xd.45 v glock .45

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eos40b

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Hi I'm new auto loader scene, use to carry a Hi Power when in the UK forces but the guys in the local gun shop strongly suggested I go for a .45. I have used a classic 1911 but want some thing more modern so here is the question. The guy in the gun shop said to for either the XD or the glock. Both fit my hand I was wondering if there was ny problems or issues that I should look for. Thanks for all the sugestions / help.
 
I had both a Glock 21SF and an XD45 Tactical. I kept the XD because it pointed more naturally for me and had a better trigger. They are both good guns, it comes down to personal preference.
 
Can't steer you to any reference, but I listen to a few Podcasts, and I remember hearing a couple of Glock fans (think Eric Shelton may have been one of 'em?) admit if they were going the 45 route, they'd have to go with the XD45.

I didn't really pay that much attention, since I'm already an XD owner (Glocks just don't fit my hand), but mebbe someone will be along to enlighten as to why a couple of admitted Glock boyz would opt for the XD in 45?

Biggest thing I can tell ya AFA picking a Glock vs. XD (45 caliber preferences aside) is how they feel in your hand, and if you'd want the grip safety?
Certain XDs (think the 45 is one of 'em) can also be had with a thumb safety if you so desire.

Springfield currently has their free magazine offer to sweeten the pot.

I own a couple of XDs (XDSC40 & XDSC9)-the XD45 compact has been on my wish list for way too long. In case you're not aware, the only difference between the XD45 and 45 compact is the compact grip is slightly shorter-I hate extra length hanging below my hand!
 
the guys in the local gun shop strongly suggested I go for a .45.
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Over the years, I've tended to move down in caliber as SD ammo has vastly improved-I currently carry a 9mm most of the time (357 SIG during the winter).

I don't know what you're going to run into in Maryland-they've got a lot of screwy gun (and ammo?) laws.

Since SD ammo has made such improvments over the years, round count vs. caliber plays a large part in my selection. When I bought my old XDSC40 (pre-Melonite), the 9mm held only one more round than the 40. When they redesigned the 9mm magazines and upped the capacity, I moved from the XDSC40 to the 9mm.
Probably 40% more ammo capacity and less muzzle flip with the 9mm prompted the move down in caliber.

I don't know how familiar you are with the strides made in SD ammo since you're in the UK, but you might do some research on it before making a caliber choice?

Fergot to mention...another option along the Glock/XD line would be S&W M&P line-they're shaking up the playing field a bit.
 
Love glocks for there simplicity and reliablility.The xd45 does them same IMO.My wife had a choice between the 2 and picked the xd.We have only put 100 rounds thru it so far but it went flawless with no hiccups.I really dont think you could go wrong with either choice.We liked the M&P but it didnt fit well in either of our hands even after adjusting the handle.Good luck with your choice.
 
Glock for me. Have 45's, but you don't really gain anything over the 9mm.
 
The standard Glock G21 grip circumference in my opinion excludes usage of those with medium to small hands size. There is the G21SF which maybe more suitable for the previously mention hand size limits. As an alternate to Glock the S&W MP series pistol merits attention.

As for caliber the 9mm-Luger ammunition is approximately 33% less costly to shoot than the 45ACP retail pricing.
 
Both are fine pistols. Both funtion VERY well and are reliable. The only thing that you will have to decide for yourself is the erganomics of the grips because this will defnitely affect your ability to control it. Me, I am a 5'5" circus midget, with very small hands, so the XD works for me.
 
I didn't really pay that much attention, since I'm already an XD owner (Glocks just don't fit my hand), but mebbe someone will be along to enlighten as to why a couple of admitted Glock boyz would opt for the XD in 45?
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Maybe it's a question of grip size? I think the XD's got a slimmer grip, but it also looks to have a really tall grip in the fullsize version. Haven't handled both at once though, so it's a guess from me.


To the OP, I would suggest that you get a compact or fullsize gun that you feel fits your hands best and offers a platform that will work the best for you. Then go with the best price on it, in whatever caliber that happens to be. Modern service-caliber defense ammunition is so much better than the ball that used to be the only game in town, and any properly functioning modern pistol will work with whatever reputable ammunition you choose to feed it.

Don't sweat the gunshop commandos telling you only .45 will cut it. It's an excellent cartridge, and if YOU want a .45, then get a .45. Just be aware that it's a round designed in a different time, when there were no double-stack pistols, so you have a choice between a normal grip size and low capacity or a good capacity but a grip that won't work for every hand. I think you should buy based on the platform and gun that you like best.
 
