I want a 45 XD. I sent a link to my grandfather who has an FFL and knows a gun shop that can get me a good deal. He is questioning why I want a compact 45 acp. He thinks it will be hard to handle and not fun to shoot. I talked to usmcdoc and he says he likes his full size but now I'm looking for some other opinions. This will be a carry gun also hence why I want a smaller barrel and not a full size. Any opinions good or bad are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

How many XD45's has he shot?

I have and XD-40 w/4" barrel. This is a wonderful weapon. Compact enough to conceal, yet enough barrel length for serious accuracy. I don't think you can go wrong with an XD. With that said, I personally would choose a 1911 over and XD in a 45.

Well he probably hasnt shot many but he's my grandfather and I respect his opinion and he knows a helluva alot more about weapons then I do.

I'd love a 1911 they are great guns but not really something I think I could carry. I'm only 5'8 and about 160 so that would be a large gun to conceal.

Also want a 45 for stopping power.(How many times will I need "stopping power" but if I do I want it) Not a fan of 9mm.

Not questioning your decisions, just trying to become informed, but why don't you like 9mm? Think it is too weak of a round? My GF and I are getting our CCWs in January, and when I have the funds I am looking seriously at an XD. I like the compact frame with a 4" barrel. However, I was thinking about 9mm, because its cheaper to practice with, more rounds in the clip, etc. Also, I'm only 5'6" and 160, so I don't have many options for concealing a large weapon.

Is stopping power your only/main reason for choosing .40 or .45 over 9mm?

Anyone more in the know have some opinions on 9mm for CCW vs. .40/.45?

Yeah I'm just not a fan of the 9mm because of stopping power. I'm weird and set in my ways I guess. I don't have much basis for my reasoning just the way I feel about them. As for capacity. 13+ 1 you can get for a .45 XD. More than enough rounds I think.

If you want stopping power, I can assure you that you will "LOVE" the XD40. This is the best close quarters weapon I have ever used, and with the 4" barrel you will get better then adequate long shot accuracy.

I really need to go to a range and fire all 3 9 40 and 45 and figure out which would be best for me.

Well he probably hasnt shot many but he's my grandfather and I respect his opinion and he knows a helluva alot more about weapons then I do.

I'd love a 1911 they are great guns but not really something I think I could carry. I'm only 5'8 and about 160 so that would be a large gun to conceal.

Also want a 45 for stopping power.(How many times will I need "stopping power" but if I do I want it) Not a fan of 9mm.

you want small?
I just bought a subcompact glock 36
45acp
6 rd
slimline single stack mag
kahr has a pm45 5 shoot, but I already have a cw9 7 shot and wanted another 45 & a glock & small + room for 1 more on my ccw
I also have a pair of sigmas, 9 & .40
xd's look good too, many many versions

6 rds is not enough for me. I was just looking online at a bunch of forums and articles and theres just so much information. People don't liek recoil of a 40 9's can get a second shot of qucikers. My mind is fried. I want to go to a range fire all three in the compact size and figure out what would work for me. Ammo cost isn't much of a factor.

I'd love a 1911 they are great guns but not really something I think I could carry. I'm only 5'8 and about 160 so that would be a large gun to conceal.


The 1911 is flatter and thinner and will be much easier to conceal than any XD in an IWB holster. Once you've been carrying for a while, you'll realize what I'm talking about.

I am not saying this to talk you out of the XD, as it is a fine firearm which should do exactly what you want. The key thing to worry about concealing with a firearm is the grip, because the grip is what will make you print. Longer grips and/or double stack magazines make concealment more difficult. This is why the XD-45 is available with a compact grip even with the 5" barrel!

Yeah I'm just not a fan of the 9mm because of stopping power. I'm weird and set in my ways I guess. I don't have much basis for my reasoning just the way I feel about them. As for capacity. 13+ 1 you can get for a .45 XD. More than enough rounds I think.

.45 is unlikely to have any more real world "stopping power" than 9mm or .40 S&W. The ammunition also costs twice as much so you will practice less. I have shot plenty of 9mm and .45 in my day, but I think you're making a big mistake choosing .45. Get the 9mm and get some practice under your belt and switch calibers later (or add another one to the stable) if it doesn't perform to your likings.

