First Range Trip With XD45 Tactical...Observations & Comments... - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

bluezerosix · 07-21-2008, 03:38 AM

Yesterday(7/20/08...) was my first time to the range with my new XD45 Tactical that I picked up this past Friday(7/18...).

My first experience with XD's was over the 4th of July weekend when I got to shoot a friends XD45 Service model. I've owned and shot SIG-Sauer 9mm's since 1991, so I guess I'm a "2-Time Newbie"...new to .45ACP and new to the XD.

I ran 200 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr. FMJ through my new XD45 Tactical...it ran fine without a single hiccup.

Recoil wasn't bad but was noticeablely more snappy than my 9mm SIG's.

Accuracy: It...or me...wanted to shoot to the left. Also a little high. Not too bad at 10 yards but more noticeable at 25 yards. From what I've read, this is considered normal and goes away with range time...I hope.

My groups weren't especially tight and opened up even more as I went through the range session. Again, I hope this is just part of getting used to a new pistol and the fact that I haven't really shot a pistol much since 2004.

I really want to like this pistol...really, I do...but I was a little disappointed with the accuracy I was getting. I'm withholding judgement for now and I'm going to chalk up this first experience to just "getting to know" my new XD.

I'd be interested to know if there is any way to help reduce recoil and/or muzzle flip. Also, the trigger wasn't bad but could use some improvement as well...there's a lot of take-up that I think could be done away with. Definately not like the standard DA/SA trigger on my SIG's at all...

Finally...how is the UMC ammo? Is it reasonably accurate or should I look to a different brand of ammo to improve my accuracy?

Any tips, advice or comments are welcome...

TexanAviator · 07-21-2008, 04:02 AM

As far as recoil, how far you go with it really depends on what you are doing with it. For a CCW pistol you might want to change out your recoil spring and possibly your guide rod to a heavier version, such as Tungsten.

If it is a range only pistol you might want to look into a compensated extended barrel, like from Bar-Sto.

eightmillimeter · 07-21-2008, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluezerosix

Accuracy: It...or me...wanted to shoot to the left. Also a little high. Not too bad at 10 yards but more noticeable at 25 yards. From what I've read, this is considered normal and goes away with range time...I hope.

Many people experience this phenomenon when transitioning to a double action only striker fired pistol. It was very common in Glocks, but M&P shooters and XD shooters suffer as well. Try some dry fire practice focusing on a smooth trigger press and get used to the overtravel of the trigger design. Many recommend to make sure you are using only the tip of your finger to press the trigger, this can also be a factor. (I am assuming you are right handed)

My groups weren't especially tight and opened up even more as I went through the range session. Again, I hope this is just part of getting used to a new pistol and the fact that I haven't really shot a pistol much since 2004.

Probably, XD pistols are not noted for bad accuracy. I am still getting used to shooting my XD, sometimes my left thumb will take a pretty good hit from the take down lever and that will screw with my mind for at least the rest of the mag.

I really want to like this pistol...really, I do...but I was a little disappointed with the accuracy I was getting. I'm withholding judgement for now and I'm going to chalk up this first experience to just "getting to know" my new XD.

It'll get better with a little more usage.

I'd be interested to know if there is any way to help reduce recoil and/or muzzle flip. Also, the trigger wasn't bad but could use some improvement as well...there's a lot of take-up that I think could be done away with. Definately not like the standard DA/SA trigger on my SIG's at all...

To reduce recoil you can experiment with different grip techiniques (a lot of recoil is perceived badly, or check out a heavier guide rod and spring or experiment with lighter loads.

Finally...how is the UMC ammo? Is it reasonably accurate or should I look to a different brand of ammo to improve my accuracy?

It's about as good as any other 230gr FMJ

Any tips, advice or comments are welcome...

Hope that helped a little.

Vic303 · 07-22-2008, 06:55 AM

You can try the Powder River Precision Basic Safety Lever kit & OT stop, for some drop in parts to improve the trigger.

Or you can go with the Springer Precision kit or ship it off for their trigger job.

