XD9 3in vs 4in range report ?

[SGT]

Please help,I have been thinking of getting my first XD and like the subcompact, but wondering about and major accuracy between the subcompact or compact model.Thank for any feedback.

[mhillsing23]

The larger models are technically more accurate because of the longer sight radius, but that doesn't necessarily make them more accurate in the hands of the shooter. I have both and I shot the Service better for a while because it was what I was used to. Now that I am shooting the SC more, the differences in accuracy are beginning to diminish. Go get your hands on both of them and see what feels better to you. Also, if you are going to carry I strongly recommend the SC. It is more comfortable and easier to conceal.

[Jack142]

Hey gang,
I have a XD 9mm sc with the 3 " barrel. For a defensive gun its a great gun. Shoots and points real well.
As a target gun, it doesn't shoot as well as my 5" guns. But please understand it really was not designed to be a target gun.
I can hit the 10 ring constantly at 15 feet.
At 25 feet its another story. I group left and high and usually in the 9 ring.
I am use to a 10 ring hold, and my gun is a 6:00 o'clock hold, so its my aiming that causes it. I still cant figure out why I shoot to the left.
When I got my gun it was not shooting well ... the sights were way off.
It took a bit of doing (large hammer) but I got the sights reasonably set.
I also have the same problem with a Para carry 9. I shoot to the left of center.
I can shoot 4" and a 5 " S&W point on 10 ring dead center. Just can't do it with the smaller barrels ((( BUT I keep trying )))
I got a Buckmark that I can hit 20 out of 25 in the 10 ring, the other 5 will be in the 9 ring at 25'.
Now the XD will shoot from the waist(Hip) , just below eye level ( fairborn sykes) upside down and gangster style, no failures.
It will hit center mass .. ( for me that a 8 x 11 " paper taped to a target at 7 to 15 ft.) EVERY TIME
The gun is a natural pointer for me.
I hope this helps you a bit.
Take care
Jack

[SMMAssociates]

Sgt:

If this is a carry gun, being able to put three or more rounds into a dinner-plate sized target at 21', give or take, is sufficient. Your abilities and the sights will potentially improve that, of course, but it's a "good enough" test. I'm old enough to have problems seeing the sights when on the range, but I can point-shoot it adequately. The longer barrels make all of that easier, IMHO, but I think it's more in the trigger when dealing with short-barrel guns.

Just some observations.... I can't hit much of anything with a 2" snubby .38. But it's the GUN. My XD-9SC may not be a target gun, but I can do the dinner plate just fine. A 5" 1911, OTOH, pretty much lets me phone my shots in, with or without the sights.

My whole point is that unless the gun is hilariously inaccurate, all it really has to do (for defensive purposes) is put a bunch of COM shots in place when needed. Everything else is "just nice".... If you want to punch paper with it, though, that's another story.

Also, if you depend on a "magic" hold - like holding to the right, or up or down, because the gun likes to shoot that way, you won't remember that in a fight.

Jack:

You should be able to adjust that Para....

Regards,

[rgeliske]

Seeing you don't seem to be caliber particular get the XD45 Compact and have the best of both worlds.

[ForTehNguyen]

I have both. I can shoot with relatively the same accuracy with either. The service is easier to control because its heavier and has less recoil.

[Brush-Wolf-Lady]

I have a 4" .40 and a 3" sub 9 and they both have about same recoil , and both are as accurate.

[katana8869]

I think that my XD9SC is more than accurate enough for carry and rangework. I considered getting a service model, but I don't see the need for me at this point, unless I just decide that I want one lol.

Slow fire @ 15 yards


Rapid fire @ 15 yards

[ForTehNguyen]

Accuracy different isnt anythin major if any. The SC has a different feel and handling and you just have to learn the ropes and then youll be fine. My first couple range sessions with the XD were just figuring out the trigger, breaking the gun in. Took my CHL class with the SC and shoot very accurately. Got compliments on other students in the class

[CowboyKen]

Originally Posted by SGT

Please help,I have been thinking of getting my first XD and like the subcompact, but wondering about and major accuracy between the subcompact or compact model.Thank for any feedback.

To measure the "accuracy" of a gun you need a Ransom Rest.

Ransom International: Hit Your Target with Ransom

For the purposes of this discussion you really need to decide what you want to use this gun for.

I have a very fine .22 target pistol. It has a sub 2lb, trigger. It is hard to imagine a more accurate pistol. It is totally inappropriate as a carry gun!

The XD was designed as a combat/self defense gun. The XD9sc that I carry is more then accurate enough for the purpose.

If you are going to shoot bullseye, get a target gun. If you want a carry gun figure out which of the two you are looking at fits you better and get it, or get both.

Ken