Help me decide: .45 compact service or compact tactical - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

grady · 09-30-2007, 04:18 PM

I've decided on a .45 compact for carry, but I can't decide whether to get a service or tactical. I've read many posts where people say the grip is the limiting factor on carrying an XD, and since I carry an XD9 sc, I agree.

I don't have a huge gun budget, so the XD .45 may be the last one I buy for a long time (other than a snubby for my daughter).

It will be a little while before I save enough to buy it, but I'd like to know how the 5" compact carries. I have a coworker who has a 9mm service, and I'm going to trade him carry guns for a bit to get the feel of the service, but all I can do to get the feel of the tactical is go to the gun shop and play with it for a few minutes.

Any one heard of SA coming out with a 3" .45 ACP? That might make my choice easier... or harder.

Please, don't try to convince me to go with another gun. I want the similarity with my 9 sc, and I am totally satisfied with the XD features.

Any one have experience carrying the compact tactical? Does the tactical offer any advantages other than perhaps better long-range shooting? Is the extra inch not worth it?

Any thoughts?

**XD9Sub** · 09-30-2007, 05:01 PM

I compared my 4" Compact to my 5" Compact at the range and, at least for me, I shot the 5" Compact more accurately beyond 10yds. I just enjoy shooting the Compact Tactical more, and I like to carry what i shoot most. The extra one inch really isn't that difficult to carry, IWB (around 3:30-4:00 position). I use a Crossbreed IWB Clip-on or a FIST #7 holster.

The other plus is that, at least for the moment, there are no other options for the guide rod on the 4" model. You're pretty much stuck with using the factory rod and captured spring. I use Don's Fat metal guide rod on the Compact Tact (rumor is that he's still working on a rod for the 4") to add a few ounces up front and I'm using a heavier recoil spring (20#, vs the 18# stock spring). It uses standard 1911 recoil springs, so you can change spring weights for different rounds you'd like to try (I like the 20# spring because I use Win Ranger RA45TP for carry and the heavier spring (and Don's fat rod) helps with the muzzle flip). This setup is very smooth shooting, sort of reminds me of my Dan Wesson PM7-S, but weighing in less.

Either model, 4" or 5", is a fine choice, just depends on what your intended uses are

Epic| · 10-02-2007, 02:05 AM

I've been trying to decide between the same two. I think I need to flip a coin.

grady · 10-02-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

I compared my 4" Compact to my 5" Compact at the range and, at least for me, I shot the 5" Compact more accurately beyond 10yds. I just enjoy shooting the Compact Tactical more, and I like to carry what i shoot most. The extra one inch really isn't that difficult to carry, IWB (around 3:30-4:00 position). I use a Crossbreed IWB Clip-on or a FIST #7 holster.

The other plus is that, at least for the moment, there are no other options for the guide rod on the 4" model. You're pretty much stuck with using the factory rod and captured spring. I use Don's Fat metal guide rod on the Compact Tact (rumor is that he's still working on a rod for the 4") to add a few ounces up front and I'm using a heavier recoil spring (20#, vs the 18# stock spring). It uses standard 1911 recoil springs, so you can change spring weights for different rounds you'd like to try (I like the 20# spring because I use Win Ranger RA45TP for carry and the heavier spring (and Don's fat rod) helps with the muzzle flip). This setup is very smooth shooting, sort of reminds me of my Dan Wesson PM7-S, but weighing in less.

Either model, 4" or 5", is a fine choice, just depends on what your intended uses are

Thanks for the info, XD9Sub. From similar posts I've read, 90% don't seem to have a problem carrying the tactical. Yesterday I wore my coworker's XD9 service, and the extra inch (compared to my subcompact) caused the grip to push into my stomach when sitting (I carry mostly appendix IWB). Granted, his service didn't have a compact grip, but from the way the extra inch affected my carry, I'm sure the tactical would affect it even more. So apparently I'm in the 10% that do notice a difference in carrying.

Thanks for the info on the different guide rod options. I'll use the stock for awhile anyway, but perhaps SA will eventually come out with options for the service.

Due to the uncomfortableness of carrying a longer gun, my current plan is to get a service compact. I realize the tactical would allow for better long-range shooting, but I shoot my subcompact just fine at SD ranges and expect to do the same with the service.

I'm disappointed because I wanted the tactical, but not at the cost of uncomfortable carry. I'm sure I'll love the service model.

Epic, any chance you can try both guns in your holster, standing and sitting?

Epic| · 10-02-2007, 08:21 PM

Grady- I grabbed the 4". If I still want a 5" well.. Maybe I'll have to buy another, right?

grady · 10-02-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epic|

Grady- I grabbed the 4". If I still want a 5" well.. Maybe I'll have to buy another, right?

