First Post and I drank the Kool=Aid

[wganz]

For my first post on this site.

A bit of history of how I ended up here. I was increasing uncomfortable with the capabilities of my current CCW, a S&W 908. Started looking around to find something better. Looked at a number of Glocks and other S&Ws but the Glock has never really fit my hand and the S&Ws was like the 3bears porridge in that it was always too hot or too cold but never just right. The Taurus Millenium Pro got a good look also but there were manufacturing short cuts that were pointed out when compared to the XD9 Sub Compact. It was a ultimately draw between the Walther P99c and the XD9 Sub Compact. The Walther lost out since no one could show me how to reactivate the Walther P99 after pressing the safety on top of the slide. Trick safeties is the best way to get oneself terminally plugged in a moment of extreme haste. The XD9 Sub Compact also had a host of add-on goodies and, particularly, a flared magazine plate for my largish hands.

OK, had the fever since the XD9 Sub Compact would do everything that I wanted from a CCW. Now to pay for 'my precious'. Went to the gun safe and took a real long hard look. It was time to cull the herd. Loaded up a S&W M64+2 speed loaders, S&W 908 w/5 mags, Taurus 92AF+3 HiCap mags, unfired Taurus 24/7 .40 with 5 mags, the Swiss K31 + 3 bricks of .mil bullets, and the bubbized Mauser 96 'deer rifle' in 6.5x55 with 500 rounds of ammo to trundle off down to the local gun shop to put the tired iron pile on consignment to pay for 'my precious'. Plus worked an extra twelve hour shift this weekend to put the down on the layaway should none of the tired iron moved by Friday. The only pistol left is the Sig P220 which will have to serve as my CCW until my precious is redeemed. It too could be on the way out also if I make up my mind about the XD 45GAP.

The XD9 Sub Compact will be carried primarily in my fanny pack on my way home from work. Am looking at getting an OD Green XD Service Model 4" barrel also in 9mm as it's mate to replace the Tauruses. Now, here is where I'd like some input. For 3 gun games, would the Tactical XD 9x19mm with its 5" barrel be better than the 4" barrel??

What I had in mind would be to go ahead and get the Service Model 4" 9x19mm and, later, trade the P220 in towards XD45GAP with a 5" barrel. This would cover the size & power spectrum fairly well. I really really would like to reduce the manual of arms that I must know down to two. One for the Ruger Vaqueros for SASS and the XDs for everything else. What is the group think on this??

Thanks,

wganz
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[theanswriz42]

You're going to get a lot of mixed opinions about the .45 GAP just to warn you. I haven't heard many, if any, problems with the XD .45 GAP (and I just bought one last week). People will most likely be complaining about the round, not the pistol itself and if you're ok with the GAP round, then go for it.

Welcome to the board btw.

[kgpcr]

I love my XD but would get it in a .40. cheaper ammor and easier to find and it has plenty of power. i do have a problem with my XD. since i bought the first one i have had 2 more follow me home from the gunstore and i am afraid to go back as another one may follow me home.

[ajamesp51]

I am another that is completely happy with the gap, but as others have posted in some areas local dealers do not want to stock the stuff.

[dolanp]

If I was going to carry a 3" model and get another XD, I would personally get a Tactical in 9mm and make it more of a competition gun. Put some good customizations for accuracy on it.

The GAP is a fine round, IMO, the only problem is the future and availablility. I don't think it will 'die', but it may be hard to find and a little pricey.

[Joey101]

I must tell you that the .45 GAP is a great round. Personally for me I feel that GLOCK did something wonderful when they designed it. You take a 9mm size pistol and fire a .45 ACP necked down through it! Ingenious!

Yes, alot of people don't like it. But that's because people don't like change. And I like alot of people don't want to waste $450 on a pistol that I might not be able to buy ammo for in 10 years. But alas I am a compulsive buyer, and bought mine (XD-45LE 4" Service Model) on Friday. Happy Birthday to me!!

As far as a Range Report, I have never done one, but I will tell you this much. I have NEVER fired a pistol before. And from an un-rested postion I kept the bullets in the "8-9 Zone". Yeah I had a couple outside the points area, but it was my first time. I think i did pretty D*mn good!

Overall, for me there was NO question about which caliber to get. .45 was my choice, I wanted .45 ACP but didn't like the 1911 as much as the XD. But then again I like Tactical weapontry. I want to be sure that if and when I hit the attacker he isn't going to get back up, or not stop coming at me at all. I have too many bad things from police friends (I work for the city, we run into them almost everyday) about the 9mm NOT being a good round for stopping the suspect. They are all switching to .45's so I decided to go that route from the begining.

To sum it up for you re-apply the money you spent on the 9mm, and put it on the .45, the ammo may-be a little more exspensive and more difficult to find, but if you want something for use for what your using it for then don't waste your time with the 9mm and go with the .45!

[SLCDave]

Originally Posted by Joey101

You take a 9mm size pistol and fire a .45 ACP necked down through it! Ingenious!

The case is shorter (With thicker case walls toward the case head), not necked down, right?

[JD McDorce]

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[USMC-PRIDE]

Just out of curiosity how much are you trying to get for the S&W M64?? I would really like to get one or a "dirty harry" special, the model 29.


I would also get a 5" tactical for competition shooting, to go with the SC.

[Joey101]

I believe the case is necked down. It is noticibly shorter. When I went to the range on sunday. There were about 5,000 empty .45 ACP shells laying on the ground. I didn't bother catching mine when they were ejected and could easily spot them while standing without bending over when I was done shooting.