Decisions, decisions...Which XDM to choose?

[Cuda66]

Originally Posted by prof_fate

Not sure if there a wide ranging agreed upon definition of a snubbie revolver. I've seen 2, 2.5 and 3" barreled revovers sold under than title.

The compact and ultra compact carry auto's these days don't have barrels any long. The XDs lists it's barrel as 3.3" - but they include the chamber! That means the barrel is actually 1.7" long. (3.3-1.6" length of a 45 round).
Specs for the XD-S 45mm Compact Pistol | Springfield Armory USA and scroll down to see their measurements.

So guess what? A snubbie has a longer barrel that many of not most compact autos! So if you believe a snubbie revolver won't do the job then you have to concede these compact auto's won't either.

I've always read it takes about 1100 FPS for a hollow point to properly expand. If that is the case then a 45 ACP won't every do it. As it was designed to shoot ball ammo it wouldn't have mattered.

A few points:

First, an auto doesn't have a cylinder gap, and the corresponding loss of pressure.

Second, what you read about 1100fps being necessary is incorrect, or at least badly dated. Modern jhp's are designed to open at certain velocity windows; let .45s will reliably expand as low as 800fps. I short, velocity is less important as bullet design when it comes to expansion.

[oldog]

Originally Posted by Whitebrad25

Ohh, you might not want what I suggested then.

But, I think it would still be very manageable...just sounds like you want something more economical and friendly to shoot (though they aren't bad).


That is so crazy though....I can't imagine going that long without buying a firearm...I have bought 9 in the past 3 years but 7 in the past 8 months

When my son and his friends (Boy Scouts) showed interest in firearms a few years ago, I began a little safety training with BB guns target practice with them. Then going on to paintball, more safety training. These youngsters, now 15, have a good handle on weapon safety and handling at the range. They can hold pretty tight groups as long as I keep 'em slowed down. What the Hell? I was 12 when Dad enrolled me in the local NRA junior marksman club. That was 1967. So anyway, the main reason for not buying a weapon in almost 20 years is that nothing coming down the pike has impressed me. Until now. Thats why we're having this talk!

[prof_fate]

Originally Posted by oldog

prof_fate/Chris,
I see your point. Just thinking about longer sight plane for target aquisition versus longer barrel length = higher muzzle velocity.

Yes...but. There's always that damned but, huh?

Recent testing over a chrony shows in 9mm an inch and a quarter of barrel is worth about 30-40 fps (my loads vs what's in the books i have). Most test barrels are 4" my XDm is 5.25.

Real world testing of the same loads in a 2.5" and 6" SW 686 revolvers show about 80fps difference. The loads are lead wadcutter target loads so on the low end of things to begin with. Still not far off the 30fps I'm seeing on the 9mm. Actual speeds were in the 640 to 720 range. Slow, yes. Effective at putting holes in paper though.

There is a bigger variation than 30fps or even 70 at times from one round to the next. I just shot 4 different loads tonite over the chrony at the range - 10 rounds each of the same bullet/OAL, just different powders/amounts of powder. Best load had a hi/lo spread of 27fps and the worst 70.

So an inch here or there won't matter much I don't think.

What will matter is what load you choose - I had a low tonite of just under 1000fps. Last trip to the range using hot (ok,prolly too hot) loads gave me 1250 avg with a high of 1310. Yes, 1,310 FPS from a 9mm. (and no it hasn't blow up).

My choice at the moment is some HD ammo for my 9mm. I've get to get any full house 357 for the 686 but I intend to, and will chrono both and think things over. I could load really hot handloads...

A longer barrel/bigger gun (physical size) is probably a better choice than a smaller and harder to shoot one regardless of caliber. I would think a full size 9mm with 19 rounds is probably better than an XDs in 45 with 6 rounds. And on the nightstand that's easily doable. If you're 150lbs soaking wet and plan to carry 24/7 then size of the gun matters perhaps more than ultimate stopping power.

