I have the XD-9, but I absolutely love mine. It's the first and only handgun I've had that I wouldn't trade for anything else. Mine is here to stay. I prefer the manual safety free system, and I like the trigger MUCH better than a Glock. The pistol is well built, tough and functions flawlessly. The trigger is light enough to shoot accurately, but not so light that an adrenaline pumped person could accidently touch one off (a problem common to many custom 1911 triggers). The other controls are easy to reach and operate and function positively. The mags, which are smooth polished stainless steel, not polymer, easily drop free of the gun when the ambidexterous mag release is pushed even when empty.

Accuracy is comparable to most defensive handguns, with the pistol able to keep all shots inside a 3-4" circle at 25 yards from a rest. Not spectacular, but definitely good enough for a defensive arm (I'm also not really that great of a pistol shot, I'll admit).

The pistol breaks down easily without tools, but the only problem with stripping the XD is that the trigger must be pulled to release the striker before the slide will come off. Not a big deal if you properly clear the weapon, but could be an issue for a careless or untrained person. I understand that they corrected this issue with the new XD(m) version.

I also very much like the grip angle of the XD. It feels more like a 1911 and points very comfortably and naturally for me. The grip is also just the right width. I traded a Glock 21 for the XD, and the Glock's grip angle was too far from 90 degrees, making the pistol not point well and the grip was too wide to be comfortable, and I have very large hands.

My opinion is that the XD is a better gun than the Glock. Now, I will say that the XD will not be quite up to the standards of the high-end 1911's out there in terms of finish and such. But it was meant to be a rugged and reliable defensive sidearm, not a showpiece, and it does an outstanding job at what it's designed for.

I think that if you buy an XD, or better yet, the new XD(m), you'll be very happy with your choice.

Mike