I am going to get either a XD-9 tactical or and XD-.45 tactical pistol in coming days. Initially, due to weapon costs, .45 ammo costs and concerns about recoil I was going with the 9mm. However, after looking at pricing on both models, I found that the XD-45 is only $50.00 more. After researching and handling the XD45; I am in love with the gun. I have heard that recoil with the XD 45 is less than most other 45 ACP autoloaders. So the remaining factor is ammo cost. Any opinions out there which would better inform me as I make my decision? Thanks.
XD-9 or XD-.45?
- Thread starter DavidB2
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Valkman
Member
I like the .45 and have the Tactical and the Compact. I reload also, but I like .45 for defense and base my preference on that and not what cost less to shoot. If you like the .45 get it and look into reloading - it's an easy cartridge to load.
Oh lordie, sounds like a .45 vs 9mm thread! I'm cookin up some popcorn for the coming show. 
Seriously, I don't have an XD, but I would like to have one. I do, however, have handguns in both 9mm and .45. Simply put, if this is mostly a range gun with self defense as a secondary, go with the 9mm. If it is meant to be your main self defense gun, and you can handle a very modest amount of more recoil, go with the .45. Modern 9mm hollowpoints are a huge improvement over 9mms of the 1980s. They expand big time, and are probably more than adequate. However, there is a very small chance that the 9mm will not expand as expected, in which case the .45 is something of a trump card. Handguns, in general, IMHO are underpowered for self defense, so this is no laughing matter. On the other hand if you are budget conscious, it may pay to have more range time with the 9mm and get more practice, which equals better hits in a traumatic situation.
Since I am budget conscious and reload all my .45, if I had ONLY one handgun it would be a 9mm. Personally, I'm more concerned about putting holes in paper plates than I am self defense. I don't want to pay $20+ a box to practice with .45. And the 9mm is up to the task, probably.
If you're on a budget and not in imminent danger, go with the 9. Otherwise, .45, baby. Also, if you have a shotgun or something for home defense, the 9mm starts to make more sense.
Seriously, I don't have an XD, but I would like to have one. I do, however, have handguns in both 9mm and .45. Simply put, if this is mostly a range gun with self defense as a secondary, go with the 9mm. If it is meant to be your main self defense gun, and you can handle a very modest amount of more recoil, go with the .45. Modern 9mm hollowpoints are a huge improvement over 9mms of the 1980s. They expand big time, and are probably more than adequate. However, there is a very small chance that the 9mm will not expand as expected, in which case the .45 is something of a trump card. Handguns, in general, IMHO are underpowered for self defense, so this is no laughing matter. On the other hand if you are budget conscious, it may pay to have more range time with the 9mm and get more practice, which equals better hits in a traumatic situation.
Since I am budget conscious and reload all my .45, if I had ONLY one handgun it would be a 9mm. Personally, I'm more concerned about putting holes in paper plates than I am self defense. I don't want to pay $20+ a box to practice with .45. And the 9mm is up to the task, probably.
If you're on a budget and not in imminent danger, go with the 9. Otherwise, .45, baby. Also, if you have a shotgun or something for home defense, the 9mm starts to make more sense.
Deus Machina
Member
It's a personal thing, mostly. 9mm will be cheaper but a little less effective against a goblin.
I just shot my first .45 today, and from my albeit limited comparison, it is just as strong in your hand, but more 'gentle'. It's a slower shove, compared to 9mm's snap. In this case, is had less muzzle rise because of it.
I still like my 9mm--if it's worth shooting, it's worth shooting twice.
Get what you like. Even if I'm not carrying it, .45 is fun.
I just shot my first .45 today, and from my albeit limited comparison, it is just as strong in your hand, but more 'gentle'. It's a slower shove, compared to 9mm's snap. In this case, is had less muzzle rise because of it.
I still like my 9mm--if it's worth shooting, it's worth shooting twice.
Get what you like. Even if I'm not carrying it, .45 is fun.
Browns Fan
Member
Do what I did... get both! I got the XD9, was so impressed, I got a .45, too.
skinewmexico
Member
I've got an XD9 that I shoot a lot (in IDPA) because of cost, and an XD45 that I don't shoot a lot (because of cost). I like them both a lot. I don't think the tactical gives you anything extra at normal defensive pistol ranges, just harder to hide and draw fast.
