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XDM worth the extra $$$ over the XD?

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www.the-m-factor.com

I have an XDm 9mm and I think it's worth every penny...

Undoubtedly one of my favorite guns... The #1 and #2 slot is a tough choice between that and my Colt 1911. It's an apples-to-oranages comparison between the two, but if I had to choose only one between them, it would be a tough choice.
The XD's are nice, but I think you gain a lot with the XDm, plus it just feels so much better in your hand.
Go with the XDm... you'll be glad you did. I am...
 
Picked up an 9mm XDM in a trade. It's a nice gun. The grip angle is similar to my 1911 and my HP, so it's a pretty easy transition from one gun to the other.

It's definitely a full-size gun, though. If you're looking for something to carry, you may want to look at the "3.8" models.

TMann
 
"It's definitely a full-size gun, though. If you're looking for something to carry, you may want to look at the "3.8" models."

Yes, and you may want something slimmer for summer carry as they are double stack and a bit thick.
I have a Kel-Tec pf9 and a S&W 642 for summer carry. The XDm 9mm and the .45 can only be carried in winter when I can wear more bulky clothing.
regardless... go with the XDm over the regular XD...
 
I don't think so-only reason I can see someone opting for the M model would be:
1. Your grip size requires the changeable backstraps.
2. You want a bed/house/duty gun with max round count (darn big for CC).
3. Competition use (assuming rules favor the M model).

'Fer anybody else, I can't see paying the difference, OR getting the full package with the not quite ready for primetime accessories (assuming you can find a basics package).

I have an XDSC9 and 40, and the XD 45 Compact has been on my wish list for way too long.

I'm not really buying the M being more accurate than the standard XDs (doubly true for a SD gun). I've been impressed/pleased with the accuracy of the XDSCs.

FWIW, I was thumbing through a gun rag a few months back that had an article on the XDM, XD, and XDSC. I went straight to the end of the article to see what kind of groups they got with the 'target' barrel...there seemed to be no pattern-groups outta all guns were darn close, with the XD and XDSC beating the M in some of the tests (various brands of ammo).
So much for the target barrel?

But...I'm a pragmatist donchaknow...? :rolleyes:
 
"It's definitely a full-size gun, though. If you're looking for something to carry, you may want to look at the "3.8" models."
Myself, I don't get the XDM 3.8 at all. Its like they took the cheap way out. They should have shrunk it down at both ends like Glock did with the G17 when they came out with the G19. The XDM 3.8 large grip size makes it undesirable for a conceal a carry pistol. A slightly long barrel is much easier to conceal than that long grip frame. And the short barrel doesn't make much sense as a range gun.

As for OP need more information. What do you plan on doing with it?
 
Myself, I don't get the XDM 3.8 at all.
Yup-first time I saw it I thought "they shortened the wrong end"!? :what::scrutiny:
XDs are nice guns, but I think they're now falling prey to marketing, much like SIG seems to have (how 'bout those changing/multicolored SIGS?). :barf:
 
I have had two XD 40's and I now have an XDM 40, the M will out shoot the XD hands down. The M does NOT however have a match chamber, the rifling might have tighter tolerance but the chamber is made to feed everything.

I like the M over the new XD's for a few reasons. But if you really like the standard XD and don't need the adjustable backstrap and a few of the other items that come extra with the M, I recommend you find a used XD in whatever style you choose, you might get one for around $350 if you look hard, put the money you saved into a trigger kit and match aftermarket barrel, maybe a new recoil spring depending on how used, and you will have a better gun than the M. for about the same cost.
 
I own the XDm .40 and have shot the XD .45. Both are great guns, but I would take the XDm over the XD mostly just because it is the latest and greatest from SA. I also think the XDm is one of the best guns out there, period. It was my first purchase, so I hadn't shot it in quite a while because I kept buying other newer toys. Took it out last Friday when I got my Gen 4 G22 and that helped me remember how sweet it is. Made the Glock look like a WWII relic as far as overall feel and I'll probably be gifting that to my son for his b-day.
 
I have owned and shot many guns over the last 30 years and I can't think of any pistol I would rather shoot than a XDm.
 
I don't see the point in paying a premium for the "M".
What do you get? Adjustable backstraps, for a gun with the grip that already meets 90% of the population.

Shorter Trigger reset? Ok... there's not that much of a difference that the average shooter will notice.

"Match" Barrel? Ok.... what's "Match" about it?

Higher Capacity Magazines... from 16-19, from 12-15, from 13 to 13. Really? C'mon... and the new guns won't take my old magazines (except for the XD-M 45ACP). They turned something that was a nice carry gun into something too heavy and too bulky to carry concealed. As for the XDM 3.8... it's the GRIP that needs to be shortened. NOT the barrel for concealed carry.

I just don't see the point. They're more expensive, but what do you get? IMHO not much at all. I'll stick with my XD 45 thanks.
 
I have two XD's and one XDm. Unfortunately, they're all different calibers with the M being the smallest (9mm) so I can't give you an exact apples-to-apples comparison. The trigger pull and reset on the M are shorter, however. I'm about equally accurate with my 9mm M and my .40 S&W XDSC within 7 yards. I've been shooting the XDSC a lot longer though.

