| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Nathan |
Posted - 05/17/2008 : 23:23:47
may 16, 2008
this morning i decided that i wanted the new springfield XD-M, but after browsing the online auctions i wasnt very optimistic about finding one. imagine my surprise when my first call hit pay dirt. i happened to call scheels in billings montana and the gun manager told me that they had ordered one and expected it to be delivered today with their morning deliveries. after i couldnt even find a price by which to compare anywhere in the entire state of montana (course, i didnt tell him that) he informed me that the price would be $599 and i told him it was sold and drove to the store to await the delivery (ok, i get a little overly excited with each new gun purchase). on the drive down he called me to let me know that my gun had arrived and was being processed into their system.
my first impression was a favorable one. as OEM gun cases go, this one is very nice. the XD gear isnt impressive by any means, but its awful handy to have....especially with a design so new that the aftermarket doesnt yet support it. the holster is now a paddle holster with adjustable retention. its not uncomfortable at all, and appears to be durable. i dont like that the double magazine holder is molded to carry the magazines reversed from one another. under the stresses of a defensive shooting i could see the potential for attempting to load one of the magazines into the weapon backwards. i prefer consistant motions that can be performed instinctually as instinct is all youll be left with during a crisis such as a defensive shooting. i dont mention this under "what i dont like" because this is an issue with the included gear and not the weapon itself. the magazine loader is next to worthless and in fact i found that i could consistantly load the magazines faster by hand.
i never factor in asthetic value on carry weapons as i find beauty in proper function. with beauty being in the eye of the beholder, ill let these pictures speak for themselves. if asthetic value is important to you, this is one of those guns that youll either love or hate.
from top to bottom for size comparison:- glock 31, 357 sig
- XD-M, .40
- S&W M&P, .40
- HK USP, .45
What I Like:
- ergonomics: this weapon is a natural pointer and is in the same league (in terms of ergonomics) with the 1911, the BHP, and others who use similar grip angles and control locations. aiming this weapon is as natural as pointing your finger.
- slide serrations: the slide serrations offer the best slide grip ive ever found. cut perfectly square, they are sharp enough to provide a positive grip but not sharp enough to hurt. i purposefully lubed them with mobil 1 synthetic oil just to see if manipulating a lubed slide would be difficult and i had no trouble at all. i like these slide serrations!
- capacity: 17 rounds of .40 is .40 stopping power potential with 9mm capacity. this is beautiful!
- grouping: the match barrel provides very decent grouping for a production line weapon. that said, this really isnt a selling point with me. i dont shoot for points or for trophies, i shoot to practice defending my life for which combat accuracy is perfectly acceptable. still, its nice to have a match grade barrel for those who are into target shooting. grouping was indeed impressive by my standards.
- melonite!: speaks for itself. i love melonite/tenifer.
- interchangable back straps: this handy capability allows you to size the weapon to your hand. i find the smallest back strap to be a perfect fit.
- consistant extractor: after each volley i noticed that the brass piled up in one pile almost as if they were placed there by hand. this was really neat as id never seen this before. it made policing brass very easy.
- controls: all controls were placed perfectly. both the slide stop and the magazine release are easily accessible and manipulated. i notice no real difference with the cut-outs as i had no trouble manipulating the magazine release on the standard XD. the field stripping procedure is fast and easy. springfield makes it a point to market that you dont have to squeeze the trigger prior to field stripping the weapon but this is a non-issue to me since i utilize proper procedure every time im handling a weapon. this step was done to correct issues from those who do not follow proper procedure, so i guess for their sake (and those in their vicinity) this is a good thing but i certainly wouldnt factor this in either way in my decision to purchase this weapon.
