First time shooting a XD...... Not impressed

[kf6tac]

It just felt extremely awkward, like a square brick.

That's how I felt when shooting a Glock, which is what eventually led me to buy an XD. Different hands fit guns differently, so if it doesn't feel right to you, I wouldn't sweat it.

[smarter]

try out a m&p 4-tay?

[MilSim]

I guess ill have to give the M&P a try, Its pretty interesting to see how many other people dont like the XD..........

[evidens83]

I like the XD series. Just like the M&P and Glocks better though

[farnorcal]

i like my xd 40 of course, and especially its fully supported chamber

[TabooAR]

I have an XD .40 Tactical and love it. I recommend going to a range that has a variety of weapons available for your use. Shoot 'em all and rate them. Then go back another day and shoot and rate them all again. Buy the one you are most comfortable with.

Also consider the fact that there is no 'magic caliber' and maybe try some 9's too.

[Old4eyes]

While I don't own either of them, I have shot XD's in .45ACP and in .40S&W. Neither of them worked for me, so I won't buy them. They didn't fit my hand very well. I didn't like the trigger. And they seemed to have more recoil than other pistols of the same calibers. So, I didn't go with the XD's. Nothing against them, just personal preference.

To give you some perspective on where I'm coming from, I happen to be a huge fan of 1911's. I'm not saying they are the best, but they are the standard by which I compare other semi-auto pistols. I love Sigs and S&W wheel guns. I like HK USPs. I like Glocks but won't buy one since they don't fit my hand.

I can't speak to the .40 cal, but the .45 XD is touted as being one of the softest recoil 45's out there. Google reviews of that model and check it out.
I have a steel 1911 and the XD45 Tactical. The recoil to me is about the same, and that XD45 weighs less. It is certainly easier to rack than my 1911.

But for those that dismiss the XD pistols, that's okay. Maybe there will be more on the shelf when I go shopping.

[Ike Arumba]

I have shot XD-9 and XD-40, and don't like them. The trigger reach is too short, and I don't have good control of yaw.

[MilSim]

Also consider the fact that there is no 'magic caliber' and maybe try some 9's too.

I meant I already have a nine and 45's, looking for something in the .40 cal flavor because the local walmart never runs dry of target ammo.

[gearhead15]

Might try an FNP-40 also. I'm not a huge fan of fo-tay in general but the FNP felt good to me when I fired one.

[08duramax]

I love my xd 45s. I have the 4 inch and the 5 inch. Great guns. I hate the way flocks feel in the hand. It's all different prefrences. The xd is more like the 1911 is grip angle and feel in my opinion.