Getting a .45 pistol

[GaryM]

Regarding the Glock magazines not falling free, that's an issue with the older all plastic magazines. They'd "swell" and not drop out when empty. The newer ones are steel lined and don't have the problem. Buy a new magazine and I think your problem will disappear.

That said, I'm an XD fan and own two in .40 S&W. A Sub-Compact and a Tactical. They point well, for me at least, and I've not had a lick of problems with either. The SC is a carry gun and the tactical is used in competition.

 

[KubotaSteve]

Well I've been doing quite a bit of research and now I'm leaning towards the Springfield XD45. I talked to one of my local gun shop guys and he recommended the XD45 since I had small hands as it has a slimline grip. He is out of stock now but is getting more in tomorrow but I'll be at work tomorrow. So unless the other gun shop has one I can check the feel of, I'm probably in a holding pattern until the weekend.

Can anyone comment on the grip size of the XD45?
That would be a bonus more bullets and same size grip!!! Plus I could fit it with Lasermax sight.

 

[hudlow]

If you can get to a gunstore and get your hands on any XD model - 9mm, .40S&W or .357 Sig you will be able to get a feel of the dimensions of the XD45.

I believe the web site says the difference is "imperceptable".

I think that means .... not much.

But if it doesn't feel right and point naturally for you don't let anyone talk you in to buying it.

The width of the grip on my 9mm is ~1 & 1/8 ", the measurement from front to back is about ~2 &1/8" at the widest down at the bottom.


Good luck with your search.

hud

 

[KubotaSteve]

Just confirmed with the other gun store that they have the XD 45 in compact and tactical. He also had smith and wesson, glocks, rugers, kimber and a few other brands. He doesn't have any Sig's except two smaller caliber on consignment. He isn't a Sig dealer yet. I'm definitely going to handle them all to get a good feel for what I like.
The only downside is there is a 5 day waiting period in WV to buy a handgun.

 

[Podunkadunk]

Just confirmed with the other gun store that they have the XD 45 in compact and tactical. He also had smith and wesson, glocks, rugers, kimber and a few other brands. He doesn't have any Sig's except two smaller caliber on consignment. He isn't a Sig dealer yet. I'm definitely going to handle them all to get a good feel for what I like.
The only downside is there is a 5 day waiting period in WV to buy a handgun.

Yet another reason to get a CCW. Most states waiver the waiting period if you are a CCW holder for that state.

Happy hunting, post pics of your new piece when you get.

Podunk

 

[KubotaSteve]

Well, I went to the gun shop today after work and pulled the trigger (no pun intended ) on the Springfield XD 45. I went to the counter and asked to see the Springfield XD 45 and the guy behind the counter handed me a Srpingfield 1911 model. I held it and it felt good but seemed heavy. I then asked again for the XD 45 and when I held it, I knew that was the gun for me. It was perfect for my hand which amazed me since it was a high capacity pistol. I tried the compact version (10+1) but the butt was too short for my liking and they had another magazine that was 13+1 for that gun but it didn't feel as good. I ended up going with the 13+1 with the 4 inch barrel. It was $540 without tax and I got the gear kit with it which included an extra magazine, holster, dual magazine holder, easy loader, cable lock, brush and case.
Ok guys, you've helped me get this far, now what is the choice when it comes to ammo for both home protection and just shooting targets. I'm looking for brand and grain. What are some of the brands to steer clear of?
I'm holding off on the laser sight right now per Joe's advice on learning the weapon although I think I will add one later.
Thanks again,
Steve

 

[Sigarms]

I'm holding off on the laser sight right now per Joe's advice on learning the weapon although I think I will add one later.

Steve, never put too much stock into what I say.

Let me know how you like the XD, like I said, if I have a "next" purchase, that gun is going to be it. Would love to see what they could do with it in a 10mm though.

I'd suggest going through at least 10k rounds before putting a laser on it

Seriously, just guess I'm "old school", however I always thought of myself as "new school" (guess you get that way when you hit the mid 40's).

PS, get the Kimber later, you won't regret that either!!!

CHECK OUT Hancock County Practical or any other local clubs in your area, check out IDPA per that website. A great organization, and you wouldn't regret joining, I assure you.

Get into reloading, you'd be amazed at how much fun it can be.

 

[kennyd]

Ok guys, you've helped me get this far, now what is the choice when it comes to ammo for both home protection and just shooting targets. I'm looking for brand and grain. What are some of the brands to steer clear of?
I'm holding off on the laser sight right now per Joe's advice on learning the weapon although I think I will add one later.
Thanks again,
Steve

Excellent, I think you'll really like that XD

I have always had real good luck with FEDERAL ammo, and real bad luck with the Russian green colored WOLF brand, don't be fooled by the cheap prices, it's not worth it IMHO.

For free targets, check this out:
MYTARGETS.COM Free Targets That Print In PDF Format

 

[KubotaSteve]

PS, get the Kimber later, you won't regret that either!!!

They had some Kimbers there but not the particular one I was researching. I hope you got an extra room, because if I go for the Kimber too, my wife will throw me out for sure. I told her my next purchase is an AR-15 but she has all ready put in a request for a new Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer or Limited Edition plus a garage and mudroom. I think I'm getting the short end of the stick on the deal though .

Oh I forgot to mention the best part, WV has become modernized somewhat as they called in my purchase and I got to take the gun with me (no more 5 day waiting period). I've all ready read the entire manual.

I didn't get any ammo yet until I see what people here say. I've used Federal and Remmington in my .380 and used Federal & CCI in my .22. Any good places to get bulk ammo through at good prices as I plan on putting quite a bit of ammo through it getting accustomed to it.

 

[thingy]

Get you a revolver,,,much safer,,who needs 9 shots,,one good one is all you need,,,double action 357 revolver,you can go bigger or smaller,,but thats about right,,did you know they ain't no safetys on revolvers?? cause,,,you don't need one,,thingy[just read your post,,you plan on comeing to the "mountians" to shoot your new yuppie toy,,well I live in those mountains,,[w.va. born and bred],,no wonder they made a movie like deliverance],,,thing again