What I Don't Like:
- trigger!: although slightly better than the standard XD, the trigger still blows chunks of half digested under-cooked greasy chicken saturated in cheap liquor. pulling it still feels like there is a marshmallow underneath it leaving you to guess where the break point might be. even after you engage the sear it feels like there is at least another 3/8" or so of pull before it releases and there is nothing crisp about the release. despite claims of "short trigger reset" the reset point is way forward of the release point causing a lot of unnecessary trigger travel between shots. reset point is not prominant at all forcing me to really pay more attention to the trigger than im used to if i wanted to fire controlled pairs from reset. unlike the glock/M&P this is a single action pistol and it should have a single action trigger! most disappointing was the realization that mr. leatham has sold his integrity to springfield. if anybody knows what a good trigger is, mr. leatham knows....yet in his promotional videos for springfield he promoted the XD trigger as being one of the great ones. bah. sorry, this is by no means a "great" trigger. its not even a "good" trigger. its a sloppy trigger at best and although i was able to manipulate it with authority, i was not able to do so instinctually due to the unnecessary travel and unnoticable reset point. i can only hope that the model mr. leatham shot has been through the custom shop and worked over.
- sights: the sights are in my opinion very poor. the channel on the rear sight is very narrow forcing you to concentrate a lot harder on the sights (to find the front sight through the very narrow channel) than you should in a defensive shooting. to seven yards this is insignificant anyway since you shouldnt be taking the time necessary for sight alignment anyway (use the front sight only at close range) but could be problematic for longer defensive shots.
- recoil: the recoil was more prominent than with glocks, the M&P, and certainly the USP(.40). certainly not uncontrollable, but far more snappy than i expected for a modern pistol. HK showed the world the value of the double recoil spring and many manufacturers followed (glock 36, springfield 4" 1911s, etc.) but the XD-M gets an old-school long, single coil recoil spring. again its not "bad" but its certainly more substantial than i expected.
- roll pins: having to drive a roll pin out with a drift to change the back strap negates some of the more important advantages of having interchangable back straps to begin with. for example, if you and your wife take turns with the weapon at the range you would have to drive out the roll pin each time the weapon changed hands.
- front strap serrations: these werent bad by any means, but they felt somewhat awkward. i would very much prefer finger grooves. perhaps ill warm up to them.
Shooting The XD-M
Click image for video
although i shot somewhat poorly (to much time - due to trigger and rear sight channel) i found the XD-M to be both controllable and accurate. in fact, prior to shooting the XD-M i dont think ive ever had two bullet holes touch on a controlled pair with any weapon. i couldnt repeat it (not for a lack of trying!) but it was a really neat thing to see. controlled pairs/combat shooting was very good, and well aimed target shooting was extremely accurate for a production line handgun. when this weapon is released in 9mm it is sure to be a big hit with competitive shooters.
Conclusion:
this is a great weapon that will surely serve anyone very well. i had no failures in 200 rounds (100 WWB, 50 HST 165 grain, 50 HST 180 grain) and would expect to say the same thing after 2000 rounds. i do feel overall that the internet hype exceeds the true value of this pistol, but that is not the fault of the design of the pistol.
i came into this with the belief that the S&W M&P is the ideal service size .40, and found myself asking what the XD-M offers that the M&P does not and in the end i found very little. it does offer 1 more round of capacity but honestly thats the only advantage i could find to the XD-M over the M&P and considering the awful trigger on the XD-M i would still choose the M&P over it. the M&P trigger really isnt much better (this is my only real criticism of the M&P as well) but at least with the M&P you can feel both the precise sear release point as well as the reset without having to pay close attention to it. i still believe that the M&P is the ideal service size weapon, but the XD-M would ultimately prove equal.
my criticisms are not due in any way to my preferences for any other designs or brands. my criticisms are based in nothing more than my limited first hand experience with this weapon and the impressions it leaves me with. perhaps the aftermarket will produce decent sights and perhaps someone will find a way to clean up the trigger, but my assessment was based on out of the box performance only. while im reluctant to warm up to the XD-M (due to the trigger moreso than anything else), it is a great defensive pistol and i wouldnt hesitate to entrust it with my life. it is way to large for me to consider it as a carry weapon, but it would make a great home defense weapon as well as a great service weapon. at this point im really on the fence about it. i could sell it without regret, or i could put some money into it (trigger and sights) and have a great gun for home defense. ill update you with my intent after ive put another few boxes of ammunition down range. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| g51 |
Posted - 11/09/2012 : 22:22:37
Good informative review. I have 2 XDM and both spend most of their time in the safe. I have two because I wanted the compact model also since I CC most of the time. The XDM models because of the big trigger guard are my only guns that do not easily fit my owb holster. I did like the balance of the XDM as well as the reliability which is why I bought in the first place. If I could get a good price for them I would sell both of them. Trigger wise is true and do not even compare to my Kimber. |
| sgtgrogg |
Posted - 05/11/2012 : 15:43:57
thanks for the great review. If I had found this earlier I might not have gotten my XDM. I have the old XD as well and likeit far more then the M. I find the M to feel a little top heavy compared to my XD, but all in all still a decet gun.
