How nice can the XD tactical get?

[ebar5]

Originally Posted by Hemidart

Glass or whatever....Self Protection, Carry....

I love my XD-45 but the 1911 is imho a better gun in all situations then the XD..

Explain to me how, in a practical role (self defence, combat, or practical compitition) a 1911 is superior to an XD (or any other quality, reliable gun).

I also like the 1911 platform but for the $$$ in a practical role, I would argue that the +'s of the XD outweigh the +'s of the 1911.

I undersatand that the 1911 is the most customizable firearm on the planet by far but I would argue that at effective combat range you are just as dead being hit with a 230gr jhp out of an XD45 as you are with a stock Rock Island/Charles Daly/SA/Kimber or even, Yes, the MIGHTIEST of the ALMIGHTY, Wilson Combat!!!!!!!!!

The "BEST" is what is comfortable to the shooter and reliable. In fact, there are much more reliability issues with almost all 1911's than there are with the XD line of pistols. I know because Ive owned 25 to 30 different types of 1911 from the bottom of the line to the top. Almost every 1911 I have owned has failed me at least one time or more. Nearly all of them are ammo and magazine sensitive. I currently own 4 XD model pistols and have never had a failure. (9sc, 9service, 357 service and 45 service). Ive owned several others too and never had a failure there either. As for 1911's vs. XD, If there was one of each that I was not familiar with sitting on a table, loaded and ready to go when I needed a handgun, I would grab the XD first no matter the make or price of the 1911.

Just my opinion but there is alot of experience behind it.

[Dean407]

Sorry. I shoulda have clarified the guns role.

If I could carry it, that would be a small plus. But- I have my carry gun, so...

Looking for a nice to look at, nice to feel, nice to shoot target/range gun.

I can see myself in competition down the road.

My local range is IDPA affiliated. If I can use it in IDPA that's cool, but since I have "plastic" I want something nice to look at. A bit of elegant bling.

I'd do hard chrome on the XD slide and duracoat the rest in some cool color/pattern.

I was leaning towards the TRP Stainless, or maybe a Dan Wesson CBOB in 10mm. Or a loaded Stainless. Was just thinking in a different direction with a slicked up XD. I do like the higher mag capacity. It will still be a 'plastic' gun though and not SHINY STAINLESS STEEL.

I can get a used Les Baer or even a lightly used Wilson at the $1500 level.

The DW CBOB appeals to me because it's gorgeous and at $900ish, it's a solid value...if it runs OK. Quality control is hit and miss with DW. Been reading the 1911 forums. Never seen someone get a TRP and be dissapointed with it though.

The XD would be a more tactical mall ninjaish route. LOL.

[GW45NUT]

Originally Posted by Dean407

So, I've been eye balling some fancy guns for my 1st .45

Was leaning towards a Springfield TRP or similar 1911.

With a budget around $1300 (gun + mods) how nice can an XD 45 Tactical get?

Thanks

Dean

The XD45 is nice but will never be a 1911. Check out the Dan Wesson models, they offer much value for the dollar. I am very happy with a Pointman 7 model. Matter of fact I traded in a Tac 45 to acquire mine.

[sturmruger]

Pretty damn nice if you spend the dough. Check out the link in my signature for more info on what I did on my XD40.

[xd4life]

For that kinda money I would look at a STI...

[medicstimpy]

AHA!!! The man wants something nice to look at, nice to shoot and something to be proud of. AND is thinking of a TRP.

You just answered your question. The TRP hands down or a similar model in any of the higher quality brand names. That one is high up on my "To get list".

I bought my XD because I didn't want my stainless 1911 to get all scratched up from being a competition gun. I love my 1911 more than my XD and it is by no means a "safe queen" as she does get fired a lot but I go easy on her because it's my treat to myself. "Always wanted one since I was a kid and finally got her" type of thing.

