XD9 Tactical Pros/Cons

[jeepman77cj5]

Looking for some thoughts on the tactical XD's, either for or against.

It's coming time for my next purchase, and I'd like to get my first 9mm, for a couple reasons that I'll get to shortly. I really love my XD40 Subcompact, and I know for sure I will eventually get the XD45 Service so my 9mm thoughts have naturally also gone towards the XD9.

I like the relatively cheap price and availability of 9mm, but my main reason right now for finally breaking into the 9mm loading is for new shooters. Lately I've been introducing many co-workers and friends into shooting and I take great pride in doing so. I provide everything for their first trip or two out. It gives me a reason to spend my hard earned money on something I love, but more importantly I feel I'm getting others involved in something I was lucky enough to be brought up around at an early age. I know that wasn't an option for everyone. Starting from scratch with them has been a blast for me, and not one of them has had a complaint about what I teach them before I even let them fire their first shot. I won't go into detail about that, most here will have an idea of what I go over.

In the past I picked up a Ruger Single-six for the same reason as above, and I'd like a semi for a progressive step up from .22. I thought about a .380 or something similar but I think the 9mm will do what I'm trying to accomplish. My main questions are about the 5" XD version. Does the longer barrel have less felt recoil than the service model? (more weight, more mass to absorb type thing?) How about the longer sight radius? Does that offer better accuracy or easier sight pictures for new shooters? Personally I prefer the look of the 4" version over the 5", but since this is more for "training" new shooters than anything (couldn't think of a more appropriate word there), I could go with the more unappealing look which honestly is a minor thing to me, if the benefits are there. Of course, any other thoughts or ideas I'm not thinking of are welcome and appreciated.

I'm hoping someone out there has the tactical and/or the tactical/service and would be willing to give some free advice comparing them. Thanks in advance y'all.

 

[jsebens]

I have an XD9 Service, with the grip cut to Subcompact length (fits my hand better); my wife has an XD9 Subcompact. While I have fired an XD45GAP Tactical, I have not fired an XD9 Tactical, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt.

I think 9mm is the best choice (after .22) for a beginning shooter. Recoil can be very mild, ammunition is cheap, and defense ammunition on the market is excellent. In fact, I own only 9mm and .22 firearms for that very reason.

The Tactical model will have slightly less recoil than the Service, and the Service has slightly less than the Subcompact. Honestly, I cannot picture a Tactical being enough better than the Service to warrant any extra money. In fact, I might go with the Service over the Tactical for future carry options (people carry with a 5" barrel, but I personally can't seem to justify it).

If recoil is a consideration, I strongly suggest you go to PistolGear.com and take a good hard look at "Don's Guide Rod", with several spring weights. It provides customization of recoil for your needs. This was, for me, the single best modification I did to my XD (and there were plenty, because I turned it into a project gun).

I hope this advice helped you, and again, take it all with a grain of salt.

 

[browningguy]

I shoot an XD9 Tactical for IDPA, no cons that I can see. My impression, it has slightly less muzzle jump than the service model, slightly less felt recoil, probably more accurate for aimed fire due to the longer sight length. Some people do think it is to barel heavy but I think it's perfect, it holds really well for me in slow fire.

 

[possum]

I might go with the Service over the Tactical for future carry options (people carry with a 5" barrel, but I personally can't seem to justify it).

i agree as well, the 5" models are cool and they have thier purpose, but i believe that most folks are better served by the service model. it does every thing it needs to, is plenty accurate, more so than most shooters can take advantage of. in the future you might want to carry and like he said it will be easier to do that with the service model. the service model covers more voids i guess i would say, it is applicable to many scenarios.

i like all xd's but the 5" dosen't seem to balance well for me. i like the balance of the service model a lot better and no other gun gets on target and points faster for me than the sc model. i love the service, and though the "tactical" models are as sweet as the rest i think i will stick with the service and the sc. please though let us know what you decide! thanks.

 

[jeepman77cj5]

Thanks for the replies thus far y'all.

I know this won't be for carry as I have a nice selection already to choose from depending on weather and my mode of dress, and the only thing I might get to further those options will be a PPK. Until I find something else of course.

Part of me would like to have all offerings of XD sizes, and since I know I'll end up with a XD45 service in the near future, this might be my chance for the tactical. I was able to stop by the local GS today and though they didn't have a tactical in 9, I was able to get my hands on the 40 for a few minutes. I must say I was more impressed with the look of it than I was in the pictures, in fact I think it looked great. Two more paychecks to pay off my firearm credit card (rough ain't it? lol) and I'll probably pick up a tactical when one comes around.

possum...It did feel a little top heavy, but then again it was without a mag. I assume it'll balance different with the mag, especially one that's topped off. We'll see I guess.

jsebens... That's the first I've heard of anyone cutting the grip down to subcompact size. Did you read about that somewhere or is this your idea? I don't know about changing out the springs, but when I get this I'll keep it in mind.

 

[possum]

possum...It did feel a little top heavy, but then again it was without a mag. I assume it'll balance different with the mag, especially one that's topped off. We'll see I guess.

oh yeah it will definetly balance out.