When to Customize vs. When to Exchange: A Newcomer's Post

[C0RLoCK]

Hello all, I will start by saying that I am a new member and I am 28 years old. I am away from home most of the time, and have few chances to practice, let alone visit a range. Last year I chose my first pistol, a Springfield XDM compact 9mm. I spent several months researching, and tried out several at my local range before buying.

Two of the 10 pistols that I tried felt good, "right" in my hands, the H&K vp9 and the Springfield XDS 9mm. In the end, my choice leaned towards the Springfield XDS because the vp9 simply seemed too big for a carry firearm. During my research I was already leaning towards the XDM 9mm anyways so I figured the XDS was the closest to shooting the XDM as I could get, because they didn't have one.

Since then, I have tried to happy with my XDM because of its great capacity and warranty, but I have started to realize that I don't enjoy shooting it very much. After bringing it home, I immediately switched out the back strap to the smaller of the three, and it helped a little but I still cannot hit the mag release without losing my pointer or middle finger and losing most of my grip. Also after practicing to keep a proper grip, the aggressive texture starts to hurt my palm something fierce.

Now, coming close to 2018, I was truly happy to see H&K come out with their vp9sk, which it seems I would have chosen last year had it been available. So now I come to you all for advice. I have a decision to make, and I haven't found any answers researching because it seems to come down to personal opinion. It's a tough question to answer as an open question. When to customize and when to exchange?

Do I customize my XDM grip to fit my hand and stop hurting me, thereby voiding the warranty?
Or...
Do I trade in my XDM and get the smaller capacity vp9sk?

I am aware there is no perfect answer, but I would love to hear some outside opinions. Thank you all for your input! - Corey

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[Bill In Texas]

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

 

[C0RLoCK]

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Thank you Sir =)

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[Rpg]

Welcome!

I'd be reluctant to indulge in customizing an inexpensive pistol, especially if it would void a warranty. Kind of like throwing good money after bad.

I'd sell it and buy a gun that better fits what you want.

Treat any loss as tuition: learning what works for you and what doesn't.

 

[lrrifleman]

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

If you can readily get a new handgun without jumping through permit hoops, I would go shopping for the handgun that you feel most comfortable with, especially since it will be a carry gun! Try different makes and models before you drop your money. For me, Glocks just don't feel right, so I avoid them like the plague. I find the 1911 frame to be comfortable and ideal, along with the 439. I also have a Mauser HSc, which fits well. I tend to avoid all other semi-autos.

 

[Targets Guy]

Welcome to the forum. Follow your heart.

Were it me I would keep what I have and buy the new one.

 

[C0RLoCK]

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

If you can readily get a new handgun without jumping through permit hoops, I would go shopping for the handgun that you feel most comfortable with, especially since it will be a carry gun! Try different makes and models before you drop your money....

Unfortunately for me, where I live, they require background checks. Fortunately for me, I am a Boy Scout LOL, so it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

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[JamesArthur60]

Welcome. I customized a handgun to my liking. Having said that, when you customize a gun and decided one day (it happens) to sell it, you won't get a fair price for the extra work done. A great deal for a potential buyer, but doubtful you'll make a profit. IMO, sell your uncomfortable gun and buy what makes you a happy gun owner. BTW, I used a handgun in competition sport shooting that performed flawlessly. Until the grip finally was not a good fit for my hand. That gun was the Xdm.

 

[C0RLoCK]

RPG- that is kind of where I was leaning, I'm a believer in customizing something, especially as important of a tool as a firearm. But if customization is required for something to work, it may be worth replacing with the right tool for the job.

Targets Guy- I have considered that as well, but if I am to be honest, I have already exceeded my budget this year for firearms, that is why I was looking into an exchange rather than an all-out purchase. You got to love those last-minute additions to a catalog LOL. I also feel that if I did keep the XDM, that it would likely being neglected in favor of a firearm I enjoy shooting better.

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[C0RLoCK]

Welcome. I customized a handgun to my liking. Having said that, when you customize a gun and decided one day (it happens) to sell it, you won't get a fair price for the extra work done. A great deal for a potential buyer, but doubtful you'll make a profit. IMO, sell your uncomfortable gun and buy what makes you a happy gun owner. BTW, I used a handgun in competition sport shooting that performed flawlessly. Until the grip finally was not a good fit for my hand. That gun was the Xdm.

That's a good point regarding resale value, one that I hadn't considered. I would also agree that the XDM is an awesome firearm, and I would recommended to anyone. If I was to sell it, would you suggest offering all the holsters and mag holders I've acquired as well?

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[Rpg]

Yes!

Sell it all (unless you have another use for the accessories).

 

[C0RLoCK]

By the way James, what did you replace your XDM with for competitions? Just curious.

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[C0RLoCK]

Yes!

Sell it all (unless you have another use for the accessories).

Thanks RPG, I probably won't have a use for them unless the vp9sk fits a Kydex XDM holster, though I doubt it. I know the mag holders won't work.

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[bigwheelzip]

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

It took me half a dozen purchases before I learned what kind of carry I am looking for, and that was after trying everything in the range rental cases. I have to live with a weapon for a while before I know for sure if I like it.

You might want to try grip tape or a grip sleeve, before you give up. It can make a big difference in feel without altering the gun.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome from Va.

 

[C0RLoCK]

Bigwheel- I suppose that would offer some relief, but sadly that wouldn't bring the controls any closer to reach. I think my hands fall into a grey category, long fingers, big palms & short thumbs LOL.

Oldtimer- Thank you Sir. Glad to finally join the frey! I've been browsing this forum quite a bit, but never fully committed until today.

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[mrsig]

Welcome from Tampa

 

[OLDSTER]

Welcome from North Dakota

 

[MCorps0311]

Welcome aboard.

 

[C0RLoCK]

Thanks guys! =)

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