But you can feel that XD45 Service tugging a little... can't ya...

I had the same experience... Shot the G21, the M&P45, the HK45, the P220, and the XD45...

The XD tore a ragged hole 1 inch left of the X-ring with the first 10 bullets I shot out of it, at 21ft. The group was less than 1.5 inches, the FIRST time I picked it up. Minimal recoil, instant "pointability", flawless function, and simple break-down. The trigger was better than all of them. The M&P felt like a bucket of gravel. The HK flipped like a .357 snubbie. The glock felt like I was grabbing a 2X4 and it pointed at the floor 3 ft in front of the target... The Sig was fantastic... but for $1100, I can have an XD45 and a XD9SC to match!

I bought it, put 20 more through it to confirm the 1" left, showed the gunsmith my target, and he nudged the sights a bit. PERFECT...

1000 round later... I'm thinking about a XD9 SC as my carry gun...

Shoot it again... It'll grow on you...

Jeff

Funny story!

I've been a 1911 (and derivatives) die hard for more then 3 decades. But I'm currently carrying an XD45 Service; my choice. It shoots straight, feels good and hangs right on the belt--go figure?!?!?

I'm betting you go back and buy it....

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

Wow... I'm shocked... no guns I want. What's wrong with me....

Finall

Careful Shipwreck, becoming a dad does subtle but profound things to a man.

WM

Well, we'll see - but I think I'm gonna take a purchase break...

Ship, you have an obligation to continue buying and testing in order to properly advise your son in a few years. Just grab hold of yourself, go back to the gun store and get that XD.

I just sold my 45 USP for the same reasons you did not like it. It was to big and pulled to the left. I love the looks and will soon get the 9mm or sig357 usp. I would never get rid of my 45 XD. I remember buying my first glock and hoping I would like the looks later and I did. That's might be why I love the looks of the XD. Have you thought about some of the paras or hang in their the Beretta will be out with the PX4 in 45acp and a military tactical model. I just don't understand why you don't have a 1911. I'm sure something will hit you on the head soon. Wish I could be like you nad think things out and take my time.

Originally Posted by spacedoggy

I just sold my 45 USP for the same reasons you did not like it. It was to big and pulled to the left. I love the looks and will soon get the 9mm or sig357 usp. I would never get rid of my 45 XD. I remember buying my first glock and hoping I would like the looks later and I did. That's might be why I love the looks of the XD. Have you thought about some of the paras or hang in their the Beretta will be out with the PX4 in 45acp and a military tactical model. I just don't understand why you don't have a 1911. I'm sure something will hit you on the head soon. Wish I could be like you nad think things out and take my time.

Actually, I have owned 5 1911s over the years - I just don't have any now... I have had some type of issue with all of them. I no longer am interested in a 1911. I was looking for an alternative, and thought I found it in the USP 45.

The HK45 looks nice - but after my lesson today - I would never buy one w/o shooting one first - which could prove to be tricky when they first come out.

As for the XD... I don't see me getting one. I just don't care for the look of the gun...

Now, I have liked the looks of that upcoming 45 PX4 with the extended barrel and the flat earth color... Maybe I'll wait for that... BUt, once again - I would want to try a Storm 45 first...

Anyway - I'm satisfied with what I have... I need to get my head examined for that I think :P

Damn it - the thought of buying a 45 ACP XD is growing in my mind like a fungus. Help me!!!

Be happy to help. Which direction should I push?

I spent some time looking at photo threads at the XD forum - and the look is slowly growing on me...

It's not the prettiest pistol I've seen or own. It's not smoothed or melted or rounded. I had to feel-one-up several times before I got one. Even after buying it, I spent some time out in the garage working it and dry-firing before I got comfortable enough to go shoot it. Frankly I didn't expect a whole lot from the combination of plastic and ad hype--didn't really believe all the internet scuttlebutt either. But it kinda grows on ya. After a while it feels pretty good.

I've carried my XD45 about 6 weeks now. The plastic didn't fail the first time I bumped it hard, or the second or third time either. The finish is taking-on that holstered, worn patina. Some of the shine is gone from the mags. The family is adjusted to the ca-chunk of loading it. It's found a comfortable dent in my belly just behind the side seam of my jeans.

I like it.

So much I bought one in .357sig and started lusting for a .40 compact.

You can never have too many guns. If you want it and won't be keeping your little one from a new pair of shoes, get it. A Beretta 92fs spoke to me at a gun show not long ago and my wife was mildly pissed that I bought it. Now it's her favorite range gun. She wants to use it to take the CCW course. Like you I'm not particluarly taken by the XD's looks, but they sell well for a reason - good gun at a good price point.

Originally Posted by jfdavis58

It's not the prettiest pistol I've seen or own. It's not smoothed or melted or rounded. I had to feel-one-up several times before I got one. Even after buying it, I spent some time out in the garage working it and dry-firing before I got comfortable enough to go shoot it. Frankly I didn't expect a whole lot from the combination of plastic and ad hype--didn't really believe all the internet scuttlebutt either. But it kinda grows on ya. After a while it feels pretty good.

I've carried my XD45 about 6 weeks now. The plastic didn't fail the first time I bumped it hard, or the second or third time either. The finish is taking-on that holstered, worn patina. Some of the shine is gone from the mags. The family is adjusted to the ca-chunk of loading it. It's found a comfortable dent in my belly just behind the side seam of my jeans.

I like it.

So much I bought one in .357sig and started lusting for a .40 compact.

I never cared for the 9mm one I shot 2-3 years ago. BUt the 45 was spot on... It won't be a carry gun. It's just a range toy. So, holster wear and such isn't an issue.

If I get one, I will get the stainless slide. I have several hard chromed slides on polymer handguns, and I like the 2 tone look.

I buy from a local individual (with FFL). He has and showed me a 9mm compact in two-tone config. It was very attractive. I don't know exactly what SA calls the slide finish--it's not shiny--it's like the rest of the gun-functional. The dealer suggested it as a deep CC--he has carried it as such. I don't know how long, but it looked nearly brand-new. I keep debating with myself between the solid black and the two tone.

Range toys are nice; I guess my philosophy is a bit different-upside-down. I'm hard on carry guns; bang into things and such. A typical day takes me from desk chair to warehouse to production floor to dirt lot and back to boardroom--lotsa bumps and grinds. Every few days the range. I'm trying the XD because of it's very modest price and exceptional reliability; the outstanding out-of-the-box accuracy was and continues to be a big surprise!

If you eventually buy your own, it would be interesting to continue this conversation with some of your experiences-we are certainly (i think) at different end of the user spectrum.

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

I never cared for the 9mm one I shot 2-3 years ago. BUt the 45 was spot on... It won't be a carry gun. It's just a range toy. So, holster wear and such isn't an issue.

If I get one, I will get the stainless slide. I have several hard chromed slides on polymer handguns, and I like the 2 tone look.

Well, my P(9c is my main carry gun - and now with the cooler eather, I have started to carry my USPc 9mm. A 45 is just something I don't currently have (but have had in the past), and I want another one. And, it's another gun to have around for home defense, yet will probably be 99% range gun.

I asked on the XD forum is the stainless looking slides were all stainless, or if it was just grey armory coat (that's what they used to be). I was told that they are in fact stainless. I wish the small metal parts were stainless or solver as well - but it seems ya gotta send the gun off for refinishing to get that look.

I have a feeling I will end up with one unless I just totally suck with it on my next rental.