XD Tactical 45 and USPSA (need insight)

[Flashpoint]

I'm think of trading in a gun on an XD45 Tactical (5 inch barrel) for use in USPSA matches. I like the feel of the of the XD and I have shot a 9mm and liked it.

I've also kicked around the idea of 9mm in the same gun.

What kind of disadvantages would using either the 9mm or the 45 put me in?

I'd also like to have some reasons why an XD would not be the way to go that don't have the ring of "Glock is better" that's not backed up by more than opinion.

I've shot Glocks (17, 19, 23, 22, 21, and 27) but just haven't really warmed up to them with the exception being the G17. That being said, I've not totally ruled out G35, because if it is the best tool for the job, I believe I could learn to use it.

Your input would be greatly appreciated. :wavey:

[Flashpoint]

Nothing? :dunno:

[Solid]

In USPSA wouldn't it be best to have:

-XDm for USPSA Production division
or
-XD tactical in 9mm for production division

Seems like .45s lower capacity would be a huge disadvantage for winning gun games with everyone shooting 9mm and .40.

[ManNamedJed]

10 rd limit in USPSA production, so the XD .45 covers that fine.

Large caliber = more recoil and more expensive shooting vs. 9mm (what most others would shoot in production)

You could turn it into a limited gun, but mag extensions etc, can get expensive.

[Flashpoint]

In USPSA wouldn't it be best to have:

-XDm for USPSA Production division
or
-XD tactical in 9mm for production division

Seems like .45s lower capacity would be a huge disadvantage for winning gun games with everyone shooting 9mm and .40.

I had thought about the XDm because of the higher capacity of 40cal. Also I was thinking 40 or 45 for the major classification, but it seems though that most who shoot 45cal use double stack 1911 of some sort.

The last match they had was my first and I used my Steyr S9. My major disadvantage was having to reload so much. One stage I had 4 mag changes vs. most of the others just having 2. On the other hand I did hit the "A" zone a lot with no misses and from what I understand "A" zones score the same in both major and minor.

Maybe I should shoot 9mm :headscratch:

One of the things that may keep me from going XDm or G35 in that they're more expensive than the XD I looked at and the G35 would come with the holster and mag pouch that would help alleviate the up front expensive.

[Solid]

I had thought about the XDm because of the higher capacity of 40cal. Also I was thinking 40 or 45 for the major classification, but it seems though that most who shoot 45cal use double stack 1911 of some sort.

The last match they had was my first and I used my Steyr S9. My major disadvantage was having to reload so much. One stage I had 4 mag changes vs. most of the others just having 2. On the other hand I did hit the "A" zone a lot with no misses and from what I understand "A" zones score the same in both major and minor.

Maybe I should shoot 9mm :headscratch:

One of the things that may keep me from going XDm or G35 in that they're more expensive than the XD I looked at and the G35 would come with the holster and mag pouch that would help alleviate the up front expensive.
I wouldn't get to tied up in the $100 - $200 differences. You are going to be shooting $1ks of dollars worth of ammunition.

Get what suites your need best and which ones "feels" best to you. I like the XDm grip a lot, and feel I could shoot very well with it.

[Bren]

In USPSA wouldn't it be best to have:

-XDm for USPSA Production division
or
-XD tactical in 9mm for production division

Seems like .45s lower capacity would be a huge disadvantage for winning gun games with everyone shooting 9mm and .40.

I don't know about USPSA, but I think IDPA considers the XD "single action" which would keep it out of production division. I can't really think of another division where it would be very useful, unless it's limited or limited 10 (in .40 S&W), but it would really be a beginner's gun in those divisions.

Edit: I'm wrong, apparently Rob Leathem shoots an XD in production. For production youprobably want 9mm, unless you reload a lot.

[Solid]

http://www.uspsa.org/rules/production_list.php

[Jim Watson]

In USPSA Production, the XD is allowable.
Note that all calibers are scored minor and you get 10 rounds in the magazine.

9mm is cheaper and kicks less. If you are a handloader, Joe D says light loaded .40 is even better. He and I have been working with light loaded .45 but that is kind of a specialty item.

You could shoot the .40 or .45 with near full charge major power factor ammo in Limited - 10. I don't think they have the magazine capacity to run in Limited. The 9mm would be handicapped there.