Also, keep in mind that the average defensive scenario is over in 2-3 shots, and while the increased capacity can never harm anything, you're unlikely to ever need it.

And just on a side note, I don't think you'll have any problem controlling the compact .45 and I really don't think there's any basis for your grandfather's concerns. Smaller guns are harder for new shooters, but .45 certainly isn't .357 magnum. If you really want the .45, the only real harm I see is to your pocket book because it will cost you more to practice. The reason I shoot so much .45 is more related to earning "major" power factor in matches than anything else.

6 rds is not enough for me. I was just looking online at a bunch of forums and articles and theres just so much information. People don't liek recoil of a 40 9's can get a second shot of qucikers. My mind is fried. I want to go to a range fire all three in the compact size and figure out what would work for me. Ammo cost isn't much of a factor.


it's a 45, I onlys needs 1:flipoff2:
+ I carry multiple guns:p

Thanks for the info. Right now from what I've read in the past hour or two is I'm leaning towards the .40. I'm set in my ways and just can't get over the 9mm feeling. I do need to get the permit yet also then I can begin to carry and get a feel for things.

it's a 45, I onlys needs 1:flipoff2:
+ I carry multiple guns:p


I have seen you shoot.. you indeed need more than one round, more like the whole damn box :flipoff2:

it's a 45, I onlys needs 1:flipoff2:
+ I carry multiple guns:p

You carry multiple guns on you at once? Regular ole Steven Segal here.

I'm also nto new to shooting. I'm 21 now and have been shooting almost all my life. If I can shoot a .500 S and W I think I could handle a .45

Thanks for the info. Right now from what I've read in the past hour or two is I'm leaning towards the .40. I'm set in my ways and just can't get over the 9mm feeling. I do need to get the permit yet also then I can begin to carry and get a feel for things.

.40 is going to recoil more than .45. If you are heart-set on not wanting a 9mm, you'd probably be better off with .45 than a .40.

.40 is going to recoil more than .45. If you are heart-set on not wanting a 9mm, you'd probably be better off with .45 than a .40.

I have seen you shoot.. you indeed need more than one round, more like the whole damn box :flipoff2:

maybe I need a mac 11, if I run outa rds It's big & heavy enough to use as a hammer:flipoff2:

maybe I need a mac 11, if I run outa rds It's big & heavy enough to use as a hammer:flipoff2:

that would take too much effort.. Even pulling the trigger once might make you tired( first person I have seen to lazy to jump in a video game), so hitting someone manytimes will more than likely be your demise:flipoff2:

.40 is going to recoil more than .45. If you are heart-set on not wanting a 9mm, you'd probably be better off with .45 than a .40.

You carry multiple guns on you at once? Regular ole Steven Segal here.

I'm also nto new to shooting. I'm 21 now and have been shooting almost all my life. If I can shoot a .500 S and W I think I could handle a .45

just cause the # goes up, don't assume the recoil does:laughing::p
.45 is not what you think;)

.40 is going to recoil more than .45. If you are heart-set on not wanting a 9mm, you'd probably be better off with .45 than a .40.

I did read something along the lines of that. a 45 recoil is smoother and a .40 is snappier if I recall reading it like that. Hmm realistically how many people who carry actually use their weapons for the purpose? Maybe a 9mm for now is the way to go like you said earlier and can buy or trade up later if I so choose. There were many reviews of 9mm rounds that are hotter or the 9 by 19 and other different type rounds beings just as effective stoppers as a .40.

I guess I get the 9mm stigma from the military and how it doesn't really work so great on a crazed combatant of course they use fmj also.

just cause the # goes up, don't assume the recoil does:laughing::p
.45 is not what you think;)

Have you ever shot a 500 s+w? I have also shot a .44 mag numerous times and that doesn't bother me.

