XD9 Sub-Compact Range Report…

[Maximum1]

This weekend I attended an Advanced Defensive Weapons Training Course which took place on Sat 9/1 (11 hours long) & Sunday 9/2 (12 hours long) this class is extreme hence the LONG hours. Each day we spent eight hours on the range with a few hours each day in the class room plus simulator work (situational evaluations).

This class is the third in a series of four each one more difficult than the last although both instructors and former attendees alike agree the third one is the most difficult. Each class concludes with a three hour skills testing phase which must be passed before you can take the next course. This course took place on the indoor range utilizing the entire course (this isn’t a shoot from the bench class). Some of the training included night firing; only “the bad” guy was ever so slightly illuminated from the rear. Firing positions included Retracted Ready, Ready Position, Treat Ready and Low Search & Ready. Each stage of the course was time limited; example, Class I Failure to Fire required tap, rack, two rounds second button high in under two seconds. Others like the Class III Fail to Fire: mag change, (3) cycle, 2 shots second button high plus one face shot in under eight seconds (although that one seemed like a lot of time) but you get the picture.

During the two day course I fired just over 700 rounds and the XD didn’t skip a beat….Like the old Timex Watch Commercial “it took a licking but kept on ticking” (some of you are probably too young to remember that one). The XD is an EXTREMELY ACCURATE weapon it absolutely hits where your aim. During timed emergency reload exercises the mag dropped free every time and allowed for quick mag change, rack, tap and 2 shots center mass within the required 3 seconds time limit. This course also included draw fire from a holster here too the rigid XD holster worked…Never got hung up as my score for “smooth draw” reflected that point.

Bottom-line, the XD9 is truly an awesome weapon!

[Maximum1]

BTW, the XD factory installed night sights work great...You can easily see them in semi low light (dusk) and they are exrtremely bright in total darkness....The brightest night sights I've ever owned!

[apollosmith]

Excellent report! It sounds like fun.

I'm looking at using the subcompact to do some practical shooting competitions (though I'm more there to learn and practice than to compete). One thing I've worried about is magazine changes with such a small grip. I've practiced a bunch, but tend to pinch my hand when I insert the magazine. After a few times of doing that, I find my trigger finger wanting to wander around to help get a better grip and that's a definite no-no. Any recommendations on making quick magazine changes with the subcompact?

[Maximum1]

Originally Posted by apollosmith

Excellent report! It sounds like fun.

I'm looking at using the subcompact to do some practical shooting competitions (though I'm more there to learn and practice than to compete). One thing I've worried about is magazine changes with such a small grip. I've practiced a bunch, but tend to pinch my hand when I insert the magazine. After a few times of doing that, I find my trigger finger wanting to wander around to help get a better grip and that's a definite no-no. Any recommendations on making quick magazine changes with the subcompact?

First...For competition you can use the extended mag (16 round capacity) this completely eliminates any risk to pinching your hand. Even if you use a 10 round magazine it’s technique on how you hold the mag for insertion and the grip on the gun...I'll have to take some pics then post them since a pic is worth a thousand words.

I'll try to do that this weekend.