Need info/advice on getting new XD

[merc545]

Hello all. Just joined and had a question.

I'm applying for my CHP in a little while and I've decided on the XD-357 4" service model for my concealed carry piece. I have a Ruger P345 that I open carry, but I'm looking for something a little less bulky with a higher magazine capacity for CC. I've fired XD's before and I absolutely love them. I've also fired a Sig 229 in 357 SIG, which I think is a nice little caliber. A little snappier than the .45, but still pretty manageable. I don't really like buying at gun shows (Who wants a gun that may or may not have been handled roughly and has had everybody's grubby hands on it?), so I was wondering if anybody could shoot me a link to a web site that has them for a decent price. Definitely looking for a model with the Melonite finish (not sure if the 357 SIG model came out after the Bruniral was discontinued). I saw a few sites that had them, but there was no manufacturing date advertised, so I wasn't sure on the finish.


Also, does anybody want to talk me out of getting the 357 SIG model, and going with a 9mm or maybe a .40? Ammo prices are not an issue. I plan on using it as a defensive piece, not so much as a heavy-use range piece. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[BlackOnyx]

I have never shot anything in .357 sig before but I dont really have any urge to either as from what ive seen I believe .40 is superior balistically and cheaper to shoot. Also as far as I know, it is possible to get a conversion barrel to go from .40 to either a .357 or 9mm in the service or the subcompact.

Also any XD produced after 2006 should have melonite finishing. Which means if it comes with the XD gear package I think it should also have melonite finishing.

Also welcome to the forum.

Edited to note: EFK does make a conversion barrel for the subcompact .40.
https://www.efkfiredragon.com/prodde...prod=XDSUB9SBC

Whether id trust a conversion barrel for SD or carrying is another questions.
Also if the seller will give you the serial number you can contact SA to ensure it has melonite finishing.

Here is also a link to ownership by caliber.
XD ownership, by caliber

One of the cheaper places to purchase XD's online is (that I know of)
Buds Gun Shop (updated hourly)
unfortunately they are out of .357 sigs

You can also try Impactguns
Springfield XD 357 Pistols at Impact Guns Home

[merc545]

Thank you for the reply and the welcome, BlackOnyx.

I looked at ImpactGuns, and I saw that the "2006 Package" was available. The change to melonite was made in 2006 if I'm correct, so I'm guessing this would be a Melonite finish?

[BlackOnyx]

Im not sure why they are still being sold as 2006 models
You will notice if you look on springfields website that all the models are XD9***HCSP06

or CA legal versions
XD9***SP06

Im assuming its the latest revision and hasnt changed since then.

Im almost certain the XDs they are selling are between middle 07 - early 08 production but you may want to call them just to be sure.

[Johnnybgood]

Keep the phone number for SA Customer service with you and when you go look at a firearm that you may want to purchase call them with the serial number and they will tell you if is the melonite finish right over the phone.

[rgeliske]

Originally Posted by merc545

Thank you for the reply and the welcome, BlackOnyx.

I looked at ImpactGuns, and I saw that the "2006 Package" was available. The change to melonite was made in 2006 if I'm correct, so I'm guessing this would be a Melonite finish?

Be careful about the year manufactured. I bought a brand new just arrive XD9sc in Feb. 2007 but the gun was manufactured in 2005. Springfield Armory is really more of a distribution center for the XD and gets a shipment of guns from HS Produkt in Croatia, puts them in their warehouse waiting for distribution to the dealers. When they are ready to make a shipment they take the guns from the warehouse and place them, with what ever accessories the are pushing, in the black boxes we normally see. The guns are not necessarily taken from the warehouse in the order of oldest manufactured date first, thus you can get a gun that is actually 2 years old while a newer one sits on the shelf. This practice is not uncommon to distribution type operations there is even a name for the proper method, FIFO (First In First Out). The 357Sig is not a real popular caliber I would think the chances of an older manufactured gun would be even greater. If it were me, I would get a 45Compact, all 45ACPs were made using the melonite process, you will retain the Service model 4" barrel and have a gun that is a lot easier to concealable. As has be mentioned before the hardest part to conceal is the grip and the 45Compact's grip is just slightly longer the the SC grip. In addition the 45ACP bullet has the most effective stopping power of the calibers you are considering. Most of the people on this forum will never have to use their guns in self defense and will spend the nearly all the time shooting for pleasure. When many of us give advice about a gun's recoil it is not about can you control the gun in self defense but how enjoyable is it to put 200 rounds through on a Saturday afternoon. Many have said, the 40S&W and even more so the 357 Sig, the recoil is snappy and to me is just more annoying than I want to shoot for fun. The 9mm is less noticeable and the 45ACP is entirely different, more of a push. Both are enjoyable to shoot a couple hundred rounds through just for fun. Both you can always find bullets for at a reasonable price, but the choice is yours.