I love my 9's.. a couple percent differance in one shot drop chances will not make me buy a 45 over the 9.. I shoot my guns and 9 is cheap..... I do like the whole that a .45 puts in the paper though:D

I did read something along the lines of that. a 45 recoil is smoother and a .40 is snappier if I recall reading it like that. Hmm realistically how many people who carry actually use their weapons for the purpose? Maybe a 9mm for now is the way to go like you said earlier and can buy or trade up later if I so choose. There were many reviews of 9mm rounds that are hotter or the 9 by 19 and other different type rounds beings just as effective stoppers as a .40.

I guess I get the 9mm stigma from the military and how it doesn't really work so great on a crazed combatant of course they use fmj also.


????????

I love my 9's.. a couple percent differance in one shot drop chances will not make me buy a 45 over the 9.. I shoot my guns and 9 is cheap..... I do like the whole that a .45 puts in the paper though:D


yup
you know ya want all 3 though
9/40/45
+ the rifle stuff
223/30-30/308/7.62x39

What I meant was that how many people actually get into a firefight or need to shoot at a crazed gunman holding hostages in a mall when they are out and about? Beside Plexico shooting himself.

the fact is most will never have to shoot in a for real situation.. But when you do you will want the most effective round ideally.. When taking my ccw class we had to study the one shot drop effectiveness charts and the 9 is a few % diffrant than the 40 or 45..to me the 9 is my favorite round and if I get in a gun fight we will just have to see if I can put it where it needs to go:D

It may be out of the budget, but the new P250 from Sig Sauer can be had with interchangeable grips and barrels. You can buy one gun (frame), and have it shoot 9mm, .40, .45, and maybe .357SIG I believe. All of them work with the same slide/frame.

I might take a serious look at that one when I'm ready, because I imagine once you get over the initial cost of another barrel + the gun itself, you can shoot 9mm at the range, and .45 for CCW.

I did read something on another forum about a gun called The Witness and it could change barrels like you said. I'm not sure if it's the same weapon or not though but it did perk up my interest in one.

That Sig is nice but yeah out of my price ranger. Very nice though good idea too.

What I meant was that how many people actually get into a firefight or need to shoot at a crazed gunman holding hostages in a mall when they are out and about? Beside Plexico shooting himself.
no idea
I rarely carry mine
odds are I will not have it the time I actully do need it:homer:

oddsa are you let loose with more then a few shots, they will charge you vs just protecting yourself here, I'l in ca.........we have no rights:shaking:

I did read something on another forum about a gun called The Witness and it could change barrels like you said. I'm not sure if it's the same weapon or not though but it did perk up my interest in one.

That Sig is nice but yeah out of my price ranger. Very nice though good idea too.

you can swap some glocks from 9 to 40 or .357 sig to 40 too

Actually that Sig isn't to much more then I would pay for the XD. Under 600 or so. I'd liek to see how much the other kits are though. I'm gonna keep looking.

Edit no one is sure on conversion prices but 300 to 450 is what I saw from guys and even they weren't to sure. They were getting information from their gun shops.

Yes, .40 is snappy. I prefer a .45, but a 1911 was out of my price range, and the shop only had compact XD 45's at the time, so I got the XDm. I'm happy with it.

Best thing is to take your own advice and shoot all three and decide what you like best.

Actually that Sig isn't to much more then I would pay for the XD. Under 600 or so. I'd liek to see how much the other kits are though. I'm gonna keep looking.

From what I've been seeing the kits are about $479 IF and when you can find them.

The P250 does shoot nice, I think it might be what I end up with, but I'm still not 100% set.

Yes, .40 is snappy. I prefer a .45, but a 1911 was out of my price range, and the shop only had compact XD 45's at the time, so I got the XDm. I'm happy with it.

Best thing is to take your own advice and shoot all three and decide what you like best.

I've read a little about the XDm really makes it so different than say a regular XD isn't it magazine size?

I've read a little about the XDm really makes it so different than say a regular XD isn't it magazine size?

I think it has more to do with "new and improved" features such as plastic grip molding and backstrap and a trapezoid looking slide.

