XD 40 first time at the range

[Lagatta]

I've been considering buying an XD45, so not wanting to buy something without first having tried it, I went to my local range and rented their only XD, a ported .40 S&W. It being the first time I've shot a handgun, I still have a bit of a ways to go as far as grouping is concerned. Out of 250 rounds, I had about 8 or 9 FTLs. The guy at the range thought it might be weak wristing behind it, but another guy at the range had an XD45 and his had 2 or 3 FTLs too. I don't know if it was weak wristing, cheap range ammo (I had Remington 155 gr., while the other guy had CorBon 165 gr. +P), the fact that the gun probably hadn't been cleaned in 3 months, or what. So far, not exactly an overwhelming first impression

[R Dub]

Welcome to the forum. Never base a decision on a malfunctioning range rental. You have no idea how it has been maintained, or who has done whatever to it. Its good to check out a range rental to see how it fits your hand, does it point naturally for you, and is the recoil acceptable for you. Concerning the FTFs, it could be limp wristing, or could be the thumb touching the slide slightly. Some pistols don't like certain ammo, especially hollow point ammo and semi wadcutters. You always need to find the ammo that works for your pistol, and hits where you aim it.
Happy shooting!