Loading the Xdm

[Schwarf]

I just purchased my first handgun, a 9mm XDm 4.5" yesterday.

Took it to the range, it shot well, no problems. Speer FMJs.

I have two questions:

First: does the slide need to be locked back to properly seat a fully loaded magazine? Mine seems to, but I wanted to make sure that's the way it's supposed to be. The manual implies this as well.

Second: JHPs are obviously more expensive than FMJs. How many of my chosen home defense round will I need to run through it to be confident it'll work when I need it to? I picked the Gold Dot 124 grain +P, in case it matters.

Sorry for the noobish questions, but I'd rather learn the answers than be too embarrassed to ask.

Thanks,
Steve

[sschrick]

Originally Posted by Schwarf

I just purchased my first handgun, a 9mm XDm 4.5" yesterday.

Took it to the range, it shot well, no problems. Speer FMJs.

I have two questions:

First: does the slide need to be locked back to properly seat a fully loaded magazine? Mine seems to, but I wanted to make sure that's the way it's supposed to be. The manual implies this as well.

Second: JHPs are obviously more expensive than FMJs. How many of my chosen home defense round will I need to run through it to be confident it'll work when I need it to? I picked the Gold Dot 124 grain +P, in case it matters.

Sorry for the noobish questions, but I'd rather learn the answers than be too embarrassed to ask.

Thanks,
Steve

you should not have to lock the slide back first. a fully loaded mag should insert with slide forward or back. Just slam the mag home. No worries.

I would run a minimum of 3 mags of HP's through your weapon to determine reliability. Obviously, more is better.

[bigred1]

It will loosen up for you after a couple trips to the range, mine was the same. I just ran a full mag of JHP's (Federal HST's) and it ate them fine. Mine has about 500 rounds through it now and it feels nice. Good luck.....

[Schwarf]

Ok, thanks for the number of JHP rounds answer.

For the first question, I had the magazine full (19 rounds) and when I tried to slam it in with the slide closed, it fell right back out. When I slammed it in harder, it stayed put, but the magazine release button was so tight I thought it was stuck. I had to push it really hard to get the magazine out. I wasn't comfortable that the gun was fully operational, so I loaded it with the slide open, and no problems.

You say this will get easier at the gun gets broken in?

Thanks again,
Steve

[bigred1]

Yes it will. The mag springs are really tight when new, you probably noticed that when you loaded the mags.

[Schwarf]

That's a relief. I thought I had either cleaned the gun wrong or been sold a defective gun.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Schwarf]

Now I remember my other question!

My XDm came with a case and accessories, including a cable lock. Where in that case should the key be? I can't find it, and there don't seem to be that many places to look...

[jab119]

I just got the same handgun. my mags have been going in just fine with the slide open or closed, im not slapping it in real hard or anything, just enough push to get it locked in.

the springs in the mags are loosening up a little, I have about 300 rounds through it now so each clip has had the same amount of usage.

[bigred1]

Mine was in the zip lock bag the lock came in.

Edit: Love Texas! Grew up there.

[OKcherokee]

Don't treat it like a toy. Rack the slide hard, slam the mag in like you mean it.

Once you get a few hundred through it, things will loosen up.

Most of all, enjoy it! Congrats.