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Jim Watson
Member
Since you are asking a bunch of strangers on the internet, the smart thing to do is to get the 9mm. The business about recoil is bs, and factory .45 ammunition does cost more.
david_the_greek
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don't worry about the .45 being too much. The recoil out of a .45 (or at least the 1911) is not bad at all. More of a push back instead of a sharp snap. I definitely like the .45 more as a cartridge for the recoil characteristics. As for whether you should get the 9 or the 45, eh doesn't matter. .45 is "cooler" imho (hah even though they are the same) and I"m sure you'd be able to find some inexpensive 9's for cheap used id upi'd like. A lot of ranges rent them, I'd start there
benderx4
Member
So I go to the range the other day with several of my favorite guns. At the time, there are only a couple other folks on the line so I take out my SW 686+. As soon as I start shooting, the place fills up including the stalls on either side of me. Immediately, I start getting "the look". I only brought .357 rounds with me, so in the interest of getting along with my neighbors, I pack up the Smith and Wesson.
Next, I take out a couple quieter HK P7s. If you've fired these 9mms, you know you're going to have a ton of fun, but not for too long as they heat up rather quickly. Before too long, in the interest of preventing third degree burns to my hands, I pack up the Heckler and Kochs.
Finally, I take out my HK45. So I start shooting, and shooting, and shooting. Go out, drink some water, buy some more ammo, and then go back in for more shooting, and shooting, and shooting.
Overall, I was in the range for about an hour and half. I figured it out and I shot about $24 in .357Mag, $22 in 9mm, and over $200 in .45acp! Ouch!! (Most of this was WWB) That HK45 (read XD45) was just so darn fun to shoot! (Plus the gun is still fairly new and I wanted to give it a good wringing out.)
Take this story for what it's worth. My humble opinion is that if this is to be your ONLY gun, you're going to practice a lot with it. At least you should. There are currently outstanding defensive 9mm rounds on the market. Your XD9, if anything like mine, will eat everything.
Buy the 9 in the XDm, and start saving up for when SA finally releases the XDm in 45.
Good luck and happy shooting!
Next, I take out a couple quieter HK P7s. If you've fired these 9mms, you know you're going to have a ton of fun, but not for too long as they heat up rather quickly. Before too long, in the interest of preventing third degree burns to my hands, I pack up the Heckler and Kochs.
Finally, I take out my HK45. So I start shooting, and shooting, and shooting. Go out, drink some water, buy some more ammo, and then go back in for more shooting, and shooting, and shooting.
Overall, I was in the range for about an hour and half. I figured it out and I shot about $24 in .357Mag, $22 in 9mm, and over $200 in .45acp! Ouch!! (Most of this was WWB) That HK45 (read XD45) was just so darn fun to shoot! (Plus the gun is still fairly new and I wanted to give it a good wringing out.)
Take this story for what it's worth. My humble opinion is that if this is to be your ONLY gun, you're going to practice a lot with it. At least you should. There are currently outstanding defensive 9mm rounds on the market. Your XD9, if anything like mine, will eat everything.
Buy the 9 in the XDm, and start saving up for when SA finally releases the XDm in 45.
Good luck and happy shooting!
.357 magnum
Member
Get the New XD M factor 9mm.
You can now order one at most local gun dealers now. The 9mm will be less expensive to shoot. I owned an XD .45acp Tactical for years. Nice gun, no worries with recoil, Very Reliable.. The new XD M factor will have a 19rd Mag +1 in the pipe you have 20 rounds of Ammo. Load it with Federal Tactical 147gr +P HST 's and you are ready for any defensive situation. The Winchester 147gr Bonded and Federal 147gr HST non +P are also Great defensive loads.
Good Luck in your Search!
Frank
You can now order one at most local gun dealers now. The 9mm will be less expensive to shoot. I owned an XD .45acp Tactical for years. Nice gun, no worries with recoil, Very Reliable.. The new XD M factor will have a 19rd Mag +1 in the pipe you have 20 rounds of Ammo. Load it with Federal Tactical 147gr +P HST 's and you are ready for any defensive situation. The Winchester 147gr Bonded and Federal 147gr HST non +P are also Great defensive loads.
Good Luck in your Search!
Frank
David,
I own both, like both, but the reality is that I don't reload. Cost of Ammo for me is a factor. After having SA do their Custom Carry Job on the 5 inch "Tactical" XD, I have to say I shoot this much more often than I do the .45ACP.
The .45ACP, for me, in the XD variant does have more muzzle rise than the 9mm, but it's not bad at all. And I will say this, my XD in .45ACP is more than accurate enough, suprisingly so.
Just some numbers for you, depending how often you shoot, go to classes or compete, over the last couple of years, I have probably put about 14,000 rounds through the XD 9 5 incher, with requisite spring changes. The .45ACP has about 2-3 thousand rounds through it in that same time period. I do shoot a few other of my toys as well.
