What's better than a Springfield XD-40?

[sean79]

I know it's a loaded question, but here's the story: Earlier this week, I found out that I won a Springfield XD-40 in a raffle. Whenever I go to pick up the pistol, I will have the option of getting anything else in the store - up to the value of the XD.

Initially, I was concerned about what appeared to be a DA only action (I have a Sigma with the looooooong heavy trigger), but from what I've heard, the XD's action isn't really the same as the SW9VE.

Then, I read a lot of other people's opinions about the .40 caliber in general - it seems to have a reputation of having a lot of "snappy" recoil - making target acquisition on follow up shots slower and more difficult than a similar gun in .45 ACP.

I'm in no way locked into getting a Springfield, but the XD sounds like a nice gun. If the trigger pull is reasonable, I might stick with it. But, if the .45 is the better round, I might get the .45 version. I could also go a completely different direction.

I currently have a SW9VE, a 5906, a small-framed .38, and a couple other guns not worth mentioning. I really like shooting the 5906 in SA mode, and I like the lighter weight of the Sigma.

Any experiences with .40 v. .45 - or with the Springfield XD in general? Any opinions on other guns I should look at in the 550 dollar range?

Thanks. --Sean

 

[ScottJ]

Unless you have a bad case of the gottahaveits for something else at the XDs price point I say try it.

A friend wanted me to try out his XD9 and I am simply amazed.

Then he has tempted me by saying I could buy it for a price well below market.

I'm trying to resist because I have no need in another 9MM and have other purchase goals this year but it is mighty tempting.

 

[panther]

Look at the S&W SD models, and the M&P. If you can pick anything in the store, up to the value of the XD, you might check out their used guns too. They'd probably have to take me out in a straight jacket babbling about all the pretty guns, good thing I never win raffles.

 

[sheepdawg]

My Colt Government Model kicks a bit harder than my new MP40 Pro. Having held the MP and the XD-40 I bought the MP. I thought it pointed better but we all know what opinions are like. Congrats on winning the XD-40, a very good pistol.

 

[rck281]

I have an XD in 40 with the optional custom carry package - night sights and trigger job. I like it so much it's my home protection gun.
Give it a try.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

I have the XD-45, and I absolutely love it. It fits my hand like a glove, and the trigger, while not a match trigger, is very consistant and easy to learn. I would buy another XD-45 in a second. I don't mean to tell you what to do, just offer my suggestion based on experience. I have shot a lot of handguns from revolvers to 1911s, to H&K 40s, in competitions and for plain old range time. The XD-45 with its 14 rd. capacity, reliability, and ease of use makes it my number one choice for CCW.

I would trade the .40 for the .45. With the ergonomics of the grip, the .45 ACP rd. just gives your hand a push, not a smack. My brother shot mine, and after the first rd. he looked at me and asked, "This is a .45?" He bought one for himself that very week.


WG840

 

[firearmsunlimited]

"The 1911 was the design given by God to us through John M. Browning that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and is true now."
Colonel Robert J. Coates, USMC

 

[CalebJns]

I have both the XD40 and will be getting the XD45 this weekend. The XD9 (formerly HS2000) was the first pistol I purchased...I have to say the XD line as well as the XDm line are some of the best in my opinion. Very durable and rugged, would trust my life and the life of my family with any of them at any time...Good luck with the choice...and congrats on the win...

 

[ajpelz]

I have a XD 9 SC and LOVE it. I would look around the shop, and probably either go 9mm or 45 over 40, but the XD is a nice weapon platform.

 

[reyno2ac]

Good luck choosing a gun. I enjoyed my XD9, except when it came to carrying and ergonomics. I never had a single problem with it.

As far as caliber goes, I own both a 9mm and a .45 M&P compact. I would say they have about the same vertical muzzle flip, but the .45 has more of a push to it that seems to balance it out much better. If you can, and want to, I would go with a .45. Brand and model are up to you and what is comfortable.

 

[sean79]

Thanks for all the replies. I wish I lived closer to the store (a three hour trip to the in-laws) - I'd be able to check out all my options. As it is, I'm not sure what they'll have in stock or when I'll go.

How much different is the "striker-fired" XD than the dual-action of my Sigma? And... is the accuracy of the pistol likely to be better than, worse than, or similar to that of my 5906?

 

[RR917]

I have the XD-45, and I absolutely love it. It fits my hand like a glove, and the trigger, while not a match trigger, is very consistant and easy to learn. I would buy another XD-45 in a second. I don't mean to tell you what to do, just offer my suggestion based on experience. I have shot a lot of handguns from revolvers to 1911s, to H&K 40s, in competitions and for plain old range time. The XD-45 with its 14 rd. capacity, reliability, and ease of use makes it my number one choice for CCW.