Just did a search and you're right. That and the "match grade barrel"

I did read something along the lines of that. a 45 recoil is smoother and a .40 is snappier if I recall reading it like that. Hmm realistically how many people who carry actually use their weapons for the purpose? Maybe a 9mm for now is the way to go like you said earlier and can buy or trade up later if I so choose. There were many reviews of 9mm rounds that are hotter or the 9 by 19 and other different type rounds beings just as effective stoppers as a .40.

I guess I get the 9mm stigma from the military and how it doesn't really work so great on a crazed combatant of course they use fmj also.

.40 is a really snappy cartridge for the energy that it has. I'm sure if the other pistol calibers were inadequate, it'd be a good choice. The reality, though, is that all pistol calibers aren't very powerful, so shooting .40 instead of 9mm or .45 isn't going to make must difference.

Since you're asking about experience and what we use our guns for, I'll chime in. I live in one of two states in the U.S. where CCW is totally banned (not may issue, not shall issue, NO issue). I do, however, have a CCW permit from another state and am licensed to carry in 30 of them the last time I checked.

I also compete regularly in USPSA matches. I use a 1911 in .45. I also own a 9mm that my girlfriend has been competing with, but I might start using it next year to compete in another division if she decides that she doesn't want to compete anymore. I typically carry the 1911 because it seems to conceal well in a good holster and it fits my hand well.

I think the XD is a fine firearm. I passed over it to get the M&P only because I wanted a 5" barrel and an interchangeable backstrap. The XD offers each of these features individually, but does not offer a pistol with both features. S&W did, so I went that route.

I think for your purposes, a 4" XD would work great.

Thats what I want also its just up to caliber choice now. I know I want an XD just depends on what flavor now. My grandfather may be able to get them and I can test them or his freind with the gun shop can.

I've got an XD Service and it's been flawless through 500 rds in the last few weeks, including 250 rds of Winchester personal defense ammo. I may send it off to Springer Precision to have the grip cut down to the compact size, which will make it better for CCW. As it is now, it conceals very well IWB at the 3-4 o'clock position.

I've read a little about the XDm really makes it so different than say a regular XD isn't it magazine size?

Shaped a bit different... extra goodies...

If you buy an XD or XDm before the end of the year you can get 2 free mags and a holder from springfield.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/gearup/

The XD(m) currently only comes in 4.5" barrel. The XD comes in 3, 4, and 5" flavors and with two different grip lengths.

I wish they'd offer as many flavors of XD(m) as they do XD.

The .40 XD can use .357 Sig or 9mm barrels. Clicky (http://pistolgear.com/proddetail.php?prod=00PG2)

What you choose to shoot (ammo) is much more important than what size that bullet is.

10-15 years ago, the '45 or die' crowd had a much better leg to stand on. With the introduction of rounds like Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger T, and the Federal HST, the 9mm has become a very effective round in police shootings. These 3 loads are probably used by 75%+ of the cops in our country.

Older rounds such as the Golden Saber (which seperate from the jacket over 50% of the time) and the Hydra-Shok (which expand into a somewhat small lead mushroom, and don't always manage to do that) left a lot of people, including PDs across the country, wanting a .40

How much do you think it would matter which one of these you were hit with?

http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-6.html


Couple more: (google. There are lots of bored guys out there posting pics of various JHPs getting shot into whateverthehell they had laying around).

http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-3.html

http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-7.html

Granted, this guy is shooting into phonebooks and water jugs. Not peoples. But the results I've seen from reports of police shootings with the HST (second-generation Hydra-Shok) and Ranger T (2nd gen Black Talon) tend to agree with all the redneck ammo testing guys are doing in their backyards. Only downside is that you've gotta buy them off the net, since Fed and Win 'request' that they be sold to law-enforcement only.

The Gold Dot is also a pretty damn good round, and you can find them at any gun shop in the country. I used to carry a Gold Dot in the 124 +P 'short barrel' flavor. Liked it. I now carry the 147gr HST in a Glock 19. 16 rounds in a gun slightly smaller than the .45 you're looking at. I trust it.

