. If you go below 4" barrel with .45ACP I think .40S&W is a better choice since .45ACP in short barrels loses enough velocity to make penetration marginal.

If its a carry gun or not depends on where you live and how you carry -- in our heat, best I can usually hide is my Kahr PM40 or S&W SC360 J-frame.

--wally.

 

[Ala Dan]

Believe it or not, my experience has proven that the 4" service model
.45 caliber XD does not have as much muzzle flip as the 5" tactical;
allowing you to get back on target faster for follow-up shot's~!

 

[HMMurdock]

The longer barrel will assist in accuracy and make little to no difference on the power. The .45 diameter is still larger than 9mm or .40 and it is ludicrous to suggest there will that much unburned powder out of a 4" barrel versus a 5". I've shot both the tactical and service and the tactical is not balanced nearly as well and is a bit more "gimmicky" to me. Both are nice pieces, but I'd buy another 4" Service whereas I would stray away from the Tactical model as it does indeed have worse muzzle flip than the Service model.

I had the .45 model, by the way. I cannot speak for the other caliber XDs.

 

[DerbyDale]

The .45ACP was designed to be shot in a 5" barrel. If you go below 4" barrel with .45ACP I think .40S&W is a better choice since .45ACP in short barrels loses enough velocity to make penetration marginal.

They don't make an XD 45 with a 3" barrel do they? I thought the 4" barrel on the service and compact was as small as they got.

 

[wally]

Believe it or not, my experience has proven that the 4" service model .45 caliber XD does not have as much muzzle flip as the 5" tactical

I believe it!, its the result of the velocity loss you get from lopping 1" off the barrel -- lower velocity means lower recoil. You generally lose 75-150 fps per inch of barrel reduction.

Call it little or none if you like, but its the same order as the difference between regular and +P ammo. Unlike higher pressure rounds the .45ACP doesn't benefit as much from barrels over 6" compared to say 9mm in a carbine.

OTOH, lopping 6" off the .357 Magnum still leaves my 12.5 oz SC360 a rather painful handful!

--wally.

 

[Paragon]

No, they don't make a 3" barrel on a .45 ACP. That's only available in the sub compacts, in 9mm or .40 S&W. I have fired both the service and tactical, and I bought the service. I like the balance, and it's still pretty accurate.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

I have not shot the service model, but I own the XD45 Tactical and it is a very accurate gun. I bought the longer barrel due to my opinion that the .45 ACP's ballistics are optimized with at least 5" of barrel length, whereas the 40 and 9 are designed for a 4" tube.
I agree that a 4" XD45 is as accurate, but the MV will be less than I want.

just my .02

 

[Zach S]

I've shot both, and prefer the 5" for no logical reason. Might be because I prefer 5" 1911s.

 

[misterwhipple]

I have a Tactical on lay-away. If I go on to get a 4-inch model (which I think I probably will at some point), I think I'll get the Compact 4-inch, rather than the Service model, for the sake of flexibility.

 

[Safety First]

I've got the 4" compact 45....I bought mine for a trail/nightstand gun...I actually like the trigger on mine,it's actually pretty smooth and not heavy. I am only guessing but I would say about 5.5 lbs. I had my gun dealer install TruGlo TF (tritium/fiber optics) combined together..good in bright light, to little or no light. I have not used if for CCW yet, but it would probably be ok for it, although I think there are better choices for CCW. I.E., 1911, Sig p239,J-frame,etc,etc.... But all in all I think the XD 45 is one of the finest self-defense handguns on the market, especially for the price....serious value..That's my 2 cents worth...

 

[WoofersInc]

I have both a 4 and 5 inch. They are both more accurate than I am. I notice no difference with them at the range. As for carry, they are not my regulars, but I use a Yaqui slide so the extra 1 inch dosen't matter. You will be well served by either one.

 

[guntotinguy]

They don't make an XD 45 with a 3" barrel do they?

I think thats 'in the works' but I could be greatly mistaken.I have a 5" Tactical and a 4" in the .45 and man I really LOVE these.I also have a 3" .40 all I use with my CCW (listed for carry on my permit card).I like the additional rounds in the mags...also very accurate from step one.

 

[possum]

in my experience with the xd series, there is no difference in the two models as far as accuracy, not enough to make a difference to me anyway. i like medium to compact size guns i would go with the 4". i have great results accuracy wise with my service model,

 

[SoCalShooter]

I have the 5" love it very much but its definetly not a carry gun unless you are a larger person, and I am 5'10" around 190 pounds of not fat and I still have a difficult time using a strong side holster. I really like the 5" but for carry I wish I had the 4"...its not a big deal its a problem that is easily remedied. I have a fobus springfield xd45 holster which pulls it in very snugly to my side but the grip still sticks way out.

 

[phantomak47]

And the Winner is............

I ended up getting the Service bi tone, I love this thing!!! thanks for all the help!

What did everyone else pay for your guns?NIB

$450 Black service

$470 Bi tone service

 

[inSight-NEO]

To answer your question, I paid $520 for my XD 45 ACP 4" Service. Yes, not as nice as your price. But still, Im not complaining. Compared to my $900+ Sig P220, this gun is one helluva deal. Now, its no Sig, but I certainly wont complain. The only beef I have with this gun is the sparse availability of parts. Hopefully that will change once these guns become more "mainstream". Congrats on your purchase!! I thought about getting the bi-tone myself, but opted for the "black and bad" look. I think my next Springfield will be bi-tone for sure. If you havent already, check out the following links. This info should make you feel even better about your purchase, in terms of the XD line anyway. Congrats on your new firearm...very nice!

http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/XD-9_Tactical.htm