xd slide vs. poly frame rails

[erniestu]

A friend observed that Glock has metal inserts on the bearing points where the slide works against the polymer frame while the SA XD does not. I suspect that it's a non-issue in terms of rail wear, but what are the observations from those who own both?
Thanks.

[deepdiver]

Interesting question. My friend and I were comparing my XD and his Glock 30 earlier tonight. Noticed the same thing.

[jeepinbanditrider]

The front rails on the XD are larger and beefier. These supports most of the stress when the pistol is being operated. I have noticed no unusuall wear on my XD after thousands of rounds.

[mcb]

The XD does have steel slide rails in the frame. They are located on each side of the locking block above the trigger. These rails take all of the stress of holding the barrel-slide locked up until the slide recoils enough to unlock the action and let the slide cycle free of the barrel. The polymer guides in the back of the frame are just that guides and do not see any major stress during firing. The only stress the would see is a slight upward force as the striker snaps back over the sear. Beyond that they are just there for the ride. If you compare the amount of metal on metal contact between the locking block and slide of and XD and a glock you will see the XD has as much or greater contact area on the slide rails than the glock.

mcb

[deepdiver]

I did note that today, mcb, but didn't know enough about the actual physics within the pistol when firing to know the significance of the design differences.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by mcb

The XD does have steel slide rails in the frame. They are located on each side of the locking block above the trigger. These rails take all of the stress of holding the barrel-slide locked up until the slide recoils enough to unlock the action and let the slide cycle free of the barrel. The polymer guides in the back of the frame are just that guides and do not see any major stress during firing. The only stress the would see is a slight upward force as the striker snaps back over the sear. Beyond that they are just there for the ride. If you compare the amount of metal on metal contact between the locking block and slide of and XD and a glock you will see the XD has as much or greater contact area on the slide rails than the glock.

mcb

I agree....plus, IIRC, the steel rails on the XD can be replaced if need be, while the rails on the Glock are molded into the polymer frame, so in event of a bend or whatever on a Glock, the entire frame is ruined.

Peace,
D.