The XD9 and me

[gorgo331]

Today I went to the range to shoot my S&W .38 and decided to take the range's loaner Springfield XD9 for a spin. The gun shot fine and was more than accurate for my needs, but I ran into a small problem. I own a Beretta PX4 9mm (love it) and have shot the SIG P229, the Glock 19 and a 1911 and have no trouble with my both thumbs forward grip on things. The Springfield however wanted to bite my off-hand thumb with the takedown lever about 80% of the 50 rounds I fired through it. Got to the point where I was trying to figure new ways to hold the gun so it wouldn't slap me when I shot it. Is this problem all me, or is there a secret XD9 handshake I'm not aware of?

[patriot.saint]

I prefer to place my left thumb on the takedown lever when I shoot the XD. I put downward pressure on it to control/mitigate recoil. Never had an issue with it biting my thumb off.

[Dinosaur Jr]

I've got 3 XDs (a 4" 9mm, a sub-compact 3" 9mm and a 5" 45) and some fairly large & meaty paws to hold them with.
I'm sorry but have never experienced the issue of which you speak sir?
The takedown lever is mounted on the frame and doesn't move during firing other than in unison with the entire gun (and hands) during the recoil pulse?

Well, I did just notice your dinosaur hands are bigger than mine...lol

[VolvoWrench]

I've got 3 XDs (including a sub-compact 9mm) and some fairly large & meaty paws to hold them with. I've never experienced the issue of which you speak sir? The takedown lever is mounted on the frame and doesn't move during firing other than with the entire gun during the recoil pulse?

I have 4 XDs including a sub compact 9 and I have big hands and don't have any issue with the take down lever. I just can't seem to hit anything I'm aiming for with the SC.

[dave85620]

I prefer to place my left thumb on the takedown lever when I shoot the XD. I put downward pressure on it to control/mitigate recoil. Never had an issue with it biting my thumb off.

I do the samething. I was watching some youtube video where some geezer who was a pro shooter talked about doing this.

[Dinosaur Jr]

I have 4 XDs including a sub compact 9 and I have big hands and don't have any issue with the take down lever. I just can't seem to hit anything I'm aiming for with the SC.

Sorry to hear. When I have troubles, I always go back to basics to see what I'm doing/not doing. I know the XD triggers aren't anything to brag about, but they're manageable.
Not to be patronizing in any way, but you do know the XD's are a 6 o'clock hold on the sights, right?

[gorgo331]

Thanks guys. It's not drawing blood or anything, just annoying. I'll try your idea to put my thumb on the lever instead of behind it the next time I shoot one, patriot.saint. Hope that works out.

[Old4eyes]

I had that problem with the XD. I've adjusted my shooting grip by concentrating the grip of my support hand on the other fingers and letting the thumb float off the gun. This also prevents me from "thumbing" the gun and pushing it to the right. I also have a TLR-1 light mounted on my XD and with the thumb "loose" it's not a learning curve to change from riding the takedown lever to paddling the light switch.

My problem is keeping the slide lock lever from being engaged with the thumb of my shooting hand. This is especially the case if I've been shooting a 1911 where I ride the thumb safety then switch to the XD. I shoot through a mag, say a bad word and adjust.

[smittty]

Try shooting with two hand grip the thumbs free floating and pointing forward with no pressure on the grip.

[rideordie]

I had that problem with the XD. I've adjusted my shooting grip by concentrating the grip of my support hand on the other fingers and letting the thumb float off the gun. This also prevents me from "thumbing" the gun and pushing it to the right. I also have a TLR-1 light mounted on my XD and with the thumb "loose" it's not a learning curve to change from riding the takedown lever to paddling the light switch.

My problem is keeping the slide lock lever from being engaged with the thumb of my shooting hand. This is especially the case if I've been shooting a 1911 where I ride the thumb safety then switch to the XD. I shoot through a mag, say a bad word and adjust.

I do the same thing. You just have to see what hold feels comfortable and works and go with that.

[SoberClurichaun]

I prefer to place my left thumb on the takedown lever when I shoot the XD. I put downward pressure on it to control/mitigate recoil. Never had an issue with it biting my thumb off.

I do the same.

[calif 15-22]

I prefer to place my left thumb on the takedown lever when I shoot the XD. I put downward pressure on it to control/mitigate recoil. Never had an issue with it biting my thumb off.

This is how I shoot my XDs as well

[jyo]

Humans were given an "opposing" thumb to lock-down whatever we are gripping---leaving your thumbs pointing straight or just flying in the wind is giving up a major part of the whole grip thing. Lock them down on top of each other, away from all the controls, will give you the strongest grip and prevent interfering with the movement of the slide and engaging any controls you did not want to engage. You will also control recoil better...

[gorgo331]

Lots of good suggestions. Many thanks, one and all. I'll try to remember where my left-hand thumb is the next time I shoot an XD (not a PX4...not a PX4...). A friend I invited out to the range has one that will give me an opportunity to try again.