First XD range report

[Mamba]

Traded my Taurus MilPro 145 for the XD .45 C last weekend, took it to the gun club indoor range for the first shoot this morning, using LE silhouette targets. Me and a buddy got there early and had the place to ourselves for two hours. We were shoot'n various pieces beside the XD such as KelTec P11, Kimber 1911, Sig 226, Glock 26, Colt Commander, etc, and even ye olde Sterling .22 LR SNS which only had 1 flier on headshots at 15', and that with mediocre Rem Subsonics. But mainly I wanted to see how the XD performed.

Mostly I shot WWB 230gr FMJ with a few of the same but JHP thru it for reliability testing, at distances from 5' to 25 yrds, stationary and programmed moving. Ran a box of 100 thru the XD, flawless performance and better accuracy than the MilPro (ok, granted it's a 4" barrel vs 3").
The trigger loosened up a bit but still has a ways to go to feel comfortable to me. I'll see how it does the next few shoots before I start think'n trigger kit. The release point did "surprise" me quite often...I shot both left and right handed as with my KT I shoot better left while with the Sterling and XD I do better right....I think. More ammo needed to say for certain.

Other than the trigger break-in, my only XD complaint is the sights. Whether the lighting or my astigmatism, I had a hard time picking up the front ramp clearly & consistently. Even so, on the programmed shoot with 16 rounds fired, all hit the target with only one near shoulder flier, eight shots in the 9 ring or better, one dead center 10, plus one head one neck (no double taps yet). Not bad at all considering; I was impressed! SureSights are on my to buy list and after today I'm hoping June gets here soon! Next on the list (or maybe earlier) is reloading gear...we went thru most of my ammo stash today.

The XD comfort and controllability factor is of course legendary...I could shoot this gun all day and not get tired. Can't say that for the little P11...ouch!..but it's not a target pistola. Overall, I'm very pleased with the XD and looking forward to many thousands of rounds with it.

[XD9Sub]

Good report! I did the same as you, replaced my PT145 with the XD45C, but I still use a PT745 for summer carry. I agree on the front sights, some indoor ranges, like mine, have poor lighting. I solved my problem with TFO sights.

[Chapie+]

[/quote]Traded my Taurus MilPro 145 for the XD .45 C"[/quote]

Good Choice!

[/quote]Me and a buddy got there early and had the place to ourselves for two hours. We were shoot'n various pieces beside the XD such as KelTec P11, Kimber 1911, Sig 226, Glock 26, Colt Commander, etc, and even ye olde Sterling .22 LR SNS[/quote]

Sounds like a really great time!

[/quote]better accuracy than the MilPro (ok, granted it's a 4" barrel vs 3").[/quote]

I had the same experience going from a glock 26 to an XD .45 compact. The glock now collects dust while the XD goes to work and play.

[/quote]The trigger loosened up a bit but still has a ways to go to feel comfortable to me. I'll see how it does the next few shoots before I start think'n trigger kit.[/quote]

It gets better over time.

[/quote]Other than the trigger break-in, my only XD complaint is the sights. Whether the lighting or my astigmatism, I had a hard time picking up the front ramp clearly & consistently. Even so, on the programmed shoot with 16 rounds fired, all hit the target with only one near shoulder flier, eight shots in the 9 ring or better, one dead center 10, plus one head one neck (no double taps yet). Not bad at all considering; I was impressed! SureSights are on my to buy list [/quote]

Not my 1st choice in sights. They are not legal for competition and I don't especially like the look of them for carry. I am going to make the switch to heinie straight 8 slant pro two dot night sights. See http://springerprecision.com/art/parts/heinies8.JPG

[/quote] reloading gear...we went thru most of my ammo stash today. [/quote]

now that's the sad part - running out of practice ammo. I hope you'll have the patience to get the reloading gear and upgrades and not spend the money on another gun - like I did. I am saving again towards the upgrades.

Chapie+

[Mamba]

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

..replaced my PT145 with the XD45C

Was that preference or problem? Mine was the latter...feed issues, probably the mags.

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

..use a PT745 for summer carry

That's where "Katie" (the P11) comes in. Totally reliable, 10+1 9mm, reasonably accurate and not too much bigger than their P3AT.

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

..some indoor ranges, like mine, have poor lighting

When possible I shoot from the end lane as the brass tends to collect in the corner but it's darker, true.

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

I solved my problem with TFO sights.

Heard mixed reports on those...folk seem to like'm but some quality issues (coming loose, fragile, etc.).

[Mamba]

@Chapie+

Straight-8's: Ugh...seems ya either love'm or hate'm...I never could get used to'em on the MilPro.

Competition: Ah now, that depends. Technically they are still notch/post so some IDPA officers are okay with'em. And they'll be fine for our club Combat League, albeit modified division.

Reloading: I'm still trying to convince "The Boss" that I need to spend $ to save $ but it's a hard sell. Most womens don't respond well to math and logic. Of course SHE saves ME $ all the time by buying more clothes or shoes during Spring sales.

[Mamba]

The XD is still flawless and the trigger is starting to feel better already...have about 200rds thru it now, mainly FMJ and a few JHP. I ordered a box of Ranger SXT JHP and I presume those will feed just as well as the WWB. Also ordered a Safariland RLS to hold my SL Scorpion, and a spare 13rd mag...need 3 mags minimum for our Combat League.

Gun shoots well to POA tho' I'm still flop'n between RH and LH to see which is most accurate for me. Always shot LH until my CCW qual; since then mostly RH.

Went ahead and pre-ordered the new Tritium SureSights as the stock sights being bland/blurry is my only complaint. XD life is GOOD!

[SoupOrMan]

The XD trigger smooths out wonderfully after a while. Welcome to the addiction.

[Tampatechguy]

Took my XD 45 service about 300 to 400 rounds to smooth. I was considering a trigger job, but now I don't think it's necessary.

Enjoy!

[GJD]