The DRis · 07-22-2008, 07:48 PM

I compete in USPSA/ISPC and we have all noticed that the polymers tend to shoot to the left on right handed shooter and to the right on left handed shooters. We believe it is because of the 7.5lb trigger pull. I just sent mine in and got it back in 2 and a half weeks to Springfield. I love the new 4lb trigger. I agree that there is alot of take up. They reduced that on mine, not as much as I'd like, but it is less. I called and asked if they could take even more out, but they said it would make the pistol easier to damage if your using it as a carry or concealed gun. Just practice. Remember this is supposed to be a DAO pistol, but we all know it is an internal single action. So it won't be as nice as any SA pistols you have.

07-21-2008, 03:38 AM	#1
bluezerosix XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NE OK Posts: 37	First Range Trip With XD45 Tactical...Observations & Comments... Yesterday(7/20/08...) was my first time to the range with my new XD45 Tactical that I picked up this past Friday(7/18...). My first experience with XD's was over the 4th of July weekend when I got to shoot a friends XD45 Service model. I've owned and shot SIG-Sauer 9mm's since 1991, so I guess I'm a "2-Time Newbie"...new to .45ACP and new to the XD. I ran 200 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr. FMJ through my new XD45 Tactical...it ran fine without a single hiccup. Recoil wasn't bad but was noticeablely more snappy than my 9mm SIG's. Accuracy: It...or me...wanted to shoot to the left. Also a little high. Not too bad at 10 yards but more noticeable at 25 yards. From what I've read, this is considered normal and goes away with range time...I hope. My groups weren't especially tight and opened up even more as I went through the range session. Again, I hope this is just part of getting used to a new pistol and the fact that I haven't really shot a pistol much since 2004. I really want to like this pistol...really, I do...but I was a little disappointed with the accuracy I was getting. I'm withholding judgement for now and I'm going to chalk up this first experience to just "getting to know" my new XD. I'd be interested to know if there is any way to help reduce recoil and/or muzzle flip. Also, the trigger wasn't bad but could use some improvement as well...there's a lot of take-up that I think could be done away with. Definately not like the standard DA/SA trigger on my SIG's at all... Finally...how is the UMC ammo? Is it reasonably accurate or should I look to a different brand of ammo to improve my accuracy? Any tips, advice or comments are welcome... __________________ Springfield Armory's XD-series Handguns...they're what Glocks want to be when they grow up. Last edited by bluezerosix; 07-21-2008 at 03:52 AM.

07-22-2008, 07:48 PM	#5
The DRis XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oceanside Posts: 735	I compete in USPSA/ISPC and we have all noticed that the polymers tend to shoot to the left on right handed shooter and to the right on left handed shooters. We believe it is because of the 7.5lb trigger pull. I just sent mine in and got it back in 2 and a half weeks to Springfield. I love the new 4lb trigger. I agree that there is alot of take up. They reduced that on mine, not as much as I'd like, but it is less. I called and asked if they could take even more out, but they said it would make the pistol easier to damage if your using it as a carry or concealed gun. Just practice. Remember this is supposed to be a DAO pistol, but we all know it is an internal single action. So it won't be as nice as any SA pistols you have. __________________ SA XD .45 Service - SA Carry Package, Trijicon Night Sights, Extended Mag Release Ruger 10/22 Mossberg 500 Mosin Nagant M91 SA Socom II Urban Camo "Out of every ONE HUNDRED men, TEN should not be here, EIGHTY are nothing but targets, NINE are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they the battle make." "Ah, but the ONE, ONE of them is a WARRIOR, and he will bring the others back." Heraclitus 500 BC

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07-21-2008, 04:02 AM	#2
TexanAviator XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 134	As far as recoil, how far you go with it really depends on what you are doing with it. For a CCW pistol you might want to change out your recoil spring and possibly your guide rod to a heavier version, such as Tungsten. If it is a range only pistol you might want to look into a compensated extended barrel, like from Bar-Sto.

07-22-2008, 06:55 AM	#4
Vic303 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 156	You can try the Powder River Precision Basic Safety Lever kit & OT stop, for some drop in parts to improve the trigger. Or you can go with the Springer Precision kit or ship it off for their trigger job.