I decided to bail out early today and head for the range. When I got to the range, a member I knew just got a XD 45 Tactical and was shooting it. He offered me 9 rounds and I took the chance.
I have to admit I was not that fond of Springfield going for 45GAP instead of ACP. To me the round was an answer to question no one asked. My first impression was that this reduction in size is not much different. Maybe because I didn't have a 45ACP with me, but size didn't seem to differ that much.
On the first trigger pull, I felt the recoil of a 45. It wasn't a sharp flip like a 9mm/40sw/357sig, but more of that good old 'oomph' you get from a 45ACP.
Accuracywise it was excellent, had I been a better shooter. But due to my shortcomings the potental of the gun seems to have been unutilized. With 5 inch barrel the balance of the handgun was great, and did not feel any more heavier than other caliber models.(this part is a bit subjective)
In conclusion, the gun is a good one, and Springfield might have done themselves a good business decision. With a little bit of promotion for the .45GAP rounds, XD 45 can be a very good contender for the round and the market.
from 7 yards.

I have to admit I was not that fond of Springfield going for 45GAP instead of ACP. To me the round was an answer to question no one asked. My first impression was that this reduction in size is not much different. Maybe because I didn't have a 45ACP with me, but size didn't seem to differ that much.
On the first trigger pull, I felt the recoil of a 45. It wasn't a sharp flip like a 9mm/40sw/357sig, but more of that good old 'oomph' you get from a 45ACP.
Accuracywise it was excellent, had I been a better shooter. But due to my shortcomings the potental of the gun seems to have been unutilized. With 5 inch barrel the balance of the handgun was great, and did not feel any more heavier than other caliber models.(this part is a bit subjective)
In conclusion, the gun is a good one, and Springfield might have done themselves a good business decision. With a little bit of promotion for the .45GAP rounds, XD 45 can be a very good contender for the round and the market.
from 7 yards.