Nice thing is, the slow/heavy 147 shoots a lot like a WWB 115gr plinking round, just a *hair* hotter, and it penetrates the best out of their 3 loads in 9mm. The super-hot 115gr +P+ loads can be a handful, simply because the gun doesn't handle anything like it does when you're firing your plinking ammo, which is something I very much don't like. This is also why I'm not fond of Cor-Bon.

I also compete, and I'm superbadassgood and could outshoot anyone on teh PBB with a pistol, so anyone that fawks with me is screwed :flipoff2:

If you want stopping power, I can assure you that you will "LOVE" the XD40. This is the best close quarters weapon I have ever used, and with the 4" barrel you will get better then adequate long shot accuracy.

Except for the MASSIVE muzzle flip problem that the 4" X-treeeeeeeeeeeem doody has in .40 flavor.

Seriously, if you're set on the croatian sensation, get anything but the 4" .40.

I did read something on another forum about a gun called The Witness and it could change barrels like you said. I'm not sure if it's the same weapon or not though but it did perk up my interest in one.

That Sig is nice but yeah out of my price ranger. Very nice though good idea too.

EAA Witness, there is also their Witness Elite series. The Elite Match is a very nice handgun.

I think my glock 30 has less recoil than my glock 19. That out of the way, I had an xd45. It's a soft shooting gun. Like seagrass said, go shoot a Glock 36 and then shoot the xd45. You'll realize how soft it is.:laughing:

Oh and .45 is not twice as much as 9mm. That's baloney. It's about 30% more.

I think my glock 30 has less recoil than my glock 19. That out of the way, I had an xd45. It's a soft shooting gun. Like seagrass said, go shoot a Glock 36 and then shoot the xd45. You'll realize how soft it is.:laughing:

Oh and .45 is not twice as much as 9mm. That's baloney. It's about 30% more.
I don't have my 36 yet, layaway so I can pretend it's not costing me $$$:laughing:

That XDm your holding is pretty much what I want. How do you like the extra half inch? I was looking at the 4 in models but since the XDm doesnt have 4 in model how does that extra half inch carry? What caliber is that? The promo helps also.

Yeah I'm just not a fan of the 9mm because of stopping power.
It's not just about stopping power but about shot placement you can kill some body just as dead with a .22 as you can with a 45ACP

GLOCK 21sf or G30

I fully understand shot placement. I'm just weird and set in my ways about not liking 9mm but I may be warming up to it.

I just traded off my subcompact 40 for a .45. It was just a little much to handle for me. Too much flip so accurate follow up shots were slow. I shoot my snubby .357 better so that is what goes in the waist band.

The .45 is a big gun, something I can't conceal without a coat. Since I didn't feel comfortable with the .40, it was no better.

I wouldn't feel unsafe with anything over .380 that I could put a few quick rounds in center mass with without having to think about it.

Whatever you get, shoot the hell out of it.

Except for the MASSIVE muzzle flip problem that the 4" X-treeeeeeeeeeeem doody has in .40 flavor.

Seriously, if you're set on the croatian sensation, get anything but the 4" .40.

Seriously? I often shoot my XD40 (3") and full size 1911 in the same range session, and I really don't think the XD is bad at all. Sure it's snappy, but I really don't find reacquiring the sight picture to be slow at all. Maybe it's just because my 1911 sights suck that badly. :laughing:

take a look at the S&W M&P 45 if you haven't already

if or when i ever decide to go the CCW route, i'll be carrying 9mm. my 1911 is just heavy and a tad big for me (6'1" 180lbs) for everday comfort. i've been looking at the M&P 9 compact but need to go rent it

I also compete, and I'm superbadassgood and could outshoot anyone on teh PBB with a pistol, so anyone that fawks with me is screwed :flipoff2:

You don't just compete, fawker. You'd have the mag empty and another one installed before the guy even hit the ground. :flipoff2::flipoff2:

the main thing is shoot what you are comfortable with.. if you are a weak wristed pansy dont shoot the all powerful .40:flipoff2: I like them all:D

I have the XD-40 sub-compact. It shoots fine...

That XDm your holding is pretty much what I want. How do you like the extra half inch? I was looking at the 4 in models but since the XDm doesnt have 4 in model how does that extra half inch carry? What caliber is that? The promo helps also.

