[meatloaf]

I have fired three different xds. one was a full size 45 a sub compact .45 and a sub compact 9 mm, all were flawless in function. The most impressive was the sub compact at 30 yards I was able to hit clays. That kind of acuracy out of a tiny barrel like the sub compact has is outstanding. I dont own an XD my self yet but I'm looking seriosly at the XDM series, they have interchangeable grips a smother and lighter trigger, and a match grade barrel. The only other gun thats in competition with it is an HK. The HK is twice the price of the XDM so the XDM will most likely win.

[TheWall]

My wife uses a XD 9mm sub-compact and loves it. It shoots very well. Have shot thousands of rounds without a single problem. Good price, great gun.

[LeftHandShooter]

I had 2 xd's: a .40 and a .45. I loved both but they are not lefthand friendly! That is why I traded them for S&W M&P's!
(Maybe you should try a M&P before you purchase?)

[SRK7900]

Quote:       Originally Posted by GlockMeister

SRK7900, just wanted to first say hello and to welcome you to the G&G. I'd also again have to agree with what Midas said. If you like it is what matters and not everyone is going to like every gun. Some will like one, while others dislike it and visa versa. I love my Glock model 35 in .40S&W. There are those who hate Glocks as well, and I could care less. pfft I have never had a problem one with mine and I didn't nor will I let anything anyone may say, change how I feel about Glocks. So, by all means, if you're wanting an XD, go right ahead and get one. Personally, I have no experience with them, yet. I hope to someday shoot a few different models, via renting them as I suggested to you, to see if I like them and which one I'd prefer before I purchase one, if I decide to? Personally, from what I've read, seen and heard so far, there's nothing to dislike. Just make sure you get one in the right caliber, that is right for you. Don't get one that after a short while you'd wish you'd of gotten the other one. Example, don't get the 9mm if in a week or two you'd be wished you'd of gotten the .40S&W or the .45 even. Or don't get the sub-compact and wish you wouldn't of. Maybe go somewhere that has both a store and a range and a rental program and try a few out. That is always the best way to assure you won't have any regrets. One thing to remember, the guys behind the counter are in business. And the more money they make the better the business is. So if they can detour you from one that doesn't cost as much to one that costs a tad more, that's just what they're going to do? So if they say to you, ah,the XD is junk, just get yourself a good 1911. Depending on what brand they try and sell you, you will have paid double or more of what you would have for an XD, thus making the guy behind the counter more money... Something to keep in mind anyhow. I've talked to some that were and are as bad as car salesmen. Needless to say, I did/do the same thing that I do with those car salesmen. I walked right out the door and went to the next store. Good luck.

Many good points, thanks alot. I think I'll keep looking at other guns at the moment. I do know of a range thats not to far away that I could rent one and try it. Sounds like a pretty good idea. I have a friend on the Virginia Beach Police Dept. and she loves her Glocks as well. One thing I hear about Glocks is that they don't point well. Kind of confusing for a newbie like myself. Doesn't the user point the gun? Thanks again for the "insight".

[Darkfront]

Quote:       Originally Posted by SRK7900

Many good points, thanks alot. I think I'll keep looking at other guns at the moment. I do know of a range thats not to far away that I could rent one and try it. Sounds like a pretty good idea. I have a friend on the Virginia Beach Police Dept. and she loves her Glocks as well. One thing I hear about Glocks is that they don't point well. Kind of confusing for a newbie like myself. Doesn't the user point the gun? Thanks again for the "insight".

Well, the user does point the gun, but a lot of good marksmanship comes from something called a natural point of aim. This is the position of your firearm if you bring your firearm to bear without sighting down the bore or optics. This turns out to be the optimal body posture for you in terms of eliminating variables from your shooting technique. Ideally, you'd like your natural point of aim to put you on target before you fine tune by using your sights. It creates a quicker shot, and a more stable shot because you don't have to move as many muscles to correct posture and also creates a natural point of return for your body when it comes to recoil control and follow up shots.

Things like grip angle, ergonomics, thickness, etc. play into how naturally your firearm points on target without sighting. Glocks have a slightly different shape that for me, make the muzzle point high when I come to bear. That means I have to correct by tipping down and acquiring the sights. My XD on the other hand comes up very level, and all I do is verify through my sight picture as opposed to correcting the sight picture before I fire. You can train to compensate and become an excellent shot with any pistol or rifle, but good ergonomics wouldn't hurt either. Again, it's about how it fits your style of presentation and shooting. Hope that helps

