XD45 vs. XD40 Firing Characteristics - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

**Bycyclist** · 09-02-2006, 08:56 AM

Is there a thread already that discussed this? i searched and couldn't find one.

I'm curious about the differences in firing/handling characteristics between these calibers since I've never shot the XD45. I currently have the XD40 Service and carry the XD9SC, but the way everyone on XDTalk raves about the XD45, I thought it look into it.

I'll probably need to wait awhile before I get one, but wanted to start doing some research. (it seems like a very high demand gun and hard to get ahold of one for awhile - so I'll need to get on a wait list)

Thanks for your insights and for an overall entertaining and informative forum everyone!

dosei · 09-02-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bycyclist

Is there a thread already that discussed this? i searched and couldn't find one.

I'm curious about the differences in firing/handling characteristics between these calibers since I've never shot the XD45. I currently have the XD40 Service and carry the XD9SC, but the way everyone on XDTalk raves about the XD45, I thought it look into it.

I'll probably need to wait awhile before I get one, but wanted to start doing some research. (it seems like a very high demand gun and hard to get ahold of one for awhile - so I'll need to get on a wait list)

Thanks for your insights and for an overall entertaining and informative forum everyone!

The grip on the 45acp is just a bit larger than the 40's.

Most people feel that the 40 has a "snappier" (more muzzle flip) recoil than a 45acp. As a result, those who have large enough hands to hold a 45acp generally prefer to shoot the 45acp over the "snappier" 40S&W.

KYDoc · 09-02-2006, 11:45 AM

I have both.. recoil is sharper with 40. 45 is slightly more accurate in my hands (YMMV), and grip is a little bigger.

I love 'em both.

Tactical_@dvantage · 09-03-2006, 08:59 PM

My 12 year old son shoots my XD45 Tactical and loves it. I only put one round in the mag so it's one shot and done, but he has no problem managing the recoil. If only I could say the same about his aim, lol.

TN-popo · 09-04-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KYDoc

recoil is sharper with 40. 45 is slightly more accurate in my hands (YMMV), and grip is a little bigger.

My thoughts exactly.

That's why I prefer the 9mm and .45, over the .40, for defense. I don't like the ".40 snap."
I can shoot all three just fine...I just shoot 9mm and .45 faster.
I also believe that with modern JHP ammo, there isn't much difference between the three, terminal ballistics wise, if you put the rounds where they need to go.

I've seen many people shot with handguns...most were not impressed.
Best

stickman483 · 09-04-2006, 08:47 PM

+1000. My first Xd was a .40, and I don't miss it at all. A snappy little round that didn't deliver, especially compared to a .45. I think the recoil in the .45 is more comfortable.

**Bycyclist** · 09-04-2006, 08:54 PM

There seems to be consistency in the answers - why would a smaller caliber .40 have snappier recoil than the larger caliber .45?

I would have thought all things being equal, that the 45 would give a bigger push and muzzle flip. That was my hesitation all along, since the .40 is my first XD.

**Loves2Shoot** · 09-04-2006, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bycyclist

There seems to be consistency in the answers - why would a smaller caliber .40 have snappier recoil than the larger caliber .45?

I would have thought all things being equal, that the 45 would give a bigger push and muzzle flip. That was my hesitation all along, since the .40 is my first XD.

A .40 bullet moves faster so the recoil is snappier. The .45 is slower and bigger so it sort of rolls more and has more torque.

exexpat93 · 09-07-2006, 10:19 PM

In my smaller 9mm Para's - the "flip" seems extreme and tires me out.

I owned a PT-101 in 40 SW and was impressed and it seemed like a perfect compromise between 9mm and 45ACP. Less flip and more bang in a BIG gun. It was too big.

My PT-945 was also big and heavy and seemed like a push, slower "flip" climb, and very managable. Also too big really for what I wanted.

Now - it has to be that double captive spring and grip angle - the XD-45 is "Mr. Softy". Ultra slow "flip" climb, soft push, and easy recovery. I just don't blister or bruise with "Mr. Softy".

Actually I shoot my 9mm Makarov when I want to get some real abuse. Love my Mak but it begins to tear up my hand after 250 rounds straight. After 300 I begin to think ice is needed. This with the oversized soft rubber grips.

