XDM Elite vs M17

[cloudsrest]

I’m looking for a full size polymer framed striker-fired 9mm pistol and have my eyes on the Springfield XDM Elite and the Sig M17. Both are available locally, but I’m a bit of a gun noob and don’t know how to decide. The gun’s purpose will be occasional target shooting (when I’m camping), home defense, and to be fondled lovingly while I work from home and imagine myself surviving the zombie apocalypse. The Springfield is $570, the Sig is $650. I like the price and safety features of the XDM, the night sights and simplicity/reputation of the Sig, but ultimately realize I’m out of my element here. Any advice or suggestions?

 

[Howland937]

Any chance there's a range nearby where you could rent both and see which one suits you? You may not shoot best with the one that feels best.

As much as some folks may believe they are, Glocks just aren't for everyone.

 

[sparkyv]

I have basic variants of each but not in 9mm and without the RDS cut slide. The SIG P320 is the original full-sized model in 40S&W and is so sweet to shoot. It's controls are simple and the trigger is outstanding. My SA XDM in 10mm is a BEAST! This is a larger full-sized pistol that fills the hand nicely and has an excellent capacity, but has extra safeties that I don't appreiciate. They both have a purpose for me, both have great sights, fit my hands well and point naturally for me. You won't go wrong with either, cloudsrest. Do you have any more specific questions?

Any advice or suggestions?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'm a big fan of the SA but between the two, I'd have to give the M17 a go first with it having a bit of an edge in my wanting to own the new Service side-arm for a look-see at least.

It just looks so doggone serious.

Todd.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I have the XDM elite in both 5.25 and 4.5 (9mm). I would definitely recommend either one. I know the M17 was selected to replace the Beretta for the US Army, but some reviews haven't been as stellar. The demand also creates a higher prie for the Sig over the XDM elite firearms. The other features I like about the XDM elite series is the fact that they are truly ambidextrous out of the box. The 5.25 XDM Elite also has an adjustable rear sight while the 4.5 has to be moved with a sight pusher. The 5.25 also has a magwell as part of the package. Still they both shoot well. I was originally looking for the 3.8 XDM elite over the 4.5, but when I ordered it, they ran out. I waited a week and after none came in I settled for the 4.5. Lastly, the magazines are 20 round mags which is more than I normally load, but it's nice to have the 20 round capability.

Good Luck

CH

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've shoot both, both for fun and in competition. I now own a SIG P320

The deciding factor for me was the ability to switch the Fire Control Unit (FCU) between different size grip modules and slides, while retaining the same trigger feel...I have grip modules in Compact, Carry, and Full Sized

 

[Reinz]

I have 2 different models of the 320 and I also have a SA Elite.

I have not shot the Elite yet because we’ve had rain more days than not for the past two months. The range hasn’t had a chance to dry out.

I already put an optic on the Elite, so to be fair I have to wait till I put one on one of the 320’s before I pass judgement, and the range drying out.

 

[Barbaroja]

Both nice guns I think either would be a fine choice. I own an xd and reallly like it and has been 100% reliable for me.
I’d say it comes down to how they feel in the hand. If you can rent them somewhere before you buy that’s a good idea. There have been a number of guns I thought I really wanted until I shot them and it turned out in practice they were not what I was looking for.

 

[Erief0g]

I often shoot for accuracy at the range. I do not enjoy combat hold over a six o'clock hold. My p320 needed a combat or center hold where my xds,czs, and all other firearms either are factory with a6 o'clock or adjustable sights to make it that way.

Sold the 320 for exactly what I paid. Being picky yes... otherwise both are great options and you can get a different sight.

Heck, this was when the vtac model just came on market, for all I know they have changed our are adjustable now

 

[JR24]

I often shoot for accuracy at the range. I do not enjoy combat hold over a six o'clock hold. My p320 needed a combat or center hold where my xds,czs, and all other firearms either are factory with a6 o'clock or adjustable sights to make it that way.

