Looking at either an XD40 or XD45 for carry. Which do you like more? Is the XD40 smaller?... I noticed it hold less rounds than the 45. Thanks!

 

If you get the "sub compact" model, the .40 is an inch shorter than the shortest .45 you can get. My money would definitely be on the 45.

 

like the "knock down" of a 45 better!!!! just my 2 cents!!!!!

 

I've been doing my research on the XD as I'm thinking about getting one myself. The 45 comes in 2 barrel lengths 4 and 5 inches, both hold the same number of rounds, 13. The 40 comes in 3 barrel lengths 3, 4, and 5 inches. All hold the same number of rounds (10 if i remember correctly). The 45 is capable of carrying more rounds due to a slightly longer grip. The 45 with the 4 inch barrel is pushing my personal limits on size for what I'd like to carry. If that is your purpose I'd recommend the 40 with the 3 inch barrel or even the 4 incher.


Sidenote: I am planning on buying one (40 cal with 3 inch barrel), and went to the store to get one on wednesday. I did however run into a Remington 870 Wingmaster mislabled for $200 less than MSRP. It was the same price as the youth models. I couldn't pass it up. Everybody needs at least one or two 870's.

 

There's an XD 45 compact now too, with a 3 or 3.5" barrel.

A friend of mine has an XD service model with the 4" barrel, and it's a helluva lot of gun for the money. Reliable, accurate, the grip angle is wonderful compared to something like a Glock.

 

Just remember, a small gun firing a large round will punish your hand. If you are going to carry a gun for self defense, there has not been, nor will ever be, a safer gun than the 1911. Kimber & Springfield make them in Ultra Compact sizes for this purpose. If I didn't carry a 1911, it would be something chambered in 357 Sig. It's a 40 S&W necked down to fire a 9mm bullet. It a smoking fast round. I like the XD's, I've fired them on several occasions and like everything Springfield makes, they are above reproach in the quality department.

If I was going to put my defense on the line, I would carry this, the Sprinfield Micro Compact Custom:



Oh, wait a minute... I live in the Communist Peoples Republic of New Jersey... I'm not allowed to carry a gun unless it's locked in a case, ammuntions locked in a seperated case & gun & ammo are in different parts of the vehicle, let alone actually carry a loaded gun anywhere other than a shooting range. Technically, you can't even store a loaded gun in your own home in NJ.

KC-10 FE out...

 

Where did you see this? I'd love the 45 in a smaller frame like a 3 or a 3.5 but its not even on Sprinfields website or in any of the pamphlets they give out. I'll definatly wait a few months if this is coming out for sure.

 

Whoops, my bad. :o Looks like the Compact has the same size barrel/slide as a service model, but a shortened grip. It also only holds 10 rounds.


I'm a big 1911 fan too, not so much of the chopped guns; the smallest I'll willingly carry is a Commander sized gun.

 

i have a Springfield Armory 1911-A1 GI Issue. i couldn't ask for a better hand gun. nothing can beat a full size .45, i absolutely love it!! but there is no way i'd carry that thing, it's mighty big.

as far as the XD goes, my buddy has an xd-40 sub compact and that is one helluva gun. the recoil isn't bad, and it's the perfect size for carrying. you could also look into sig sauer. they have some awesome hand guns that are a good size to carry. if they weren't a good gun, then it wouldn't be the side arm of choice for the navy seals. they are a tad bit more expensive, but they are tippy top of the line.

thats my .02 cents

 

Amen on the SIG-SAUER. I have the P229 in 40 SW and its the perfect carry size gun. I've had several SIGS including a 45 and they are incredibly accurate right out of the box. My 40 will shoot 1 inch groups all day long at the 7yd range....no matter what stance I use. Check them out at www.sigarms.com

 

I already have a Kimber TLE II in .45 and 15 or so long guns. This is going to be primarily a carry gun, but I will be occasionally going to the range with it.

 

I have a 4" XD40 and really like it. It is an excellent gun. Its very accurate and has never given me any trouble and it hold 12 rounds.

The only issue I have with the XD45 is that the grip is the same width as the 40. This means that they made the walls thinner. You can actually squeze the walls together and see them flex. I dont know it this could cause a problem over time or not. But, I'm sure it is still an excellent gun.

 

WOOHOO gun talk! This is my favorite type of talk! I own a SA XD9 that I carry on a regular basis. It is extremely light and comfortable and hides well. As for the bigger bullet theory, I can promise that a 124gr +p 9mm round will put someone down. And if the first one doesn't do it I have 15 more rounds. The other great thing about 9mm is that it is very cheap to practice with. Shot placement is and always will be more important than round size. Like I said earlier the XD is a fine gun and has quite a few features that make it as good as it is. As for the 1911 folks. I won't argue that a 1911 is a great gun but not everyone feels comfortable carrying a 1911 ****ed and locked. I know its safe but I still won't carry one. If you really want to discuss guns with a good group of people stop by SiGForum.com. The company there can't be beat, and the amount of gun knowledge is unbelievable.

 

this IS an excellent topic, i LOVE gun talk. nothing better!!

 

XD40 4 inch barrel with the stainless slide.
I also recently bought the XD 45, 5 inch tactical also bi-toned slide.
I will qualify with it in a month or so.
Used to carry the Glock 23, 40 cal. nice gun, never trusted the trigger safety.
XD has the trigger safety, plus grip safety, chambered round indicator and ****ed indicator, so basically 4 safey's.
Can't keep em in stock in AZ, selling as fast as they recieve them.

Jeff
Arizona Ranger
Scottsdale Company 16