9mm Bulgie Makarov ***

ouch!
9mm Para CZ PCR ****

fun
45ACP XD Service *****

b-a-d-d
870 Remington Police Magnum ***

ouch!
AKU-94 Bullpup ***

seemed like a good idea at the time - but fun
PT-62 Gallery Gun ***

fun
PT-22 **

same as AKU

British Service Issue Gurka Knife
Kershaw Flipper Ken Onion Black Special
(Forget the official name)
Truck Stop Lead Cored Tire Tapper

Hope that does not make me a gunstore commando. LOL!

**Loves2Shoot** · 09-07-2006, 10:41 PM

If a 9mm is beating you up, you are shooting it wrong. A 9mm has virtually no muzzle flip, even in +p, if you have the proper grip.

09-02-2006, 08:56 AM	#1
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,829	XD45 vs. XD40 Firing Characteristics Is there a thread already that discussed this? i searched and couldn't find one. I'm curious about the differences in firing/handling characteristics between these calibers since I've never shot the XD45. I currently have the XD40 Service and carry the XD9SC, but the way everyone on XDTalk raves about the XD45, I thought it look into it. I'll probably need to wait awhile before I get one, but wanted to start doing some research. (it seems like a very high demand gun and hard to get ahold of one for awhile - so I'll need to get on a wait list) Thanks for your insights and for an overall entertaining and informative forum everyone! __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

09-04-2006, 08:47 PM	#6
stickman483 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 647	+1000. My first Xd was a .40, and I don't miss it at all. A snappy little round that didn't deliver, especially compared to a .45. I think the recoil in the .45 is more comfortable. __________________ "There is no certainty, only opportunity." "V" from "V for Vendetta" Duty Weapon: Para Ordnance 7.45 LDA Off Duty Weapon: XD-45 Compact Home Defense: XD .45 Tactical/TLR-1 and TFO's

09-04-2006, 08:54 PM	#7
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,829	There seems to be consistency in the answers - why would a smaller caliber .40 have snappier recoil than the larger caliber .45? I would have thought all things being equal, that the 45 would give a bigger push and muzzle flip. That was my hesitation all along, since the .40 is my first XD. __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

09-07-2006, 10:19 PM	#9
exexpat93 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 179	9mm Hurts Too ... In my smaller 9mm Para's - the "flip" seems extreme and tires me out. I owned a PT-101 in 40 SW and was impressed and it seemed like a perfect compromise between 9mm and 45ACP. Less flip and more bang in a BIG gun. It was too big. My PT-945 was also big and heavy and seemed like a push, slower "flip" climb, and very managable. Also too big really for what I wanted. Now - it has to be that double captive spring and grip angle - the XD-45 is "Mr. Softy". Ultra slow "flip" climb, soft push, and easy recovery. I just don't blister or bruise with "Mr. Softy". Actually I shoot my 9mm Makarov when I want to get some real abuse. Love my Mak but it begins to tear up my hand after 250 rounds straight. After 300 I begin to think ice is needed. This with the oversized soft rubber grips. 9mm Bulgie Makarov * ouch! 9mm Para CZ PCR fun 45ACP XD Service * b-a-d-d 870 Remington Police Magnum * ouch! AKU-94 Bullpup * seemed like a good idea at the time - but fun PT-62 Gallery Gun * fun PT-22 ** same as AKU British Service Issue Gurka Knife Kershaw Flipper Ken Onion Black Special (Forget the official name) Truck Stop Lead Cored Tire Tapper Hope that does not make me a gunstore commando. LOL!

09-07-2006, 10:41 PM	#10
Loves2Shoot XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bend, OR Posts: 2,611	If a 9mm is beating you up, you are shooting it wrong. A 9mm has virtually no muzzle flip, even in +p, if you have the proper grip. __________________ www.SpringerPrecision.com The XD Specialists - Our web store is now online!

09-02-2006, 11:45 AM	#3
KYDoc XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 1,025	I have both.. recoil is sharper with 40. 45 is slightly more accurate in my hands (YMMV), and grip is a little bigger. I love 'em both.

09-03-2006, 08:59 PM	#4
Tactical_@dvantage XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Saint Louis Missouri Posts: 109	My 12 year old son shoots my XD45 Tactical and loves it. I only put one round in the mag so it's one shot and done, but he has no problem managing the recoil. If only I could say the same about his aim, lol.

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