XD-Compact .45 5" vs 4" differences ?

[milkdud]

I am brand new to this forum. Thanks for the previous welcomes. I'm considering the .45 Compact for CCW and IDPA but don't have sufficient information as to the pluses/minuses of the 4" vs. 5" barrel length. I wouldn't believe 1" would affect velocity too much, I was considering handling qualities more. Thanks for your input.

[KCXPSS]

Longer barrel means more accuracy, that's all...

[jtkratzer]

Well, accuracy is not much from the barrel with 1" when you're talking about a 4" and 5" firearm...it has more to do with sight radius, the distance between the front and rear sight.

The 4" is going to be easier to carry with it's lower weight and it will be quicker on the draw without that extra inch hiding in a holster in your pants.

The weight of the 5" may be a plus for you for IDPA and the tactical definitely has more options for changing the guide rod and spring weights if you reload and want to use a lighter spring for lighter loads when competition shooting.

It's really persona preference.

If you could have the best of both worlds, you could get two, a compact model and a full-size model, as the slides/frames are interchangeable. If you get one full-size, and one compact, you can have 4 different combinations from:

Service, Compact Service, Tactical, and Compact Tactical with only the purchase of two firearms.


I personally have the 4" Compact and I'm going to my first match, really just tagging along to give it a try, but I'll let you know how it goes.

Once concern with the compact models for competition, when I first started practicing reloads with the full-size mags and grip sleeve, I had to make sure to get my palm off the sleeve as it would hold the mag up from dropping loose. I was considering using the full size mags without the grip extension, just have the bottom of the mag bare and stick out to prevent them from getting hung up. Just a thought, thought.