Sold the 320 for exactly what I paid. Being picky yes... otherwise both are great options and you can get a different sight.

Heck, this was when the vtac model just came on market, for all I know they have changed our are adjustable now

Ooh, that's too bad. VTac is the best 320 I've shot, sweet, sweet shooter.

But I like the combat hold myself.

 

[LeftyRed]

SA any day of the week, for me. Had the Elite in 45 and 10mm. Wouldn’t want to carry it daily, but great shooters and very accurate out of the box.

I just could never get the 320s to hit POA for me. Shame, love the feel and the balance. And they have almost out Glock Glock with so many frame and grip sizes and colors to choice from.

But for a Zombie Apocalypse gun, the Elite would be my choice between the two.

Jerry

 

[jmr40]

The grip safety is a deal killer for me on all XD's. I've been very much impressed with the M17 and Sig 365's I own.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I would go regular xdm over elite, but that's just me because I was disappointed with the flat trigger. It felt less crisp than my other XD and XDM.

I would probably go with a different version of the 320 though between those, as a XD owner. X models are pretty cool.

As a self identified noob, why you thinking XDM vs 320 and no other options?

 

[cloudsrest]

I would go regular xdm over elite, but that's just me because I was disappointed with the flat trigger. It felt less crisp than my other XD and XDM.

I would probably go with a different version of the 320 though between those, as a XD owner. X models are pretty cool.

As a self identified noob, why you thinking XDM vs 320 and no other options?

It’s mostly a matter of availability, cost, reputation, and appeal. I don’t know of that many full size striker fired 9mm pistols tbh. I’ve shot a regular XDM in 10mm and liked it. Sig has a great reputation and is what the army uses. I’m not really interested in Glocks. I’m sure there are other options that I don’t know about though.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

It’s mostly a matter of availability, cost, reputation, and appeal. I don’t know of that many full size striker fired 9mm pistols tbh. I’ve shot a regular XDM in 10mm and liked it. Sig has a great reputation and is what the army uses. I’m not really interested in Glocks. I’m sure there are other options that I don’t know about though.

Again, if it were me, if go with an X Model SIG of the two you stated. But I have and still do own XD and XDM. Def try them out if you can. Both choices are good, so no matter what you get, no need to second guess it.

Some internet "experts" like to hate on the Springfields because they are Croatian, because of Springfields history, marketing, and politics, hate on the grip safety, and claim they are unreliable. As far as unreliable, I have carried and used mine in Alaska, and it's done well in all weather with very powerful ammo.

But not to be that guy, I would recommend also looking at the CZ P10, M&P 2.0, IWI Masada, and Walther PDP if I were to suggest mainstream modern offerings. Just to really complicate things.

 

[CNobbe]

I think the trigger in the XDM Elite is better than the M17/18. I had an M17, replaced it with a P320 Legion. Still have the M18, as it is the current sidearm of choice for certain branches of the military, but I like the XDM Elite 3.8" w/ full grip a lot better. I just shoot it better and it shoots nearly as well as my 320 Legion.

I guess you should decide whether or not you want a manual safety or not. One thing going for the M17...they're so easy to customize.

My M18 is using a pro-cut slide on a Wilson Combat frame. I think the only original parts left are the barrel and the FCU, which often gets left at home as the Legion trigger is much nicer.

Also, if you get the itch for a red dot, the M17 is all ready to go. Only a couple of XDM Elites are cut for optics at the moment.

 

[CNobbe]

I have 2 different models of the 320 and I also have a SA Elite.

I have not shot the Elite yet because we’ve had rain more days than not for the past two months. The range hasn’t had a chance to dry out.

I already put an optic on the Elite, so to be fair I have to wait till I put one on one of the 320’s before I pass judgement, and the range drying out.]

Post a review of the XDM Elite when you get a chance. I've got a 320 Legion I love more than my STIs, but the XDM is just cool and I kinda want one.