Hi folks,
As a newcomer to the pistol shooting game, I studiously trolled the handgun forums and the manufacturer's Web sites. Then, after trying out several different pistols, I decided to purchase a 9mm XD Tactical. To be precise, I'll buy it after my permit arrives (which takes 45 days in Canada).
Naturally, I've checked out Springfield's "XD Custom" page, and a couple of things caught my eye, which brings me to the point of this posting:
1) Should I order the XD with the stainless steel guide rod? I understand from Don's Guide Rod FAQ that the factory rod is hollow; will SS make a difference? Yes, yes, I've already read someone else's post about starting out "stock" and building on experience. I just figured that since I'm ordering the XD anyway, I might as well have the custom rod installed and be done with it.
2) What does Springfield mean when they say, "Refit factory barrel for match grade accuracy?" Is that a replacement for a worn-out barrel, or is this some kind of custom work available for a new or fully functional pistol? Would that be a worthwhile investment?
I'm fully aware that the darn thing will be more accurate than I am, it's just that I want to cut down on my list of excuses when I _finally_ get to the range.
Thanks for your advice!
As a newcomer to the pistol shooting game, I studiously trolled the handgun forums and the manufacturer's Web sites. Then, after trying out several different pistols, I decided to purchase a 9mm XD Tactical. To be precise, I'll buy it after my permit arrives (which takes 45 days in Canada).
Naturally, I've checked out Springfield's "XD Custom" page, and a couple of things caught my eye, which brings me to the point of this posting:
1) Should I order the XD with the stainless steel guide rod? I understand from Don's Guide Rod FAQ that the factory rod is hollow; will SS make a difference? Yes, yes, I've already read someone else's post about starting out "stock" and building on experience. I just figured that since I'm ordering the XD anyway, I might as well have the custom rod installed and be done with it.
2) What does Springfield mean when they say, "Refit factory barrel for match grade accuracy?" Is that a replacement for a worn-out barrel, or is this some kind of custom work available for a new or fully functional pistol? Would that be a worthwhile investment?
I'm fully aware that the darn thing will be more accurate than I am, it's just that I want to cut down on my list of excuses when I _finally_ get to the range.
Thanks for your advice!