Springfield XD
 

Does any one here have or have shot one of the Springfield XD hand guns? I am considering purchasing one of their 4" service models in either 357 Sig or 40 S&W in OD green and black.

If any one has one of these let me here it. Good, bad, or indiferent.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi bigbulls,

My brother-in-law purchased one of the 4" in .40 S&W. We......him, his wife, their daughter and son-in-law, my wife, and I (whew).......went shooting at an informal range. We put several hundred rounds through that gun collectively, (plus many more rounds....through a number of other guns). Everyone liked his XD so well that he went and purchased another 4" XD in 9mm for his wife's "house gun". She had a KelTec P-11 before but didn't like the recoil of the little gun.

A month or two later we (basically the same group plus another or two) went out again and had the new XD along this time.....as well as the older one. Pretty much the same story all over again. Collectively shot hundreds of rounds through the 9mm XD....and everyone agreed...it was nice! The 9mm recoiled even less and the women liked it even better! Plus we put another couple hundred through the .40 again.

Both pistols functioned well. I think there was one or two failures to completely eject an empty case. But you have to remember, these were both brand new pistols....never fired before. And a large number of people were shooting. Some more experienced and some less experienced. Once we explained that pistols needed to be fired without "limp wristing" the grip.....the problem stopped! I don't think the pistols were the real source of the problem.

Personally, before I'd put either of these pistols into service as defensive weapons......I'd personally fire 300-500 rounds minimum (but I do that with all guns meant for protection). Half of that could be inexpensive practice ammo. (Actually I might fire 500 rounds of just inexpensive ammo to facilitate break-in.) And I'd follow with 200 rounds minimum of the ammo I intended to carry. If I experience any operable reliability issues with either the pistol.....or later the carry ammo...I continue to try different ammunition until I had something that I knew would function. Failing to find that.....I'd look for another gun!

But I think both of these pistols are going to be just fine! And have no qualms recommending them, (with the caveat.....that I'm basing that on the limited experience I just described).

Good luck with your decision!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

Have the 9mm and would not trade it for anything. Cleaned up all my other semi-auto's and put them in the safe.

RE: Springfield XD
 

www.hs2000talk.com

RE: Springfield XD
 

A friend has the 40 S&W in the 4" model and liked it so well that he bought the 2" model with the lights and nite sights in 9 mm . I was surprised how well it shot with the short barrel .

RE: Springfield XD
 

I think I just might have to purchase one of these here real soon. Great site 454. And a great informative story there AK.

I might have to rethink the green though. It might clash with some of my wardrobe.;):D Black goes with anything.;)


Thanks guys.

RE: Springfield XD
 

I have two of them. One I carry on the job, the other is a personal carry pistol. Both of my pistols are the same 40 S&W XD-Tactical model. I first trained with them two years ago. The department got a good buy on them, I am glad they did. They are a great pistol. I personally shoot better with the tactical model than I do with any other model.

RE: Springfield XD
 

I went to Cabela's today in an attempt to buy an XD40 4"......(2 local dealers have one in stock but I was the Fortunate recipient of some Cabela's gift cards.;):D)
Anyway, long story short....they didn't have one.[:@] Only a 9mm Sub.

Everyone cross your fingers for me as they are calling to their other stores in an attempt to locate one.:eek:

Everything I have read and heard about these XD's has been overwhelmingly positive.
This is going to be my carry gun as well as vehicle/home. (I can see an M3 tac light in my future as well:))

Akbound,
If you don't mind, you seem to be pretty well versed in the defense gun subject. This will be my first .40........Any recommendations on a good defense load for this particular model? (Also a nice cheap plinker style round to get a feel and help with break in before I trust it fully.)

Wolf killer,
What rounds are you carrying on the job?

Come on Cabela's......find one.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi Matt/PA,

An easy local source of relatively inexpensive plinking/range ammo is Winchester "white box". Most WalMart's carry in bulk pack 100 rounds for about $10. for 9mm, $15. for .40 S&W, $20. for .45 ACP. This is newly manufactured commercial ammunition. (You can usually buy former Eastern Block ammo cheaper.....but it tends to burn dirtier....usually has steel non reloadable cases....and of course you need to be aware of quality control....or lack of!) You can also shop around for bulk prices that sometimes are better "by the case". But for most people the easy way to get reliable practice ammo is the "white box" bulk at WalMart.