I bought the M in anticipation of using it in USPSA competition once I get the feel for it.

Edit: Looks like about $90 difference between an XD9 Tactical and an XDm 9mm 4.5 at Jet Guns. Not THAT big a price difference.
 
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I shot my friends XD 40 back in December and fell in love with it. He happened to sell me a 92FS. But I vowed to pick up an XD asap. Several months later I decided it was time to buy. Went to my local range with cash in hand and there was the XDm.

I loved the way the m looked, and of course there were all sorts of new "features". At lest enough to distract my decison.

I ended up renting an xd and an m and shooting them back to back.
I'm a compotent shooter out to 15 yards. But tested mostly at 7.

It was hard for me to tell any difference in accuracy. They certainly felt different. But even those were minute. After 100 rounds through each I was really torn.

I ended up going with a used xdm since I got a good deal and justified the slight expense for extra mag capacity.

If you can shoot both back to back I highly recommend it.
 
The 9 mm and 40 cal have increased capacity. The 45 ACP has a slightly slimmer grip. If I were looking to purchase a Springfield, those would be enough reason for me to spend the extra money on the XDm.
 
I don't see the point in paying a premium for the "M".
What do you get? Adjustable backstraps, for a gun with the grip that already meets 90% of the population.
90% of the population that never had the option. For us 10% it sure is nice.
Shorter Trigger reset? Ok... there's not that much of a difference that the average shooter will notice.
Shorter trigger reset and a smoother, lighter trigger
"Match" Barrel? Ok.... what's "Match" about it?
better machining means tighter dimensions, duh
Higher Capacity Magazines... from 16-19, from 12-15, from 13 to 13. Really? C'mon... and the new guns won't take my old magazines (except for the XD-M 45ACP).
OMG, how DARE they actually make MORE magazine capacity within the same space. Suck it Springfield.BTW, the 40 holds 16 rounds.
They turned something that was a nice carry gun into something too heavy and too bulky to carry concealed.
Ever consider it was not meant to be carried concealed? Hence the 3.8. Not only that, the gun actually isn't any bigger than the XD of the same model lines.
As for the XDM 3.8... it's the GRIP that needs to be shortened. NOT the barrel for concealed carry.
I concede this point :)
I just don't see the point. They're more expensive, but what do you get? IMHO not much at all. I'll stick with my XD 45 thanks.
Higher capacity (not the 45), better trigger, better grip on the slide, better barrel, better finish, bigger mag release, easier take down.
I have nothing against the standard XD, but just because you don't want or need the extras does not mean they are stupid or irrelevant.
Just a thought.
 
I can measure mine for you this evening. I do believe that it puts you in the ESP division.
 
i have 2 xd service models and for me personally the "m" doesn't offer me anything that the service model doesn't other than capacity, however i am happy with my service models and i will stick with them.
 
Myself, I don't get the XDM 3.8 at all.
I do, and I like the look and feel. I had to warm up to the feel of the grip since I was used to the XD (XDSC .40), but I like it well enough now. I am thinking of getting a 3.8. It's no different than the 1911 Commander with the full sized grip and shorter barrel. Those have been hugely popular.

For carry I would still go 1911. Much thinner. That is where it is at for me when talking carry gun.

Car gun, bedroom gun etc? Sure, XD, XDm, BHP, Any good 4" revolver, ........
 
well carry, concealed or otherwise, is out for the moment at least since i live in illinois (anti-gun state :cuss:)

what would primary use be then? i guess i would have to say, fun-gun

i have been considering getting a 'tupperware' gun for a while now, but its very hard to decide on which to get

i like the grip of the M&Ps, but the takedown procedure is a deal-breaker (should never have to get inside of the weapon, or use a special tool, to field strip it

i like the rugged dependability of Glocks, but the grip angle is again, a deal-breaker

so the only other reasonable option i see is the XD/XDm line of pistols
i honestly cant find fault with either (cept the plain XD's aren't terribly pretty)

if anyone has a recommendation for a 4th line of polymer guns, i'd be glad to hear about it
 
if anyone has a recommendation for a 4th line of polymer guns, i'd be glad to hear about it
Taurus is a brand I really like. I have had two 24/7's, one in 40 and the other in 9 and both were very nice guns. Never had a problem with feeding or ejecting, can't say the same for either of my XD's. Plus they are solid built. The only downside I hear about the modern taurus is customer service if something does go wrong. Not as accurate as my M but it costs $250 less, so it will not be as refined, and that is quickly felt in the trigger.

Plus they are a good price. Also, the Taurus only holds two rounds less than the XDM

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Well if it's a fun gun, mebbe consider the SIG SP2022?
$495 with 2 mags and night sights, and it's a SIG (good or bad?)!

Only bad thing I can say 'bout it is you better check the grip-it's borderline being too big for me. Some may not like the DA/SA, but that doesn't bother me.

I just retired my 12+ yr old Sigma bed gun and replaced it with an SP2022.
The DA is also great for dry fire practice.
 
Been looking, lot's of aftermarket stuff, but I have an XD, like it, a XDm adds more features, I would do it except I'm looking for a Beretta Cougar or PX4 right now.
 
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