thanks again |
| jreXD9 |
Posted - 07/30/2011 : 08:26:06
I've had 2 xd9sc's, 1 xd45c and now own an XDm9 Compact 3.8. S'fields make FINE weapons. I liked the xds. They shot very well, but were IMO too bulky for comfortable all day carry. For some reason this XDm9 3.8 carries much better. Maybe it's just my imagination? I know that I do have a better belt now, though. This XDm is accurate as all get out (my 17 yr old daughter shoots the hell out of it!) and I love it that when I carry my 2 extra mags that I have 46 rounds ON ME. I usually leave the XDm under the bed for the wife and carry my Kimber to & from work, but on my off days I tote the XDm. I don't see ever getting rid of THIS pistol. It'll be around long after the MK9 & Kimber are gone. |
| razrbks8 |
Posted - 06/05/2011 : 00:17:26
I bought an XDm in 40 a couple of yrs ago. I love mine. I carry it concealed but its not easy. U have to change the way u dress and ur pants size if u use an in-the-pants holster. I don't carry it in the summer much because I opt for comfort more due to the heat but I have carried it before. Guns are like shoes, they don't everybody the same way. What feels good in one persons hand may not feel right in someone else's. A friend of mine has a glock 23 and I can't hit with it. But I've gotten better over the last few yrs so I might can now. I want to sell my XDm and buy the new 3.8" in the compact carry model. For those that aren't familiar with this one yet, it comes with 2 mags. One that fits flush and holds 12 rds (40) and an extended mag that holds 16 like what I have now. When the extended mag is used it turns the grip back into a full sixe grip. Short grip for concealed carry and an extended grip for home or auto. A tip for getting used to a trigger on any gun, try dry firing it (empty gun of course). I'll sit in my recliner and practice shooting at ppl on tv (nobody in particular). U will get used to feeling when the trigger breaks and resets. Plus ur not expecting a recoil everytime u pull the trigger. U can also place an empty casing on the end of the barrel and pull the trigger without the casing falling off. Also after u fire it let off the trigger slowly and feel what its like when it resets. Hope my opinion helps. |
| DeputyFireChief |
Posted - 04/23/2011 : 08:31:55
The Springfield line of hand guns are excellent. I purcased a SpringField SA SD -9 High Capacity mags. The price was the same as the M & P. After looking and handling both of them starting with the M & P and the the Springfield. I made my decision when I picked up the SA SD, It just felt right. I like the tight grouping, and it shoots very nice. |
| packinpastor86 |
Posted - 02/27/2011 : 12:58:32
I have owned an XDM 40 for a few years now. I wouldn't say I get out weekly to shoot, but I've put several hundred rounds through it. For the life of me, I can't get comfortable with the grips. I'm actually looking to trade it in for a Glock 23, something I can conceal but something that's also a good protector. The trigger is really hard to adjust to and, for me, it is a consistent battle to fight the expectation of the trigger pull because it seems like it takes forever before it goes bang. It has been a good gun, but I just don't think I'm that comfortable with it. |
| Nathan |
Posted - 02/21/2011 : 15:22:33
quote:
Originally posted by The doctor
Nathan, I noted that you said 75% of the time you carry your 40 cal glock but your sig lists a glock 31 357 sig. Did you change your carry option or I am just confused?
