[mommicked]

I'm thinking of buying a new (to me) pistol. It will be used for trail carry, plinking, and concealed carry. I seriously doubt I will ever need it to defend myself, but you can never tell. It's much more likely to be called on to dispatch a water moccasin than an intruder or carjacker in my area.

I used to have a Glock 26, and liked it a lot. I sold it to help by my Kimber Pro Carry II years ago. I still have the Kimber, so I don't really regret selling the Glock. I do sometimes miss the Glock.

I now have a small Taurus PT-111 compact 9mm. I like it ok, but just haven't warmed up to it as much as the old Glock. It is flawlessly reliable, and accurate enough for the purpose. But I just can't seem to get 'into' that gun for some reason.

Then, there's the Springfield XD. They had just come out when I bought my 26. I thought the gun was a flash in the pan, and wouldn't be around in 5 years. I think that was something like 10 years ago, and now they're giving the Glock a run for the money it seems, and pretty affordable too!

Would you go back with the Glock 26? Would you get the Springfield XD Compact? Night sights are a plus, as is some color other than black, but a black gun with regular sights would work. Which gun would you go for? Have you shot both the Glock and the XD?

 

[Gunjunkie]

For CC I prefer one full size for cooler weather and a pocket one for hot .. like the PPK .. a 26 would be ok but too big width for me .. it's all really personal preference on what you like..

 

[Charlie98]

it's all really personal preference on what you like..

I would try to 'test drive' both of them and see which one you like the best. I've shot both but will admit I don't like either one... but I would say I don't like the XD the least, if that makes sense, it fit my hand better.

There are Glop moonies and XD moonies, both, out there... me, I'm a 1911 moonie (if not necessarily a Kimber moonie... ) what's wrong with another 1911? ???

 

[Rainier42]

I have 2 Glocks ... a 3rd Gen 19 and a 4th Gen 22. Had an XdM 45, which I sold. The Glocks shoot well for me and I don't mind their ergonomics; the XdM gave me trouble in terms of accuracy so I got rid of it. Something to consider with the Glocks is that there are so many available parts out there. Glock is tried and true, and is what I would recommend.

 

[Gaterskiner]

Have not shot both but I did shoot A new G36 A couple weeks Ago. The ugly little thing with the silly trigger shot very well in spite if itself. Seemed like it would be A good cary gun, if no one saw it. ;D

 

[Tomray]

I would try to 'test drive' both of them and see which one you like the best. I've shot both but will admit I don't like either one... but I would say I don't like the XD the least, if that makes sense, it fit my hand better.

There are Glop moonies and XD moonies, both, out there... me, I'm a 1911 moonie (if not necessarily a Kimber moonie... ) what's wrong with another 1911? ???

Jeez.......................I must be one, too!..... ;D ;D....Yeah,...........what's wrong with a good 1911 for your intended use?.............Its a better Target gun, therefore, MORE accurate....And it can be further accurized much easier, and turned into a Bullseye gun!......Parts are available EVERYWHERE.........Resale value is MUCH better............ ...........Charlie, I'm scarin' myself! I'm talkin' myself into ANOTHER 1911!............ ;D ;D

...............Actually, I think XD's are pretty sexy lookin', compared to Glocks.........but then,.........I'm a 1911 guy!

Tom

 

[mommicked]

what's wrong with another 1911?

Hmm. Nothing I suppose. I like my Rem 700 .30-06 a lot, but I only have one. I like my BLR .308 a lot, but I only have one. Same with a bunch of other guns. I guess that even though I like my Kimber, I also like variety. As good as the Kimber is, it seems too expensive for me to take grubbing in the swamps. The idea of a dusty 4 wheeler ride fills me with thoughts of jams. My Kimber is accurate, but it doesn't take all that much to 'stop' her. She lives to be cleaned. A 'stock' 1911 will probably be more reliable, but not nearly as accurate. I almost see the Kimber as a borderline safe queen that shoots expensive ammo with plenty of recoil. Can I handle it? Sure. But a lot of times, I'd just as soon have something with less kick than a .45.

