What's wrong with the 45 ACP Service?

[Dustoff '68]

I thought I would list some of the issues that present with the XD Service 45 ACP, that does not include the rest of the XD line of pistols:

1. No aftermarket guide rod/spring setup available...is it the 2 piece captured guide rod the problem?

2. You want a Lasermax internal laser for your XD? Available for all BUT the 45 ACP...is it the guide rod thingy problem again?

3. Aftermarket barrels....seem to be available for the XD, EXCEPT, the 45 ACP (unless you want a ported model from EFK).

4. Frame plug...do you want one? Sure, so long as your XD is NOT a 45 ACP.

5. Sprinco recoil reducer...sure, no problem, unless you have a 45 ACP.

6. Now this one is every XD's problem...have a scratched up melonite finish, and your slide needs some makeup? Well, SA and others will "paint" it for ya', but not melonite heat treat the slide...seems there are environmental concerns, and only the poor Croations are allowed to be exposed to these toxic chemicals...cannot be done in the USA.

7. Holsters....contrary to popular myths, the 45 ACP does NOT fit in the commercially available holsters touted as XD specific.

I think I mentioned some of the issues, but chime in if you discover any more specific to the Service 45 ACP...don't get me wrong....I really like the XD 45 ACP, but I am tired of waiting for the aftermarket support that seems to be going nowhere fast.

[Nerves]

although I don not agree on all points, I support your view. I like my XD 45 ACP service but the after market has been EXTREMLY slow to respond to consumer needs.

[happygunner]

Hey IMHO the XD-45 Service it's great just like it is. And if you want a holster made for it just contact Comp-Tac http://www.comp-tac.com/

[Ed 2001 SS]

The gun is less than a year old. They weren't even widely available till March (I think). The aftermarket analyzes trends and responds to them by developing products. This takes time. I think it's understandable that not much is out yet. I'm sure there are plenty of companies out there developing accessories for the XD 45 ACP. I think that if aftermarket support is paramount, you need to concentrate on a more established platform, rather than something new.

I have a question on your point # 6: Melonite / tennifer is not a treatment available in the US due to EPA regulations. Your statement first made it seem like you would want the treatment available here, but your "poor Croations" quote makes it seem like you think it shouldn't be available anywhere. Which is it?

[JD McDorce]

Regarding Item 7, my XD45ACP Service fits just fine in the DeSantis Speed Scabbard that I originally bought for my XD9 Service.

For 1 through 5, the XD45ACP is dimensionally different from the rest of the XD family. Current aftermarket offerings are for product that has been in the market for several years, while the XD45ACP has been around for about 9 months. Hell, Lasermax finally got around to releasing a unit for the XD SC earlier this year. We apparently have different opinions regarding expectations for availability of aftermarket product after the original product becomes available, as well as whether this entire scenario is something wrong with the 45 ACP Service.

Specific to Item 5, I must have been asleep when Sprinco started offering Recoil Management Systems for Sub-Compact and Service Models of the XD9/XD40/XD357.

As for 6, I am not certain where you are getting your information from regarding the environmental concerns regarding melonite processing and that it cannot be done in the USA. There are companies in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin that do melonite processing. If the issue is cosmetic, it is certainly more expedient to coat or plate rather then send it back through the melonite process. Since salt bath nitriding is a form of heat treat process, there are likely reasons why it would not be beneficial to subject the slide of a XD to the process for a second time.

[kayl]

quite a few of the problems mentioned also affect the SC...it's not like you didn't know what you were buying into. And where can you find the XD Frame plugs?

[Verm]

Melonite doesn't scratch off like the coating. It's impregnated into the metal. Scratching the slide just removes the outer coating which, just like a Glock with the same treatment, doesn't remove the treatment. If you really want your slide retreated (which isn't necessary) you can always send it here... US company btw which has been doing this treatment for quite a long time.

http://www.burlingtoneng.com/

then send it somewhere like Ajames to have it coated.

[Dustoff '68]

been doing your homework...as for melonite treatment....it is highly corrosive, and their are documented enviromental concerns...the laws governing this treatment are very strict here in the US, but are virtually non-existant in Croatia...the exposure by HS employees to the by products of this process are, to me, a cause for concern, given the protections that are afforded to American employees who are involved in this process.

[dred]

I believe all of those "problems" will be solved in time, except possibly #6.
Mine is scratched up now, after 4 months of heavy use, but I like it that way.
She's no safe-queen.

[hexus]

1. No aftermarket guide rod/spring setup available...is it the 2 piece captured guide rod the problem?

>>>Dunno, but you're right I think with this one.

2. You want a Lasermax internal laser for your XD? Available for all BUT the 45 ACP...is it the guide rod thingy problem again?

>>>They just released the subcompact version a couple months ago. They're pretty quick about it.

3. Aftermarket barrels....seem to be available for the XD, EXCEPT, the 45 ACP (unless you want a ported model from EFK).

>>>Won't be long. It's a new gun.

4. Frame plug...do you want one? Sure, so long as your XD is NOT a 45 ACP.

>>>I think you're picking nits on this one...

5. Sprinco recoil reducer...sure, no problem, unless you have a 45 ACP.

>>>It's a new gun. Are you impatient or something? The gun world moves slowly,

6. Now this one is every XD's problem...have a scratched up melonite finish, and your slide needs some makeup? Well, SA and others will "paint" it for ya', but not melonite heat treat the slide...seems there are environmental concerns, and only the poor Croations are allowed to be exposed to these toxic chemicals...cannot be done in the USA.

>>>There are a ton of places in the states that will do Melonite treatments for you, but the price is pretty high.

http://www.burlingtoneng.com/wear_resistance.html
http://www.trutecind.com/heat/melon.htm

>>>Again, it's not cheap, but it has nothing to do with chemicals and safety.

7. Holsters....contrary to popular myths, the 45 ACP does NOT fit in the commercially available holsters touted as XD specific.

>>>Mine does.

I think I mentioned some of the issues, but chime in if you discover any more specific to the Service 45 ACP...don't get me wrong....I really like the XD 45 ACP, but I am tired of waiting for the aftermarket support that seems to be going nowhere fast.

>>>Guns aren't quickly adopted. It is a VERY conservative market. People wait YEARS before a gun is widespread enough for mass product support. It's the nature of the business. However, the good part is that once a gun is "In" it is supported until the end of time. Half of the guns and rifles on the market have been around in one form or another for 50+ years. It's not a heatseeker's market.