New to XD need some help deciding.

[Caseman]

I am so close to buying the xd compact but I just dont know what size barrel. I did do some serching but I didnt find what I was looking for.

How much more accurate will the 5in barrel be over the 4in? Or what are some other advantages if any.


Thanks
Casey

[stealthmode]

Depends on what you are going to use the gun for..
Carry? Competition?

I have a XD45 Compact that I use for carry and that I practice w/ at least once every 2 weeks at the range. It's great for carry and very accurate!
If you were going to use it for competition or something along those lines I'd opt for the 5inch barrel for better accuracy long range.
A 9mm is usually great for competition.

My 2 cents

[Bill in San Jose]

4 inch is plenty accurate for most people unless you're competing.

.40 is round the police and Sheriff use for badguys. 9mm is lethal in a self defense situation, but not as powerful a takedown round. If you plan to shoot a lot, 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper.

I have a 45 4" compact. So does my son. His logic? Our friend in LE need to be able to shoot badguys. We both hunt and carry the XD as a backup for cougar and bear and scumbags on public land who would plan to hurt me for my possessions. So we both carry 45s. I've shot Glock and Sig Sauer .40s, and the 45's recoil is not any worse or better.

[Slugger]

These are a tool like anything else it depends on your need/situation. The longer sight radius of the longer slide helps improve accuracy potential. Keep in mind also that the barrel is the easiest part of the gun to hide when it comes to concealment. All that said, I carry a 45 compact and it is plenty accurate for my needs, but I'm not shooting competition.
Just my $.02

Slugger

[Kev_n_Az]

I carry the XD .45 Compact tactical 5"

yes, its a bit larger than the compact 4" .45 I like it.


a "vendor" in home depot the other night commented I was looking like "Rambo" with my 5" in the shoulder holster with 2 xcap mags on the other side.

accuracy?

compared to my friends police issue S&W .40, I have longer range for sure with the extra length barrel. since most fire fights are within 10 yards +/-, carry what you feel fit.



*I am hitting my target at 100 yards with the 5" .45

[XD9Sub]

I also carry a Compact Tactical. I'm more accurate with it at distances over 10yds, than with the 4" Compact. However, I've never shot it at 100yrds, or even over 25yrds

Other advantages of the 5", you can change out the guide rod for a stainless model, or one that is heavier (I use Don's Fat Guide Rod). You can also use different recoil spring weights with the Tactical, it uses 1911 recoil springs (I use a 20# spring instead of the stock 18# spring). The combination of more weight up front and a heavier recoil spring makes it an even smoother shooter. You can't change either with the 4" models, only the factory guide rod/spring is available.

[Caseman]

Thanks for the replys. BTW I am looking at 45s I forgot to say that. and this will be my first 45.

I am leaning toward the 4in. I just dont want to buy it and shoot a few times and say "damn I wish I bought the 5in".

Right now in wisconsin we can not carry. And who knows when??

Thanks
Csey

[stretdr]

5" gives you a lil bit better sight picture...any gun does with a longer slide. I LOVE my 45 Tactical. Get the 5", you won't regret it!

[M1A Shooter]

Caseman, I guess it really depends on the individual. I'm a 5'5" " Circus Midget". ( at least thats what my wife calls me ) Anyway my hands are smaller and the XD45 5" tactical is real front heavy to me. I didn't do well with it. I got a 4" XD45 service and LOVE it and do very well with it. The guy who bought my 5" loves it. It would really be good if you could catch up with folks on here who are close to you that will let you put a mag or so thru thiers before you buy.

[Caseman]

HAHA. Im 5'4" with small hands. Thats why I was thinking the 4 would be better for me.