XD45GAP Tactical or 1911 for IDPA/IPSC? Help me decide!

[Arnisandyz]

After shooting XDs I'm spoiled by thier ergos and it really takes time for me to get back into the groove with my Glock 17. I've decided to sell it to raise funds for something I'll shoot more.

I'm either going to get an XD Tactical in 45 GAP, add a FO site and a CC Trigger job and use it in ESP class in IDPA. ...OR a 1911 45ACP and do the CDP class. I'm looking at GI or Milspec Springfield, RIA, Charles Daily or other entry level 1911. I'd have to add an ambi safety if doesn't come with one since I'm a lefty, but I'd otherwise leave it stock for now.
I'm leaning more towards the XD since I have a SC9 I use for daily carry and I'm more used to its operating system and feel. However, I did shoot my friends S&W 1911 at the indoor range and its accuracy and trigger feel were incredible.

Please give me your advice! Also, What class would the XD45 TAC be in IPSC? Would it fit in thier "production gun" category? So far I've only shot IDPA but would also like to try IPSC later on and use the same gun.

Thanks for your help.[/i]

[David_4]

If you can shoot either gun in the classes you want, buy the one that feels the best to you. The way a gun feels to you is one of the most important factors in buying a gun.

[Arnisandyz]

Originally Posted by David_4

If you can shoot either gun in the classes you want, buy the one that feels the best to you. The way a gun feels to you is one of the most important factors in buying a gun.

I agree with advice of choose what feels best for you... but there are some factors that might limit my decision.

This will be primarily a fun gun for competition. I can't shoot either gun in any class I want. I can't shoot the 45 GAP in IDPA CDP class and I can't shoot the 1911 in IPSC Production class for example. I guess a more precise question would be "which gun would offer more versatility in both IDPA/IPSC competition?" and "which gun/class would it be easier to compete in?" For example, I think I would shoot the XD tactical better than the 1911, but does the ESP class offer more competion than the CDP? etc.

[David_4]

If you think you will shoot the XD better go with it, change caliber and shoot ESP and IPSC production. Look at shooting ESP as a challenge, and a way to improve your shooting.

[j2fast]

FYI, for reason's I am not aware of the USPSA has deemed the XD-45 as not legal for the Production class (only 9's & 40's). Although I believe you could play in the Limited-10 class which is proably a better place for a 45 anyway so you can take advantage of major power factor scoring.

http://www.uspsa.org/rules/production_list.php

I haven't tried IDPA yet but have been shooting my XD-40 in USPSA Limited-10 most of the year.

[Arnisandyz]

Originally Posted by j2fast

FYI, for reason's I am not aware of the USPSA has deemed the XD-45 as not legal for the Production class (only 9's & 40's).

That's good to know. USPSA and IPSC are affiliated in some way right? Do they go by the same rules?

I sent an email asking about the 45 Tactical in Production and this is the reply I got...

This input was submitted by Andy from United States:

Are ALL models of Springfield XD legal for Production Division? I am considering a XD Tactical in 45 GAP.

"Yes, all non-ported Springfield XD models are currently legal.

DVC,
Vince Pinto
IPSC Secretary

[j2fast]

USPSA is the United States branch of IPSC (international rules) but the USPSA does operate on slightly different rules. Any match in the U.S. is going to follow USPSA rules. The USPSA has recently modified their list of pistols/rev allowed in production. This is what the Springfield seciton says:

SPRINGFIELD P9, XD , US Only, XD Models Sub-Compact, Service and Tactical in 9mm with 3", 4" and 5" barrels, 40S&W with 3", 4" and 5" barrels, and 357SIG with 3", 4" and 5" barrels

I am not the expert but I read this and have heard it interpreted as only 9 and 40 are legal in the production class under USPSA rules. If you click on the USPSA link in my previous post that takes you to the whole list (which is based on the IPSC list). Anything is RED text is where the USPSA list differs from the IPSC list. I'm pretty sure that Vince Pinto is involved only in IPSC and not the USPSA so he is likely quoting IPSC rules.

Probably the best place to get the 100% correct answer on this is at http://www.brianenos.com/forums or hit the http://www.uspsa.com site and email them directly. The Brian Enos site is an excellent resource, many of the best shooters in the US frequent the site along with most area directors, etc. (folks smarter than me ).

Edited because I typed it wrong the first time.....

[Arnisandyz]

Thanks for the info and the leads J2.

Maybe I should consider either a 40 tactical or going into Limited-10 with the GAP like you said. Seems like practical shooting organizations are still figuring out what to do with the GAP.

[j2fast]

I would say if you want a GAP just go that direction and play in Limited-10 (after checking to ensure it's legal). If you're like me it's mostly all for fun anyway.

This may not matter but if it does it's likely a cheaper to shoot 40 instead of 45 Gap. Not trying to change your mind but also with 40 (if you're into reloading or want to) you could load softer loads to shoot in Production and use full loads (major power factor) for shooting Limited-10. A lot of folks swear soft (minor power factor) 40 loads shot nicer than 9mm. I haven't ventured down that road yet.

[Arnisandyz]

Yeah, its mainly for fun, but I'd still like to be in a division with people close to the same skill level as myself. and I'd like a gun that will give me different options as my skill (hopefully!) gets better. Seems like with either GAP or ACP its Limited-10 for IPSC. I like the idea of being able to load for minor OR major with the 40 and being able to enter production OR L-10. Its what I was thinking of doing with the GAP (downloading) before I realized its not legal for production.