[cornman53]

I have the XD in .357 SIG and love it. I have over 1000 rounds through it in the last 3 weeks I've had it. Right now it is a nightstand gun but in the future I may look at carrying it and from what I understand many people do. I agree with taking the SA 1-800 number with you and call in the serial number if you're concerned about the finish. My advice is find a way to shoot whatever gun and caliber you're interested in and select the one that you feel comfortable with. I had a friend who was 5'9 and 140 lbs and had a SIG 226 in .357 and hated it because he couldn't hit a plate at 25 yds with it. He bought a S&W in 9mm and loves it. Shoot what you are comfortable with and shoot it often.

[BlackOnyx]

Originally Posted by rgeliske

Be careful about the year manufactured. I bought a brand new just arrive XD9sc in Feb. 2007 but the gun was manufactured in 2005. Springfield Armory is really more of a distribution center for the XD and gets a shipment of guns from HS Produkt in Croatia, puts them in their warehouse waiting for distribution to the dealers. When they are ready to make a shipment they take the guns from the warehouse and place them, with what ever accessories the are pushing, in the black boxes we normally see. The guns are not necessarily taken from the warehouse in the order of oldest manufactured date first, thus you can get a gun that is actually 2 years old while a newer one sits on the shelf. This practice is not uncommon to distribution type operations there is even a name for the proper method, FIFO (First In First Out). The 357Sig is not a real popular caliber I would think the chances of an older manufactured gun would be even greater. If it were me, I would get a 45Compact, all 45ACPs were made using the melonite process, you will retain the Service model 4" barrel and have a gun that is a lot easier to concealable. As has be mentioned before the hardest part to conceal is the grip and the 45Compact's grip is just slightly longer the the SC grip. In addition the 45ACP bullet has the most effective stopping power of the calibers you are considering. Most of the people on this forum will never have to use their guns in self defense and will spend the nearly all the time shooting for pleasure. When many of us give advice about a gun's recoil it is not about can you control the gun in self defense but how enjoyable is it to put 200 rounds through on a Saturday afternoon. Many have said, the 40S&W and even more so the 357 Sig, the recoil is snappy and to me is just more annoying than I want to shoot for fun. The 9mm is less noticeable and the 45ACP is entirely different, more of a push. Both are enjoyable to shoot a couple hundred rounds through just for fun. Both you can always find bullets for at a reasonable price, but the choice is yours.

I do agree with you on the fact that there probably are alot older XD357s lying around as they are not as popular. I purchased my black XD40 service in January, before which time my local gun store was OOS and was on back order with both of their distributors. I had to wait 18 days for them to get one in before I could do the 10 day CA waiting period. Picked it up 1/21/08. The gun has a test firing date of 10/07/07. I agree there are probably still older models out there that is why I suggested calling for the serial number.

[rgeliske]

Originally Posted by BlackOnyx

I do agree with you on the fact that there probably are alot older XD357s lying around as they are not as popular. I purchased my black XD40 service in January, before which time my local gun store was OOS and was on back order with both of their distributors. I had to wait 18 days for them to get one in before I could do the 10 day CA waiting period. Picked it up 1/21/08. The gun has a test firing date of 10/07/07. I agree there are probably still older models out there that is why I suggested calling for the serial number.

Like I said not rotating stock is a pretty common problem not just with guns. It can get pretty frustrating when the manufacturers make running changes like the melonite treatment.

[dogboy]

Personally, I'd stay away from .357SIG. Of the calibers mentioned, for self-defense my choices would be in the following order:
.45ACP
.40S&W
9mm
357SIG

I'll take bigger and rely on momentum any day than smaller, fast, and rely on expansion. But what do I know: my favorite self-defensive round would be .45Colt.