Is Bigger Better?

[SammyL.]

I'm a brand new "kid on the block". Forgive me, since I know this question has probably been discussed before: I am wanting a XD-45 compact really bad and need help on deciding on a 4 inch vs. 5 inch barrel ACCURACY. What are your thoughts? I have (2) 4 inch service, XD-9s and I can shoot them well vs. my Kimber 1911 (but I sure like 'dat big ole bullet')! I carry my 4 inch service in a hybrid holster and don't feel the extra barrel length would bother me???? Please help!

[Knightslugger]

Are you talking about a barrel replacement, or a slide/barrel replacement?

a longer slide will give you a longer sight radius, which is never a bad thing... but the 4" is just as accurate as a 5", unless you're talking really reaching out and touching someone.

I mean who shoots and carries a service handgun and practices out to 100+ yards?

[SammyL.]

I'm wanting to BUY an XD45 Compact in either a 4 inch or 5inch barrel (not a replacement). I'm just trying to "poll" actual shooters as to wheather (they feel) the extra 1 inches of barrel increase accuracy (even) at 15 or 25 yards (?)

[Knightslugger]

the barrel? not really, the sight radius? oh heck yeah. if it's for accuracy, i would choose the longer slide. You just happen to get an extra inch of barrel. if the 5" had 4" sights, it would be no more or less accurate if it had a 4 or 5 inch barrel.

remember, it's the shooter AND the gun. the easier they make putting the sights in the same spot over and over, the better you're going to be able to repeat the same bullet path.

[PistolEd]

Originally Posted by Knightslugger

the barrel? not really, the sight radius? oh heck yeah. if it's for accuracy, i would choose the longer slide. You just happen to get an extra inch of barrel. if the 5" had 4" sights, it would be no more or less accurate if it had a 4 or 5 inch barrel.

remember, it's the shooter AND the gun. the easier they make putting the sights in the same spot over and over, the better you're going to be able to repeat the same bullet path.

So really what you're saying is, it's not the size that counts but how you use it?

[Knightslugger]

that's one way to put it.

[joe81076]

I asked my girlfriend the same question....she said no, but I think shes lying

[uponthestair]

Buy one of each. 4" for carry, 5" for home defense.

That's what I did when I couldn't make up my mind.

[Tw1Kell]

I carry an XD 45 Compact, everyday, around my small farm. I also have a 5.25 Competition. There is a bit of difference in the accuracy that I get between them, as the 5.25 is much faster, more controlable, for me. The thing has better sights, longer radius, more weight, as mentioned, already. I am former military (officer and EM) and former State Prison SWaT, so I have had extensive handgun training and practice.

Is the Compact 45 a slacker? NO!
Are there advantages to longer barrel length? Yes!
Is there a point to spending the money for a Competition weapon? Yes!
It's all in what's the intended use, I believe. You'll have to answer that one. I hope this helps a lil?

[Destructo]

Accuracy wise they will be pretty much equal unless your using a rest and shooting longer range.

If your like most hand gunners and shoot free hand while standing for fun and practice I seriously doubt you'll notice much difference between the 2 accuracy wise.

If your planning on carrying it concealed the extra 1" of slide does make some difference but I carry my 45 tactical all the time without too much trouble. The grip length gives me more issues than the slide length.