I carry my Kimber with the .22lr slide a lot. It is much more accurate, and about as reliable, though finicky on ammo. My Kimber has a ramped barrel, and the slide kit says it won't work well with ramped barrel guns. I don't know what the difference is, but my .22 kit will work most the time with the right ammo, cleaning, and lube. It shoots really well when it's happy.

Some of the new plastic guns seem to have a good balance of accuracy, power, and reliability. They also tend to be smaller, lighter, and more concealable than a 1911. To tell you the truth, I'll probably use one more than the 1911 if I find a good one. I'm leaning towards a mid or compact sized one in 9mm or .40.

 

[Thren68]

I've gotten to play extensively with both. I have shot the XD LOTS more, but have thousands of rounds through both. I'm also an armorer for both.

Glock Plus
A bit more reliable.
Better mag capacity than the XD.
More aftermarkets out of the box.
Better CCW size overall.

Glock Negative
Ergonomics can be rough for the smaller handed folks.
40 cal versions are the weakest link (most kaBooms).
Their Gen4 grips START at Gen3 size and go up from there.

XD Plus
Better magazine capacity in the XD(M) flavor.
XD(M) package is a pretty complete shooter package.
Very close to the nice CZ ergonomics for the small to medium handed folks.
Lifetime warranty. No hassles.
Fairly common aftermarket externals.
Ambi mag release.

XD Negative
The XD(m) texturing can be sharp and uncomfortable. The standard XD is fine.
Some folks have problems with the grip safety, especally how it locks the slide.
Aftermarket internals harder to come by.

The third option you didn't mention is the S&W M&P. It has the superior changeable grip system to either the Glock or XD(m). Accuracy seems to be more gun dependant than I'd like. That said, I've shot a 40 compact M&P that I'd put up against a 5"XD or G-22. The M&P had some teething issues they've seem to have solved.

 

[Charlie98]

Some of the new plastic guns seem to have a good balance of accuracy, power, and reliability. They also tend to be smaller, lighter, and more concealable than a 1911. To tell you the truth, I'll probably use one more than the 1911 if I find a good one. I'm leaning towards a mid or compact sized one in 9mm or .40.

AH! That helps a bit, and I see your point. I would agree with you, for a knock-about pistol, you probably can't beat a poly-framed auto of some sort.

I'll say I don't have any issues with my Kimber's reliability, and I hardly ever clean it... but that's just me. ;D

 

[magothy1]

Thren said all and more on the M&P, but look at it for the different back straps on the handle. I have kinda big hands, I sure like the way mine feel. I have a full size and a compact. I had a small Glock 9mm - a 17 ?- for a good while. I like the M&P's alot more. To each their own.

 

[Thren68]

Straying a bit OT, but the point was brought up.
I'm not anti-1911. However...

The Kimbers I've seen lately have been the problem children at the ranges I work. I'd go for a Springfield or Dan Wesson first.

Something worn on the hip daily is going to catch sweat, rain, door jambs, floors when you drop pants, and a miriad of other rough treatment. Do you REALLY want to subject a $1000+ 1911 to this? Which is the about the price range for a reasonably accurate and reliable 1911. You can have two Glocks, XD's, or M&P's in the safe for about the same price.

If, heaven forbid, you need to USE a defensive firearm...it is GONE. LEO will grab it and you probally won't see it again until after the court case, appeals, and other legal processes. Months minimum to over a year. Again a big hunk of change for a possibly unique firearm that you won't see for a while. Btw, did I mention the case number ENGRAVING that some jurisdictions do?

If you're new-ish to handguns and aren't locked into a certain type by years of use/practice, there really isn't any reason to not to use some flavor of inexpensive and reliable Tactical Tupperware for defensive carry.