i rotate my carry gear faster than i change my signatures.  |
| The doctor |
Posted - 02/21/2011 : 12:48:12
Reading this thread, you see a lot of comments about XDs and M and Ps. I don't own either but went to the range this weekend and had the opportunity to shoot my friends XD45 and the shooting instructor's M and P 45. Both shot well using the same WWB 230 gr 45 ammo but i thought the recoil less noticeable in the XD and I really like the grip/trigger safety of the XD vs the M and P's manual safety (which I of course forgot to switch since I am used to shooting my Glocks). I am sure both are fine weapons and would consider buying either or both. Incidentally, Nathan, I noted that you said 75% of the time you carry your 40 cal glock but your sig lists a glock 31 357 sig. Did you change your carry option or I am just confused? |
| KnasasMustang |
Posted - 01/25/2011 : 05:25:12
New guy here and I boogered up my handle it's supposed to read KANsasMustang. I'm also on the OCDO forum and have been for a couple of years. Not new to CC just never posted on this forum. I have an XD in .45 cal. Rather large to CC but it's a fine weapon. I have yet to miss one round I've fired and I usually shoot at 25 meters with it. My CC weapon of choice is a Taurus PT140 and I like that lil booger too. I don't want to go any lower in a CC weapon then 40 cal. Just me sayin it but,,,size does matter :-) |
| BearTaylor |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 16:40:40
I bought the XD45c almost three years ago and the trigger felt strange to me at first. I've fired it enough times it is no longer an issue. I'm not sure if trigger got better or I just adjusted to it. I suppose it doesn't really matter since it has no accuracy issues and never jams. |
| Tango 1 |
Posted - 01/06/2011 : 11:40:01
I took my neighbor to the range last night because he is interested in getting the XD SC.40, we rented one and put several hundred rounds through it. The gun performed flawlessly. Trigger felt great, the shot placement was right on. We both loved the great feel of the gun in the hand, point and shoot was right on target. He is planning to buy one next week, I want one with in the next few months. |
| nabbcrab |
Posted - 11/27/2010 : 20:15:33
Old thread but new gun. I just love my new 40sc. It seems to carry well. (practicing only) |
| mtsheepdog1 |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 10:05:24
Wow! Old thread I know, but impressive shooting in the video! |
| P99 |
Posted - 09/03/2010 : 14:07:40
Great review, Nathan! I like this gun also. I own it in .40 also, but with a stainless slide. I like it for its accuracy most of all, but also for the outstanding overall ergonomics! |
| TxPhantom |
Posted - 03/18/2010 : 07:24:01
Quote by Noturname1989;
love my m&p great gun neverfail
Agree 100%! I have three MP's, a MP 9c, MP 40 cal, and a MP 9 Pro. Great pistols and totally reliable. My MP 9 Pro is one of the most accurate pistols I have ever shot.The MP 9c is suprisingly accurate for such a short barrel.
I've never had any kind of malfunction with the Pro or the 40 caliber, which I bought right after they came out in July 2006. I had problems with the MP 9c feeding the last round from the magazine. Had to send it to S & W twice for correction of the problem. They sent me a free magazine for my trouble. It's worked perfectly ever since with hundreds of rounds through it. Great, no BS, customer service. |
| noturname1989 |
Posted - 03/18/2010 : 06:50:39
love my m&p great gun neverfail |
| andeehunt |
Posted - 03/18/2010 : 02:29:11
A friend of mine had purchased a XDM from a great little shop in North Houston. Fired a couple of boxes of ammo and had a blast. He is new to pistols but loved it. His only complaint is that he did not get a complete hammer reset in first 5 shots and had to eject a live shell. He sprayed some oil on it and it was cool after that.
|
| TexasRaider |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 13:26:59
quote:
Originally posted by NathanArena
Did you have any problems with the mag release when the magazine was loaded? I purchased one 2 days ago with an empty magazine the release is easy and come right out but with a loaded magazine you have to push the hell out of it to release.
With palm of your non-dominant hand, push up on the bottom of the mag. then press the release button. Mine releases fine like that, plus I keep one less round in the mag. Hope this helps. |
| 14roundsof45acptheXD |
Posted - 02/14/2010 : 22:55:58
quote:
Originally posted by soberups
I'm considering an XD-c in 9mm for concealed carry.
Could someone explain to me what is meant by a "tennifer" finish? Is it some sort of rust proofing? My current EDC is a stainless J-frame .357 snub, I'd like some more fire power but every semi that I have ever tried carrying has developed rust issues. Is this the same finish that the Glocks have?
the XD has a Melonight finish. You will not have a problem with rust. You'll love the XD9SC. My dad has one and i have a XD40SC. there great guns and very accurate. |
| soberups |
Posted - 02/14/2010 : 22:44:19
I'm considering an XD-c in 9mm for concealed carry.
