XDM -OD green versus black

[WebHobbit]

OK...I am contemplating an XDM as my next handgun purchase. I've decided it WILL be .40 caliber and it WILL have a stainless slide. I am torn between the OD green and the black. I am oddly attracted to the OD green. I don't know why...can't put my finger on it but it just looks GOOD to me. So far no one I know will back me up...the Wife, the Daughter and the Brother from Another Mother friend all think I'm crazy and the black is better looking. My daughter even said people will laugh and say I have a toy gun from the Halo games! I told her people think Halo is cool...she said "Nerds think Halo is cool".

So what say you folks? Green or Black?

 

[Tango2020]

I have the all black XDM 40 and I love it. I can't back you up on the green but why would I need to. A carry weapon is as personal as it gets. I say if you like it what does it matter what anyone thinks. Get the green.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I worry that in 30 years it would look dated like avocado appliances from the 70s.

 

[REAPER4206969]

Natural black polymer is stronger and more resistant to UV light than colored polymer.

Just something to note.

 

[Effigy]

I generally prefer OD or tan over black when it comes to firearms. I just don't think you gain anything by choosing black, unless you just prefer that look. A black gun sticks out like a sore thumb is most environments. It's more likely to show through light-colored shirts if you carry it too.

From what I've read, Reaper is right that the black polymer is a little stronger. Not enough to really make a difference though IMO. I'd choose based on aesthetic reasons over a minor and likely unnoticeable difference in polymer strength.

 

[wbwanzer]

I actually like the Dark Earth better, but I do like the OD. Get it if it's what you want.

 

[MikePaiN]

I've always been a basic black gun guy.....but I branched out a little with a trade I made last night....when I pick up a flat earth frame/ black slide FNP45. Once I had it in person it really looks great without any bling-bling nonsense

 

[Effigy]

Yeah, when I said "tan" I was mostly thinking FDE. It's a good color. My P220 Combat has a FDE frame with parkerized slide and it looks pretty sexy, if I do say so myself:

(Stock photo)

 

[ForumSurfer]

I like flat dark earth (which isn't available), but the green looks kind of gross to me. It reminds me of that disgusting mashed up gerber pea concoction that my son loved as a baby...and the diapers an hour or so later.

 

[IlikeSA]

I didn't vote for either, as this is your choice what you carry. If you were using it professionally, or accepted a armed position professionally in the future, I would tell you black.

 

[skimbell]

I don't go much for XDM's but I had the same Black/Green problem you're looking at. I decided to do both:

 

[vit]

Go with OD.
BTW black is not the "natural" color of the polymer. Soviets couldn't get the black right on their AK-74 series and ended up running "plum".

 

[Effigy]

From what I heard, it takes less black dye to get the desired effect than it does for other colors, so the polymer is less diluted and therefore stronger. I really doubt the difference of a little dye is going to compromise your frame strength in either case, so I wouldn't pick a color you don't like just for that reason. If I picked my firearms based on function alone, I'd probably own some very different ones right now. Aesthetic appeal adds to pride of ownership, which is part of the joy of being a shooter.

 

[Mike1234567]

I've never cared for color on a firearm other than silver or black with the exception of some really nice wood furniture. I'm just and old goat though.

 

[JEB]

im with the OP. i cant put my finger on it, but for some reason i just like the look of the OD green and stainless slide.

 

[INMY01TA]

Love the olive drab but more so with the black slide.

 

[bvonries85]

Personally, I prefer my handguns all black. But like others have said, its about what you like.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

My XD-40 is flat dark earth/black slide, I really like it, looks elegant and classy.

 

[Swami]

Be careful, that black one has one in the chamber!

(I vote black!)

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

od xdm's look hideous to me

 

[hardluk1]

Darn it would not matter to me if it was yellow. Just not pink. Its a gun, not a fashion statement. Close your eyes an pick one. hehe

 

[Mike J]

If it is going to be your gun buy what you want. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.

 

[Agmundr]

I personally prefer black, so I voted for it. That being said, I COMPLETELY agree with the people who said that it's a very personal decision and to just go with what you like. I catch flak from my buddies who use AR style weapons when I pull out my Ruger GSR, but I dig it so I just shrug it off.

 

[WebHobbit]

I ordered BOTH - a 9mm (for relatively cheap practice and SHTF ammo availability) in OD green/stainless & a .40 (for carry/HD) in black/stainless.

 

[mgmorden]

To me, I don't like colorful guns. Silver, black, or woodgrain are about the only colors I like on them. I'd go for the black personally. That said, it's completely a personal choice. If you like the green one and want it, then there's no reason not go go ahead and get that one.