PistolGear XD45ACP Barrel - Test Results

[Old School]

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

How prone to feeding issues are the new drop-in barrel and fitted match barrels?

They are not prone to any feeding issues. Most feeding issues are a matter of the magazine and/or the ammunition.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

If my XD45 compact is my carry piece, a change in barrel is probably not recommended, right?

I would think that improved performance on a carry gun would be advantageous. If you are more comfortable with a stock setup, than stock is best.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

Other than the rifling, what's the difference in the barrels that improves the accuracy?

Fit. The barrels are oversized in key areas for the benefit of a tighter fit. Plus, our barrels are stainless steel, not carbon steel like the stock barrels.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

Were you aiming at the quarter or was it there for reference?

I was not aiming at the quarter. That is for reference, to show the group size.

Originally Posted by jmsstnr

Could you elaborate on Semi Drop-in, please.

If you speak with anyone who makes parts for the XD, they will tell that you that tolerances from XD to XD can vary; just like any production, combat firearm. For this reason, we use the word "semi". What this means is that the barrels should drop in 90% of the time. Factory barrels will drop 100% of the time, because their tolerances are a bit looser. The XD is combat worthy out of the box and 1" groups at 25 yards if not required.

[jtkratzer]

Originally Posted by Old School

They are not prone to any feeding issues. Most feeding issues are a matter of the magazine and/or the ammunition.

Ok, I've just read about tight target setups being more prone to jams because of how tight they are.

I would think that improved performance on a carry gun would be advantageous. If you are more comfortable with a stock setup, than stock is best.

I was more concerned about the side of legality. I know it's not illegal to use a different barrel, but how does that look in a court room if the situation ever arose?

Fit. The barrels are oversized in key areas for the benefit of a tighter fit. Plus, our barrels are stainless steel, not carbon steel like the stock barrels.

Is there any difference in maintenance for these barrels?

If you speak with anyone who makes parts for the XD, they will tell that you that tolerances from XD to XD can vary; just like any production, combat firearm. For this reason, we use the word "semi". What this means is that the barrels should drop in 90% of the time. Factory barrels will drop 100% of the time, because their tolerances are a bit looser. The XD is combat worthy out of the box and 1" groups at 25 yards if not required.

For an XD that I carry daily, which barrel would you recommend? If it's the semi-drop in barrel, if it doesn't fit, I guess I would need the services of a gunsmith.



Thanks for dealing with all of my questions.

[Old School]

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

I was more concerned about the side of legality. I know it's not illegal to use a different barrel, but how does that look in a court room if the situation ever arose?

If you are in a court room because you shot someone, the jury is not going to care that you had an after market barrel, or anything else for that matter. The facts of the case are what you will be judged on, not the components that make up the gun, unless those components are illegal. Pick up a copy of David K's book. It is a must read for anyone who carries a conceal firearm.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

Is there any difference in maintenance for these barrels?

Nope. Just clean them are required. They should wipe clean a bit easier than the stock barrel.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

For an XD that I carry daily, which barrel would you recommend? If it's the semi-drop in barrel, if it doesn't fit, I guess I would need the services of a gunsmith.

The Match barrel is for competitors or for those who want to get the most accuracy out of their gun. In your case, the "Semi" Drop-In barrel should be fine. Have you shot your stock barrel for groups? How did it shoot? I haven't heard of any barrels not fitting.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

Thanks for dealing with all of my questions.

You are welcome. No problem, good questions.

[jtkratzer]

I have not shot from a rest at all if that's what you mean by shooting for groups.

Does an aftermarket barrel have a serial number? In PA, the state police maintain a list and record of who owns what firearms...would any information about a new barrel need to be provided to them?

[Old School]

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

I have not shot from a rest at all if that's what you mean by shooting for groups.

Does an aftermarket barrel have a serial number? In PA, the state police maintain a list and record of who owns what firearms...would any information about a new barrel need to be provided to them?

Unless you have a wacky law that I am not aware of, no. Barrels do not need to be serialized. It is the frame or receiver that must be serialized. That is what the BATF is concerned with. I am sure your State Police has the same concern.

As for shooting groups, you can do it anyway you want. I do it standing, freestyle, just like I do in a match.

[Collander]

Excellent news OS, thanks for the update.

Just out of curiosity, how does the stainless barrel improve accuracy over a carbon steel barrel? Is it more rigid? Would that matter?

[Old School]

Originally Posted by Collander

Excellent news OS, thanks for the update.

Just out of curiosity, how does the stainless barrel improve accuracy over a carbon steel barrel? Is it more rigid? Would that matter?

The material along doee not affect accuracy. It is the sum of the parts/modifications that offer a higher level of accuracy.

[leeindy]

what does the stamping on the barrel look like?

[ArmyGuy45]

Originally Posted by Old School

This AM, I took what should be the final revision of our XD45ACP Barrel to the range for some function firing. This barrel was a little larger than factory specs, but it did not need to be fitted; it dropped right it.

As for the results, since many of you like pictures, I offer the following. This was the first set of 6 shots- three sets shot in total (18 rounds of 230gr ball). The results for each of the three sets were very similar. I shot these from the 15 yard line off-hand. I expect that a fitted PistolGear Match Barrel will offer even more performance.

With the factory barrel, each set had a flier and I am not sure why. The factory group was about twice the size, which is not awful. If you compare the barrels, the rifling is different; perhaps that is part of the reason.




At this point, we are documenting measurements/adjustments so we can get some production barrels in the works. I am guessing we are three weeks out. We appreciate your interest and patience.

OS

is it bad when my first thought after looking at the pic is... i wonder what size of bullet would it take to make a hole as big as the quarter

[Old School]

Originally Posted by ArmyGuy45

is it bad when my first thought after looking at the pic is... i wonder what size of bullet would it take to make a hole as big as the quarter

No. That is what real men think about while sleeping.