Out of those two, I'd go G21, mostly because I can't stand the safety features of the XD.

However........

Of the 3 mainstream plastic fantastics on the market, the M&P .45 comes in well ahead of the Glock or XD in my book.
 
Both are great guns and will do the job.

For me it was the grip angle and how the guns felt in my hands. I choose the XD40 due to that. Not that there was anything wrong with the Glock. Being a long time 1911 shooter the XD just felt more " natural" to me. Your experience may be different and you may like the Glock more. Buy the one that feels / shoots best for you.
 
While you probably don't have a choice in where you're moving, if it was at all possible, you might consider living in VA over MD?
From what I understand, MD is not the most gun friendly place around, although some reports may cover regional and not state laws?
 
Both are great guns, and will do the job , pick whichever fits your budget and hands the best . for me it was the XD/XDM . I prefer the grip angle . Can't go wrong with either of them though .
 
thanks for all the replys. It seems that there is an even split with strong views for and against. With that in mind I will go to the local range here and try both of them side by side. The reason for Maryland is this is where my wife lives and central for our buisness. Coming from the UK just being able to own and shoot hand guns is fantastic against the draconian rules over there, so the rules of Maryland works for me.
 
If you do go the XD route, ignore the advertising and do your own research when it comes to the XDM vs. XD. Unless you really need something the XDM offers (changeable backstraps?), you might want to go with the older/cheaper regular XD line? The 'match barrel' offered by the XDM is pretty much marketing-the regular XDs are darn accurate.

There is also an essentials package for certain XDs-you won't get the not quite ready for primetime accessories foisted on you with the regular packages.

BTW-what role is this gun intended to fill (CC, HD, both, etc)?
 
Apples to apples, the XDm is closer in size to the G-21. The barrel length on the G-21 is 4.6" and the barrel on my XDm .45 is 4.58". I strongly recommend the XDm. You will have issues with shooting lead bullets in the G-21 unless you add an aftermarket barrel. The standard XD doesn't like to feed SWCs. The XDm is designed to handle SWCs and is flat out one of the most accurate .45 auto pistols you'll ever fire. ;)
 
living in MD apparently we cannot CC so the gun will be used for HD
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OUCH! I knew MD wasn't gun friendly, but not to that extreme!

Might do yourself a favor and find a good state level gun rights group in MD to bookmark. Mebbe someone in MD will be along to point you to a good one-only one I could find doing a quick search was Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association, but I was thinking of an outfit that covers the legal aspects more than they seem to (based on rummaging around their site).

VCDL does a great job in VA, and I know other states have used them as a model setting up their organizations.

Then again...since CC is not allowed in MD, they probably have no problems with crime. :rolleyes: :banghead:
 
Unless I am mistaken the reason the gun shop guys are suggesting a .45 instead of a 9mm is probably because IIRC JHP ammunition is illegal in Maryland.

I don't have any experience with the .45 caliber versions of the guns you are asking about. I do own an XD-40. My neighbor owns a Glock 23 (.40 caliber compact). The accuracy between the 2 guns is comparable. The biggest difference to me is that the Glock has a low bore axis making it recoil back into you hand harder. This also has the benefit of less muzzle flip, making follow up shots quicker. I feel the recoil less in my XD. The trade off is the muzzle flip. At least this is my perception.
 
"Me, I am a 5'5" circus midget, with very small hands," lol :D woe to the guy who picks on the little guy "carring the big stick":neener:
 
New Jersey has all the JHP laws, I don't think Maryland is the same way, though I could be wrong.

As far as the Glock not rocking bare lead bullets, jacketed ones are by far more common, so you probably won't even notice, some people say it's fine as long as you shoot jacketed first->lead second->clean the barrel extremely well after. Also if you'll be shooting a lot of it, you can always buy a traditionally rifled barrel for $1-200 to take advantage of the cheaper lead bullets.
 
I think you're right NG VI. I get confused about some of these places that have the really horrible gun laws.
 
Just as a side note, hollow-points are not illegal in NJ. They are commonly available and sold in any NJ gun shop. They become illegal and add charges should they be in one's possession during commission of a crime. They almost fit the same regulations as handguns, where transport is allowed only in the proscribed locked unload manner, and to and from specifically allowed activities... hunting, range, etc. Details too irritating to post, happy to be leaving NJ next year.

Regarding the XD45, I have a compact model and it is very reliable, feels great in hand, and is quite accurate. I've never fired a G21 but I am sure the same could be said about it. I got the XD45c because I preferred the XD angle and didn't care for the Glock at the time. I did eventually buy a G26 which I like a great deal as well.
 
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