As for effective carry ammo......there have been books written on that subject alone. The .40 S&W is quickly establishing itself with a good record of "stopping" during shootings. The first criteria for any "carry load" for your particular gun is that it is absolutely functionally reliable. Probably most commercail hollow point (and specialty ammo for defense) will function reliably in the XD. But I wouldn't trust any brand in any of my guns until I'd put a minimum of 200 or 300 rounds of it through the gun without any hitches. And that means check each and every magazine you intend to use or carry. Frequently semi-auto funtioning problems are directly related to individual magazines! (In the premium ammunition brands.....that can get expensive. But it is infinitesimally cheaper than the alternative!) Their are numerous brands of ammuniton that have garnered reputations for providing "good records during actual shootings". No matter which I'd name....I'd be sure to miss a few. But having said that I will mention most of Corbon's dedicated to defensive situations and Federal Hydra-Shok® have reasonably good records. Speer's Gold Dot and the other major manufacturer's have ammuntion with defensive applications and are becoming major players in the that market. (Another good alternative is to check what your local and or state PD are carrying.......and mimic them. Considerable thought has gone into what the LE community carry's these days and it will prove easy to defend it's use in court if heaven forbid....you actually ever do use it!) But in the end.....whatever you carry for serious purposes....make sure it functions well in your gun!

Hope this helps!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

My wife had one and loves it?! I have to ask for her permission before I can shoot it.

It is a great shooting gun. We have never had a problem with it at all. I love the feel of it much more than a Glock. I like the safety features, how easy it is to break down to clean, and it just fits right in my hands.

We primarily shoot the Winchester white box stuff from Walmart and it shoots liek a dream.

Matt

RE: Springfield XD
 

Another good ammo which I feel is alot better than WWB, is Fiochi- for under $6 per box of 50 its a hard value to beat for accuracy and value.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi Briman,

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to find some and give it a try.

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

UPDATE!

I did it......I broke down and purchased a new Springfield XD 4", .40 S&W! I knew once I had fired my brother-in-law's it was only a matter of time before the inevitable!

Don't you hate it when your arm gets twisted and you have to go do something like that?!?!;)

Range report to follow!:D:D:D:D:D

Dave

BTW: Who else thinks I should send my brother-in-law the bill? (Not the gun......just the bill!)

RE: Springfield XD
 

Definitely send the bill to your brother-in-law. After all, it is his fault that you spent the money!

Seriously though, the XD seems to be a great gun. I can't wait to read the range report since I am looking at getting a 40 cal also.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Definetly send him the bill.

After all it is his fault and he was twisting your arm. I'd also charge him for all of the "mental anguish" you had to put up with before you were finally "persuaded" into buying it.;)

I hope you feel better there AK. I'll bet a day at the range will help a little.;)


PS. Did you get the all black or the green.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi guys,

I got the black, (just under $400. new), and it's going to take more than one day at the range to make things right.;) Come rain or shine......this weekend! Even if it is very informal.

I'll most decidely let you guys know how it shoots!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

Well, I put 300 rounds through the XD yesterday. This gun wants to be a shooter! In spite of my having too much caffiene prior to my time on the range......not one shot was out of the X ring at 25 feet (paladin target). I shot some Winchester White box, 180grain Ball. Shot some MagTech 180grain ball. And of course shot some Federal HydraShoks 180grain Personal Defense, and Corbon 165grain HP. The XD kept everything in the 9 ring or better at 50 feet......and every shot made for the head......was in the head, at either range.

Truth of the matter is the gun would have shot better but I had taken the wrong contact lenses......and drank too much coffee before the session. But those are frequently the same circumstances I'd face if I was using the sidearm for serious social purposes! So in that regard.....it was a fair test!

