IDPA is considering further changes to the new rulebook. Many of us who use XD9 or XD40 pistols in IDPA competition, feel that we are unfairly disadvantaged by having to shoot in the ESP division rather than the SSP division.
I sent the following email to IDPA, and I would encourage other IDPA members who use XD pistols to send similar messages:
Dear IDPA Board,
I use two guns in IDPA competitions. One is a full-size .45 caliber Kimber 1911. The other is a stock XD-9 service model. I always have found it strange that Glock pistols are classified in the Stock Service Pistol division, while XD pistols must compete in the Enhanced Service Pistol division.
From a practical, rather than a technical point of view, there is very little difference in behavior between the Glock and XD pistols. Technically, the XD is a single action pistol because the striker is fully reset by the recoil, while in the Glock the striker is 2/3 reset by recoil and 1/3 by trigger pull. But, AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT POINT, both the Glock and the XD are SAFE ACTION pistols (both have trigger safeties of similar design) and because of this the trigger pull for both Glock and XD require comparable force. The minimum trigger pull force for an XD is 5.5 lbs and typically more like 6 or or 6.5 lbs.
This is substantially higher than the the trigger pull force required for the true single action pistols normally used in the ESP division.
Right now the classification scores for ESP are substantially more difficult to meet than those for SSP. In my view this seriously disadvantages XD shooters.
I see three possible remedies. (1) The fairest, in my view, would be to have a separate division for all safe action pistols (Glock and XD) since they behave similarly in practice. (2) Move Glocks to ESP, since they are closer to XD's than other SSP's. Or, (3) adjust the classification scores for ESP to account for XD's.
I think that there would be an overall benefit from making such revisions. The XD is one of the most affordable, quality carry pistols. I think that more folks would be attracted to IDPA if they felt that they could compete on a more equal footing with their XD pistols.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark H. Shapiro
I sent the following email to IDPA, and I would encourage other IDPA members who use XD pistols to send similar messages:
Dear IDPA Board,
I use two guns in IDPA competitions. One is a full-size .45 caliber Kimber 1911. The other is a stock XD-9 service model. I always have found it strange that Glock pistols are classified in the Stock Service Pistol division, while XD pistols must compete in the Enhanced Service Pistol division.
From a practical, rather than a technical point of view, there is very little difference in behavior between the Glock and XD pistols. Technically, the XD is a single action pistol because the striker is fully reset by the recoil, while in the Glock the striker is 2/3 reset by recoil and 1/3 by trigger pull. But, AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT POINT, both the Glock and the XD are SAFE ACTION pistols (both have trigger safeties of similar design) and because of this the trigger pull for both Glock and XD require comparable force. The minimum trigger pull force for an XD is 5.5 lbs and typically more like 6 or or 6.5 lbs.
This is substantially higher than the the trigger pull force required for the true single action pistols normally used in the ESP division.
Right now the classification scores for ESP are substantially more difficult to meet than those for SSP. In my view this seriously disadvantages XD shooters.
I see three possible remedies. (1) The fairest, in my view, would be to have a separate division for all safe action pistols (Glock and XD) since they behave similarly in practice. (2) Move Glocks to ESP, since they are closer to XD's than other SSP's. Or, (3) adjust the classification scores for ESP to account for XD's.
I think that there would be an overall benefit from making such revisions. The XD is one of the most affordable, quality carry pistols. I think that more folks would be attracted to IDPA if they felt that they could compete on a more equal footing with their XD pistols.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark H. Shapiro