New guy review of the XD 45 ACP 4"

[Doo hauler]

I just got back from the range and was looking forward to shooting a XD .40cal. All they had for rent was a .45. I shot it as well as a S&W M&P 9mm and an S&W M&P .40cal.

First off I am left handed in a right handed world. The S&W was far esier for me to use as it is amidextrious 100%. So for handling purposes the S&W got my vote there.

Grip also went to the S&W stickier more comfortable gun felt solid in my hand. But the XD had a more natural feel to it. Sight aquisition was quick and easy with the XD and less break in the wrist.

The XD was a ball to shoot! The sights dropped right back to my point of aim after each squeez of the trigger. That was impressive, the S&W tended to jump a bit left of aim. So my groupings with the .45 XD at 20' were within 2.5" circle with a full clip in about 20 seconds. Accurate and consistant! Vote there goes to the XD hands down.

Here is my delimia I liked both guns for different reasons. If the XD was amidextrious and I could slip on hogue grip I would have bought it right there. But the safety on the back strap prevents the use of the slip on grip.

I can operate the S&W with my eyes closed, again amidextrious makes everything easier to do.

I am really leaning toward the S&W at this point. Easier (thus safer) to handle and operate. The accuracy was not bad by any means but the XD did drop in place very naturally.

Still confused I guess

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[nateroach]

Originally Posted by Doo hauler

I just got back from the range and was looking forward to shooting a XD .40cal. All they had for rent was a .45. I shot it as well as a S&W M&P 9mm and an S&W M&P .40cal.

First off I am left handed in a right handed world. The S&W was far esier for me to use as it is amidextrious 100%. So for handling purposes the S&W got my vote there.

Grip also went to the S&W stickier more comfortable gun felt solid in my hand. But the XD had a more natural feel to it. Sight aquisition was quick and easy with the XD and less break in the wrist.

The XD was a ball to shoot! The sights dropped right back to my point of aim after each squeez of the trigger. That was impressive, the S&W tended to jump a bit left of aim. So my groupings with the .45 XD at 20' were within 2.5" circle with a full clip in about 20 seconds. Accurate and consistant! Vote there goes to the XD hands down.

Here is my delimia I liked both guns for different reasons. If the XD was amidextrious and I could slip on hogue grip I would have bought it right there. But the safety on the back strap prevents the use of the slip on grip.

I can operate the S&W with my eyes closed, again amidextrious makes everything easier to do.

I am really leaning toward the S&W at this point. Easier (thus safer) to handle and operate. The accuracy was not bad by any means but the XD did drop in place very naturally.

Still confused I guess

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

You can trim the slip-on grips to fit around the safety. It was suggested in a different thread that you trim it to fit and then clean the grip and slip-on grip and spray both surfaces with hair spray and slide it on to prevent them from moving/peeling back around the safety.

hope this helps with your decision

nateroach

[Kaboom]

Simple. The M&P has no grip safety, if you don't feel you need one just slip a Hogue on over the grip safety of the XD (this is known as building a "field glock" LOL ).

[Elton]

i have a houge slip on grip just trimmed it a little its no where near getting in the way of the saftey and i like the feel of it now if needed i can post a pic if needed

[m9fan]

Originally Posted by Elton

i have a houge slip on grip just trimmed it a little its no where near getting in the way of the saftey and i like the feel of it now if needed i can post a pic if needed

I did the same thing. Here's a pic of my XD 45 (along with my concealed carry setup):

[Doo hauler]

I have decided after much deliberation to go with the M&P 40cal. This was a tough choice, both guns are excellent quality and dependable. But the M&P just fits a lefty correctly. When it comes to dropping a mag and reloading the M&P can be done in about half the time of the XD and I can do it with my eyes closed. This could be a very important feature if ever needed.

Even for my league shooting reload time can be important.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[thelonegremlin]

i cant believe no one told you to get both! haha

i'm sure the S&W wont do you wrong.