I will most decidely be back to the range either later this week......or next weekend! (Also shot my ParaOrdnance P12-45......but I was having too much fun with the XD to leave it lay for long. The Para only got 100 rounds this weekend! It had Win. white box 230gr. ball, MagTech 230gr. ball, and Federal HydraShoks 230gr. Per. Defense.) Oh well......always another day!:D

Dave

P.S. Also picked up a FIST IWB Kydex strong side RH, a great holster! Plus looking for a nice crossdraw for auto travel! Let you'll know what it is.....when I get it. (Until I decide on which crossdraw, I've order a Roto Paddle as a stopgap.)

RE: Springfield XD
 

I forgot to mention I also put 50 rounds through the Ruger P94 .40, just to keep my hand in. As always the Ruger worked without a hitch. But the new XD kept calling my name.....had to lay the Ruger down. I also started to put 50 rounds through the KelTec P3AT .380, but I had a trigger malfunction about 20 or 21 rounds into the session. The trigger mechanism would not reset. I cleared the weapon and after I had finished on the range and cleared the range I went into the gun shop where myself and one of the rangemasters disassembled the gun. We did that twice before the trigger would reset. Worst of it is....even though the trigger is now functioning.....we weren't able to ascertain exactly what had happened. I've contacted KelTec's customer service, (last night to be exact), and I'm certain they'll get right back with me. They have been very "good" in the past when I've had a need to contact them. (Referencing a problem with a belt clip mounting pin. I had one that wasn't completely threaded in the pin. The KelTec rep nearly sent me two new ones, I had to tell them just one, plus I had it two days after the conversation. They didn't want the defective one back, or postage, or anything. They treated me very well!) Also a somewhat similar trigger problem on a P32. But the trigger on the P32 reset immediately upon my pulling the slide to the rear and releasing it. Which caused me at the time to think I had "short stroked" the trigger return during rapid fire drills. After the problem with the P3AT though.....I'm not so certain! Both of those guns are out of the CCW battery until I resolve to my satisfaction the trigger problem is not an issue, and I have put several hundred rounds through them to verify! That's why I'm looking real hard at the Kahr PM9, or PM40. They may be the replacement for a pocket backup. (A NAA in .380 or .32NAA or Beretta Tomcat in .32ACP, if the Kahr proves too large.)

I'll keep everyone posted!

Dave

P.S. Went to a local indoor 50 foot range. Took the easy way out. Electric targets.....heated, dry, coffee pot, (told you....too much caffiene;))! Stayed for an hour! Loads of fun!!!!!:D:D:D:D

RE: Springfield XD
 

Latest Update: Yesterday ordered a Don Hume Strong Side Cross Draw, (SSCD) in Chestnut Brown for the XD. It has three belt slots so it can be worn either Strong Side......or Cross Draw. (It's right hand by the way but I believe it is also available in left hand.) The reason I wanted the Cross Draw capability is for automobile travel. The seat belt makes many strong side RH holsters uncomfortable for traveling, but more importantly frequently interferes with accessibility and presentation from the holster. For a right handed driver either a crossdraw or an ankle holster (when appropriate for the size of the firearm) are much quicker! With the 4" XD it was an easy choice.......crossdraw!

After I get the holster I'll let you know what I think of it!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

Interesting site this is. just thought i would add a tid bit for eveyone. not that you care though. for the longest time i was trying to choose the right handgun for myself. everywhere i went all i heard was Glock Glock Glock Glock. so i tried it. i put about 300 rounds through the Glock 22 .40. i must say that i thought it was pretty nice. although i am a novice when it comes to guns. anyways, then i had a friend of mine who is a weapons instructor for an academy and he mentioned the
XD along with the Glock, and Sig. i tried the sig but after shooting the Glock it was like holding up a D*** brick. then i finally got my chance to try the XD .40 and when i put it in my hands for the first time it was like holding a newborn baby. AMAZING!! then after squeezing off the very first round i was convinced. believe it or not. i like the sighting much better, the recoil is much more comfortable(if that makes sense) and i was extremely more accurate with it than the Glock. right now im on a waiting list to get it. alone with another 20 people. i couldnt believe it. i hear more and more how people are going to that gun now. as far as the price goes. their website advertises it for 489$ and in the stores here in Az, its selling for around 525$. i got it for a steal at 419$ !!! im so happy. :D

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi soapbox,

Let us know when you pick it up. Which barrel length are you getting? I finally picked the 4" as a compromise, and a nice compromise it is. Also give us an unpdate on your first couple of range sessions!