[ontarget1911]

Trigger work for a 3.5 lb 1911 crisp trigger
Custom Stippling and grip reduction that looks better than stock
Custom Gunsmith fit barrel and slide tightening
Grip work to get your hand as high and in line as possible with the barrel
Front strap high cut to get your hand higher on the gun
Larger tactical mag release
Custom front end melt and carry dehorn for better holstering
Larger mag well opening for faster reloads.
TruGlo optic/tritium sights. The best sights going.
Slide tightenng and internal tuning and reliability work
Any finish and any color you want the slide or the frame to be
Lots of nice eye candy and engraving by Precision Gun Works
IDPA style frame mounted red dot
Dr Optic slide mounted red dot
Tactical light and laser combo for the tactical rail

That'a a lot of stuff. I can easily put $1000.00 into an XD and it will shoot and look like nothing you have seen so far.

Jess Gypin
OnTarget Custom Gunworks.

[livinlawatertown]

It may be heresy on this board, but I think that trying to make an XD looks pretty is like putting a dress on a packmule.

IMO, an XD is a tool. It's not meant to look pretty, it's meant to get the job done. And IMO, it does the job quite well. I have ten handguns, including four 1911s (costing from $500 to $1500) and one XD, and I shoot the XD more than all the others combined. And I couldn't imagine any situation in which I needed to USE a handgun, and I wouldn't choose my XD.

That doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of practical modifications that suit the XD well. But cosmetic changes aren't one of them.

If you're looking for a practical gun wtih showpiece qualities, I'd suggest a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. I think you get more for your money than with a Wilson.

[Hemidart]

Originally Posted by ebar5

Explain to me how, in a practical role (self defence, combat, or practical compitition) a 1911 is superior to an XD (or any other quality, reliable gun).

I also like the 1911 platform but for the $$$ in a practical role, I would argue that the +'s of the XD outweigh the +'s of the 1911.

I undersatand that the 1911 is the most customizable firearm on the planet by far but I would argue that at effective combat range you are just as dead being hit with a 230gr jhp out of an XD45 as you are with a stock Rock Island/Charles Daly/SA/Kimber or even, Yes, the MIGHTIEST of the ALMIGHTY, Wilson Combat!!!!!!!!!

The "BEST" is what is comfortable to the shooter and reliable. In fact, there are much more reliability issues with almost all 1911's than there are with the XD line of pistols. I know because Ive owned 25 to 30 different types of 1911 from the bottom of the line to the top. Almost every 1911 I have owned has failed me at least one time or more. Nearly all of them are ammo and magazine sensitive. I currently own 4 XD model pistols and have never had a failure. (9sc, 9service, 357 service and 45 service). Ive owned several others too and never had a failure there either. As for 1911's vs. XD, If there was one of each that I was not familiar with sitting on a table, loaded and ready to go when I needed a handgun, I would grab the XD first no matter the make or price of the 1911.

Just my opinion but there is alot of experience behind it.

Well....plenty of SWAT, Special Forces devisions choose the 1911 over anything... People that actually encounter tactical situations, not theorize in front of a computer.

As for failure....hmm my XD-45 had three failures within the first 150 rds. So don't think the XD is flawless. It has been reliable in the last few hundred rounds...but those four failures are still in the back of my mind.

I have really owned many many 1911 variants. AMT, Kimber, Para, Colt, Springfield, and Detonics etc. While some where iffy, the ones that I have built for a certain type of ammo were 100% reliable.

[gsh341]

Originally Posted by livinlawatertown

It may be heresy on this board, but I think that trying to make an XD looks pretty is like putting a dress on a packmule.

IMO, an XD is a tool. It's not meant to look pretty, it's meant to get the job done. And IMO, it does the job quite well. I have ten handguns, including four 1911s (costing from $500 to $1500) and one XD, and I shoot the XD more than all the others combined. And I couldn't imagine any situation in which I needed to USE a handgun, and I wouldn't choose my XD.

That doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of practical modifications that suit the XD well. But cosmetic changes aren't one of them.

If you're looking for a practical gun with showpiece qualities, I'd suggest a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. I think you get more for your money than with a Wilson.

+1

As far as I'm concerned, my XD-40 is there to preserve my life and the lives of those in my care. I really couldn't care less if it's pretty. It has some holster wear and some scuff marks, but so does my Leatherman. As long as I keep it clean and serviceable, I don't care if anyone thinks it's ugly.

And the only failure I've ever had was with some ammo, and that has nothing to do with the reliability of the gun.