[SRK7900]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Darkfront

Well, the user does point the gun, but a lot of good marksmanship comes from something called a natural point of aim. This is the position of your firearm if you bring your firearm to bear without sighting down the bore or optics. This turns out to be the optimal body posture for you in terms of eliminating variables from your shooting technique. Ideally, you'd like your natural point of aim to put you on target before you fine tune by using your sights. It creates a quicker shot, and a more stable shot because you don't have to move as many muscles to correct posture and also creates a natural point of return for your body when it comes to recoil control and follow up shots. Things like grip angle, ergonomics, thickness, etc. play into how naturally your firearm points on target without sighting. Glocks have a slightly different shape that for me, make the muzzle point high when I come to bear. That means I have to correct by tipping down and acquiring the sights. My XD on the other hand comes up very level, and all I do is verify through my sight picture as opposed to correcting the sight picture before I fire. You can train to compensate and become an excellent shot with any pistol or rifle, but good ergonomics wouldn't hurt either. Again, it's about how it fits your style of presentation and shooting. Hope that helps

Again... More great info. I'm really glad I joined this forum. In my first post I've learned more about handguns and the culture around them than I thought possible, in only a couple of days! Now I'm more geeked than ever about picking up my first handgun. Thanks to Darkfront and everyone else who have replied. I really am greatful for the opinions and advice everyone has doled out.
P.S. Sorry I'm a little quote happy.

[KW Gary M]

Quote:       Originally Posted by SRK7900

I'm looking for my first handgun, obviously I'm new here as well. I've been to two different shops and guys behind the counter just don't have anything good to say about the xd. I ask why and they say something like, they should have stuck to the 1911 or I just don't like them. Really insightful, right? I have yet to have anyone tell me an actual reason. Is it just an elitist thing or what? Any "actual" insight would be much appreciated. Also, does $450 sound like an okay deal on a used xd9 service model w/xd gear kit?

I own an XD in .40 subcompact and it is by far the best gun I have ever owned or shot. It is my main carry gun. $450 is also a great price. I'll buy another for that price. You have to remember many gun store sales people push what pays them the most to push not what is best.

[SRK7900]

I finally went and put some money down on a new XD 9 service model. Got em down to $500 plus tax. Not sure why, even with a terrible economy, everything seems to cost more in Michigan. Times are hard here, hence having to make payments on a $500 gun. Hopefully I'll be able to come up with the rest pretty quick. Can't wait to get it, go to the farm, and shoot the hell out of it! Thanks again for all the help.

[big boomer]

My friends that have xd's love them. And welcome to the forum.

[thunderjohn]

Congrats on the purchase. You'll like it. Pictures and a range report when you get it.

[bassoneer]

I went to one gun store and was talking about various guns to the store owner. He said "look around...there are six people in the store - if you ask for their opinions on guns, you will get twelve different opinions!". So, I guess it depends on who you ask, and when/what/how you ask them. We all have opinions - that's why we have different color cars, etc. I really like my new XDM and would recommend it to anybody asking. Later, B

[SRK7900]

Quote:       Originally Posted by thunderjohn

Congrats on the purchase. You'll like it. Pictures and a range report when you get it.

Will do, hopefully sooner than later.

[SRK7900]

Quote:       Originally Posted by thunderjohn

Congrats on the purchase. You'll like it. Pictures and a range report when you get it.

Here it is finally. No range report yet. I still love it.

[sisco50]

Quote:       Originally Posted by bassoneer

I went to one gun store and was talking about various guns to the store owner. He said "look around...there are six people in the store - if you ask for their opinions on guns, you will get twelve different opinions!". So, I guess it depends on who you ask, and when/what/how you ask them. We all have opinions - that's why we have different color cars, etc. I really like my new XDM and would recommend it to anybody asking. Later, B

I like the XD-M but have held off buying one due to the personal issue I have regarding price versus value. Is the match grade barrel worth that much more money than the standard XD? I purchased a match grade (9mm) conversion barrel for a Glock G22 .40 S&W for $99 but the XD-M is running around $200 higher than the XD in this area.

[nmhunter]

Sportmans Warehouse sales new ones for that price. I don't know what the complainers have to complain about. My XD40 shoots great. My 12 year old loves it. Shoots straight, no recoil. It' basically point and shoot. I'm a rifle and shotgun guy. Pistols are not my thing. I have an artificial shoulder. I was very concerned about recoil. This thing has none. I don't know how the Croations did it, but they eliminated all the recoil.

[thunderjohn]

SRK7900, congrats again. Looks like you got a nice pooch there too.

[SRK7900]

Quote:       Originally Posted by thunderjohn

SRK7900, congrats again. Looks like you got a nice pooch there too.

Yep, he's a big guy, but a good guy. Got out and shot today. Only put 70 rounds through her but it was much fun. Gun shot great, I didn't. But hey, first time shooting my first handgun, I can cope with being terrible. Its still a ton of fun and I plan to shoot many more rounds just as soon as I get the chance, and the ammo. Well thanks again to everybody for the opinions and advice. I think I'll go clean all the WWB funk off her right now.

[SRK7900]

Damn this is more addictive than I thought. I cleaned my gun last night, then looked over some cleaning threads I found. Haven't even fired it again since Sunday, but went and got some break free and some more patches so I can clean it again. Does that make me weird? Is it bad to clean your gun more than you shoot it?