Good for you! Sounds like you may end up with a collection somday. That's what I'm planning.

My .45 purchase may have to wait as I need to buy a revolver for wifey/daughter to use while I'm out... or maybe train daughter better so she would be willing to use the XD9 sc if needed (wife won't use a gun yet)... decisions, decisions... but there will be a happy ending when I get the .45 and a revolver... and maybe a shotgun... and maybe some more autos... and more ammo...

peterb · 10-02-2007, 08:40 PM

Hi Guys,
My wife has a .45 compact in 4", and loves it. She can shoot well with it way past self defense range. If you want a gun primarily for SD, than I would go with the 4". If you want it mainly for shooting targets and stuff, then get the longer one. My wife found that she can even pocket carry the 4" in some of her dress pockets,

but the 5", no way. Anyhow, just my .02
Peter

grady · 10-02-2007, 08:50 PM

Thanks, Peterb. I'm going with the 4" compact. Now if I can only find my stupid checkbook to figure out how long it's going to take to save the $.

Epic| · 10-03-2007, 10:27 PM

Just remember if you still have checks you still have gun money

**Need For Speed** · 10-04-2007, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Just remember if you still have checks you still have gun money

+1

09-30-2007, 04:18 PM	#1
grady XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 7	Help me decide: .45 compact service or compact tactical I've decided on a .45 compact for carry, but I can't decide whether to get a service or tactical. I've read many posts where people say the grip is the limiting factor on carrying an XD, and since I carry an XD9 sc, I agree. I don't have a huge gun budget, so the XD .45 may be the last one I buy for a long time (other than a snubby for my daughter). It will be a little while before I save enough to buy it, but I'd like to know how the 5" compact carries. I have a coworker who has a 9mm service, and I'm going to trade him carry guns for a bit to get the feel of the service, but all I can do to get the feel of the tactical is go to the gun shop and play with it for a few minutes. Any one heard of SA coming out with a 3" .45 ACP? That might make my choice easier... or harder. Please, don't try to convince me to go with another gun. I want the similarity with my 9 sc, and I am totally satisfied with the XD features. Any one have experience carrying the compact tactical? Does the tactical offer any advantages other than perhaps better long-range shooting? Is the extra inch not worth it? Any thoughts?

09-30-2007, 05:01 PM	#2
XD9Sub XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 1,025	I compared my 4" Compact to my 5" Compact at the range and, at least for me, I shot the 5" Compact more accurately beyond 10yds. I just enjoy shooting the Compact Tactical more, and I like to carry what i shoot most. The extra one inch really isn't that difficult to carry, IWB (around 3:30-4:00 position). I use a Crossbreed IWB Clip-on or a FIST #7 holster. The other plus is that, at least for the moment, there are no other options for the guide rod on the 4" model. You're pretty much stuck with using the factory rod and captured spring. I use Don's Fat metal guide rod on the Compact Tact (rumor is that he's still working on a rod for the 4") to add a few ounces up front and I'm using a heavier recoil spring (20#, vs the 18# stock spring). It uses standard 1911 recoil springs, so you can change spring weights for different rounds you'd like to try (I like the 20# spring because I use Win Ranger RA45TP for carry and the heavier spring (and Don's fat rod) helps with the muzzle flip). This setup is very smooth shooting, sort of reminds me of my Dan Wesson PM7-S, but weighing in less. Either model, 4" or 5", is a fine choice, just depends on what your intended uses are __________________ "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free" Ronald Reagan, June 6th, 1984, Normandy France

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-02-2007, 02:05 AM	#3
Epic\| XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 17	I've been trying to decide between the same two. I think I need to flip a coin.

10-02-2007, 08:21 PM	#5
Epic\| XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 17	Grady- I grabbed the 4". If I still want a 5" well.. Maybe I'll have to buy another, right?

10-02-2007, 08:40 PM	#7
peterb XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 7	Hi Guys, My wife has a .45 compact in 4", and loves it. She can shoot well with it way past self defense range. If you want a gun primarily for SD, than I would go with the 4". If you want it mainly for shooting targets and stuff, then get the longer one. My wife found that she can even pocket carry the 4" in some of her dress pockets, but the 5", no way. Anyhow, just my .02 Peter

10-02-2007, 08:50 PM	#8
grady XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 7	Thanks, Peterb. I'm going with the 4" compact. Now if I can only find my stupid checkbook to figure out how long it's going to take to save the $.

10-03-2007, 10:27 PM	#9
Epic\| XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 17	Just remember if you still have checks you still have gun money