Springfield XD Sub Compacts

[ChicagoGuy]

Hey folks, I'm looking to ahead to my next purchase. This will most likely be a carry piece or at least a piece I can switch off and carry. I plan to head to the range and rent one before making the purchase. But I wondered what some of you that might own one thought. I don't know if I always believe the "GLOWING" reviews on someother boards though. Anyway, I've read that the recoil on the 40 is much great than the 9mm due to the small frame. But there are others who say it's not too bad. Anyone here own one and kinda regret it or regret the caliber choice?

Any feedback would be helpful.

Thanks

[Ralphola]

I think the only opinion that counts is yours. I believe you should carry the highest caliber that you can successfully control. You could rent one of each caliber and see how you handle them. This would give you a better idea of what to choose.

[Reverenddel]

I've shot all the subcompacts from Glock, and Springfield. Don't worry about the recoil from the .40 SW...it's not anymore stronger than a hot 9mm, or a medium .45 ACP.

Personally? Go to the gunstore, and just FEEL the grip on the XD series. It's very comfortable, and has a different angle than the Glocks.

Still love my Glock 19, but I love my XD45 Tactical more.

[Tweaker]

I own compact versions of both guns. I do not like the .40 recoil as it feels to be of a shorter impulse. (brief, but sharper) This has been described as snappier. I will not buy another .40.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Just a warning, they just released the XDM compact. I would expect to see the subcompact XDM soon. If that comes out then you'll have that choice of buying an XDM SC or it would give you a little wiggle room on the price of a regular XD SC. Just my thoughts, it might be worth waiting for.

[nickf829]

I went from a 3" SA Micro Compact .45 to a 3" SA XD-SC 9mm because of the recoil. Was the .45 uncontrollable? Not in a million years. Unpleasant to shoot? Not even. It was just a harsher recoil, maybe even would classify it as "snappier". It made getting a 2nd and 3rd follow up shot more difficult in a very short amount of time. Was it fun to shoot? Hell yeah. It felt like I was shooting something much larger than a .45

Now the .40 XDSC I don't have exerience with, but I like to know I have the maximum capacity(13 in a 9mm with a flush fit mag) mixed with a very controllable recoil to put as many shots into CM as possible in the shortest amount of time. Enough? For me it is.

Why do I answer all of your questions in question form? I don't know. Maybe I'm trying out for Jeopardy?

Or am I?

[gunderwood]

You list owning a G32. .357SIG is much snappier than a .40 IMHO. The Springfields are good guns.

[scott9050]

I have a .40 sub and I like it.

[NRB451]

I've got an XD 9mm SC and I like it pretty well. I love the look, the integrated safeties, and the tactile cocked and loaded chamber indicators. The biggest gripe I have about it (my failure to research beforehand) is the price and bulky size of spare magazines. The 10 round mags aren't so bad, but the full size need that extender piece which runs them up to 30ish a pop. Can't say from experience yet, but I'm assuming they would be kind of cumbersome in a molle pouch as well if you're into that type of thing. Other than that, I do like how the 10 round gives it a smaller profile for concealed carry while you can use the full size with grip extender to really fill your hand at the range, for HD, or for even carrying full size if you like. It's a sharp gun, and I read a very impressive torture test review of the XD9. http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdo ... tory11.php

[gunderwood]

You list owning a G32. .357SIG is much snappier than a .40 IMHO. The Springfields are good guns.

I should mention that I usually carry a G32. If I need something smaller I go to a LCP. The single exception to that is if I'm doing an ankle setup. I personally don't find the subs significantly easier to conceal over a compact. They are, but it doesn't seem like much. YMMV.

[Reverenddel]

Oh Yeah!

Forgot that factor! S/A XD-XDM mags are RIDICULOUS in price! If you check the "Junk bin" of gunshops that take in handguns though, you sometimes can luck out, and find a few mags in there for LOTS less!

Thank you GreenTop! HAHAHAH

I would like to see someone make a Generic XD/XDM mag though. $30-$40 a mag is bit much. Especially when I can procure G19 Mags for $10 high cap used at the gunshows.

[mapcase]

XD-40 SC is my carry gun. I carry it cross-draw inside the waistband (which is where it is most comfortable on me, even when driving), 9-round mag and it's really tough to see (providing I'm not wearing anything tight), even if you're looking.

I don't know how many rounds I have through it (probably around 400-500), but I've never had a single malfunction. The only problem I have is when manually ejecting an unfired round, the cartridge frequently gets hung up This is when I'm unloading the gun with a round in the chamber (which is how I carry), which is no big deal at that time. My only concern is if I was ever in a situation, had a misfire where I had to eject the unfired round, and it gets hung up. A lot of "ifs" but it is something that is in the back of my mind.

But when firing no problem ejecting the empty cartridges.

And I don't really notice any recoil problems. And its very accurate, even for a semi-newbie like myself.

Hope that helps.

Chris

[Palladin]

XD-40 SC is my carry gun. I carry it cross-draw inside the waistband (which is where it is most comfortable on me, even when driving), 9-round mag and it's really tough to see (providing I'm not wearing anything tight), even if you're looking.

I don't know how many rounds I have through it (probably around 400-500), but I've never had a single malfunction. The only problem I have is when manually ejecting an unfired round, the cartridge frequently gets hung up This is when I'm unloading the gun with a round in the chamber (which is how I carry), which is no big deal at that time. My only concern is if I was ever in a situation, had a misfire where I had to eject the unfired round, and it gets hung up. A lot of "ifs" but it is something that is in the back of my mind.

But when firing no problem ejecting the empty cartridges.

And I don't really notice any recoil problems. And its very accurate, even for a semi-newbie like myself.

Hope that helps.

Chris

This has to do with the length of the unfired cartridge compared to when the case rim strikes the ejector during the slide's backward travel. I would recommend practicing decisively racking the slide until you get the feel for it.

[Targe]

I've got an XD SC9 and I'm very happy with it. I'm actually surprised by the accuracy, I seem to be more accurate with the SC than I am with several of my other firearms. It's a little blocky for carry on my frame, but with loose clothes I can manage it fine. I've probably put 3000-4000 down the pipe and never had a hiccup, no matter how I've mistreated it. I've neglected cleaning and lubing, thrown all sorts of ammo at it, and it just keeps working.

I have two small issues with the firearm; first, the magazines now seat pretty loosly (probably a half a mm of wiggle room) and it feels like it'll fall out, though I know it's in there tight. I'm sure I can have someone look at it and tighten something, but haven't gotten there yet. Second, the default flush (low capacity) magazine doesn't work well with my hands, I don't like having my pinky just flailing around at the bottom; I picked up Pearce grip extenders, though, and that's made all the difference.

Aside from those two issues, I'm very happy with it, and my buddies like to fire it too.