Popped my XD Cherry today...

[mongo]

I seized upon the opportunity to exercise my Y Chromosome today and went to the range. They had an XD-45 tactical for rent, and I jumped at the opportunity to compare it with my two Colt 1911's. I loved shooting the XD, and had a couple of observations. I noticed I had to really pay attention to my grip, my right hand tended to drift to the right. I had to concentrate on my grip a little more than I wanted to. This undoubtably is due to my hours and hours of firing the 1911... I'm sure all it would take is range time to correct and feel comfortable. The other main observation was with the lack of the thumb safety as found on the 1911. It required just a little more thought and awareness.

The positives FAR outweighed any concerns I had with those two. I shot the gun pretty accurately for the first time out. The XD handled both the range's "approved ammo" - Blazer brass, and the ilicit Winchester White box that somehow found it's way into the mag. I practiced double taps, and "Mozambique" triple taps and found it rather controllable.

I still favor my 1911's as that is where my comfort and muscle memory is, but the XD is pretty close. In comparison, the Glock 20 I rented the last time was less enjoyable to shoot. I didn't like the grip thickness and angle, didn't mind the 10mm all that much though.

All in all, I am pretty sure that the XD-45 tactical will be my next handgun purchase. I see it's use in the home defense and "camping" categories. Just gotta keep saving up my "mad money"... that way SWMBO cannot bitch too much about it.

Off to seek pics of the new Brown XD's
Mongo

[jeff221]

At first, I viewed the lack of a thumb safety as a bad thing, as you did. After owning the XD for awhile you realize that the lack of that safety makes you more situationally aware of things while you are around the firearm, which as you would probablay agree, is a GREAT thing.

I've found Safeties tend to make people LESS safe then they should be.

[The Knight Of Light]

Welcome Mongo make sure you find the 1911 photo thread and post some pics of those JM Browning beauties!

[mongo]

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

Welcome Mongo make sure you find the 1911 photo thread and post some pics of those JM Browning beauties!

Thanks for the welcome. I will seek out the 1911 photo thread and add my beauties... I have a couple of pics that I call my "homage to the BATFE"

Jeff221, I agree with most of what you said... but I still like that safety for those times when you aren't 100% aware, for example - awakening to a sudden and loud noise etc. I try to be hyper-vigilant to everything safety wise when I have a loaded firearm of any kind. I'm sure practice will build the familiarity and muscle memory needed with the XD. I just gotta deal with the insufferable wait until I can get one.

Found some pics of the "dark earth" color..... YUCK! and as someone else commented... BFUGLY! They really need to change the name from dark earth to "baby poop tan"... that is much more accurate of a description.

edited to add: Sorry KOL, It seems that I am not yet allowed to post images. I haven't learned the secret handshake yet.