Service or Tactical for HD? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

**Rustynuts** · 04-11-2007, 04:17 PM

Probably been beat to death, but what's better for a home defense scenario, the 4" or 5" to get more velocity?

deepdiver · 04-11-2007, 04:25 PM

IMO it ain't gonna matter. Few houses are going to have any place you are shooting more than 30-50' and from that distance I wouldn't think it matters if you are proficient with your pistol. Be interesting to see the opinions of those much more experienced than me (which is most of the forum).

Tard · 04-11-2007, 04:36 PM

I have the 3" 9mm, 4" .40 and 5" .45ACP.

I carry the 9mm with zero mods to the gun.

I shoot in classes and will eventually carry the .40 when my Springer Precision carry trigger job comes back.

I had a 2.5# super slick trigger job done at Canyon Creek for my .45 because I use it for range-fun ONLY.

The subcompact is a great carry gun but I would absolutely suggest the 4" for home defense. The 5" is larger and slower, the bad guy could get more leverage on it against you, it's easier to grab and block inside a smaller area.

For cost, buying 9mm in bulk is cheap.

I can reload .40 for the same cost as buying 9mm and it's a lot better stopper or at least it sure feels like it.

The hidden secret (to me) about .40: it's used by most cops and they DON'T PICK UP THEIR BRASS so you can get tons of once-fired brass. This isn't true of .45ACP, most people reload who own that caliber.

So, my 4" .40 will be my new home defense gun, replacing my Beretta 92F.

AZXD40 · 04-11-2007, 04:50 PM

Got to go with whatever one you like best.. I have a service and love it...

04-11-2007, 05:06 PM

A12Guage with a 18 in bbl 6+1 capacity MOSSBERG, WINCHESTER , REMINGTON any brand will work just fine!

**jnclement** · 04-11-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pookie

A12Guage with a 18 in bbl 6+1 capacity MOSSBERG, WINCHESTER , REMINGTON any brand will work just fine!

Well.........I would say a hunting shotgun, because I just can't buy into the short barrel mindset. You're defending your bedroom, not on a tactical dynamic entry squad. And a hunting shotgun looks better to the jury. But back to your question........there is really no practical difference in the service and tactical in HD use (I'm still waitng to see it make a difference in IDPA). That inch of barrel won't change the outcome. So get whichever you like. And then go shoot IPSC or IDPA. A lot.

**Rustynuts** · 04-11-2007, 06:57 PM

I guess the real reason for the question goes back to some of the threads I've read on the relative "slowness" of the 45 round. With a 5" you should get more velocity which could help in a critical situation. I know this may be a moot point with really good ammo like DPX or golden sabers, etc., but every bit helps!

Rollerman · 04-11-2007, 07:19 PM

Neither! Get a Shotty first. Then pick a pistol.
My choices: 1. AR 15
2. Shotgun
3. Revolver
4. Auto Pistol
5. OC

Captain Jack · 04-11-2007, 07:33 PM

It is my personal preference to go with the Tactical 5". I have a 4" .45 that is not an XD as my current house gun. It's a great gun, but a true beasty. I like the extra weight on the 5" in the front. It worked out great for me with 1911's. Man, I had a great time shooting a friends Colt. I just don't have that with my 4" for some reason. I also like the fact that there's a big 'ole gun handy for the baddie. My reasons may not be scientific, other than a larger sight radius, but oh well. I've given up trying to justify every detail in getting what I like. Sometimes, it's just good to get what you like, and enjoy it.

Joenpb · 04-11-2007, 08:00 PM

Although I own several pistols, one a XD-45 Tactcal, my Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun would be my primary weapon for HD.

04-11-2007, 04:17 PM	#1
Rustynuts XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,245	Service or Tactical for HD? Probably been beat to death, but what's better for a home defense scenario, the 4" or 5" to get more velocity?

04-11-2007, 04:25 PM	#2
deepdiver XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,585	IMO it ain't gonna matter. Few houses are going to have any place you are shooting more than 30-50' and from that distance I wouldn't think it matters if you are proficient with your pistol. Be interesting to see the opinions of those much more experienced than me (which is most of the forum). __________________ XD .45 Service Compact

04-11-2007, 04:50 PM	#4
AZXD40 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 706	Got to go with whatever one you like best.. I have a service and love it... __________________ John F. Kennedy: "Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom."

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04-11-2007, 04:36 PM	#3
Tard XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Machias, WA Posts: 3,014	I have the 3" 9mm, 4" .40 and 5" .45ACP. I carry the 9mm with zero mods to the gun. I shoot in classes and will eventually carry the .40 when my Springer Precision carry trigger job comes back. I had a 2.5# super slick trigger job done at Canyon Creek for my .45 because I use it for range-fun ONLY. The subcompact is a great carry gun but I would absolutely suggest the 4" for home defense. The 5" is larger and slower, the bad guy could get more leverage on it against you, it's easier to grab and block inside a smaller area. For cost, buying 9mm in bulk is cheap. I can reload .40 for the same cost as buying 9mm and it's a lot better stopper or at least it sure feels like it. The hidden secret (to me) about .40: it's used by most cops and they DON'T PICK UP THEIR BRASS so you can get tons of once-fired brass. This isn't true of .45ACP, most people reload who own that caliber. So, my 4" .40 will be my new home defense gun, replacing my Beretta 92F.

04-11-2007, 05:06 PM	#5
pookie Posts: n/a	A12Guage with a 18 in bbl 6+1 capacity MOSSBERG, WINCHESTER , REMINGTON any brand will work just fine!

04-11-2007, 06:57 PM	#7
Rustynuts XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,245	I guess the real reason for the question goes back to some of the threads I've read on the relative "slowness" of the 45 round. With a 5" you should get more velocity which could help in a critical situation. I know this may be a moot point with really good ammo like DPX or golden sabers, etc., but every bit helps!

04-11-2007, 07:19 PM	#8
Rollerman XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 156	Neither! Get a Shotty first. Then pick a pistol. My choices: 1. AR 15 2. Shotgun 3. Revolver 4. Auto Pistol 5. OC

04-11-2007, 07:33 PM	#9
Captain Jack XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 979	It is my personal preference to go with the Tactical 5". I have a 4" .45 that is not an XD as my current house gun. It's a great gun, but a true beasty. I like the extra weight on the 5" in the front. It worked out great for me with 1911's. Man, I had a great time shooting a friends Colt. I just don't have that with my 4" for some reason. I also like the fact that there's a big 'ole gun handy for the baddie. My reasons may not be scientific, other than a larger sight radius, but oh well. I've given up trying to justify every detail in getting what I like. Sometimes, it's just good to get what you like, and enjoy it.

04-11-2007, 08:00 PM	#10
Joenpb XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pacific Beach, CA Posts: 65	Although I own several pistols, one a XD-45 Tactcal, my Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun would be my primary weapon for HD.