How does your XD compare to your 1911?

[darkfire]

I've searched on this topic but I didn't come up with much. Basically I'd like to hear from anyone who owns both an XD and a 1911 (or has shot both); how do the 2 compare in terms of general accuracy and frequent use/reliability?

[Camper]

Had the new XD 45ACP, Sig 220, and the Colt Mod 70 series 1911 Government model out last Thursday. All three are great shooters and each is unique as well. Comparisons from my perspective are hard as I don't consider myself an expert in the area. Once you get used to the triggers of each, you improve each time you take the weapon out. Recoil to me, is no major concern with any of the three and since non malfunctioned, can't comment there. It really boils down to your own likes and dislikes. Lastly, they are both accurate!

[dairycreek]

I just purchased my first XD, the XD45 ACP, and I own several, quality 1911 pistols. Because the XD is new and I have my own shooting range I have put several hundreds of round through it and, while I make absolutely no claim to any expertise, I would be pleased to share my initial impressions.

As to reliability I would have to say that all my 1911's are reliable but they did not start out that way. I have had to "tune" each one of them to get it totally reliable to the point I would use it as a carry weapon. As I said, I have put several hundreds of rounds through the XD and have experienced no problem of any kind. My personal criteria for "reliability" in a pistol is 200 rounds fired consecutively with no problem/malfunction of any kind. The XD exceeded that out of the box.

As to accuracy Kind of a tricky question for me as I have a case of "aging eyes" that make pinpoint accuracy kind of problematic. Both the 1911's and the XD are, for me, more than acceptably accurate.

My son-in-law who is a terrific pistol shot can put 5 shots into doggone nearly one hole at 7 yards with my 1911's can do pretty much the same with my new XD. With practice he will, I believe, get better with the XD. Combat accuracy is IMHO excellent for the XD.

Of course the big, big difference is between trigger performance and there is really no way to compare a tuned single action trigger (1911) and that of any striker fired weapon (XD). While I am proficient with the XD I much prefer the crisp, clean let off of a well tuned 1911. But, let me hasten to add that the difference between them are the fundamental strengths of each. Good luck and hope this helps some

[PastSooner]

I have an XD with the fantastic trigger job from Canyon Creek. It is much more like a 1911 trigger but, not really. The 1911 trigger is its strongest advantage.

I haven't yet taken my XD to a match, because I am so used to the mechanics of taking the safety of the 1911 off during the draw, that its absence on the XD throws me off a little and I have to fiddle with where to put my right thumb.

The sight plane of the XD is really good and comes on target quickly, for me.

1911's usually do seem to require some work to optimize performance and the XD is much closer to its peak potential out of its box.

I think it comes down to whether you prefer steel or plastic.

[Ctkelly]

Two different animals really...

Reliability...I've never had a failure with the XD in .357 SIG. Alot of that probably has to do with the bottleneck cartridge and the loose frame/slide fit. Ive shot many many handloads and factory ammo with no troubles.

My 1911's with Ranger T ammo and tweaked mags have given me very little trouble. I have had some trouble feeding some Double Tap ammo with gold dots with one gun, but that may have been a mag issue at the time. One thing I know is both of my 1911s are very finicky about the COL as opposed to the XD in .357 SIG.

Accuracy....hands down my 1911's win (both springfield btw). Of course they have had work done to both of them but so has the XD.

The 1911 has the better trigger by far. My XD went out to the springfield shop and they did a fantastic job of tuning up the trigger. That also cost me alot more than the excellent trigger jobs I get on my 1911s.

Accessories if thats your thing....1911 wins easily...over any gun when it boils down to it. As far as holsters and magazines, it shouldnt be a big deal as there are plenty of good options out there for either one. Sights are somewhat limited on the XD but I think there are plenty of good choices out there. Mine is equipped with TFO truglos from ajames.

I guess it really boils down to what you want to do. The 1911 can be setup to do just about anything. I think the XD is more suited towards self defense and general plinking/target shooting. Im happy with both. For the time being I am carrying my XD more often than my 1911....as Im left with the "target" 1911 and my "carry" 1911 is off to have some work done to it.

[darkfire]

The feedback has been helpful, thanks for all the replies so far. For those of you that own Springfield 1911's - what model? I'm looking at the GI .45 model currently. (PS: note that I'm not trying to change this thread to a 1911-only discussion!)

[mullanman]

I have a GI, and Loaded model. If you want a gun that is basic and never plan to work on it, the GI is fine. The sites are the old fashioned combats...Very hard to use.

Loaded Models, have nice features, novak sites, nice full size beavertail, good finish, ambi safeties and are accurate out of the box.

Shoot several 1911's prior to buying one and see which features meet your demand.

If you want accuracy and plan to shoot alot, buy a milspec or loaded model. Also take a look at the new S&W 1911's. Good value for the money.

[darkfire]

Originally Posted by mullanman

I have a GI, and Loaded model. If you want a gun that is basic and never plan to work on it, the GI is fine. The sites are the old fashioned combats...Very hard to use.

Loaded Models, have nice features, novak sites, nice full size beavertail, good finish, ambi safeties and are accurate out of the box.

Shoot several 1911's prior to buying one and see which features meet your demand.

If you want accuracy and plan to shoot alot, buy a milspec or loaded model. Also take a look at the new S&W 1911's. Good value for the money.

Thanks for that input. Based on what you've said and from what I've read, I'm scratching the GI off of the list and looking at the MilSpec instead. The SW1911 is a great looking firearm, and even though the price is fair, I'm looking for something less expensive. Thanks again!

[JD McDorce]

-deleted-

[darkfire]

Originally Posted by JD McDorce

Since I have only had my XD45ACP for a week, it is a little difficult for me to give a true assessment of it. However, my initial impressions in comparison to a Colt Series 80 Gold Cup (purchased NIB in 1984) and a Springfield Black Stainless (PX9152L, purchased NIB last July) are as follows:

Accuracy: 1. Gold Cup, 2. XD45ACP, 3. Black Stainless. The Gold Cup was advertised as a match pistol and performs true to it's roots. I've had it for 22 years and the gun is still more accurate that I am. The XD45ACP, thus far, meets or exceeds my expectations. I did not expect the 4 inch (and change) barrel to match the 5 inch Gold Cup in accuracy. It does consistently put rounds through the "A" zone out to 15 yards. The intent was to get a high-cap .45 for self-defense purposes and it appears to fill that role nicely. The Black Stainless has been a disappointment and will likely be the last Springfield Armory badged 1911-A1 that I will ever own. At a MSRP of over $1,100, I expected much better.

Reliability: 1. XD45ACP, 2. Black Stainless, 3. Gold Cup. The Gold Cup is extremely finicky when it comes to ammo and there are certain hollow point bullet designs that it doesn't feed well. Both 1911s have shown a tendency to have chambers that get carboned up fairly easily, leading to extraction issues with some ammo. The Black Stainless is slightly more likely to have feed issues than the XD, recognizing that my experience with the XD45ACP is limited to date.

I guess to put it into perspective, if I were going to the range to shoot bullseyes for a trophy, I'd take the Gold Cup. If I were awakened during the middle of the night with intruders in the house, I would grab the XD.

Good summary, thanks JD