I would trade the .40 for the .45. With the ergonomics of the grip, the .45 ACP rd. just gives your hand a push, not a smack. My brother shot mine, and after the first rd. he looked at me and asked, "This is a .45?" He bought one for himself that very week.


WG840

Get the XD 45, you wont be sorry... if you end up having some regret (as i did) in the beginning, just shoot it a few more times and youll end up loving it...

i imagine the XD 9 and XD 40 are equally as nice

 

[CajunBass]

I had an XD-9 that I really liked. Yes, I traded it off, not because there was anything wrong with the gun, but simply because I saw something I couldn't live without, and at the time I had other 9mm's I didn't think I could get as much for. So the XD went. Probably a mistake.

That gun never jammed. It hit where I pointed it. It was probably a bit large for concealed carry, but it was the duty sized gun and not really made for CC. The trigger is better than a Sigma, about the same as my wife's Glock 19 really. Physically it probably falls between the Glock 19 and the 17. It's thicker...deeper I guess through the slide than a Glock.

Personally I'd stick with the XD, but I might switch it to a 9mm. Ammo for the 9 is less expensive, and I've just never seen much reason for the 40 at all. If you like it, get the 40.

I do remember one thing I didn't like about it. By the time I loaded up those 17 (IIRC) round magazines, and then emptied them, I had gone through most of a box of ammo. It made for a really short range trip. Take plenty of ammo.

 

[Revolver-time]

I own a XD 40. It is totally reliable. I do not feel much difference in recoil between it and a friend's XD 45. I traded a P-345 for the XD and have really enjoyed it. It has become my house gun putting a Kimber 1911 back in the safe.

 

[FirebirdV8]

I have heard a lot of good things about the XD series. The recoil is really subjective. I know of some people who just don't like .40 S&W and call it snappy in anything but a 4006. Of course there are others who don't mind, or don't notice the increased recoil over a 9mm. You really need to rent some guns from a nearby range and see what works best for you. On the matter of the XD vs Sigma, both are striker fired, but have different trigger pulls. For me striker vs hammer doesn't really make a huge difference, but the trigger system that controls it all is what matters. Find what works for you and you will be a happy camper.

 

[ScottJ]

How much different is the "striker-fired" XD than the dual-action of my Sigma?

Both the Sigma and XD are striker fired guns as they have no external hammer.

The XDs trigger is lighter and shorter than the Sigma because it has a grip safety like a 1911 which partially cocks the striker giving the trigger less work to do.

 

[Lost Lake]

Wow, am I jealous... I never win anything that sweet...

My brother in law has a couple of XD's that I have shot, and I like them a lot. His are 9mm and 45, and I also had to ask if the 45 actually used real 45 ammo or if it was some special toned-down round. The only .45 I had shot prior to his was a Kimber 1911.

A kind of funny misconception on my part when I first shot a .45 was I really expected a BLAST and a lot of muzzle flip. I was used to a .38 and a .357, and I had shot my friend's .44 magnum... now I was going even BIGGER with a .45.... but no, they shoot really well.

I just picked up a .40 M&P and hope I didn't make the wrong choice. I have heard the .40 is snappy. Oh well, I have plenty of room in the safe for a .45 if the .40 doesn't suit me. Heck I'm even thinking of a 9mm.... and I have bashed them for years.

 

[310nightguard]

I have owned an XD-40 for 8 plus years... good guns, reliable, durable, accurate as any shooter.

The recoil is quite mild; my 110 pound wife shoots it well.

 

[growr]

As an Instructor I own 3 XD's and 3 M&P's a 9, 40 and 45 in each. All are totally reliable for me and when I use them as a loaner gun to students that either don't have a center fire gun or simply want to try one or the other. What I would suggest is that you handle and if possible live fire your candidates and make a decision based on what fits in your hand.
I am slightly faster and slightly more accurate with my M&P's than my XD's according to my friends timer and the target face....so on match day my M&P's often are the choice...sometimes a 5903 and sometimes a revolver depending on what I feel like.
Get what feels best to YOU and enjoy the heck out of it!
Randy

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

XD-40

I have owned my Springfield XD-40 for a couple of years. The gun is manufactured far superior than a M&P or Glock and will stand up to less loose breach than most on the market. I have shot over 3000 rounds in a three day advanced tactical course and had no malfunctions. I check for loose breach and it is still tight. The sear resets quicker for the subsequent shot. I would suggest plenty of dry firing, with a dummy round, and get used to the take up on the trigger. With practice, you will know how far to take up on target before the sear releases the striker. This is my carry gun and night stand gun. I practice and dry fire at least 20 minutes a day creating different senerios on different targets. You will not be sorry for choosing that gun. Most of the Police agencies are using .40 versus the 9mm or .45.

Nick