It's an XDm .40. I bought it before the 9mm version came out. I haven't shot the other models but the extra 1/2 inch made the gun feel more balanced than the 4" XD's I handled.

I don't know how it carries because I don't have my CPL yet.

Just picked up an XDM-40 yesterday. Hate to hear that they are snappy. Though I wonder if a heavier round would decrease that a little. All the numbers I've seen seem to show that the XDM-40 performs best with a 165-180gr round. Really wish the .45 was out. I've shot all three 9, 45, and only a few rounds of 40 from a Kimber. From what I've seen 9's tend to jump, and 45's tend to push. Hell my CCW is a Taurus PT145 (sub comp .45) that I love to shoot, where as I had a full size S&W 9mm that I hated. So I figured that the 40 would be some where in between.

As for CC of the XDM. I carried it for a while yesterday under a tshirt and it didn't print to bad. Though it is a little big to easily conceal. I'll stick with my Taurus for CCW for now.

Just picked up an XDM-40 yesterday. Hate to hear that they are snappy. Though I wonder if a heavier round would decrease that a little. All the numbers I've seen seem to show that the XDM-40 performs best with a 165-180gr round. Really wish the .45 was out. I've shot all three 9, 45, and only a few rounds of 40 from a Kimber. From what I've seen 9's tend to jump, and 45's tend to push. Hell my CCW is a Taurus PT145 (sub comp .45) that I love to shoot, where as I had a full size S&W 9mm that I hated. So I figured that the 40 would be some where in between.

As for CC of the XDM. I carried it for a while yesterday under a tshirt and it didn't print to bad. Though it is a little big to easily conceal. I'll stick with my Taurus for CCW for now.

it's not going to break your wrist or anything:flipoff2:
I like to have all 3 9-40-45
I ever hit the loto I'll buy every used gun around since ca law is 1 per 30days new:evil:

I ever hit the loto I'll buy every used gun around since ca law is 1 per 30days new:evil:
That little quirk in the law is nice.:)

That little quirk in the law is nice.:)

yup
I used it once
not often I want to buy more then 1 in a month, but deals show up at non timed times:rolleyes::grinpimp:

it's not going to break your wrist or anything:flipoff2:
I like to have all 3 9-40-45
I ever hit the loto I'll buy every used gun around since ca law is 1 per 30days new:evil:
This is extra incentive to not reload.

I standardized on 9mm for all my pistols. Hell, I'm thinking of buying a snubby wheelgun at some point... in 9mm. My first (and prolly only) AR build will be...9mm.

It's cheaper to reload for all your guns, if the same bullets fit in everything you own. :p

The exceptions to that, for me, are the AK and Mosin I own. But steel-case surplus x54R and x39 ammo is cheap enough (and I shoot so little) they're not worth reloading for me.

This is extra incentive to not reload.

I standardized on 9mm for all my pistols. Hell, I'm thinking of buying a snubby wheelgun at some point... in 9mm. My first (and prolly only) AR build will be...9mm.

It's cheaper to reload for all your guns, if the same bullets fit in everything you own. :p

I've added four new calibers in the last two months, I've spent almost as much on reloading equipment as I have on guns.

To the OP, you need to try out all of your options before you put your money down. I have shot both an XD.40 (3") and a .45 (4") and like them both. As far as shot follow up its all in how you handle the recoil. I can palce 2 rounds as accurate with my Beretta 9000s (.40) as I can with my Bersa .380 or my 1911. Its just a matter of how you practice and train to recover from the recoil. Yea the .40 has more punch, but I attribute that more to the size/weight of the gun than the round itself. With all that being said, my next handgun will be an XD-40 sub-compact. I like the way they shoot.

I just got an e-mail back from my grandfather and he taking me to a range where we can shoot 2 or maybe more he said. Now I'm not sure if this is a rent a gun place or he has some in his stock who knows but I am trying them out before I buy. That much I do know. So when I get home probably next week after work we'll head over and I can try them out and see what my first hand gun purchase will be.

i CC my compact xd45 everyday with a IWB holster and love it. i have tryed many different holsters to carry with, but i still havent found a more compact and comfortable holster than a cheap $10 uncle mike IWB. other more expensive leather holsters make to big of a bulge and make it really uncomfortable to wear. i can CC with shorts and a t-shirt no problem with this combo. try them all out but i prefer either a 40 or 45 for the stopping power. the one thing i wish my XD had would a de-cocker other than that i have been very please with the pistol.