Could someone explain to me what is meant by a "tennifer" finish? Is it some sort of rust proofing? My current EDC is a stainless J-frame .357 snub, I'd like some more fire power but every semi that I have ever tried carrying has developed rust issues. Is this the same finish that the Glocks have? |
| OneGunCharlie |
Posted - 01/15/2010 : 15:59:53
Nathan I appreciate your weapon reviews a lot. Your lists of likes/dislikes are thorough and we get a good idea of whether a given gun might be worth trying or not. |
| s0nspark |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 04:35:04
quote:
I just don't even know what to do with the Glock sights.
That's easy ... replace them. :-) You could throw a nice set of Ameriglos on there for cheap...
I firmly believe the Glock stock sights are there simply to trim their costs - I mean, come on... polymer sights?? They are so fragile, especially given the ruggedness of the *rest* of the gun...
They are meant to be replaced. |
| 14roundsof45acptheXD |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 03:08:16
quote:
Originally posted by jeager106
Re: XD-M
I owned one for just one day.
It shot 14" high, 4" right.
Groups ran 7 to 10 inches at 25 from a solid bench rest.
I called Springfield.
They were sorry I got an apparent lemon and requested I send it back immediately.
It went out UPS air that day.
S.A kept my xd-M NINE WEEKS without one word from them.
I finally called, they said it had been too cold to go to the outdoor range.
Wow.
Week 10, they called me.
"Sorry" they say, "but your gun still shoots 4 inches high as we can't find a front sight to do the job."
"Well MAKE one" says I.
No, can do. I got the gun back, it shot 6 inches high and still 4 inches right. Don't try drifting these sights yourself, they are pressed in with a hydrolic press. You ain't gonna move them.
Groups size got better averaging only 7 inches at 25 yards from a solid bench rest.
By the way. It cost me $69.07 to ship the thing. S.A. promised to return my money.
They freakin' LIED. I'm still out $69.07.
That day I traded the XD=M for an "N" .357 and some other goodies.
I lost my ass on the deal but I'm shed a piece of junk.
The mag loader really IS junk.
I now carry a Glock 23, in .40 and sometime a Smith M&P in 9mm.
both guns can and do shoot 2.5 to 3 inches at 25 yards.
I will knock S.A. every chance I get. Not so much for the lousey long wait for repair, not so much they can't fix a gun they market, but they LIED and never returned my shipping costs.
That is inexcusable.
this guy has to be a troll. come on 14" hight. |
| soonershooter |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 21:55:39
quote:
Originally posted by Eric
quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
quote:
Originally posted by xXxDeltaxXx
went and shot the other day and was shooting down left most of the time don't know whats wrong..
ill link you to some downloadable diagnostic targets in a little while.
Such as:
http://www.invicis.com/persecusa/freestuff.htm#TRGTS ?
I also just saw that site has anti-CCW business cards to hand to managers explaining why you're taking your business elsewhere... I like the ones I got from here better :P
http://www.invicis.com/pdf/CCWCardS.pdf
Excellent material. Thanks for the post. Have saved and will print.
- MDean (OKC) |
| soonershooter |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 21:32:40
quote:
Originally posted by pinkhamr
How long does it take to get used to a Glock type of trigger?
No time at all. Have owned a SIG P226 (which I love) for nearly two years and thought nothing could be better. Then, about 4 weeks ago purchased a Glock 19 only to discover that I frankly love it. Never, ever thought a standard 9mm could surpass my interest and the general shootability of the SIG P226. But the Glock 19 does just that. In my case, the trigger is/was a non-issue. Have run at least 400 rounds through it within a month with no FTFs or FTLs or hiccups of any kind. But more important, I can shoot it with just as much, if not more, accuracy than the SIG.
Am very surprised at my response to this weapon.
To directly respond to your post, no transition time for me with the trigger. And, I ran slow release trigger drills several times while shooting during multiple outings.
- MDean (OKC) |
