soon to be 45 owner. advice, tips? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Catholic Damage · 03-13-2008, 09:45 AM

ok, so i've decided on an XD45ACP. i currently have an HS2000, and love the size. its perfect for me to carry, conceal, and easier to shoot than a subcompact.
which model XD45 is the closest size to my HS?
best i can tell is the XD45ACP Compact with the 4" barrel(the 5" barrel or 5.75" grip will be too big for me to conceal comfortably, i need the 4"/5" combo)

also, what, if any, are some recomended modifications for the gun once i get it?
i would like the slide polished, so im looking at the bi tone, but they are pretty expensive
also, is it worth porting the barrel? what are the benefits? pro's and cons for target and defensive shooting?

any other info on the 45 would be helpful. what rounds to stay away from, what rounds are recommended, good conceal cases that i can wear under a button up collared shirt, etc.

GlockConvert · 03-13-2008, 10:15 AM

Hey There,

I'd go with an XD 45 Compact. I had Springer do a trigger job and install night sights. Beyond that, its really good to go as is. I don't see the need for different guide rods, heavier springs... But that is just me. Not sure what polishing a slide provides, unless its just an ascethic thing.

I would highly, highly recommend not porting the barrel for any serious use gun. First off, the benefits will not be significant. Secondly, it weakens the barrel (which has been an issue with some XDs). It severely compromises night vision. If poses a hazard to the shooter when shooting from a retention stance (power, flash... can burn you or get in your eyes). In prolonged shooting (like at a course) it eventually dulls out your front sight, adds lots of crud to the inside of the slide. These two affects decrease reliability and accuracy. The latter two variables won't matter much in a defensive shooting, but why go there? Generally, the recoil of the 45 is not as bad as some think it is. I believe that with some training, practice, and grip strengthening, almost anyone can run a 45 with no issues. Adding weights, tungesten widgets, extra power recoil springs, porting... provide a lot of downsides without really contributing much to your ability to prevail in a confrontation.

If this is a gamer gun and not intended for serious use, then ignore what I just wrote and carry on.

GlockConvert · 03-13-2008, 10:19 AM

Oh, and I use Blazer brass or whatever I can find for practice and Rangers for carry. Rangers are reliable, accurate enough, penetrate well and expand reliably. They are also what the local PD's carry around here, which I think is an advantage. I also really like the Comp Tac holsters, but others have had really good luck with some of the forum sponsors.

Catholic Damage · 03-13-2008, 10:25 AM

i do some shooting competitions, but i like using my 9 for that, light, low recoil, and holds 16 rounds with s standard mag. i plan on doin some mods to the HS to make it a more competition friendly gun(right now its stock, so i plan on doing lighter trigger pull, springs, and night sights) but the 45 will just be a for fun gun at the range, but mainly a carry weapon.
i like the slide polished simply for looks, so its not a main concern of mine.

03-13-2008, 09:45 AM	#1
Catholic Damage XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 435	soon to be 45 owner. advice, tips? ok, so i've decided on an XD45ACP. i currently have an HS2000, and love the size. its perfect for me to carry, conceal, and easier to shoot than a subcompact. which model XD45 is the closest size to my HS? best i can tell is the XD45ACP Compact with the 4" barrel(the 5" barrel or 5.75" grip will be too big for me to conceal comfortably, i need the 4"/5" combo) also, what, if any, are some recomended modifications for the gun once i get it? i would like the slide polished, so im looking at the bi tone, but they are pretty expensive also, is it worth porting the barrel? what are the benefits? pro's and cons for target and defensive shooting? any other info on the 45 would be helpful. what rounds to stay away from, what rounds are recommended, good conceal cases that i can wear under a button up collared shirt, etc. __________________ HS2000 9mm Pretty Blue-Metallic Slide Remington 870 Express w/ Modified Barrel Blasting Clay, Bird, or whatever else gets in its way. Stevens .22LR 13 rd. Tube Fed Little Furry Animal's worst nightmare Mosin Nagant M44 Carbine 7.62x54 Killing Deer, Hog, and Nazi's Since 1891

03-13-2008, 10:15 AM	#2
GlockConvert XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PAC NW Posts: 415	Hey There, I'd go with an XD 45 Compact. I had Springer do a trigger job and install night sights. Beyond that, its really good to go as is. I don't see the need for different guide rods, heavier springs... But that is just me. Not sure what polishing a slide provides, unless its just an ascethic thing. I would highly, highly recommend not porting the barrel for any serious use gun. First off, the benefits will not be significant. Secondly, it weakens the barrel (which has been an issue with some XDs). It severely compromises night vision. If poses a hazard to the shooter when shooting from a retention stance (power, flash... can burn you or get in your eyes). In prolonged shooting (like at a course) it eventually dulls out your front sight, adds lots of crud to the inside of the slide. These two affects decrease reliability and accuracy. The latter two variables won't matter much in a defensive shooting, but why go there? Generally, the recoil of the 45 is not as bad as some think it is. I believe that with some training, practice, and grip strengthening, almost anyone can run a 45 with no issues. Adding weights, tungesten widgets, extra power recoil springs, porting... provide a lot of downsides without really contributing much to your ability to prevail in a confrontation. If this is a gamer gun and not intended for serious use, then ignore what I just wrote and carry on. __________________ Damien in Seattle I don't list my guns - I know glocks, FALs, and AKs but I'm not sure my ability to fill a gunsafe with guns make me an expert on anything. All that you can depend on from a 45 is that it will drill a .45 - .70 inch hole about 14 inches into someone. There will not be "energy dump", people will not fly backwards, and they will not necessarily fall as if they have been struck by lighting.

03-13-2008, 10:19 AM	#3
GlockConvert XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PAC NW Posts: 415	Oh, and I use Blazer brass or whatever I can find for practice and Rangers for carry. Rangers are reliable, accurate enough, penetrate well and expand reliably. They are also what the local PD's carry around here, which I think is an advantage. I also really like the Comp Tac holsters, but others have had really good luck with some of the forum sponsors. __________________ Damien in Seattle I don't list my guns - I know glocks, FALs, and AKs but I'm not sure my ability to fill a gunsafe with guns make me an expert on anything. All that you can depend on from a 45 is that it will drill a .45 - .70 inch hole about 14 inches into someone. There will not be "energy dump", people will not fly backwards, and they will not necessarily fall as if they have been struck by lighting.

03-13-2008, 10:25 AM	#4
Catholic Damage XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 435	i do some shooting competitions, but i like using my 9 for that, light, low recoil, and holds 16 rounds with s standard mag. i plan on doin some mods to the HS to make it a more competition friendly gun(right now its stock, so i plan on doing lighter trigger pull, springs, and night sights) but the 45 will just be a for fun gun at the range, but mainly a carry weapon. i like the slide polished simply for looks, so its not a main concern of mine. __________________ HS2000 9mm Pretty Blue-Metallic Slide Remington 870 Express w/ Modified Barrel Blasting Clay, Bird, or whatever else gets in its way. Stevens .22LR 13 rd. Tube Fed Little Furry Animal's worst nightmare Mosin Nagant M44 Carbine 7.62x54 Killing Deer, Hog, and Nazi's Since 1891

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