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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
 Posted - 05/17/2008 : 23:23:47
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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. |
 
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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GreenDrake
Average Member
USA
575 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 07:58:28
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| Thanks for the detailed review Nathan. Well done. |
I hope that I can be half the man my dog thought I was. |
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slugger6
Starting Member
11 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 08:46:23
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| Thanks for the very thorough range report, Nathan. Personally, I see no reason to run out and buy an XD-M given that I already have three XDs that function flawlessly. |
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters comapared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Plumbtired
Junior Member
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 09:06:01
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Well done review, thanks. Sounds like they borrowed the trigger
from SW's Sigma, Where's the break??
That was awesome buying a new gun BEFORE it got to the store! Nice job.
Just watched the video. Do you shoot much? |
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FrankCastle
Starting Member
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 09:10:29
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Yeah they're all going nuts over this back on the XD forum. I personally prefer my M&P full size 9mm.
Great review though. |
THE ROOTS OF GUN CONTROL STEM FROM RACISM
rockoutwithmyglockout.blogspot.com |
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Charlie.45
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 10:12:52
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| I am a huge fan of the xd's but not really of this new one i really hope this isnt their replacement if so i wont be buying any xd-m's |
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GreenDrake
Average Member
USA
575 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 10:46:39
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quote:
Originally posted by FrankCastle
Yeah they're all going nuts over this back on the XD forum. I personally prefer my M&P full size 9mm.
Great review though.
I participate on the XD forum and don't see any "they are all going nuts over this" on there, for the most part it is impartial sketicism. |
I hope that I can be half the man my dog thought I was. |
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FrankCastle
Starting Member
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2008 : 12:28:04
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quote:
Originally posted by GreenDrake
quote:
Originally posted by FrankCastle
Yeah they're all going nuts over this back on the XD forum. I personally prefer my M&P full size 9mm.
Great review though.
I participate on the XD forum and don't see any "they are all going nuts over this" on there, for the most part it is impartial sketicism.
I guess what I meant to imply, was this(XD-m) was a hot topic over there. They have had to merge several threads into one concerning it. Given it is an XD site, I guess it would probably be obvious there is a lot of talk surrounding it.  |
THE ROOTS OF GUN CONTROL STEM FROM RACISM
rockoutwithmyglockout.blogspot.com |
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NathanArena
Starting Member
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 03:12:53
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| 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. |
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zaraster
Advanced Member
USA
2934 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 03:47:28
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| have you tryed 1 less round in the mag sometimes that helps |
ZARASTER
5th Generation TEXAN
12th Generation American (sailed over before 1600)But now living in Florida
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 08:28:30
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quote:
Originally posted by NathanArena
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.
hello, welcome to the CCF family. this seems to be a somewhat commons issue with XDs. mine isnt noticably bad....or at least it didnt stand out with me. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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roy7420
Starting Member
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 23:06:29
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| As usual good review i am still torn between the m&p 40 and the xd. Nathan what are the diffrences between the xd and the xdm is is just capacity? |
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opac.45
New Member
90 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 23:11:41
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| Once again, great review. I look forward to your next one. |
Opac.45
"A clean kitchen- is a clean mind" |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 23:15:42
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quote:
Originally posted by roy7420
i am still torn between the m&p 40 and the xd.
while either would serve you very well, the M&P would be my hands down preference.
quote:
what are the diffrences between the xd and the xdm is is just capacity?
the M has interchangable back-straps, front strap grooving, a match grade barrel, slide serrations, and a better case. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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iceman
Average Member
563 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2008 : 08:12:01
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| Good review. Hope you enjoy the gun. |
Robert Avery
NRA Member
LEAA |
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roy7420
Starting Member
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 00:52:01
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| I just saw that you put it up for sale i have been looking around and you are selling to low hold on to it i just went to my local shop and they are selling it to me for 600 but i think i am going to get myself a m&p 40. Maybe down the road i will get an xd but for right now the m&p feels better in my hand with the med strap. |
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iceman
Average Member
563 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 12:09:41
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| Or not. Sell it and buy something else why don't you. I too am pretty impressed with the M&P. It's a hard act to follow, too bad for the other gun makers out there. |
Robert Avery
NRA Member
LEAA |
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kortman
New Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2008 : 01:54:10
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Nathan,
I know I am a little late in asking this but does the XDm use the same holsters as the original XD? |
~Kevin~
Oklahoma LEO
Peace through Superior firepower.
