XDm vs XDm competition

[tvfreakarms]

Ok so im finally in the market for an xdm. Cant decide on the standard xdm 4.5 inch bitone 45 cal or the bitone 45 cal competition?
Other than the size, fiber optic front site(i assume u can get that in the standard xdm), the lighting cut and supposely a slightly better trigger, is it worth the almost extra 100 bucks for the compt. Model?
Help me decide here. It seems the compt seems pretty big.

I just cant decide so i need some opionins from u guys or gals.

Has anyone handled both? Any difference to justify the extra price?
Sorry if this has been asked already but im on my cell and i have to go to work as we speak. Plus i want to make my decision by this week.

Thanks

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hello,

It really depends on a few things. First off, what type of competition are you going for? USPSA/IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and a few others have different rules and requirements. I think the XDm is a great gun, dont get me wrong, but this is how I see things. Realistically speaking, you are asking if you should choose the 4.5 inch or 5.25 inch guns, but don't forget, there's a 5 inch model as well, just drop the "m" on the name. If the gun is going to be something you plan to compete with, understand you will most likely want to modify it depending on the sanctioning body/rules. If that's the case, the extra $100+ you spent on the match trigger and barrel are coming right out and being replaced by better stuff.

If I were you, I'd figure out what type of competition you want to do before making the purchase. The 5.25 inch model wont work out too well for IDPA, if you want to shoot USPSA, you will need to buy a ton of 10 round mags anyway (unless you are shooting under IPSC rules), and for holster work, a standard (not legthened) slide will only make things harder initially (at least for some folks). Also keep in mind caliber selection. If you are planning on shooting various competitions, caliber selection may change what class you shoot, power factor, etc.

Best of luck either way!

P.S. that girl in your sig needs a happy meal. =)

Jerry

[Saym14]

I have both in 9mm. jsut got the 5.25 and only put 50 rounds through it. depends what you gonna do with it. I plan to shoot action pistol and LESA with it. in LESA they tend to have some farther distance handgun shots. I just shoot these for fun and traiing I am not looking to win prizes or trophies.

the 5.25 has longer sight radius. its my first with FO sights so not used to those yet. the skeletonized slide makes it weigh the same as the 4.5 but it cycles faster. recoil is more of a small muzzle flip as opposed to the entire gun trying to rise. should make it faster to get back on target. reset is a little shorter and crisper. sighs are adjustable which is nice. 5.25 seems to be a tad more accurate.

BUg has some good points. if you want a HD gun stick with the 4.5. If you are shooting competition you may want to stick with the 9mm caliber.

[SCZ]

I'm going to agree with bug here, and say look closely at what the regs are for the particular organization/division you want to shoot.

I have a 5.25 in 9mm. I adore it. I bought it with the express purpose of shooting USPSA sometime next year.

Does the Lightening hole make that much of a difference? To overall weight, I'd say no, but to weight distribution I'd say yes since the XDm's are so light to begin with.

Is the fiber optic sight worth it? Personally I perfer Glock factory sights with the goal-posts on the rear sight. But having adjustable sights out of the box is lovely rather than spending additional $$ on them later.

If you plan on shooting IDPA an additional 3/4" barrel can be a serious detriment to the concealibility of your farearm depending on your body type/build/rig. Also, the longer barrel can make it harder to draw from a holster itself.

Regarding the trigger, out of the box the trigger on mine felt flawless. I'm sure as I improve I'll end up wanting a trigger job, but for now the tension on the pull is "just right" and there is an extraordinarily clean break IMO.

Hope that helps to some extent.

[Saym14]

TV - what do you want it for ?

[zfields]

I'm going to agree with bug here, and say look closely at what the regs are for the particular organization/division you want to shoot.

I have a 5.25 in 9mm. I adore it. I bought it with the express purpose of shooting USPSA sometime next year.

Does the Lightening hole make that much of a difference? To overall weight, I'd say no, but to weight distribution I'd say yes since the XDm's are so light to begin with.

Is the fiber optic sight worth it? Personally I perfer Glock factory sights with the goal-posts on the rear sight. But having adjustable sights out of the box is lovely rather than spending additional $$ on them later.

If you plan on shooting IDPA an additional 3/4" barrel can be a serious detriment to the concealibility of your farearm depending on your body type/build/rig. Also, the longer barrel can make it harder to draw from a holster itself.

Regarding the trigger, out of the box the trigger on mine felt flawless. I'm sure as I improve I'll end up wanting a trigger job, but for now the tension on the pull is "just right" and there is an extraordinarily clean break IMO.