Personally I've never carried and never felt that was a mistake. Had I a job/home where I felt the need to carry I'd change jobs/move. Life is to short to live it paranoid, YMMV of course.

[Whitebrad25]

Originally Posted by oldog

So anyway, the main reason for not buying a weapon in almost 20 years is that nothing coming down the pike has impressed me.

Well there is the problem! I am very enthused with firearms and I enjoy the hobby greatly...I get very interested in many different firearms.


Maybe too many .

[oldog]

prof_fate/Chris
I used full boat 357's in my Dads 686 2" (stock grip),way overpowered. Never used a nightstand weapon, but if I did, It would be the GP100. Like you, won't live in fear.There's a baseball bat out in the garage though. Thanks again for all your good information, I can tell you too, are a lifelong student of physics (read as: mechanic) I'll keep you updated on my decision.

[oldog]

Originally Posted by Whitebrad25

Well there is the problem! I am very enthused with firearms and I enjoy the hobby greatly...I get very interested in many different firearms.


Maybe too many .

Whitebrad25,
I kinda like shooting different brands and weights of ammo from my old weapons to compare accuracy and "feel" It's like trying different socks in your good ski boots, always looking for the best connection between your feet and the skis. Also, a well worn weapon,thousands of rounds downrange.Mic that barrel bushing, barrel link and pin. Mic the new parts your putting in. How's that feel? How much tighter the group? How much fun is your wife and son having? That's my enjoyment.

[mdr6370]

OP,please forgive me if you've answered this already and I missed it (this thread is pretty lengthy). I'm wondering what you own presently and how proficient you are with it/them (i.e. how are you on a double tap or even triple tap)? If your accuracy isn't that good, and assuming we're talking about home defense,then perhaps you should consider something more forgiving like a shotgun. While some may "take shots" at my post, I'm sure we can all agree that hand gun proficiency/ accuracy is essential, particularly when it comes to home defense.

[Whitebrad25]

Originally Posted by oldog

Whitebrad25,
I kinda like shooting different brands and weights of ammo from my old weapons to compare accuracy and "feel" It's like trying different socks in your good ski boots, always looking for the best connection between your feet and the skis. Also, a well worn weapon,thousands of rounds downrange.Mic that barrel bushing, barrel link and pin. Mic the new parts your putting in. How's that feel? How much tighter the group? How much fun is your wife and son having? That's my enjoyment.

Different strokes...in 8 months I have 3k through one of my 9mms between the GF and I. She loves the AR and I am picking up a 12ga. for her this weekend. It is just one of those things that makes everyone unique. I love to collect them but I shoot at least bi-weekly. They get enjoyed plenty .

[prof_fate]

Originally Posted by oldog

prof_fate/Chris
I used full boat 357's in my Dads 686 2" (stock grip),way overpowered. Never used a nightstand weapon, but if I did, It would be the GP100. Like you, won't live in fear.There's a baseball bat out in the garage though. Thanks again for all your good information, I can tell you too, are a lifelong student of physics (read as: mechanic) I'll keep you updated on my decision.

Decades ago I shot a small frame snubby with 38 loads and hated it - it tried to walk out of my hand every other shot.
I got the 686 for competition mostly - but I got to shoot one just like it with bunny fart loads - FUN!
I've loaded up to 950 fps and find no issues. It's a large frame model with 'goodyear' (aka hogue) grips.
I want to shoot some full house 357 from it but haven't found any in the stores around here...may break down and load my own (but then I'll have to shoot 100+ of them like it or not, right?).
I have spent the summer shooting hot loads from my XDm and that I think has to some degree changed my opinion on recoil.

[Hawk99TA]

Ok guys, so I shot my brother-in-laws XD 9mm sub-compact today. It was great all the way around. It's cheaper, a little smaller, and did I say cheaper? lol. I'm heavily considering getting that model instead of the original idea of getting the XDM9 3.8. So what do you think? Will I be as happy? Is there a reason I should stick to my original plan? Thanks.