Help me decide - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

JMC · 07-17-2008, 04:42 AM

Thinking about buying an XD 45 probably 4" but maybe 5". I had the XD9sc but I couldn't shoot it accurately. I sold it to a friend and bought a sig p239 and I can shoot that alot better. I'm not sure I like the 6 o'clock sight hold but with practice I could probably get used to it. The gun will be for a daily ccw. I'm trying to decide between the sig p220, ruger p345, an 1911 or the XD. All feel good but the sig p220 trigger reach is a bit far for my hands. I've read that sig has a short trigger but I haven't ever held one with the short trigger. I work outside alot (sweat and grime) so the gun has to be durable, reliable, and relatively accurate for a ccw. It will also need night sights. I usually carry IWB but may try OWB, I don't want to buy another holster until I figure out which gun I get.

Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

XD9Sub · 07-17-2008, 05:20 AM

You really need to find a gun range (or a friend) to give the various models a try in your hands. I've never used the 6 o'clock sight picture. Both my 4" and 5" XD45 Compacts shoot POA=POI at 10-15yds and I'm using TFO night sights (which are great in day or night). Meprolights (#ML11411 for the XD45) are good sights too if you don't want fiber optics.

larz · 07-17-2008, 05:26 AM

I'm also planning a 45 ACP purchase and considering the 5".....I assume the only benefit to the 5" is accuracy and velocity? BTW I have a XD9-SC and shoot the lights out with it.

XD9Sub · 07-17-2008, 06:23 AM

The 5" model, in addition to accuracy (although some say they shoot it equal to the 4") has the advantage that you can install after market guide rods and recoil springs (your only choice with the 4" model is the factory rod/spring combo). So you can "tune" the spring weight to the ammo you shoot most and you can easily change out the recoil spring (with a 1911 spring) whenever you need to change springs. I have Don's Fat stainless guide rod and a heavier (20#) recoil spring in my 5" Compact (which I use for CCW in a Crossbreed QuikClip IWB holster). This 20# spring/stainless rod combo dampen the recoil a bit, at least enough for me to notice it

IMR · 07-17-2008, 05:22 PM

If you thought you would use a IWB holster the most, the 5" 45c would be good. If an OWB holster is what you'd prefer, the 4" 45c would probably be more desireable. An after market heavy guide rod would be good for the 5 incher, but the trade off would be extra weight in carrying.

KingWulfgar · 07-18-2008, 07:46 AM

Everyone is different, but for me, I couldn't carry the 5" model IWB. The 4" is plenty long enough.

Get what feels good, to you, though! I'm already shopping for a 9SC to be a little brother to my 45C.

kanemochi · 07-18-2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XD9Sub

The 5" model, in addition to accuracy (although some say they shoot it equal to the 4")

True...many people have the misconception that the extra inch makes the pistol itself "more accurate".

The fact is that if you put them both in a bench rest and shot 5 rounds with each, the groupings in one wouldn't be any bigger than the groupings in the other based solely on the length of the barrel.

The reason longer barrels on pistols tend to shoot more accuracy is that the increased length between the front and rear sites makes it easier to accurately aim.

In short....A person who practices A LOT with their 4" service can shoot it every bit as accurately as the person with a 5" tactical....although the 5" tactical is easier to shoot accurately by the novice.

countryrebel · 07-18-2008, 01:48 PM

I am trying to save up for the 4" xd45. I like the higher capacity and feel of it. I had a p220 and liked it but I just can not get over not having the high capacity mags. Out of the guns you mentioned I would take the XD45.

neanders2 · 07-26-2008, 07:25 PM

I say stay away from Ruger and 1911's for concealed carry. I've seen and read about a lot of problems with both formats. The XD seems to be proving itself quite well. It's still relatively new in the world of guns, but it's track record is quite solid. I have heard great things about the P220 but not the P220 Carry. The XD will be much lighter due to the polymer frame as the P220 is a big chunk of solid metal. If weight isn't a concern, then just go for whatever you shoot the best.

