Need help deciding on a new XD

[damon1272]

I am thinking of buying a new XD tomorrow but I am having a problem deciding on which caliber - 9mm or .45. I know I want the 5" tactical model but I am torn between the choices of color. The Bi-tone looks good along with the OD green or the dark earth. Any thoughts?

[SVRider]

What is your main purpose?

If you are mostly punching paper, I would say the 9mm due to ammo costs.

If I was betting my life on it (personal opinion), I would take the 45...

It really depends one what you want and what you want it for.

[The SoCal Gunner]

If you plan on getting 9mm, I'd go with the .40s&w and then buy a conversion barrel but if I had to choose, I'd prob go with a 9mm XD and save the .45acp for a different platform like a 1911 or Sig P220.

If you plan on doing a lot of holstering, the bi-tone would be my choice.



OD isn't bad at all though.

[Stanze]

My buddy has the 5" .45 ACP XD Tactical. It's a sweet shooter.

[damon1272]

I was not aware of being able to change barrels and mags to a different caliber. This will mostly be for shooting paper. How well does this compare against the M&P line?

[Fobjoe]

I would highly recommend the XD45 compact (note: NOT subcompact). Slide length is the same as the service but the height is shorter by about half an inch. there's excess grip that sticks out when I shoot my service model. Not a problem, but with magazine restrictions I wouldn't mind removing the excess that I don't need and it also gives me peace of mind for concealment if I should ever need it fishing/hunting. Plus you can easily resort to service length with the included mag extension. If they have it in 9mm I would recommend that for your purposes. Otherwise, who doesn't love .45?

**ah. I see you want 5" tactical....I guess that puts the compact out of the running...Go 9mm then.

[apbrian112]

40 tactical would be a nice compromise between the two with ammo costing inbetween the two along with the power.

[outlaw star]

what xd

i had a sub-compact .40 s&w didnt like it sold it to a cop for concealed carry if i did buy another it would be od green 5 in tactical .45

[caldude]

I have an XD Tactical in .45ACP with the Dark Earth grips, and a Service (4" bbl) ported XD 9mm. I much prefer the .45. It feels good, looks good, and shoots well. The recoil on it isn't much. Of course, shooting the 9mm is cheaper, so figure out what you want the gun for first.

[sakiguns]

I've shot all 3 (9mm,.40,.45) and you really can't go wrong with any of them. I own the .40 service model and I have the 9mm conversion barrel. I have not had 1 FTF or jam of any kind. I went with the bi-tone and I'm glad I did. It really comes down to personal preference on this one though - color choice.

[Juno05]

I've got a 9 mm, and I think it's the only way to go. Then again, I don't subscribe to the beliefs that the .45 is THE caliber for self-defense ... if you're just shooting paper, why not have the 9 mm, since it'll be easiest to shoot?

[Ruperto Elpusan]

I recently bought the Tactical XD 40 and am happy with it. It's an accurate shooter and feels great in my hands. It was intended to be my range .40 shooter and that's why I went with the 5" barrel, slightly heavier tactical. For duty carry I think I'd prefer the Service XD 40, 4" barrel and lighter. I've shot that before and like that one too.

[thesidetalker]

imo all those silly XDs are so ugly, they remind me of:

http://glockmeister.com/images/glock81.jpg

[Exposed]

I've got a 9 mm, and I think it's the only way to go. Then again, I don't subscribe to the beliefs that the .45 is THE caliber for self-defense ... if you're just shooting paper, why not have the 9 mm, since it'll be easiest to shoot?

Easist to shoot meaning recoil? Perhaps if you mean the 9mm has less recoil then yes it is easier to shoot, however, if you are talking accuracy a .45 will always be more accurate than a 9mm. It really does depend on what the gun will be used for. Even if its just for shooting targets you have to ask yourself what kind of targets? If someone is just punching holes at paper at an indoor shooting range I would go with a 9mm for ammo cost reasons, however, if you are going to shoot things like water bottles, fruit, action figures, you know, things funner to shoot than just paper (as I like to do at the outdoor range, Burro Canyon). I would always go for a .45. With a higher grain count the .45 is a slower round than a .40 or a 9mm thereby making it easier to control and far more accurate at farther distances even with the stronger recoil. I use my SA-XD45 for both home protection and blowing up watermelons up in the Azusa Canyon. Even though I only go up about once every 2 or 3 months do to expensive .45. When I go I rent a private range with my brother and buddies and stay up there for hours.

[G60]

get the XD9 if it's going to be primarily a range gun.

.45 ACP is not cheap