XD45 Tactical or Service - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Shaeamus · 01-02-2008, 08:54 AM

I'm looking to add to my handguns and a high cap .45 is the next addition. I'm pretty sold on the XD but can't decide on the 4" service or 5" Tactical. This will be mainly for home and carry when I can wear heavier "winter" clothing. Obviously service is easier to conceal (by 1"). What is the advantage of the tactical to carry a gun 1 in longer?

**trelane** · 01-02-2008, 09:08 AM

Ok first of all I came from where you're at now about 2 months ago. I learned the following:
1. barrel length has minimal effect on concealability
2. the compact (especially with the advantage of the mag X-tension is a huge advantage here)

I bought the full frame service 45ACP, and sold it to a friend a week ago. My 5" compact arrives tomorrow.

Let me be clear here, you're going to like either gun, I've shot them both, but I want to trick out the weapon and the 5" has more options.

**XDONBOARD** · 01-02-2008, 09:28 AM

For what you want it for, get the compact service! This is my nightstand gun! Easier to conceal, I added some Truglo tfos and a tlr-1 and feel bad for someone coming to my place with bad intentions!

Shaeamus · 01-02-2008, 09:57 AM

Compact 5 looks like a nice choice, but no stainless slide option!!! Arggh.

XD9Sub · 01-02-2008, 10:05 AM

I have to agree that the 4" compact probably fits your needs best. The shorter 10rnd mag really makes the difference when trying to conceal for carry. You still have the 13rnd full-sized mag for HD or range-time.

No advantage to the 5" Compact for carry, actually a slight disadvantage, but I carry my 5" Compact all the time (the extra 1" of barrel not a problem for me to carry IWB).

The real advantage for the 5" is being able to change out your recoil spring when you want, depending on the loads you are shooting. It uses standard Wolf 1911 recoil springs. You can also change to a stainless guide rod. I use Don's Fat guide rod and a heavier recoil spring (20#) with my Com Tac. I like the felt recoil best with this setup. At the moment, no options for changing from the factory captured guide rod/spring combo in the 4" XD45 models.

The TFO sights are great for range work or HD. I put them on all 3 of my XD45s.

happygunner · 01-02-2008, 10:15 AM

I feel the standard fullsized 4" service is the best choice. If your going to carry with a highcap Mag. why bother with the compact.

Tard · 01-02-2008, 10:40 AM

My choice would be the 4" compact because eventually that long grip will annoy you and you'll want the short grip.. and you'll have it!

**trelane** · 01-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaeamus

Compact 5 looks like a nice choice, but no stainless slide option!!! Arggh.

Welcome my friend to the aftermarket... Anything is possible with the various sponsors here.

BLACK45ACP · 01-02-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trelane

Ok first of all I came from where you're at now about 2 months ago. I learned the following:
1. barrel length has minimal effect on concealability
2. the compact (especially with the advantage of the mag X-tension is a huge advantage here)

I bought the full frame service 45ACP, and sold it to a friend a week ago. My 5" compact arrives tomorrow.

Let me be clear here, you're going to like either gun, I've shot them both, but I want to trick out the weapon and the 5" has more options.

Hey can you let us know how your 5" compact feels and shots when you get her, considering buying one for the added in of barrel and compact frame thanks bud, oh also please post up some pics.

Shaeamus · 01-02-2008, 11:56 AM

I guess one option would be a Stainless tactical and Stainless 4" compact. 4 guns ???

01-02-2008, 08:54 AM	#1
Shaeamus XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8	XD45 Tactical or Service I'm looking to add to my handguns and a high cap .45 is the next addition. I'm pretty sold on the XD but can't decide on the 4" service or 5" Tactical. This will be mainly for home and carry when I can wear heavier "winter" clothing. Obviously service is easier to conceal (by 1"). What is the advantage of the tactical to carry a gun 1 in longer?

01-02-2008, 09:08 AM	#2
trelane XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 216	Ok first of all I came from where you're at now about 2 months ago. I learned the following: 1. barrel length has minimal effect on concealability 2. the compact (especially with the advantage of the mag X-tension is a huge advantage here) I bought the full frame service 45ACP, and sold it to a friend a week ago. My 5" compact arrives tomorrow. Let me be clear here, you're going to like either gun, I've shot them both, but I want to trick out the weapon and the 5" has more options. __________________ SA XD .45 ACP Tactical Compact (311 rounds, "FAT" DGR) \| KIMBER STAINLESS PRO CARRY II (107 Rounds) Russian '53 \| SKS Russian '43 91/30 \| SA XD .45 ACP Service (now sold) NRA Member 153292899 \| Indiana CCW Permit Holder "Fear is the father of servitude, and the captor of man. There cannot be slavery without fear, nor freedom with it."

01-02-2008, 09:28 AM	#3
XDONBOARD XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 3,493	For what you want it for, get the compact service! This is my nightstand gun! Easier to conceal, I added some Truglo tfos and a tlr-1 and feel bad for someone coming to my place with bad intentions! __________________ Michael XD-45 compact XD-40 sub-compact XD-9 sub-compact I'd rather have my XD and not need it, then need it and not have it.... I hereby certify that the person described hereon has been granted the privilege of carrying a concealed weapon in compliance with Arizona revised statute 13-3112.

01-02-2008, 10:05 AM	#5
XD9Sub XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 971	I have to agree that the 4" compact probably fits your needs best. The shorter 10rnd mag really makes the difference when trying to conceal for carry. You still have the 13rnd full-sized mag for HD or range-time. No advantage to the 5" Compact for carry, actually a slight disadvantage, but I carry my 5" Compact all the time (the extra 1" of barrel not a problem for me to carry IWB). The real advantage for the 5" is being able to change out your recoil spring when you want, depending on the loads you are shooting. It uses standard Wolf 1911 recoil springs. You can also change to a stainless guide rod. I use Don's Fat guide rod and a heavier recoil spring (20#) with my Com Tac. I like the felt recoil best with this setup. At the moment, no options for changing from the factory captured guide rod/spring combo in the 4" XD45 models. The TFO sights are great for range work or HD. I put them on all 3 of my XD45s. __________________ "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 Øbama '08

01-02-2008, 10:15 AM	#6
happygunner XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 1,132	Standard 4" Service I feel the standard fullsized 4" service is the best choice. If your going to carry with a highcap Mag. why bother with the compact.

01-02-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
Shaeamus XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8	Compact 5 looks like a nice choice, but no stainless slide option!!! Arggh.

01-02-2008, 10:40 AM	#7
Tard XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Machias, WA Posts: 3,014	My choice would be the 4" compact because eventually that long grip will annoy you and you'll want the short grip.. and you'll have it! __________________ The good times have been used up.

01-02-2008, 11:56 AM	#10
Shaeamus XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8	I guess one option would be a Stainless tactical and Stainless 4" compact. 4 guns ???

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