Seriously? I often shoot my XD40 (3") and full size 1911 in the same range session, and I really don't think the XD is bad at all. Sure it's snappy, but I really don't find reacquiring the sight picture to be slow at all. Maybe it's just because my 1911 sights suck that badly. :laughing:

The 4" .40 XD is way more snappy than it has any right to be, to the point of being annoying. Being a .40 carrier and shooter, I am quite aware of the inherent snappiness of the .40 round, but these things are have muzzle flip enhancers installed at the factory or something. I've converted at least three 4" .40 XD owners over to the Glock side after letting them shoot my Glock 23 side by side with their XD, the difference is pretty remarkable.

The big XDs don't have a big muzzle flip issue, there's some strange voodoo going on with the 4" model.

Update
Went to a range today and rented a glock 22 in 40 and 45. The place doesn't beleive in XD's because they get shot thousands of rounds in a lifetime and only get cleaned about every 3 months. So I went there and just shot a Sigma in .40. That gun sucked. Then went to a 40 Glock which was nice. He reloads and they are puppy rounds so I didn't exactly feel the snap which everyone described. Then went to a .45 and lets say you were all correct second shot placement was tough. Second shot placement wasn't bad with the .40. The grandfather thinks a .45 with a muzzle break wouldn't be bad. I'm guessing he really doesn't like 9mm's either.

Any one in eastern Pa with a XD in 9 40 or 45 willing to let me shoot it?

If all i can have is a handgun, i'd much rather take the .45 auto. It is still manageable and honestly the extra recoil isnt much of a bother. Not to say your going to be out getting yourself into combat situations or gang shootouts or whatever..9mm is effective and does the job, so whatever you feel more comfortable with.

that said, I have a xd .45 tac and feel it is the best auto for the price. It has always cycled even shit ammo and never once a hiccup.

I have had Glocks in all calibers and sizes. I have had most XD's as well. If you like th Glock you will love the XD. I highly recomend the 4" XD .45. You can't find a better gun for self defense. Not to say that there are not other guns out there... I carry or have carried Glock, Sig,Walther, Taurus, XD, Browning, Ruger, Smith, Keltec, Beretta, FN,Colt and more. There were a lot of nice guns and a lot of not so nice guns. Try out the XD, it is a easy gun to shoot and does not have many problems.
308fan

Thats another thing why I may want the 9mm over anything else. How many times or how often woudl I actually get into a firefight? Be nice to just have something to protect myself with. Plus I could still shoot to plink. Recoil wasn't the problem at all either it was the second shot time.

Didn't like the glocks. It didn't impress me at all. The .45 Glock didn't fit my hand well at all either.

Here's my take on the .45 vs 9mm debate.

To start with, I'm a diehard 1911 .45 guy. Its what I learned to shoot pistol with back when I was 12, so some 24 years ago. I finally got one of my own about a decade ago and love the damn thing. I've put thousands of rounds through it, and within the last year tried competing in IDPA with it (massive learning curve despite experience). Still love shooting that pistol, it's just comfortable, known, kinda like the smell of crayole crayons or elmers glue for me, brings back happy memories of childhood.

Recently I made the switch to the dark side and purchased a 9mm pistol, damn what a world of difference. You know how they say the trigger break should suprise you? Well, the 9mm has suprised me a couple times doing double taps, and damn if the second shot didn't hit exactly where I was aiming the first shot. Its a pussycat in terms of recoil, fast as hell compared to the .45 I'm used to and know so well, almost scary how quick follow up shots can be done. Then when you look at the expansion tests of todays bullets, and realise you are giving up maybe .2" in expanded diameter but have an added 2-300 fps, its a wash as far as stopping power, and you have in my case 9 more rounds at your disposal, what's not to love.

