XD Thoughts

[Bama61]

I went to the range Sat. to shoot my 22's and I rented a XD 40 compact. I wanted to shoot a XD in 9mm, but the 40 compact model is all they had.

Here are my thoughts on the XD:

I had rented a Glock 26 a couple of months ago but did not like it because the recoil hurt my hand. I did not have any trouble with the XD 40 as far as recoil. It was much milder than the G26. I would say that it was closer to the feel of the G19. The XD did seem a bit bigger physically than the G26 and I would say the size and grip design (better feel/fit in my hand) contributed to the lesser felt recoil.

The trigger did not seem to be as good to me as the Glock trigger, but it didn't rub my finger the way the Glock did. (The Glock trigger safety seems a bit sharp. Would working on this with an emery board help any?)

I could not hit as well with the XD as I could with the Glock. I really don't remember how well I did with the 26, but had very good results with the 19. (Is the .40S&W as accurate as the 9mm or could the size or particular gun be the problem?) Do you all think I could do better with the larger XD?

My conclusion is that if I the 40 has no more felt recoil than this, I might just go with the 40 if I decide on the XD. I would imagine that the service sized XD would be even milder than the compact.

How does the 4 inch XD40 compare in size to the G19?

I would appreciate any help that you all could give me. I really want to get a pistol asap, but I want to be as sure as possible about which one to get.

Thanks.

Bama61

 

[PCRit]

The XD40SC (3"), which I had at one time, has more muzzle flip than the XD9 service (4"). The XD40 service would be more accurate and easier to control than the SC model. The XD has a 1911 grip angle, which is why it probably "feels" better than the Glock.

I would have to say that the XD9 would be more accurate than the XD40, just because of the increased recoil with the .40 S&W round. If you just want something for range work, and not to carry, the Tactical 5" in either caliber would probably do better, as most people (but not all) can shoot the Tactical models more accurately.

 

[Bama61]

If you just want something for range work, and not to carry, the Tactical 5" in either caliber would probably do better, as most people (but not all) can shoot the Tactical models more accurately

The primary use of this gun will be concealed carry.

Bama61

 

[BBstacker]

Sat.I went to a gunshow and bought a the XD 45ACP. Sun. went to the range to try it out.It shot as good if not better than my Kimber. I have the 5" tactical model. It comes with two 13 shot mags., a two mag holder, and a mag loader.

 

[PCRit]

Looks like the 5" model is out, if you are going to carry it. I carry the new XD45 IWB, but you will need to carry it at a substantial FBI forward cant, as the grip is longer than the XD9 service (~3/8 to 1/2" longer, can't remember exactly). But carrying 14rnds of .45ACP in about the same platform of the XD9 is very appealing And the thing is a tack driver, as they say.... I sold my SA 1911 because I found the XD45 as accurate (up to at least 10yrds).

 

[Bama61]

PCRit,

I am looking at the XD40 not the 45.

Bama61

 

[poortrader]

Eventually, recoil won't bother you, no matter what you're shooting. I like the XD-40 better than the G19. Partially, because first was a XD-40. I've shot the G19, didn't do very well, kept pulling everthing to the right.

 

[Bama61]

I hit pretty much dead on with the G19, but low to the right with the XD40Compact.

Bama61

 

[eagle45]

I have three XDs, the Sub Compact, Service and Tactical, all are .40. I like them all but I like the Sub Compact best. I don't think the recoil is excessive and the Sub Compact is somewhat easier to conceal. Depending on the clothing, the Service model can be concealed almost as good. I've said before if I could only have one it would be the Sub Compact.

Not Glock bashing, but I like the XDs better as they fit my hand better. I've done side by side comparisons with similar Glock models and always go back to the XD. Others like the Glock best, pick what fits you.

 

[distra]

I really like my XD 45ACP 4". Shoots very nice, so nice I decided to by the 9mm version. I just picked up the XD9 4" OD green I can't wait to shoot it! Good luck with your decision. My vote is for the 45

 

[Ala Dan]

I'm In The Same Boat~!

Having shot a 5" XD-9 Tactical, I couldn't wait for this gun to come out
in my favorite caliber .45 ACP. So, the week before Christmas of 2005 I
brought my new baby home. I'm very pleased to say that in my
way of think'in, this is the best polymer pistol that I have owned~!
Long live the Springer XD-45ACP.

 

[crazed_ss]

I'm extremely pleased with my XD-9.. it scores good hits even at 20+ yds.
I do have one little problem though.. every hundred rounds or so the slide will lock back when there's still 1 round in the mag. The last two time it's happened with the same mag, so I'm hoping it's a defective magazine..

