New XD40 Owner - looking to do some mods. Need input/advice. - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

02Doooce · 04-12-2006, 09:26 AM

Hi All. I'm a new OD XD40 owner. I'm looking to do some modifications/upgrades and wondered if anyone can provide me with feedback on items and manufacturers who've supplied you with stuff that works and junk (so I know to stay away from this stuff).

- planning on the drop in 9mm conversion barrel. I'm leaning towards Bar Sto (although they cost $50 more than the EFL firedragon). The conversion kit from Firedragon seems to be a hit and miss as I've seen multiple listings of folks who have FTE and FTL.

- mag well + magazine pads

- paddle holster (Blackhawk Serpa)

- spring and guide rod (is this worth the $25)?

- trigger work (need options)

Thanks much for your time.

Hooz · 04-12-2006, 10:34 AM

I've done quite a bit to my XD-40, and so far it's all been money well spent.

The $25 for DGR/spring is a no-brainer. Get the kit with a 22# spring (from Pistol Gear) and don't look back. It's probably the single best (cheapest too) mod you can do for your XD-40.

As for trigger work, you really only have two options... Springfield Custom Shop and Canyon Creek. From what I have read, both places do pretty much the same thing, but Springfiled takes about 4-5 times longer to get it done. I had my XD-40 trigger done by Rich at Canyon Creek (10 days, door-to-door) and it is AMAZING! I can't even begin to describe how good the trigger is.

You might also want to look at sights too. I got the Dawson fiber-optic adjustable sights from Pistol Gear, and had them installed by Canyon Creek while I was getting the trigger done. They cost enough ($130), but they are well worth it, especially if you plan on gaming.

I also added a Canyon Creek (Noticing a trend here?

) extended magazine release. It's cheap ($27.50) and you can install it yourself in about 5 minutes.

The mag-well, bumper pads and holster I can't really comment on. I'm still debating these myself.

You can see all of my mods by visiting the gallery listed in my signature. And most importantly, enjoy your XD-40!

Mountain Cop · 04-15-2006, 06:54 PM

Canyon Creek kicks ass on trigger jobs. I have shot XDs with SA custom triggers, a Barsto trigger and Canyon Creek jobs. Don't even think twice. Canyon Creek is the cheapest and best out there.

packing_in_la · 04-17-2006, 08:31 PM

My Vote goes to a Don's Guide Rod and 22# spring. Very easy improvement. My next vote is a set of Truglo sites. They have fiber, tritium, or fiber/tritium sights. I have the fiber/tritium sights and they are very bright.

Take the advice of others on the board and have your sights installed by someone that has done XD's before(canyon creek for example). The front of my slide now has a small "ding" from my local gunsmith that installed my sights. I think mine was the first XD he did.

Harvdog · 04-18-2006, 05:38 AM

I'm not sure if 02Doooce has a service or subcompact 40 but I'm curious for mine, can you get a Don's Spring and Rod for a SC? I didn't see them available on PistolGear.com.

Hooz · 04-18-2006, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harvdog

I'm not sure if 02Doooce has a service or subcompact 40 but I'm curious for mine, can you get a Don's Spring and Rod for a SC? I didn't see them available on PistolGear.com.

Not yet. I'm working on a prototype right now, but I'm having some problems with the springs.

04-12-2006, 09:26 AM	#1
02Doooce XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2	New XD40 Owner - looking to do some mods. Need input/advice. Hi All. I'm a new OD XD40 owner. I'm looking to do some modifications/upgrades and wondered if anyone can provide me with feedback on items and manufacturers who've supplied you with stuff that works and junk (so I know to stay away from this stuff). - planning on the drop in 9mm conversion barrel. I'm leaning towards Bar Sto (although they cost $50 more than the EFL firedragon). The conversion kit from Firedragon seems to be a hit and miss as I've seen multiple listings of folks who have FTE and FTL. - mag well + magazine pads - paddle holster (Blackhawk Serpa) - spring and guide rod (is this worth the $25)? - trigger work (need options) Thanks much for your time.

04-12-2006, 10:34 AM	#2
Hooz XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hilliard, OH Posts: 1,983	I've done quite a bit to my XD-40, and so far it's all been money well spent. The $25 for DGR/spring is a no-brainer. Get the kit with a 22# spring (from Pistol Gear) and don't look back. It's probably the single best (cheapest too) mod you can do for your XD-40. As for trigger work, you really only have two options... Springfield Custom Shop and Canyon Creek. From what I have read, both places do pretty much the same thing, but Springfiled takes about 4-5 times longer to get it done. I had my XD-40 trigger done by Rich at Canyon Creek (10 days, door-to-door) and it is AMAZING! I can't even begin to describe how good the trigger is. You might also want to look at sights too. I got the Dawson fiber-optic adjustable sights from Pistol Gear, and had them installed by Canyon Creek while I was getting the trigger done. They cost enough ($130), but they are well worth it, especially if you plan on gaming. I also added a Canyon Creek (Noticing a trend here? ) extended magazine release. It's cheap ($27.50) and you can install it yourself in about 5 minutes. The mag-well, bumper pads and holster I can't really comment on. I'm still debating these myself. You can see all of my mods by visiting the gallery listed in my signature. And most importantly, enjoy your XD-40! __________________ XD-9 Tactical : XD-45 Tactical Member: IDPA, USPSA, ASSA, NRA, GOA

04-15-2006, 06:54 PM	#3
Mountain Cop XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central California Posts: 201	Canyon Creek kicks ass on trigger jobs. I have shot XDs with SA custom triggers, a Barsto trigger and Canyon Creek jobs. Don't even think twice. Canyon Creek is the cheapest and best out there. __________________ Guns don\'t kill people - the proper application of sight alignment, sight picture and trigger control kills people.

04-18-2006, 05:38 AM	#5
Harvdog XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Montclair, Virginia Posts: 350	I'm not sure if 02Doooce has a service or subcompact 40 but I'm curious for mine, can you get a Don's Spring and Rod for a SC? I didn't see them available on PistolGear.com. __________________ Semper Fi - USMC 1987-1991 God Squad 1985-Present SA XD 40s&w Subcompact Ruger GP161 357 Magnum Raven 25 Traditions 50cal sidelock muzzleloader Remington 870 12 gauge Ruger M77 30.06 Romanian AK-47 by Lancaster Arms Ruger 10/22

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04-17-2006, 08:31 PM	#4
packing_in_la XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 453	My Vote goes to a Don's Guide Rod and 22# spring. Very easy improvement. My next vote is a set of Truglo sites. They have fiber, tritium, or fiber/tritium sights. I have the fiber/tritium sights and they are very bright. Take the advice of others on the board and have your sights installed by someone that has done XD's before(canyon creek for example). The front of my slide now has a small "ding" from my local gunsmith that installed my sights. I think mine was the first XD he did.