Springfield XD
Some of you remember reading my previous post “Glock 19 – perfection in a 9mm ” where I taunted the piece of Austrian plastic as the best 9mm on the market.
Well from time to time something drastic comes along uprooting long-held beliefs and prejudices, for me that was the Springfield XD9.
A few months ago I was lusting over the contents of a display case of various handguns at the local sporting goods store. When the Springfield XD9 caught my eye and I had to take a look. When the grip touched my hand I felt that spark, you know the one, like a teenage boy in love for the first time. I had to have it.
After paying the required 20% down the owner put the pistol in lay away. I worked and saved and worked some more, putting every dollar I could spare toward paying off the debt. After about two months of dedication and sacrifice the bill was paid in full and I was the owner of a brand new toy.
While I still love the Glock, I think the Springfield XD is better than anything that came before it. The Springfield XD9 Incorporates the best of both the Glock and SIG with a few of its own upgrades thrown in for good measure.
Features Include:
- Checkered front and back straps.
- A grip-frame arched on its rear surface enhancing “pointability” and control.
- An ambidextrous magazine release mechanism.
- A loaded chamber indicator.
- A cocking indicator.
- A Glock-type trigger safety – only better.
- A large beveled magazine well, to enhance quick reloading.
- 16-rd. drop-free metal magazines.
- Grooves in the frame forward of the trigger guard to accommodate lights and other accessories.
- A dual-spring recoil assembly to reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil.
- Metal three dot sites.
- Utilizes the same dovetail size for its sights as does SIG, making installation of replacement sights easy.
Over the past couple of months I have put about 700 rounds through the XD9 and have not had any hang-ups or malfunctions of any kind. Every time the trigger is squeezed BAM, with this pistol reliability is not an issue. While I have not testes for accuracy from the bench I can say from all my plinking and banging around that accuracy seems to be above-board, with empty soda cans being easy targets at 35 yards.
Field Stripping the Springfield XD9
- Cock the piece by pulling back the slide as you would to chamber a round.
- Retract the slide and lock it rearward aligning the take-down lever with the groove.
- Turn the take-down lever upward.
- Move the slide forward and press the trigger to decock.
- Pull the slide forward to disengage from the frame.
- Turn the slide assembly upside down.
- Remove the recoil spring unit.
- Pull the barrel up and to the rear, removing it from the slide.
And you’re done.
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{ 7 comments }
After shooting roughly 3K rounds with only 2 minor malfunctions (One well-struck primer that didn't fire, and a stovepipe on a limp-wrist when it was ultra-dirty) my XD 9 has performed flawlessly. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is weight distribution/balance, which was a big factor when I decided to buy. The 4" Service model is balanced like a 1911 Colt, whereas the similar Glocks are all heel-heavy.
It's not just a "great" gun, it's an evolutionary gun. Buy one today.
Man let me tell you I long for the day when I can pick up one of these fine firearms again. I picked up a XD9 at a gun show right when they came out for a steal roughly $300. It was my first handgun. Since then I have acquired a S&W M&P .45, a Sig SP2022, Glock 23, Kimber 1911, and now as of this summer a Walther P99 in .40(traded the XD9 for it straight up) All of my handguns are high quality pieces, but it was only recently that I realized the mighty little springfield could walk any one of my other pistols. In reliability, safety, ease of use, ammo capacity, accuracy its got it all. I am still glad that I picked up the geniune Walther(1st gen) but I will be picking up up an XD again in the near future… Maybe Ill even spring for the XD-M model :)
How many times have hit someone with a 9mm in the life support system and did not get good results?
Recently purchased an XD-40 Service. I was very surprised how much less recoil the XD has when compared Glock 23. I own a Glock 27 and should also take that little rascal out to the range to compare the recoil to the XD. Trigger on the XD is also much better than glock!
I don’t get this 9mm will not put someone down argument. Not everyone that is dangerous is pumped up on meth. 99.999% people what get hit in the chest with a 9mm will go down fast. I am planning on picking up my new XDm9 anyday now.
I need to take another look at the XD9. I have an M&P9 and love it.
So many guns, so many choices…….
Rourke
I’ve owned an XD9 since 09. I’ve fired over 4000 rounds with it without one misfire or stovepipe. Just an excellent weapon. I keep a Para LTC .45 w/230gr. HP for home protection but the XD9 with Hydras or HP+p ammo will stop any intruder. Recoil on the XD9 is nothing and while most dipsh*ts at the range will talk crap because it’s a 9mm most of those same people can’t fire their own weapons or even a 9mm better than I can my well broken in XD9. Anyone looking for a great alternative to a Glock cannot go wrong with an XD9 4″ barrel. It also has a better style than the Glock and I own a Glock 21.
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