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gunslinger
Senior Member
USA
1352 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2008 : 13:45:51
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Your usual thorough report, Nathan. Not my type of pistol--I like to see the hammer. Have a friend who just bought one for less than $500, btw. Prices seem to be all over the place.
Edit: he bought the non-M XD, not the new one. |
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Geoff
Advanced Member
USA
5088 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2008 : 14:31:36
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| good shooting in the video there Nathan |
NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, Gun Collector, Hunter, Sportsman, and EDUCATED VOTER lol
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed"
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2008 : 18:40:19
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quote:
Originally posted by kortman
does the XDm use the same holsters as the original XD?
it does not fit well in the holster i had purchased for my xd9sc so im going with no. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2008 : 18:40:44
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quote:
Originally posted by newguy08
good shooting in the video there Nathan
thank you. the weapon does shoot well. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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caglassmith
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2008 : 10:06:22
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Nathan,
Great report on the XD-M. Totally agree with your assessment of Springfield XD triggers. I have a new XD-45 and find it has three "levels". First you take up slack against a light spring. Second you pick up an internal mechanism (possibly the seer) with its own spring. And finally, you encounter the trigger-hammer release which is sliding metal on metal.
I have not reached the point where the release of the hammer is a surprise, but I have only shot 200 rounds through it so far. Before I went to the range last time I did a bit of "over-oiling" in the hammer area. Wished I could get some moly grease on the sliding part of the release. The oil helped a lot in improving the trigger performance, but it still does not even come close to what I expected from a gun from Springfield. (Maybe I need to go to a Browning 1911? <g>)
One question. You mentioned that you would not necessarily carry the XD because of its size. Which weapon do you prefer for concealed carry?
Thanks for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive review.
Roger...
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2008 : 15:53:06
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quote:
Originally posted by caglassmith
Totally agree with your assessment of Springfield XD triggers.
im definately a springfield enthusiast, at least in relation to their 1911s as i recommend them above all others. a solid 90% of my 1911s say springfield on them. but theres just no way around it, i think the XD trigger sucks. im really disappointed that springfield dropped the ball so hard on the trigger.
quote:
Which weapon do you prefer for concealed carry?
75% of the time i carry a .40 caliber glock 23. i believe it to be as close to the perfect carry weapon as is currently possible. it is the perfect size for concealed carry, being small enough to conceal easily yet substantial enough to offer a full size grip and decent capacity. ultimate reliability is critical for a carry weapon, and the glock certain gives you ultimate reliability.
at least 20% of the time i carry a .40 caliber S&W M&P. this is absolutely one of my favorite weapons of all time. it offers glock reliability with a great grip angle. the fit, finish, and function are absolutely beautiful and i cannot praise this weapon high enough. being a service size weapon it is a little more difficult to dress around than the glock 23. this is why i only carry it roughly 20% of the time. they make a compact version but i dont like the compact as well as the glock 23.
out of sentiment only, 5% of the time i carry other weapons including various 1911s and browning hi-powers. i recognize the many tactical advantages of the glocks/M&Ps but after a lifetime of being a 1911/BHP enthusiast i feel almost obligated to carry them at least once in awhile. i justify it by using the excuse of maintaining muscle memory/proper manipulation of these platforms. 
please take a few minutes and read MY CARRY GUIDE as it explains and details my preferences and beliefs a little more thoroughly.
quote:
Thanks for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive review.
you are welcome sir. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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TxPhantom
Starting Member
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2008 : 08:28:05
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I'm a big fan of the S & W, MP pistols. I own two MPs, a MP 40 caliber and a MP 9 compact. My next pistol will be a MP 9 Pro http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/ps/M&P9_ProSeries.pdf for fun at the range.
My warm (hot in Texas) weather carry weapons are either my MP compact or a S & W 442 with Crimson Trace grips. In cooler weather my MP 40 is usually my carry piece.
Back on topic, the only new pistol that would possibly make me wander off the S & W path is the XDM. That is a nice pistol in spite of the trigger which can be fixed. |
NRA
TSRA
VRWC |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
15549 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2008 : 14:51:56
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quote:
Originally posted by TxPhantom
I'm a big fan of the S & W, MP pistols.
be sure and visit our newest sister site, http://MilitaryAndPolice.com for more on this beautiful weapon. |
"In the foolishness of my heart, I thought that the truth would be a defense." - Harold Fish |
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Springfield Armory XD-M