Both good guns and depending on what you want to do with the one you buy, they'll both probably handle your requirements with aplomb.
I own both, like both, but the reality is that I don't reload. Cost of Ammo for me is a factor. After having SA do their Custom Carry Job on the 5 inch "Tactical" XD, I have to say I shoot this much more often than I do the .45ACP.
The .45ACP, for me, in the XD variant does have more muzzle rise than the 9mm, but it's not bad at all. And I will say this, my XD in .45ACP is more than accurate enough, suprisingly so.
Just some numbers for you, depending how often you shoot, go to classes or compete, over the last couple of years, I have probably put about 14,000 rounds through the XD 9 5 incher, with requisite spring changes. The .45ACP has about 2-3 thousand rounds through it in that same time period. I do shoot a few other of my toys as well.
Both good guns and depending on what you want to do with the one you buy, they'll both probably handle your requirements with aplomb.
Wanta B
Member
I have both 9mm and .45 ACP in many different forms...XD-45 Comp DE.Love it!
Years ago I would argue the 9mm side due to better HP Tech. and the many different modern platforms,add to these the high cap. they awarded the user...That was then in the "'80's".Then came FMJ ONLY days for me...I carried a 1911 weather ok or not!!then Glock M20,M21 and HKUSP 45...Then others soon after...Better and better platforms complete with high cap mags and all! In every way other than size of grip - fortunately my glove size is XL- and perhaps the ability to have the smallest of carry guns I see no advantage to 9mm for myself other than cost.But to be fare those can be HUGE issues that need no explaination I hope.
I must agree with some of the others hear that if it is going to be a range gun go 9mm,get the XDM,then brag,I mean tell us all about it.If however there exists a hightened probability that you will need it to be a weapon in the truest sence GO .45ACP ALL THE WAY.
I just have to ask,have you checked out the FNP-45? I just got one and it beats all my others,so far,hands down but time will tell.
Wanta B
Years ago I would argue the 9mm side due to better HP Tech. and the many different modern platforms,add to these the high cap. they awarded the user...That was then in the "'80's".Then came FMJ ONLY days for me...I carried a 1911 weather ok or not!!then Glock M20,M21 and HKUSP 45...Then others soon after...Better and better platforms complete with high cap mags and all! In every way other than size of grip - fortunately my glove size is XL- and perhaps the ability to have the smallest of carry guns I see no advantage to 9mm for myself other than cost.But to be fare those can be HUGE issues that need no explaination I hope.
I must agree with some of the others hear that if it is going to be a range gun go 9mm,get the XDM,then brag,I mean tell us all about it
.If however there exists a hightened probability that you will need it to be a weapon in the truest sence GO .45ACP ALL THE WAY.I just have to ask,have you checked out the FNP-45? I just got one and it beats all my others,so far,hands down but time will tell.
Wanta B
skinewmexico
Member
Amazing if your pistol doesn't hold 20 rounds of +P, you're not ready for any defensive situation. I'm pretty comfortable with my XD, after the thousands of rounds I've shot in IDPA. Guess I'll just have to live with shot placement, and not the latest "I'm the first kid on the block to own this" marketing marvel.
7.62shooter
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2008
- Messages
- 35
I LOVE the 45. Both will serve you well though. I really dont notice hardly anymore recoil with the 45 over the 9.
Leaning towards the XD-9 tactical
After pricing more ammo today at Walmart and discovering that 9mm is about 40% less in cost; I am going with the 9MM. However, I am also looking now at the S&W M&P 9MM; but will probably still go with the XD-9. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.
After pricing more ammo today at Walmart and discovering that 9mm is about 40% less in cost; I am going with the 9MM. However, I am also looking now at the S&W M&P 9MM; but will probably still go with the XD-9. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.
David,
I own the M&P 9mm too. It's a good gun as well. The grip, with the small backstrap, is marvelous for the small handed like me. The trigger? XD beats the M&P for moi. Good gun though. In fact, brought the M&P with me to work so I can take it to the range tonight. Luckily the boss is a shooter too and doesn't care if one my toys sits in a bag next to my desk for the day, and he occasionally joins me for some practice.
I own the M&P 9mm too. It's a good gun as well. The grip, with the small backstrap, is marvelous for the small handed like me. The trigger? XD beats the M&P for moi. Good gun though. In fact, brought the M&P with me to work so I can take it to the range tonight. Luckily the boss is a shooter too and doesn't care if one my toys sits in a bag next to my desk for the day, and he occasionally joins me for some practice.