 

[Charlie98]

The Kimbers I've seen lately have been the problem children at the ranges I work. I'd go for a Springfield or Dan Wesson first.

I've heard quite a bit of that, myself, that's why I don't consider myself a Kimber moonie... ...although I have a good one, it seems. The next 1911 (a full-sized with a rail) is still in the air... a SA, S&W or Kimber? I don't know yet and there are several firearms in line in front of it, anyway.

If, heaven forbid, you need to USE a defensive firearm...it is GONE. LEO will grab it and you probally won't see it again until after the court case, appeals, and other legal processes. Months minimum to over a year. Again a big hunk of change for a possibly unique firearm that you won't see for a while. Btw, did I mention the case number ENGRAVING that some jurisdictions do?

I've considered that, too, since I carry my Kimber. That's why a Kahr 45 is at the top of the To Get list!

 

[planeflyer21]

Whichever one fits your hand better.

Glocks don't fit my hand well, so my recommendation is for the XD sub-compact.

Thren, my experience is that the XDs are more reliable. Stock vs. stock, that is. Once folks start replacing and messing around with stuff just break out the dice.

Jon

 

[IN1894SS]

Having shot both I'd go with the M&P! However go with whichever you shoot the best.

 

[D White]

I agree with planeflyer, the grip angle of the XD suits me better. I also like the chamber loaded indicater that sticks up on the XD. You can tell if there is one in the pipe just by looking at it or running your hand over the top if it is dark.

 

[Thren68]

Thren, my experience is that the XDs are more reliable. Stock vs. stock, that is. Once folks start replacing and messing around with stuff just break out the dice.
Jon

Stock internals is the only way you should carry defensive firearms.

The reliability issue is mostly academic. Dealing with hundreds of shooters and their guns per year I count failures/breakages in Glocks, M&P's and XD's by ones and twos if that. My on-line research tends to support my observations.

Personally I've got a stock XD that has tens of thousands of rounds through it. It's never broken and only gives chambering issues when I forget to clean it around 1500 rounds or so. Rent all three, see what fits you best and you can shoot well, then go have fun. Any of the three should serve you well.

 

[vaslugger]

I know it was not in your choice listed but I have for about 8 years used the Berrata 32 ACP compact with the tip up barrel for loading the first round.I have the stainless version and shoot the Winchester defense ammo.This gun is accurate and reliable and very concealable.I have shot 7 shots in 2 seconds with the gun never jamming.Thought I would share it with you. Mike

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I only have a G36 (not exactly a 26) and an XD 45c...

Both are great guns, the Glock is a bit more accurate...the Glock hasn't failed to feed, fire, or function in the 500-600 rounds I've shot through it (haven't had it long)...I prefer it over the XD because the G36 is easier to conceal (its thinner)

The XD 45c has failed to feed one time in several thousand rounds (the round nosed into the barrel hood)...that was 3rd round out of the first mag that was fired through the pistol (new pistol)...my wife prefers the XD.

The XD feels better in my hand, but there is no comparison between the 2 for "carrying"...the G36 is MUCH easier and more comfy to "carry". (its thinner, lighter, and shorter in both directions)

EDITED TO ADD: The above is "my" opinion...based on "ease of carry". That said, my wife carries that XD 45c just fine.

 

[skmarsh77]

Both of them are great guns. Its all a matter of personal preference. I had a glock 21 and didn't really like it cause the trigger would bite my finger but it was also my first gun so it could have been poor technique on my part. I now carry a Ruger SR9c and I absolutely love it. shoots really nice, never a misfire or fail to fire. compact but not too small. It gives the ability to change the backstrap for big or small hands and it has a really nice trigger. I recommend checking it out especially cause they only cost about $400.00.

 

[me]

The only thing with my 40xdm is Springfield doesn't make a left hand holster. they do for xd.
now I shoot with either hand and love the xdm. I do have a problem with a 135gr reload but other than
that it is accurate and eats everything.