[Tito]

In USPSA Production, the XD is allowable.
Note that all calibers are scored minor and you get 10 rounds in the magazine.

9mm is cheaper and kicks less. If you are a handloader, Joe D says light loaded .40 is even better. He and I have been working with light loaded .45 but that is kind of a specialty item.

You could shoot the .40 or .45 with near full charge major power factor ammo in Limited - 10. I don't think they have the magazine capacity to run in Limited. The 9mm would be handicapped there.

Jim covers the bases well with this post. BTW, 9mm is not allowed in Limited 10 or Limited. Must have .40 or bigger.

[BuckyP]

Jim covers the bases well with this post. BTW, 9mm is not allowed in Limited 10 or Limited. Must have .40 or bigger.

Not true. 9mm is allowed in Limited and L-10, but you will only be scored at minor power factor.

If you shoot the XD-45, your best bet would be to shoot Limited-10. You can also cross over to IDPA and shoot CDP division. An interesting piece of trivia for you, Limited-10 division at the USPSA Area 7 Championship was won with an XD-45. It was also the gun used to win the CDP title at the IDPA Nationals.

[Flashpoint]

Not true. 9mm is allowed in Limited and L-10, but you will only be scored at minor power factor.


It was my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that 9mm is only scored minor for hits outside of the "A" zone.

BTW, I traded in my 1911 today for a...


































M&P 9mm.:supergrin:

I done a side by side comparison with the XD tactical and just liked the M&P better. As good as the XD grip felt, the M&P felt better (not as blocky) and the mag held 17 rounds vs. XD's 16. Plus I liked the trigger better. The XD did come with holster and mag pouch, but I've heard there not the greatest. I am going to take advantage of Smith's offering of the 2 extra mags. That would give me 69 rounds available on hand.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good inexpensive mag and gun holster?:wavey:

[BuckyP]

It was my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that 9mm is only scored minor for hits outside of the "A" zone.

BTW, I traded in my 1911 today for a...

M&P 9mm.:supergrin:

I done a side by side comparison with the XD tactical and just liked the M&P better. As good as the XD grip felt, the M&P felt better (not as blocky) and the mag held 17 rounds vs. XD's 16. Plus I liked the trigger better. The XD did come with holster and mag pouch, but I've heard there not the greatest. I am going to take advantage of Smith's offering of the 2 extra mags. That would give me 69 rounds available on hand.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good inexpensive mag and gun holster?:wavey:

Did you get one of the new 5" models? Blade-tech has cheap ready to ship holsters for the 4" models.

[Flashpoint]

Did you get one of the new 5" models? Blade-tech has cheap ready to ship holsters for the 4" models.

No they didn't have any 5 inch available, but I didn't think an inch would make that big of a difference. I was also under the impression that the M&P barrels where somewhere around 4.5 inches.

I'll look into Blade-tech, but who sells the speed holsters that I see so many using in the matches?

[Bren]

Jim covers the bases well with this post. BTW, 9mm is not allowed in Limited 10 or Limited. Must have .40 or bigger.

Yes it is - it's just scored minor - no 9mm major.

[BuckyP]

No they didn't have any 5 inch available, but I didn't think an inch would make that big of a difference. I was also under the impression that the M&P barrels where somewhere around 4.5 inches.

I'll look into Blade-tech, but who sells the speed holsters that I see so many using in the matches?

Not sure any of the speed holsters are made yet for the M&P. That being said, the best division to shoot is Production, which prohibits the use of a "race holster".

I think the 4" guns is actually a 4 1/2". For many of us, longer is better (longer barrel, longer sight radius). This is why the G34 is so popular.

[Flashpoint]

Not sure any of the speed holsters are made yet for the M&P. That being said, the best division to shoot is Production, which prohibits the use of a "race holster".

Productions was the division I shot in on my first match with my Steyr S9. It would have been fine, but the mag changes ate me up. I was try to get away from that by going to the 17 round mags and I think production is limited to 10 round capacity. Which I think is the major difference in Limited and Production.

I never really figured out the difference between limited 10 and Production.