I would get both....Not right now, but in the future. The cool thing about both of them is you only need to buy one holster. My father in law has both and his Galco holster fits both. They are both a great shooting gun, I prefer the 9mm due to the price of ammo. Good luck in your choice of these two great weapons.
CHEVELLE427
Member
got my XD45 and liked it so much bought an XD40SC.
not too fond of 9mm but would get one if a deal comes along
not too fond of 9mm but would get one if a deal comes along
With modern bullet designs, 9mm vs .45 becomes moot, unless you subscribe to the mall-ninja arguments of "what if you're in a high speed chase and have to shoot through auto-glass on the high-way?!!" arguments. Recoil-wise I rate the .45 to be on par with 9mm +P, so at the end of the day, get what you like best, they are both equally effective.
That said, I do own the XD-9, and am quite happy and confident with it. Recoil is quite manageable, price is just right, and I can empty the mag into a pie-plate at 7 yards in around 3 seconds.
But, then again I don't have to worry about taking multiple .308 hits to my back either. By the way, anyone have any spare duck-tape?
That said, I do own the XD-9, and am quite happy and confident with it. Recoil is quite manageable, price is just right, and I can empty the mag into a pie-plate at 7 yards in around 3 seconds.
But, then again I don't have to worry about taking multiple .308 hits to my back either. By the way, anyone have any spare duck-tape?
kitsapcharly
Member
The best caliber for SD is 45 and the Xd-45c in 4" barrel is my favorite gun. As to ammo cost get a 22 and shoot that. It will pay for itself quickly in saved cost per round compared to ANY center fire. You'll have to take up reloading sooner or later for center fire practice with your carry piece but everybody needs a 22.
magnumman44
Member
We have both the XD9 and XD45 Tactical models. My wife's 9 is a custom shop model and it shoots very good groups for her, high for me. My 45 shoots 3/4" groups with WWB. I say get them both...
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I have the first ever .45 ACP Springfield XD to arrive in the state of
Alabama in Dec. of '05~!
Alabama in Dec. of '05~!
.357 magnum
Member
Sw-mp
I see you settled on 9mm. I own a SW-MP 9mm and I feel it is a Much Better ergonomically balanced over the XD. That is the very reason I want an XD M factor 9mm when I am able to get one. Springfield has done a lot to improve the ergonomics of the XD line. Go try out a SW 9mm at the range-you will Love the Gun. They now come with a 5 inch or 4 inch barrel. I am more inclined to get the XD M Factor for my next 9mm because of the Mag Capacity and Shorter trigger reset.
In answer to a previous post by skinewmexico. Yes I Always buy Auto's with Hi-Cap Mags. I lost a Partner and Good Freind of mine many years ago in raid on a drug dealers house. I also have an artificial right hip because of the same raid. We used Revolvers back then as undercover detectives. Try to remember your IDPA targets do not run for cover or shoot back! In every instance I had to use my gun I would have ALWAYS chosen to use an Auto over a Revolver and the higher the Mag Capacity the Better. Our Duty weapon back then was a Revolver. In the 80's auto's were not in use by most LE agencies, especially undercover units. So I really do like the Latest and Greatest! I Love Modern Technology. Especially reliable Auto's and the latest Bullet Technology.
The Best to All!
Frank
I see you settled on 9mm. I own a SW-MP 9mm and I feel it is a Much Better ergonomically balanced over the XD. That is the very reason I want an XD M factor 9mm when I am able to get one. Springfield has done a lot to improve the ergonomics of the XD line. Go try out a SW 9mm at the range-you will Love the Gun. They now come with a 5 inch or 4 inch barrel. I am more inclined to get the XD M Factor for my next 9mm because of the Mag Capacity and Shorter trigger reset.
In answer to a previous post by skinewmexico. Yes I Always buy Auto's with Hi-Cap Mags. I lost a Partner and Good Freind of mine many years ago in raid on a drug dealers house. I also have an artificial right hip because of the same raid. We used Revolvers back then as undercover detectives. Try to remember your IDPA targets do not run for cover or shoot back! In every instance I had to use my gun I would have ALWAYS chosen to use an Auto over a Revolver and the higher the Mag Capacity the Better. Our Duty weapon back then was a Revolver. In the 80's auto's were not in use by most LE agencies, especially undercover units. So I really do like the Latest and Greatest! I Love Modern Technology. Especially reliable Auto's and the latest Bullet Technology.
The Best to All!
Frank
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