 

[Lennyjoe]

I was pretty optimistic on the XD line until my son picked up the XD-9. I shot it and was pretty impressed with fit and function. The trigger isn't as good as a Glock but is acceptable. Accuracy was spot on with the XD-9. If your not as accurate as the Glock then it might be just a matter of grip change, trigger control or just plain getting used to the gun.

As for CCW between a 4" and 5", it won't make a difference in concealing it. The thing we need to be worried about when CCWing is printing and that is usually due to the size of the handle and not the length of the barrel. If your CCW choice is IWB then its a non issue.

 

[1911user]

My only concern about XDs is that Springfield will not sell spare parts for them. I know it has cost them several sales to pistol competitors who went glock instead. I like to have a basic spare parts kit for pistols that I shoot often. Glocks spare parts are common hopefully Springfields will be also. I'll bet Rob Leatham has spare parts for his XD.

 

[crazed_ss]

lifetime warranty though

 

[ugaarguy]

Dual Captured Recoil Springs

It sounds to me like the 3" XD 40 you shot has dual recoil springs. I know the Glock 27 uses a dual captured recoil spring assembly and its actually more controllable than the 26 which uses a single spring (at least they did last I checked). This may account for the difference in recoil you experienced. Also, as you mentioned, Glock sells parts, and I know many Glock 26 owners purchased and dropped in the dual spring assembly from the 27. This resulted in much more manageable recoil and hence a pistol that they shot more accurately. All things being equal every Glock 27 I've shot was very manageable, with or without the grip extension, and I'd rather have the 40 S&W than the 9mm in the exact same size package with only one less round. Maybe you could find a range that has both the Glock 27 and the 3" XD 40 so you can shoot them side by side: same target, distance & ammo and same evironmental and shooter variables. Just what I think

 

[jercamp45]

3" .40.....

I just bought one for work and CCW....this is my first 21 foot group. Not bad for a 'snubby'. I have shot the 4 inch 9 and 40 and the tactical .40. This one did about the same groups at realistic gunfight range, shot to shot recovery was a little slower than the tactical, of course. The .45 XD looks nice...but it is not an 'approved' caliber at my security gig(or I'd be carrying my current CCW a Colt CCO). Gonna shoot the CCW qual tomorrow.
AD: posted in 'pics of gun collection' thread...can't dupe it

 

[treebeard]

Pistolgear.com has good stuff form the XD series. I ended up getting a #22 spring and I have noticed a difference in recoil. Check em out!

 

[Bama61]

Thanks for all the replies! There are a few questions in my original post that haven't been addressed. Would someone please comment on the following:


The trigger did not seem to be as good to me as the Glock trigger, but it didn't rub my finger the way the Glock did. (The Glock trigger safety seems a bit sharp. Would working on this with an emery board help any?)


How does the 4 inch XD40 compare in size to the G19?


How does the accuracy compare between the .40S&W and the 9mm?

Bama61

 

[distra]

I like the XD trigger better than the Glock. Of course, I'm a Glocko-phile so I'm sure they will have a different opinion. I have not noticed any sharp edges on the trigger saftey with my XD45. As for trigger pull, a lot of folks are getting the trigger job from Canyon-Creek done. I'm seriously contemplating it, but the stock trigger is really not that bad. My main reason for the trigger job is to reduce the pre-travel in the trigger.

 

[PCRit]

The stock XD trigger will usually "smooth out" as the round count increases (> 600-800). I have always shot 9mm platforms more accurately than 40S&W (softer 9mm recoil), and the XD is no different.

 

[ugaarguy]

Bama, To go back to my gunstore days once again, yes we did hear several complaints about how "sharp" the trigger within the trigger could be on NIB Glocks. Yes, you can smooth them up with an emery board, needle file, etc. Just be very careful and go slow. I know of a few customers who did this and liked the improvement. Of course my budget only allowed a Glock 22 that was a police trade in, and the trigger face had already smoothed out from wear and use. Once again, shoot them side by side or one as soon after the other as possible. Then pick the one that fits your hand best and that you shoot best - Both companies make very good pistols that will serve you well.

 

[Bama61]

The trigger on the 19 cut into my finger worse than the 26, but the XD didn't bother me at all. I am seriously thinking about the XD in OD color.

Bama61

 

[distra]

Just picked up an OD green XD9 lastnight. Haven't shot it yet, but it has a nice look and feel. Hopefully I can get to the range this week.

 

[Nitrogen]

XD's make awesome carry weapons. My primary is an XD-9 sub.

My ONLY beefs:
The finish sucks.
IT's thicker than a brick. A good holster is a MUST.

I'm going to get mine chromed or something as soon as I can decide I can be without it for a week or so