I'll bet the wait is driving you nuts!;)

Dave

BTW......congratulations!

RE: Springfield XD
 

Whoo-hoo, the XD-45 will be shipping in April...just got off the horn with Springfield!
Now to figure out how to get one....since I live in Maryland and the freakin' liberals have figured out how to start chipping away at our 2nd ammendment[:@][:'(]

RE: Springfield XD
 

mlaubner, move to Oklahoma man!!! Not only can you have it, but you can even shoot it down here!!

RE: Springfield XD
 

Danny45,
You don't know how many times I have considered moving to another state!!!
But I have 5 young boys; 3 in school and 2 at home, opening a restaurant and working on 3 TV shows. Don't want to uproot everyone for a pistol. What I can't figure out is that MD is a classs III weapon state, <ok for full auto and supressors> but we must have built-in gun locks on pistols to sell them here; can someone please explain that logic to me:eek:. Stupid frekin' liberals. I just wish Sarah Brady and her crew would take a cruise on the S.S. Minnow and meet with the same fate![:@][:'(];)

RE: Springfield XD
 

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaw, they get rescued eventually. :D

RE: Springfield XD
 

Yea they do, but I'll bet they wish they had a gun then. and besides, by the time they get rescued and back to the states...without their stupid freakin' gun laws that haven't cut down on 1 crime in the state, we would all be hopeless, gun totin' savages.
Then her and her crew might just get back on the boat and head back to her own little gun free island where they can all live happily ever after...

RE: Springfield XD
 

I had an XD 40 and was generally happy with it with the exception of having no actual safety or decock device. Mine was ported, which greatly helped with second shot acquisition, but I have sold it and acquired a Ruger P-Series pistol with decocking lever and feel safer about handling the gun. Keep in mind that the XD was imported into the US before Springfield Armory got a hold of it and was $100.00 a gun cheaper than it is now.

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi Slurrytank,

Actually the XD has several saftey devices built into the trigger and another at the rear of the grip. They are in fact different then the safety(ies) of more traditional autos, but they are no less safe than say any DA revolver. And there are quite a few other autos on the market now with no manual safety other than either a DA trigger or in Glocks case, their safe-action trigger system.

I don't fault your logic at replacing it if it made you uncomfortable handling it. Because when it's all said and done.....each person needs to determine for themselves what they are, or are not comfortable with!

Good luck with your new Ruger!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

I have had the XD 40 since just after they came out. I love it and can say in 2 years, I have never had a FTE or FTF. I even tried to "limp wrist" a couple rounds and it kicked them right out. It is every bit as accurate as I am. I shot a 30 round qualifier for my CCW and got all in the 10 and 80% were x's at 15 and 21 feet.

I don't care for the OD green, or the black under nickle, but thats me!!!!!!!!!

I have yet to meet anyone that has handled my XD that hasn't liked it.

Haven't found a great holster for it yet, thats my only complaint!

RE: Springfield XD
 

Hi firsttimeelkhunter,

If you like IWB holsters check out the FIST ultra-thin IWB for the XD. I have one and find it extremely comfortable and funtional. (Cost about thirty-five dollars.) If you like OWB belt holsters check out Don Humes SSCD in leather. It can be worn strong-side with forward cant (ala FBI), or it can be carried crossdraw. It has three belt slots which allow for the change of wear positions. It is extremely comforable, fairly concealable, and when worn crossdraw makes for an easily accessible firearm during auto travel. All in all a good value for the money!

Good luck with your search!

Dave

RE: Springfield XD
 

Love my XD9 4". Great gun.

If you looking for a good OWB or IWB holster then I recommend http://www.sidearmor.net

I have the IWB with a 15* cant and love it.