So, as a .45 fan, don't be scared of trying a 9mm, not loosing much in the way of expansion, added velocity, faster follow up shots, more capacity, and cheaper ammo. After 24 years, I have a new favorite pistol, and believe it or not, it aint .45.

Just my $.02.

Thanks that helps alot. Thats one of two things pushing me to the 9mm. I never owned a .45 but I know they stop people dead I know shot placement and all. But you guys get what I mean. 9mm I feel that second shot will be there compared to the .45 I shot today which second shot was all around even forcfully bringing it back down as quickly as possible. My gramps also said the IDPA muzzle breaks keep it straigh and won't come up like one without. I don't knwo if this is fact or not just repeating what he said.

IDPA doesn't allow muzzle brakes, so that aint true. Don't try to muscle the recoil, aint gonna happen, you have to learn how to work with it. Instead of the recoil being some big event you are trying to control, use the proper grip which applies pressure equally to all sides of the grip, and makes the recoil a purely up and down affair. Gun goes off, muzzle flips up, comes straight back down to your sight picture, gun goes off again. Granted there are ways to limit recoil or muzzle flip, such as weighted guide rods, compensators, lightened slides, etc, but the basics are to make it work in one plain, up and down. The sights should be aligned when the round goes off, and end up aligned when the muzzle drops after recoil, and that is the person behind the trigger, not the gun.

Having less recoil to begin with just helps things a bit since there is not as much movement between sight pictures.

Thanks that helps alot. Thats one of two things pushing me to the 9mm. I never owned a .45 but I know they stop people dead I know shot placement and all. But you guys get what I mean. 9mm I feel that second shot will be there compared to the .45 I shot today which second shot was all around even forcfully bringing it back down as quickly as possible. My gramps also said the IDPA muzzle breaks keep it straigh and won't come up like one without. I don't knwo if this is fact or not just repeating what he said.

If your grandpa is FFL, and knows a few gun shop owners.... why not ask him to tap a few of his friends to see if you can borrow a used or demo piece?

Before dropping that much coin on a firearm, with the amount of questions you have, you should try them out... That way the grass is not greener on the other side after you spend the money.

Just my .02

He did ask. He is FFL. The place I will most likely get it from well Xd's aren't that old and he doesn't deal with alot of used stuff so I don't think he can ask him. Maybe he would lt me borrow one if he had one he could loan out to me. His gun friends that go to shows with him or his real close friends doesn't have any right now. He actually just sold an XD9 which took him forever to sell. That was when I was at school and still against a 9 though.

The decision for me is still between this:

http://www.guntechinc.com/H_605SS.jpg

or

http://www.topguns.ch/images/big/Smith_Wesson.Medium%20Frame%20(K%20-%20L).659566988.jpg

but in stainless since it will be at the top of my sweaty ass crack all the time.

I learned I can't hit shit with an auto but I am not half bad with a wheel gun so I gave up on my Glocks.

Edited to add I will probably end up with the Taurus for the price difference and since it has fixed sights on the rear. Also will be chambered in 357 and I will shoot 38 +P's out of it when I am carrying.

I learned I can't hit shit with an auto but I am not half bad with a wheel gun so I gave up on my Glocks.

Try something with a 1911ish grip angle. You probably already have, but it might surprise you if you haven't.

Try something with a 1911ish grip angle. You probably already have, but it might surprise you if you haven't.

I have shot a 1911 on a few occasions, they were OK but not much better than the plastic pistols. My problem is that my concealed carry gun is more likely to take a hog or deer at 50 yards than take a human at 5 and I prefer to make humane shots at those distances which I just can't do with any auto I have shot to date.

Well my grandfather picked up a .40 cal Smith M and P pistol. Anyone have one? Real nice gun fits my hand well. Gonna do all the paper work when he gets back from the gun show today.

I've got an M&P 9mm, love it.

Go through this thread, I posted a crapton of M&P info in it for DRM.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=760327&highlight=

Thanks will do

Checked out the serial number 0134. Very early. I beleive the mags are black. I'm gonna look on all you sites you put in the other thread.