Use of Springfield Armory XD-9 for Training?

[Touchdown456]

Hey all,

I'm thinking about starting the application process to some local departments this summer, and I just purchased a Springfield Armory XD 9mm so I can take some handgun training courses and hopefully get my proficiency up a bit for if/when I enter an academy. Does anyone have any thoughts on the XD? Are there any departments that issue it or allow it? Is it a good weapon to train with? I do have handgun experience (been shooting for years), but it was all self taught. I want to start to break some of my bad habits and get some formal training. Thoughts?

Thanks

[retired]

First, the XD is an excellent weapon. I have carried my subcompact for over 6yrs. daily as my ccw. That said, there probably are not that many depts. that use it as an issued duty weapon. Some depts. tho, permit you to use other semi autos if you pay for it and it is on their approved list. Every dept. is different.

I do not know of any depts. that use it, but if you call SA, their marketing or sales dept. should know; I'm sure they would have a list as to what depts. do since a contract would be involved.

It is a good weapon to train with, but since you said you have some bad habits, why not take an instruction course with a reputable instructor. You can get that info from the NRA as to who is in your area.

If you are hired, you will go thru firearms training in the academy and probably with a different weapon. Any training you have received from a good instructor can help you.

I can't say for sure, but I would think most duty pistols are the 5" barrel ones; what do you have, the service or tactical.

On a different subject, go on some ride alongs with several depts. to obtain a glimpse of what a leo does. You may like it or you may change your mind. Plus, when you take the oral, they will ask if you have gone on any. If you have not, that will be a negative.

Good luck.

[Gryff]

Keep in mind that most POST academies will want to teach you to shoot "their" way, and that this does not always reflect the same techniques that you will learn from other firearms instructors. You might want to find an instructor who has taught at a Post academy so that you have less to "un-learn" when you go through.

That having been said, the XD is a reliable gun to use. The ergonomics of your final weapon may be a little different (i.e. Glock, Sig, etc.), but the fundamentals will be the same.

[Touchdown456]

I got the service model, 4", and I'm only saying I have bad habits because I've never had formal training, so I assume I do. I do really want to get some instruction from a good teacher, so thank you for the idea about the NRA.

Also, I had a feeling that any academy would want me to shoot their way. I just figured that if I had some basics down, that I'd have a solid ground to start on.

[9mmepiphany]

no matter how they want you to shoot, the fundamentals of sight alignment, grip and trigger control will always serve you well.

the ability to positively perform a mag change would not be much affected either...at least with a handgun. there are some very "dated" shotgun techniques still being taught

[Unit74]

Shoulda bought a Glock22/21.


It's the preferred sidearm for most LE agencies country wide.

[retired]

I got the service model, 4", and I'm only saying I have bad habits because I've never had formal training, so I assume I do. I do really want to get some instruction from a good teacher, so thank you for the idea about the NRA.

Also, I had a feeling that any academy would want me to shoot their way. I just figured that if I had some basics down, that I'd have a solid ground to start on.

And that is what I meant when I suggested taking a class with a good instructor, because yes, the academy will train you their way.

[SoCalDep]

Springfield XD's are excellent guns. I worked at a gun shop for a couple years before I got hired into LE and I drank the cool-aid....

I owned six 1911's, never got used to Glocks, but had one, thought DA was a waste, and thought the Beretta was big, had a horrible safety, long trigger pull, and wasn't durable enough for something or another...I fired countless rounds out of 1911 pattern guns. It was my thing...

Then I got hired and discovered that I'd actually be expected to use a (gasp!) Beretta!!! Thankfully I had some good training and the transition was easy. I developed a very strong respect for the Beretta and it's still the weapon to which I compare everything else.

All this to say your XD is perfectly serviceable to learn basic and advanced shooting techniques. With proper training conversion to other pistol platforms will be a minor issue that will be more than addressed during the academy. Use the pistol you already have and use the money that you would consider on another gun to fund some good training and ammunition. It will benefit you just fine.

Plus, if the Dept. you join issues a different gun, you won't be stuck with two of the same thing! (Who am I kidding! I owned 5 S&W autos at one time, six 92FS platform guns at one time, and currently own 3 Sigs (my current duty pistol...)

[djack12]

I used a XD-40 for all of my academy training. I love the gun. Still have it. I now do not carry it on duty. I could if i wanted to, but I prefer to carry the department issued Sig 226 .40.

Most departments will let you carry the weapon is you can qualify with it it and they are willing to put it on the "approved firearms list".

Once again get good with one hand gun and they are all about the same. A few adjustments here and there and you will be good.

[ckim34]

I have an XD9 as my ccw but use a glock 22 for duty. Its good gun. One guy at my department carries an XD40 and another carries the XDM as their duty weapons but it is not what we are issued.

[LEKNIGHT]

i did the police academy with my XD9 Tactical. most people had glocks. out of 43 people, 3 xds, 2 sigs, 1 hk, rest glock

[Touchdown456]

i did the police academy with my XD9 Tactical. most people had glocks. out of 43 people, 3 xds, 2 sigs, 1 hk, rest glock

I'm confused - do you mean you get to choose which sidearm you use in the academy? Which department are you talking about?

[LEKNIGHT]

i was self sponsor. so i could use what i wanted as long as it was on approved list.

most agencies use glocks, sigs, hks, as issue. most will make you use that one in academy or while on probation and after you are allowed to use a different one as long as you qualify with it. i believe you have to still qualify with the dept issue one as well annually.

[Mario520]

I was self sponsor as well and used the Springfield XD9 for range. Got lots of jokes about how it was a Glock wannabe gun. This was back in 2004.