XD(m) 45 5.25" Comp series

[jloyd0024]

I am brand new to the forum, but not entirely new to handguns. Tomorrow I am picking up my XDM 45 5.25" bi-tone and am wondering if anyone can share their experiences with this particular gun. Though this is the "competition series" I plan on using this for home defense/range toy. I have a Kimber 1911 9mm that I use for competition (3-gun/IDPA). I may shoot some local IDPA with it if I'm feeling adventurous. I have never owned a 45 myself, but have heard that the recoil in the XDM 45 is very manageable, even comparable to the recoil of a 9mm. I opted for the 5.25" barrel because the 4.5" felt small in my hand (probably due to my experience with 1911s) and wanted it to be as accurate as possible for home protection. This will also be my first polymer striker fire pistol. I understand that the trigger pull will be longer than the trigger on my 1911 (which I love) and will take some getting used to.

Due to the fact that I will be using this for home defense I am planning on attaching a tactical light (right now I'm thinking Crimson Trace) and Trijicon night sights. Fiber optics sights are great in the day, but not in a middle of the night home defense scenario. I will probably attach the light and try the fiber optics out before adding the Trijicon night sights. I have never been a fan of lasers and don't plan on getting one for this gun unless I hear a very convincing argument.

Any advice on tactical upgrades is certainly welcome.
Thanks for sharing!

[lwlaml]

I've had my 9mm version for a month and have shot about 1k rounds in USPSA and steel competitions. I like it very much. It's accurate and shoots reliably.

I also have a CZ 75 with a very good trigger job and a Srpingfield TRP, so by comparison, I was found the trigger leaves something to be desired. I installed the Powder River Ultimate Match kit and it's a day and night difference. It's no 1911, but a huge improvement. Good luck!!

[Bandog]

.................................................. ..

[Bandog]

..............................

[jloyd0024]

I picked it up yesterday and took it to the range after a quick strip & clean. My groups turned out nothing like yours. I was shooting mainly left, and sometimes low left. I was shooting way low with Hornady defensive rounds. I know this was because if me and not the gun. I am used to shooting a Kimber 9mm 1911 so I know it will take some time to get used to the trigger and shooting 45. After a few mags I started to catch myself flinching.

Also, after about 3 mags the slide stopped locking back after the last round. Has anyone else heard of this problem? I shot 150 rounds with only one fail to eject malfunction.

At this point, the accuracy I was getting at about 15-20 yards was not satisfactory. Honestly, I am kind of wishing I would've gone with the 4.5" instead of the 5.25". I feel like the 5.25" is a little long for the shorter distances I will be shooting with it. Until I get better with it or sell it I will be using my 1911 and 1100 tac 4 for home defense :-/

I have heard nothing but acclaim for the sights on this gun. However, I found that after about 6 mags the fiber optic front sight is so dirty that it does not illuminate much at all and might as well be iron in my opinion.
It looks like if I decide to keep this gun I will definitely be looking into a trigger job and new sights.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[Stogies]

Originally Posted by jloyd0024

I picked it up yesterday and took it to the range after a quick strip & clean. My groups turned out nothing like yours. I was shooting mainly left, and sometimes low left. I was shooting way low with Hornady defensive rounds. I know this was because if me and not the gun. I am used to shooting a Kimber 9mm 1911 so I know it will take some time to get used to the trigger and shooting 45. After a few mags I started to catch myself flinching.

Also, after about 3 mags the slide stopped locking back after the last round. Has anyone else heard of this problem? I shot 150 rounds with only one fail to eject malfunction.

At this point, the accuracy I was getting at about 15-20 yards was not satisfactory. Honestly, I am kind of wishing I would've gone with the 4.5" instead of the 5.25". I feel like the 5.25" is a little long for the shorter distances I will be shooting with it. Until I get better with it or sell it I will be using my 1911 and 1100 tac 4 for home defense :-/
It looks like if I decide to keep it I am definitely looking into a trigger job.

Any advice is much appreciated.

I'd respectfully suggest to not sell it. Simply said, you're just killing money, you never get the value back.

[jloyd0024]

Originally Posted by Stogies

I'd respectfully suggest to not sell it. Simply said, you're just killing money, you never get the value back.

This is true. I spent about $100 extra for the longer barrel and stainless slide. I know I will not be getting this back in a trade or sale.
Any suggestions on the slide failing to lock back after the last round.

[Stogies]

Originally Posted by jloyd0024

This is true. I spent about $100 extra for the longer barrel and stainless slide. I know I will not be getting this back in a trade or sale.
Any suggestions on the slide failing to lock back after the last round.

I don't have that model myself but for sure sooner or later somebody in here will chime in!

[dglock]

Originally Posted by jloyd0024

This is true. I spent about $100 extra for the longer barrel and stainless slide. I know I will not be getting this back in a trade or sale.
Any suggestions on the slide failing to lock back after the last round.

Will the slide lock back when you insert an empty mag and then rack the slide back? If so then your thumb is the problem!

don

[2008fx4]

Originally Posted by jloyd0024

Also, after about 3 mags the slide stopped locking back after the last round. Has anyone else heard of this problem? I shot 150 rounds with only one fail to eject malfunction.

Any advice is much appreciated.

i have put about 800 rds of umc 230 gr through mine, and not one hiccup. slide always locks back after the last round in the magazine. also, never had an issue with the front fiber optic sight getting dirty. shot both indoors and outdoors, with both the green and red filament and not once did i feel like the sight was dirty.