Help me choose - XD, SD, RIA

[Mystery_Milk]

I'm looking for a new semi-auto. These three guns are in my price range. Before anyone mentions it I have ergonomic problems with Glocks, especially Gen 3's. I've shot them a lot and can't get over them.

I looked at an XD45 Tactical and liked the ergonomics but didn't like the mushy trigger pull and break.

I also looked at a RIA Citadel 1911. It was okay, I didn't mind the take-up on the trigger and it has true Novak cuts which I like. In general though I find all-metal guns harder to clean and handle in the cold, and I know 1911's require more maintenance than more modern guns so I'm a little apprehensive of the platform.

On a whim I looked at an SD40. I have no qualms with the 40 S&W cartridge, and the SD40 feels very familiar because it's similar to a Glock. It avoids pretty much all of the ergonomic issues I have with Glocks, and I really like the trigger. Light take-up for the safety into pretty much a full double-action pull with no wall for the break.

I've rented an XD9 and a 1911 before, and had similar impressions - I don't like the XD trigger but liked it ergonomically. I shot the 1911 pretty well but probably won't like maintaining one (I hate cleaning the cylinder and cylinder housing on a revolver). I plan on renting an SD soon as well. But I wanted to see other people's opinions and experiences with these guns.

[HibikiR]

The XD has upgrades from Powder River Precision that can deal with the trigger.

You'll have to examine every hang up you have with each of the choices you presented and see what you can address and what you can live with.

[9Cal_OC]

I'm looking for a new semi-auto. These three guns are in my price range. Before anyone mentions it I have ergonomic problems with Glocks, especially Gen 3's. I've shot them a lot and can't get over them.

I looked at an XD45 Tactical and liked the ergonomics but didn't like the mushy trigger pull and break.

I also looked at a RIA Citadel 1911. It was okay, I didn't mind the take-up on the trigger and it has true Novak cuts which I like. In general though I find all-metal guns harder to clean and handle in the cold, and I know 1911's require more maintenance than more modern guns so I'm a little apprehensive of the platform.

On a whim I looked at an SD40. I have no qualms with the 40 S&W cartridge, and the SD40 feels very familiar because it's similar to a Glock. It avoids pretty much all of the ergonomic issues I have with Glocks, and I really like the trigger. Light take-up for the safety into pretty much a full double-action pull with no wall for the break.

I've rented an XD9 and a 1911 before, and had similar impressions - I don't like the XD trigger but liked it ergonomically. I shot the 1911 pretty well but probably won't like maintaining one (I hate cleaning the cylinder and cylinder housing on a revolver). I plan on renting an SD soon as well. But I wanted to see other people's opinions and experiences with these guns.

XD you can modify the trigger, if the ergos work out for you. Not a fan of the SD line. Citadel & RIA are okay, but I'd suggest saving a bit more for a higher quality 1911.

[Mystery_Milk]

XD you can modify the trigger, if the ergos work out for you. Not a fan of the SD line. Citadel & RIA are okay, but I'd suggest saving a bit more for a higher quality 1911.

I'd prefer not to modify the action if I can avoid it. How do aftermarket triggers feel?

What about the SD line don't you like?

And I know tolerances and mechanical accuracy are likely to be better with a higher-cost 1911, but I've heard good things about the reliability of low-cost ones which to me is the most important thing. Is there anything else the higher cost buys you?

[estrom]

I can't speak to the other 2, but I have an XDsc in 9mm, and my uncle has an XD .45, and I can tell you they simply work. They will shoot, and shoot, and shoot, and shoot some more without issue.

[FeuerFrei]

Maintenance on a 1911 that functions reliably is not a pain at all if it's done correctly. A good 1911 will absorb a lot of crap before it starts to gag. An average striker fired pistol du jour (XD/Glock etc.) just pushes the crap in different places so it doesn't affect function as much.

If this is a choice of which one to use as a range toy than get any of these, but for the right reasons.
All of these choices can have an upgrade trigger installed, are reasonably accurate and reliable with good warranties.

Cheap + value I'd go XD in 9mm or 45acp. Wait for the coupon deal for free magazines and learn the trigger. It's not a target trigger, just a reasonably good one that works well.

[oak18]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say they like the trigger on a Smith and Wesson SD. Those triggers are absolutely terrible.

[gumby]

So true!

[keith1911]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say they like the trigger on a Smith and Wesson SD. Those triggers are absolutely terrible.

Yes they are. IMO The Smith & Wesson SD is the worst choice of the three. I would go with the XD-45.

[JAGGUY]

I have had both the SW9ve and the SW40ve and learned to shoot them well. Sold the 9ve a while back and missed it. Bought an SD9ve and love it. Fits my hand perfect and to me the trigger is perfect for an HD gun.
I have no problem at all with a smooth longer DA revolver type pull, but it does take a little practice and will make anyone a better shooter with any other pistol.

[gumby]

Yes they are. IMO The Smith & Wesson SV is the worst choice of the three. I would go with the XD-45.

I have the XD45c, great gun!

[559BearDown]

Of the 3 choices, the XD.

[tbc]

OP, could you tell us more about your ergonomic problem with a Glock? How do you grip the Glock?

[JR18]

I’d go with the 1911.

[Mystery_Milk]

Maintenance on a 1911 that functions reliably is not a pain at all if it's done correctly. A good 1911 will absorb a lot of crap before it starts to gag. An average striker fired pistol du jour (XD/Glock etc.) just pushes the crap in different places so it doesn't affect function as much.

If this is a choice of which one to use as a range toy than get any of these, but for the right reasons.
All of these choices can have an upgrade trigger installed, are reasonably accurate and reliable with good warranties.

That's good to hear about the 1911. Honestly I really like 1911s in general and will certainly own one eventually, the only hang-up I had was about maintainability. I might wait for a Springfield Mil-Spec to go on sale as they have forged frames. I know the ones made in the Philippines have cast frames.
It'd mostly be a range gun but I might make it an outdoors sidearm too.

This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say they like the trigger on a Smith and Wesson SD. Those triggers are absolutely terrible.

It's just a weird personal preference. I like a full double action or a crisp single action and not much in between. Absolutely hate creepy triggers. I shoot a revolver mostly right now and prefer the double action pull on it to most striker-fired triggers. I know it's not a common preference but I didn't choose to like one trigger more than another, I just do.

OP, could you tell us more about your ergonomic problem with a Glock? How do you grip the Glock?

I grip a Glock the same way everyone grips a Glock, with my hand as high on the gun as possible and thumbs forward. I don't shoot Glocks particularly poorly, I just found myself shooting it less and less as I got other guns. The other guns proved to be as reliable and I was getting more practice with them since I enjoyed them more so I got rid of the Glock. That being said, I have 4 problems with Glock ergonomics:

1. Finger grooves. Rubber grips help but the grooves don't fit me well and rub against my fingers after 100 rounds.
2. Glock knuckle. I don't like undercutting the trigger guard. Didn't really happen at all with 9mm Glocks but it happens after around 100 rounds on larger caliber models.
3. Trigger bite. The blade is thin and digs into the pad of my index finger. I start feeling it after around 150 rounds.
4. Mag release. Can't reach it with my thumb without adjusting my grip a lot. Aftermarket releases help but a lot of them aren't very good quality.

These problems just hurt my enjoyment of the gun. I know Glocks have a lot to offer but if I get as much reliability and more enjoyment out of other guns why go back to it?