springfield xd

[bowtech721]

I am just looking into getting a new handgun and have been looking at the xd( online so far) and i am liking what i see. My question is though whats the difference between the xd and the xdm??? Maybe sounds stupid but i havent seemed to figure it out.

[Straight Shooter]

xd is the 4" service model

xdm is the 4.5" match model

There is also a 3" sub-compact model

Great pistols... I have the XD40.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/

[coop2424]

The XDM is just the new version of the XD.  I believe they have changed the grip and have also lessoned the recoil a little.  I believe the XDM is suppose to be more ergo friendly and has a 4.5" barrel.  The only calibers that come in the XDM are 9mm and 40.  The 45 only comes in XD which is what I have and love it.

[JoshT]

XDM has greater mag capacity, the barrel is a bit different, they have a slightly different mechanism for dissassembly, the sights are upgraded, it has a little better trigger, the backstrap (on the rear of the grip) has interchangable pieces for a semi-custom grip size, etc. The "M" stands for "Match". Only offered in 9mm (19+1) and .40 (16+1)

They offer the standard XD in 3" (Sub-Compact), 4" (Service), and 5" (Tactical) slide lenghts. I currently shoot and carry the XD9 4"... it is an exceptional weapon, and has proved both accurate and 100% reliable in many IDPA matches and on the range.

[bowtech721]

Ok cool thanks for the info i think i want the 4" stainless but not totally decided yet on what caliber...

[Straight Shooter]

Ok cool thanks for the info i think i want the 4" stainless but not totally decided yet on what caliber...

Gotta get the.40 Smith... the best of both worlds... capacity and stopping power!

[JoshT]

The only true "stopping power"... is shot placement. Get the one you think you'll shoot the best... and practice with most.

[NW-GSP]

I actually have the xd 9mm sub compact on my hip right now, Its a sweet gun and I think you can get the .40 in the same size as mine. I second shot placement, a good hollowpoint in a 9mm will work fine. I can get more rounds down range with more accuracy then I can with a .45 and its cheaper to shoot so Im able to go practice more often.

pick whatever you feel is going to be comfy for you cause your not going to carry it otherwise

[dontgetcrabs]

Ok cool thanks for the info i think i want the 4" stainless but not totally decided yet on what caliber...

Gotta get the.40 Smith... the best of both worlds... capacity and stopping power!

+1 

[Straight Shooter]

The only true "stopping power"... is shot placement. Get the one you think you'll shoot the best... and practice with most.

I respectfully disagree.  Shot placement is obviously important, but its not the "only" true stopping power.  Velocity, bullet weight and sectional density are also huge contributing factors.  I do agree that what ever you shoot... practice, practice, practice.  If we're still talking about the XD (in which I was referring to), there were three calibers mentioned... 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.  Of those three, I recommended the .40 S&W because of the reasons I stated earlier.

[ICEMAN]

I have an XDm in 9mm.   

?"Stopping power?" 9mm will do it.  If the first one doesn't, one of the other 19 remaining will.....

[JoshT]

The only true "stopping power"... is shot placement. Get the one you think you'll shoot the best... and practice with most.

I respectfully disagree.  Shot placement is obviously important, but its not the "only" true stopping power.  Velocity, bullet weight and sectional density are also huge contributing factors.  I do agree that what ever you shoot... practice, practice, practice.  If we're still talking about the XD (in which I was referring to), there were three calibers mentioned... 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.  Of those three, I recommended the .40 S&W because of the reasons I stated earlier.

Caliber doesn't mean dick-all when it comes to stopping a fight... same as it really doesn't mean much in big game hunting. Good bullets in proper places end schitt in a hurry... anything less than that, and all bets are off. The best "caliber" for self-defense... or hunting... is the one you're most comfortable with... and can put where it needs to be... period. Shootability and capacity are big factors in selecting a defense weapon... and the 9mm will always trump both the .40 and the .45 in those two areas for most shooters, especially novice shooters.

All that being said... the 7mm Rem still kicks the .270's ass up and down the block.

[h2ofowlr]

Good gun.  I have it in the .45.  Probably would go with the .40 next time.

[NW-GSP]

I have an XDm in 9mm.   

?"Stopping power?" 9mm will do it.  If the first one doesn't, one of the other 19 remaining will.....

I agree with you. my uncle was in the military from vietnam till recently ( he was In the elite forces one could say ) but I once asked him what his choice side arm was and he point blank told me it would always be a 9mm I asked him about stopping power he told me that when you put one in the head and two in the chest stopping power isnt going to mean sh@#

[DeerHarvester]

Now here is a great debate.  The XD is great weapon I have shot several of them. They are very smooth guns.  The added mag. capacity with the XDm and interchangeable grips is great addition to an otherwise good gun.  That being said my next gun purchase will be a 40 cal XDm.

JoshT -
I agree with everything you have stated about shot placement, but.....  Shot placement in a life or death situation is not an easy task.  When you’re in that kind of situation fine motor skills go out the door and you must rely on muscle memory.  Muscle memory requires several thousand reps on a regular basis before they can be second nature.  Shot placement requires target identification, sight alignment, and a smooth and steady trigger pull.  That is a lot to think about when your life is on the line.  That is why you should be practicing until those steps become muscle memory.  Anyone who has been in the military or a combat situation will tell you, you always revert back to your training when confronted with such a situation.  Sadly most people who own handguns do not practice nearly enough to have muscle memory.  That being said, knock down power does come into play.  A 9mm does not have the knock down power that a 45 has and that is a fact.  A 45 cal is going to be a little more forgiving with those poorly placed shots.  I believe someone already stated, you should have gun your comfortable with, as you will practice more.  If a 9mm fits your hands the best, that is fine, just practice and practice some more until it becomes second nature.  Bottom line is if your going to carry a weapon for personal defense, make sure you shoot the gun on a regular basis and know your gun inside and out.