Hope that helps to some extent.

I wouldnt worry about conceal-ability, everyone wears goofy vest that are plenty long. Id worry more that you would be in shooting ESP if you are just starting out.

[tvfreakarms]

I don't plan on shooting competitively. But who knows i may someday but as of now i want to shot it at the range/home protection and just have fun with it and learn how to shot better.

I'm not a big dude 5'6 about 135lbs. But some time in the future i may want to take a shooting course.

Has anyone shot the 45 cal version?

[tvfreakarms]

LOL. That chick is some actress. She was on smallville tv show. She's a petite chick so she is naturally small. But she could use a couple of chz burgers.

Like i said in my last post i'm really not thinking about shooting competitively. But i may want to take some shooting courses in the future. I already own a gen 4 glock g19 and i want a bigger caliber rd. So i'm really looking to get the 45 cal.

I'm thinking about going the compt. version because i like the FO sight, the lighting cut and if helps cycle smoother after each shot that's a plus i assume. But a little part of me thinks that it might be some what long. I wish i could see one in person to get a better idea how it looks.

So, i'm still thinking. but need to make my decision soon.

Hello,

It really depends on a few things. First off, what type of competition are you going for? USPSA/IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and a few others have different rules and requirements. I think the XDm is a great gun, dont get me wrong, but this is how I see things. Realistically speaking, you are asking if you should choose the 4.5 inch or 5.25 inch guns, but don't forget, there's a 5 inch model as well, just drop the "m" on the name. If the gun is going to be something you plan to compete with, understand you will most likely want to modify it depending on the sanctioning body/rules. If that's the case, the extra $100+ you spent on the match trigger and barrel are coming right out and being replaced by better stuff.

If I were you, I'd figure out what type of competition you want to do before making the purchase. The 5.25 inch model wont work out too well for IDPA, if you want to shoot USPSA, you will need to buy a ton of 10 round mags anyway (unless you are shooting under IPSC rules), and for holster work, a standard (not legthened) slide will only make things harder initially (at least for some folks). Also keep in mind caliber selection. If you are planning on shooting various competitions, caliber selection may change what class you shoot, power factor, etc.

Best of luck either way!

P.S. that girl in your sig needs a happy meal. =)

Jerry

[tvfreakarms]

Even though u dont own a 45cal version, do you think it would be the same for the 45cal?

the skeletonized slide makes it weigh the same as the 4.5 but it cycles faster. recoil is more of a small muzzle flip as opposed to the entire gun trying to rise. should make it faster to get back on target.

[tvfreakarms]

What do you mean by HD gun? I don't know that lingo.

[joefrank64k]

What do you mean by HD gun? I don't know that lingo.

HD = Home Defense

[zfields]

If your not going to shoot competitively, why go with the comp? IIRC it has lightened recoil springs also that are made for tuned down loads (at least in 9mm), and the lightening cut is just another spot for crap to get into that you have to worry about in an HD gun.

IMO, if you want a good, solid HD gun, no reason to go past the XD series, slap on some night sights.

If you want a range toy, then by all means go for it, but you might want to stick a standard XDm recoil spring in it.

[Saym14]

If you want it for a range gun and HD then just get the 4.5 and use the remining money for practice ammo. go shoot a local IDPA or AP match its great practice.

If you are small you will really like the adjustable grips on the M.

better hurry while you can still get the 3 free mags.

[tvfreakarms]

Socom1 is making some great sense. If the comt. 45cal has more of a reduced recoil i think that would be better for me. I guess i can always buy another set of rs to help reduce the recoil on the 45 cal if i were to go with the standard xdm, but how much extra would that cost?

[zfields]

Since when does anyone need to shoot Competitively to own a Competition pistol?

Personally, my HD pistols have always doubled as my Range pistols or vice-versa, and I have always been partial to long slides, and 5" barrels. Since concealment is an absolute non-issue in CA, the size of the pistol does not matter.

Target FO and adjustable sights, extended radius, reduced recoil, great balance and ergonomics, etc is where the measly -$100 is going.

My reason for not saying its an ideal HD weapon:
1. Lack of night sights
2. More room for crap to work its way in with a slide cut. While this isnt a big deal for most people, it matters how your firearm is stored/maintained
3. Adjustable rear sights. I like solid sights, specifically night sights, just a preference.
4. In the 9mm, not sure in the .45, the recoil spring is lighter weight (at least thats what they were advertising), not ideal unless you are running lighter loads since it will beat up on the frame.


If its a range pistol, do it do it. The FO and adjustable rear sight will be awesome. For HD, Id look another route.