[lutheranpriest]

Always take eye and ear protection to the range! With any shooting, unless you're plinking with .22, ear protection is a must. I've known guys who spend several years trap shooting without protection, and who would have thunk they've developed hearing problems.

Essentially, when you shoot, an explosive devise is being triggered at arm's length, so you will have that ringing in your ears every time. If you do this repeatedly, you risk irreversible hearing damage. Some calibers aren't as bad as others, but it's never a good idea. Short answer is, if you like your ears, protect them when you shoot. The same goes for your eyes, and most reputable ranges are going to require this gear whenever you go shooting. My recommendation is have a dedicated range bag/case and always keep a pair in it. I keep two pairs, just in case I'm shooting with someone and they've made the same mistake as you did. If you ever find yourself without, just run to your closest drugstore and get the foam plugs. They aren't the best, but they will do the trick in a pinch.

 

[lutheranpriest]

Sorry, didn't notice your other questions at the end. With many polymer framed pistols, a very firm grip will often improve your groups. Utilizing the push/pull method will help, and it doesn't take much practice doing it before muscle-memory kicks in.

As for ammo choice, the XD pistols typically aren't picky when it comes to ammunition. It is a good idea to run around 200 rounds through of your self-defense ammo of choice to ensure 100% reliable feeding and accuracy.

For ear protection, it's a matter of personal preference and how much you are willing to spend. If you don't have much $ to spare, reusable in-the-ear rubber plugs work fine, and happen to be my personal preference. Over-the-ear muffs are also inexpensive. If you want to go all-out into the $100+ range, electronic muffs are available that activate when it detects any noises above a certain decibel level. I've used them before as loaners at a local range, and they are very nice, but not worth the $100+ to me.

As for eye protection, if you wear glasses, most ranges consider that to be adequate. I typically shoot with my sunglasses, as I am out in the open country and my range is my back yard. For indoors shooting, clear and amber lenses are available, but that also comes down to personal preference. Some find it easier to see targets with amber lenses, and others don't like them at all. With most of this stuff it's going to be trial and error.

If you are new to shooting, regular cleaning is also a must. For a quick and simple, yet effective cleaning, get yourself a Bore Snake. I own one for every caliber I shoot. They run about $15-$17, but make cleaning the barrel very easy, and allows a quick clean in most applications without disassembly of the firearm. With my XD I use Break Free CLP on the barrel, Gun Scrubber to clean the slide and frame/trigger group, then follow up with some Break Free on the slide and frame/trigger group. Lastly, I recommend a good gun lube for the slide and frame rails. Some think this is unnecessary, but aside from the barrel, the greatest source of friction on any auto loader will be the rails.

Welcome to the exciting world of gun ownershp!