XD .45 Tactical or Service model?

[ralexander9646]

I need some help in deciding whether to buy a Springfield XD .45 in the Tactical (5" barrel) or Service model (4" barrel). Will I see a difference in accuracy between these two guns? I will be shooting the gun mostly in IDPA matches. I actually like the looks of the 4" model and thought it might be a little easier for a CCW if I want to carry it.

Are there pros or cons to either gun or is this strictly aesthetics???

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Roger

 

[Coronach]

The differences will be very subjective.

On the objective side, you will get more MV out of the 5". The sight radius will be longer, which usually means more practical accuracy. The downside is greater OAL, which can make CCW more difficult.

Subjectively, the balance and weigh will be different, which will affect pointability and muzzle rise. You'll have to decide which works better for you.

Aesthetically, I prefer the 5". I have fired a 4", and it works well. Dunno if I'd like the 5 or 4 better in practice.

Mike

 

[WOODROW]

Service model recoil / muzzle flip

I own the 4" service model and carry it concealed under a light vest or shirt. The only problem I have found is the recoil / muzzle flip when it is fired. It can be a little on the stiff side. As for accuracy I have no complaints at all, and it shoots anything you feed it, as accuratly as my 1911's or my Sig 220 hands down. I try not to shoot full bore .230 gr. loads in the XD simply due to the recoil and muzzle flip but I trust it completly. The only 5" that I have fired shot great but as with any large handgun you may have a problem with concealed carry, possibly less recoil. Hope this helps. Good luck.
SEMPER FI, Woodrow (I shoot better than I spell, REALLY)

 

[PCRit]

If you plan to carry at all, get the Compact version. I had the 4" and 5" Compact models (both with TFO sights). The 5" is more accurate at longer distances, which may help with IDPA. I replaced the hollow stock guide rod on the Tactical with a solid stainless steel rod to add a little extra weight on the front end (about 2 oz more weight). I also upgraded to a 20# recoil spring (stock is 18#). Both of these helped to reduce the muzzle flip a tad more. I also like the idea that I can easily replace the recoil spring on the Tactical when needed (when trying different loads or when the spring wears out), and not have to contact SA to buy another captured rod/spring, like on the 4" model.

The extra 1" of barrel is not that hard for concealed carry. Most find the shorter grip with the Compact to be the "deal maker"

 

[full metal]

Buy both,one the 5 incher for IDPA and the 4 incher for carry,or they also make a 4 inch compact for carry it's got a 4 inch barrel and a cut down grip.
hold's ten round's or the extended 13round clip.

 

[varoadking]

I had one of each...and a compact...sold them all. I found them to be as inaccurate as any handgun I've ever owned...

 

[.357 magnum]

ralexander9646

I have them both . You know this a great excuse for you to buy them both! I agree with fullmetal. For conceal you would want a 4 inch [maybe even the compact 4 inch] For IDPA the 5 inch is awesome. My five inch is one of the best I have ever owned. Since the .45 caliber was meant to be shot out of a 5 inch barrel for the best ballistics. You can also put that 5 inch on your night stand-- 14 shots of .45 with a five inch barrel-do I have to say more? Great defensive weapon.

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have the 4" and its pretty damn accurate. If you were buying it strickly for CCW then I'd say 4" but since you want to use it for competition, I'd suggest the 5" model.

 

[philbo]

As said above, it's purely subjective, but I have found that the service models balance easier and get on target faster for me in competition. Shoot my XD45 service at least once a month (oh, a trigger job is worth every penny on this pistol)

 

[dmftoy1]

I've got two 4-incher's . .a service model and a compact. If I was only going to have one I'd buy the 5 inch "compact". If was going to have two then I'd have a 5 inch service and a 4 inch compact. I really like the longer sight radius of the 5 incher. (although I shoot the 4 incher better than I have any right to expect)

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Bilt4Comfort]

I cannot believe the groups I get from my 4" compact.
I have not shot the 5", but for IDPA, probably the way to go.

 

[swingpress]

I own and recommend the 5 inch, having not fired the 4. The only bummer for me on the 5 is that a good holster (that covers the muzzle) is harder to find.

CCW isn't so much of a factor for me, as I most often choose revolvers for that.

 

[Slotback]

I have the 4 inch barrel. Absolutely no problems with it. Shoots well and accurately for me.

 

[bigmike45]

I too prefer the 4" Service. I have shot the 5", and if I were using it strictly for range/competition shooting, it would be a part of my collection. The 4" is the ideal carry gun and that is why I bought it. Accuracy is not an issue here. This gun is amazingly accurate and even more amazingly easy to shoot. It is one of the most naturally pointing firearms I own. I carry mine in a Broomeland Max Con V IWB Holster.