XD45, high bore axix, and muzzle flip

[husker_t]

I've read some comments by others that, relative to other common polymer pistols, the XD has a fairly high bore axis (the height of the center of the bore above your hand), and that it thus results in more muzzle flip.

To give a clear counter-example, the 1911 typically has a lower bore axis than most pistols, resulting in most of the force of recoil coming straight back at the shooter. Ordinarily, most people prefer this because the gun is easier to control as opposed to having lots of snappy "flip" action around the muzzle.

Recently, I had the occasion to shoot a new S&W MP .40 at the range. I noticed instantly that the MP .40 had less muzzle flip than my 9mm XD.

Now please don't get all excited and jump all over this, I'm not trying to imply anything about the MP being "better than" the XD. I'm just wondering, if anyone else has noticed anything about what I'm saying, that the XD does seem to have a fair amount of muzzle flip, and whether you've noticed that some other guns seem to handle a bit better in this area.

Currently I'm trying to decide between getting an XD45, and an MP45, and am weighing the pros/cons between them, including this point. Can anyone give me an idea, if you have shot both MP45's and XD45's:

- Which of the two has the most recoil?
- Which seems to exhibit the most muzzle flip?

[aphexafx]

Whether the XD has a higher bore axis than XXXX is simply, as you say, a point. And, regardless, it is completely manageable. You just have to get used to it and it won't be a problem.

I have no issue with muzzle rise with my XD45. It's not a problem for me. Honestly, I don't think it's really that bad at all, on the .45. I can't vouch for the snappier calibers on the XD, though.

[prawls]

I sold a Colt Defender back when I was younger because the recoil was too much. Now I've got a Kimber Ultra CDP (about the same size) and could shoot it all day. Its all subjective and comes/goes with age/experience. With the correct grip, recoil shouldn't be a deciding factor.

That said, a buddy at a gun shop said the MP40 he has, had the lightest recoil of any other 40's he'd shot...and I'm getting an XD45 Tactical from him next week because the MP just didn't feel as good to me.

[husker_t]

Prawls, can you tell what it was specifically that made you prefer the XD over the MP?

[prawls]

The M&P grip felt a little fatter in my pickle-fingered hand. Didn't really like the mag release or the slide release. I know they have the different backstraps, but my problem was in the web between the thumb and trigger finger. Felt like I was reaching.

Grip angle is a little bit different also, closer to a Glock I think. XD lines up correctly with the way I shoot right now (not to say that I shoot the right way). Again, I didn't try the different backstraps that might have been better for me.

I'm sure its a fine gun and there are plenty of folks that swear by them. Just didn't fit me. I wouldn't mind trying one just to see how she shoots, but don't have time to go to the closest range that rents them.

[Grunt]

I've got several .45s and a few years back, I got a few shooters and ran them though each weapon to make a side by side comparison on how each weapon handled and how well they performed. What I did see was that the low bore axis handguns (in this case a Glock 21) did exhibit a faster shot reovery time. However, we are also talking time improvements of 1-2 thousandths of a second. Now would this matter is competition such as IPSC and IDPA? Maybe, but really only at the very top rung shooters. Does it matter when it comes to a defensive handgun? Not really since the average shooter isn't going to notice that much of a difference to be of a major concern. Long story short; yes, low bore axis does decrease muzzle flip leading to faster times but it's so negligable to really be a non-issue.

[Loves2Shoot]

The IDPA CDP National Championship this year was won with a .45 XD, so I think that says something about the difference it makes.

[MPSoldier]

Higher bore axis, lower bore axis - it's all subjective. Yes, I own and love the XD, but I say it's about what feels good to you. If you like the M&P45 better, and you shoot better with it - go for it! When it comes down to a question of a life-threatening situation, go for what works, and don't worry about the peer pressure of name-brand loyalty.

[Tard]

It's all about the man-gun interface (how you grip the gun).
I wouldn't have believed it until I was taught how to do it.

[D-Man]

Bore axis is only one of the factors that contribute in the handling of a particular gun.

Though I ended up going with a M&P45 instead of a XD45 partially due to this reason. Unfortunately in my case I didn't have an opportunity to shoot either, which I always would recommend wherever possible.

One thing I do know is that in a range visit I took comparing my M&P45 against my S&W1911 that the M&P actually felt better in my hands which surprised me.