[Solid]

Anyone have any recommendations for a good inexpensive mag and gun holster?:wavey:

Oxymoron

Blade-tech String Ray or with the dropped and offset
Comp-tac and their mag pouches
Ready tactical mag pouches
Side armor
Tucker OWB kydex

[Jim Watson]

I never really figured out the difference between limited 10 and Production.

The production gun must be of double action and specifically on the approved list. All calibers scored minor.

Limited 10 is virtually any gun without compensator or optics and with 10 in the magazine. Calibers .40 and over can be loaded and scored major.

[ecmills]

Personally, I think you made a huge mistake by buying a gun more or less at random without understanding the rules, divisions, and how pistol and caliber dictate where a gun is allowed.

I'd rather let a new shooter borrow one of my weapons for 3 or 4 matches and then buy something once they KNEW what division they wanted to shoot... and then chose a suitable gun for that division.

However, I think you mighta gotten lucky, and happened to pick a fairly decent gun. ;)

[randyc74]

I never really figured out the difference between limited 10 and Production.[/QUOTE]

I'm far from an expert and am a newby in USPSA. The major differance in Production vs Limited 10 is scoreing.
If you shoot a .45 ACP which is a major power factor round you will only be scored at the minor power factor. In other words you would loose a point with every hit outside the "A" ring. In production a "B" ring hit would be worth 3 points if shot with a .45 ACP and 3 Points if shot with a
9mm. or .40 cal.

In Limited 10, your "B" ring hit would be worth a full 4 points if shot with a .45 ACP. and 3 points if shot with a minor caliber ie. 9mm

[randyc74]

I never really figured out the difference between limited 10 and Production.[/QUOTE]

I'm far from an expert and am a newby in USPSA. The major differance in Production vs Limited 10 is scoreing.
If you shoot a .45 ACP which is a major power factor round you will only be scored at the minor power factor. In other words you would loose a point with every hit outside the "A" ring. In production a "B" ring hit would be worth 3 points if shot with a .45 ACP and 3 Points if shot with a
9mm. or .40 cal.

In Limited 10, your "B" ring hit with your would be worth a full 4 points if shot a .45 ACP.

[Flashpoint]

Personally, I think you made a huge mistake by buying a gun more or less at random without understanding the rules, divisions, and how pistol and caliber dictate where a gun is allowed.

I think I may have known just enough to get myself into trouble.:whistling:

However, I think you mighta gotten lucky, and happened to pick a fairly decent gun. ;)

I hope your right, but if I haven't picked something ideal I'll still have fun. I don't plan on making Grand Master anyway. :supergrin:

randyc74

Thanks for help. That makes sense.

[BuckyP]

Productions was the division I shot in on my first match with my Steyr S9. It would have been fine, but the mag changes ate me up. I was try to get away from that by going to the 17 round mags and I think production is limited to 10 round capacity. Which I think is the major difference in Limited and Production.

I never really figured out the difference between limited 10 and Production.

The difference in a nut shell is about $2000, if you are shooting the most competitive gun.

What you can do in Limited-10, and not production:


Single action only, 1911s usually prevail.
6" Barrels, you are starting to see more and more of these
Big magazine wells
Heavy "Bull" barrels
Shoot major power factor (.40s and larger)
Speed holster
magazine pouches in front of the body.
Heck, STI now has a limited legal gun with a portless compensator. :steamed:

[Flashpoint]

I took the M&P out today and ran about 225 rounds though the pipe. Personally I really like this gun. It's very soft shooting. The trigger is actually better than the my Steyrs. The grip feels great, but I'll probably add to grip tape to it for a little more control. I didn't shoot it as well as I did my Steyrs, but I think that'll change with some trigger time. I'm really used to those weird trapezoid sights on the Steyrs so I was a little slow lining up the three dots on the M&P. By the 200th round or so I was getting noticeably better at point shooting. If I can score somewhere around the same score I did with my Steyr the first time I'll be happy.

[Flashpoint]

Well, the match was last on Saturday and they finally got around to posting the scores. The verdict is; my overall score was fell about 1% from my first match.

I can't really complain. I walked out there using a gun that was brand new out of the box, with only 225 rounds though it prior to the match. Even after the whole match was over it still has less than 500 rounds though the pipe. I did have one stove pipe, but I wasn't to worried about it since it's really still in beak in period. My main problem was getting the sights lined up horizontally quickly, but that will come in time.