07-17-2008, 04:42 AM	#1
JMC XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 3	Help me decide Thinking about buying an XD 45 probably 4" but maybe 5". I had the XD9sc but I couldn't shoot it accurately. I sold it to a friend and bought a sig p239 and I can shoot that alot better. I'm not sure I like the 6 o'clock sight hold but with practice I could probably get used to it. The gun will be for a daily ccw. I'm trying to decide between the sig p220, ruger p345, an 1911 or the XD. All feel good but the sig p220 trigger reach is a bit far for my hands. I've read that sig has a short trigger but I haven't ever held one with the short trigger. I work outside alot (sweat and grime) so the gun has to be durable, reliable, and relatively accurate for a ccw. It will also need night sights. I usually carry IWB but may try OWB, I don't want to buy another holster until I figure out which gun I get. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

07-17-2008, 05:20 AM	#2
XD9Sub XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 999	You really need to find a gun range (or a friend) to give the various models a try in your hands. I've never used the 6 o'clock sight picture. Both my 4" and 5" XD45 Compacts shoot POA=POI at 10-15yds and I'm using TFO night sights (which are great in day or night). Meprolights (#ML11411 for the XD45) are good sights too if you don't want fiber optics. __________________ "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 Last edited by XD9Sub; 07-17-2008 at 05:25 AM.

07-17-2008, 05:26 AM	#3
larz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 168	I'm also planning a 45 ACP purchase and considering the 5".....I assume the only benefit to the 5" is accuracy and velocity? BTW I have a XD9-SC and shoot the lights out with it. __________________ NRA Member Former GCO Member

07-17-2008, 06:23 AM	#4
XD9Sub XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 999	The 5" model, in addition to accuracy (although some say they shoot it equal to the 4") has the advantage that you can install after market guide rods and recoil springs (your only choice with the 4" model is the factory rod/spring combo). So you can "tune" the spring weight to the ammo you shoot most and you can easily change out the recoil spring (with a 1911 spring) whenever you need to change springs. I have Don's Fat stainless guide rod and a heavier (20#) recoil spring in my 5" Compact (which I use for CCW in a Crossbreed QuikClip IWB holster). This 20# spring/stainless rod combo dampen the recoil a bit, at least enough for me to notice it __________________ "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

07-17-2008, 05:22 PM	#5
IMR XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 116	If you thought you would use a IWB holster the most, the 5" 45c would be good. If an OWB holster is what you'd prefer, the 4" 45c would probably be more desireable. An after market heavy guide rod would be good for the 5 incher, but the trade off would be extra weight in carrying. __________________ http://www.georgiacarry.org/

07-18-2008, 07:46 AM	#6
KingWulfgar XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, Georgia Posts: 530	Everyone is different, but for me, I couldn't carry the 5" model IWB. The 4" is plenty long enough. Get what feels good, to you, though! I'm already shopping for a 9SC to be a little brother to my 45C. __________________ http://firesaxby.com ------------------------------------------------------ XD 45 Compact S&W 4" Model 15 1985 Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 Ruger Mk II 50th Anniversary Edition (the wife's) Ruger K10/22RPF (stock for now)

07-18-2008, 01:48 PM	#8
countryrebel XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Idaho Posts: 122	I am trying to save up for the 4" xd45. I like the higher capacity and feel of it. I had a p220 and liked it but I just can not get over not having the high capacity mags. Out of the guns you mentioned I would take the XD45.

07-26-2008, 07:25 PM	#9
neanders2 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 21	I hope i don't get in trouble for this... I say stay away from Ruger and 1911's for concealed carry. I've seen and read about a lot of problems with both formats. The XD seems to be proving itself quite well. It's still relatively new in the world of guns, but it's track record is quite solid. I have heard great things about the P220 but not the P220 Carry. The XD will be much lighter due to the polymer frame as the P220 is a big chunk of solid metal. If weight isn't a concern, then just go for whatever you shoot the best.

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