[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Springfield XDM gets no love? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 5/22/2013 9:47:22 AM EDT
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Hey guys,
I have been looking at striker fired pistols for the last few months (always preferred DA/SA, but didn't feel the need to have the advantage of not cocking the hammer or not needing to shoot DA on the draw stroke until now), and I like many of the models that are out there. There are several models of Glock, M&P 9, Ruger SR9 and now the Springfield XDM competing for my $. I realize that AR users ( and probably police in general ) prefer Glocks and the M&P for a secondary. I recently got the opportunity to handle the M&P, Glock 19, 17 & 22, and the XDM at the same time last week. No shooting, just handling. The XDM was much more natural feeling than the M&P, and the half tigger safety on the M&P is very cheap acting. The slide release is also unnatural on the M&P. It ended up that I really like the grip of the G22, but in the end the XDM had the best feel to me, seemed higher quality, and has better aesthetics than the Glocks or the M&P. I have a few questions. 1. How do they all shoot? IS the XDM a bad shooter, or substantially more felt recoil? 2. Are aftermarket upgrades readily available for the XDM? I know a lot of people go straight and change to a 3.5lb trigger bar for the Glock and an Apex trigger for the M&P. What is the situation with the XDM? 3. Why isn't the XDM more popular with shooters? It's not substantially more costly, and the ergonomics alone should make it a contender for average shooters looking for a defensive handgun. 4. Is there anything else you want to mention, or something I'm not clear on? I realize the XDM won awards for the best handgun this year, but I figured that's because it's the most radically new design - and still contend that in general the XDM isn't considered alongside M&P or Glock. |
| The XDM is a fine pistol. There aren't as many aftermarket parts for it as, say a Glock, but the important parts are there. Part of the problem is it competes directly with it's own sibling the XD, which seems much more common. My LGS has typically 13 glocks, 7 XD's and 1 XDM on the shelf... |
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IMO, the XD, like the std. frame Glocks, are at their best in 9x19. The XDm is, again IMO, a bit better. Better grip texture out of the box, a trigger that is not as vague as the XD, and better accuracy. Still not a fan of the internal extractor, but it is what it is.
If you are looking to "pump up" an XD, or XDm, look at what Powder River and Dawson Precision can do for you. |
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What do you want it for? Range toy, carry, or competition?
I was leaning heavily towards an XDm compact for my carry gun, getting away from 1911s for this purpose, until I compared it to a Glock 19. The XDm has a lot of slide, so higher bore axis and a little more muzzle flip than the M&P or Glock. As a result the G19 has more grip and capacity of the XDm compact with the flush magazine, so it was much more comfortable for me to shoot well when I rented them. They all have something over each other in their stock configurations. Where they excel needs to line up with what you want it to do. |
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XD, Glock & M&P owner here. My M&P is the most comfortable, my Glock is my favorite, but I shoot my XD the best.
I can locate a target, close my eyes, draw my XD and put it on target — with my eyes CLOSED. It just fits my anatomy best. I instruct everyone to try this exercise when considering a new pistol — help the pistol "pick" you. It's the one in my nightstand. |
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There are a lot of XDMs in the shooting sports. They are gaining a lot of ground. I went to them myself when it became apparent my M&P couldn't put shots on an index card at 25 yards, and my Glock 17 wouldn't chamber my reloads.
I have a couple of XDM 5.25s and dropped in a Powder River trigger (sub-$100). That's all I've done to them, and even that isn't strictly necessary. |
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This is not a thread to mate the different guns to different uses, so forget that idea - this is purely about the pros and cons of each model, and comparing experiences. Concentrate on the questions - application cop outs need not apply.
One of these models is overall superior to the others, that is a fact (a fact that given all the money in the firearms industry 3rd parties do not pursue the answer to nearly as vigorously as they should. It's something that can be studied scientifically and opinions/personal preference not play as much of a role as it traditionally has) - and my contention is that even if the XDM is not the superior model, I believe it to be good enough to be considered competitive with Glocks and the M&P, and from my perspective, it doesn't seem as popular. Even if we can't afford a massive study, we can compare experience and share knowledge. All 3 guns are in the same class, so no matter what the application is, there is not enough difference to put an asterick next to performance. If you start varying the application widely, it's going to come to the point where an OR 2011 or a shotgun is superior, and that's where saying that each of the 3 have their own applications (they're all 3 a service side arm, so they shouldn't vary wildly in edging out the other in different applications). |
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Quoted:
1. How do they all shoot? IS the XDM a bad shooter, or substantially more felt recoil? I would say the XDM shoots at least as well as the others. Mine consistently outshoot my Glocks and M&Ps, but this may be partially due to the longer sight radius. The match barrel probably helps too. 2. Are aftermarket upgrades readily available for the XDM? I know a lot of people go straight and change to a 3.5lb trigger bar for the Glock and an Apex trigger for the M&P. What is the situation with the XDM? Yes. There are at least two companies that I know of who offer improved triggers. As the XDM gets more popular in competition, that will help drive companies toward making things like replacement barrels and sights. 3. Why isn't the XDM more popular with shooters? It's not substantially more costly, and the ergonomics alone should make it a contender for average shooters looking for a defensive handgun. Probably because there is no compelling reason to move to the XDM for people who are already heavily invested in both time and money on the Glock and M&P platforms. This is part of the same problem that FN and Walther have had trying to market their guns... they simply don't offer enough of an advantage to switch. The low adoption rates hinder aftermarket accessories, and that whole situation becomes a cycle that feeds on itself. The XDMs are also made in Croatia, which can be a sticking point with certain folks, and the original XD line was widely considered not to be quite "industrial strength" compared to the Glock and M&P. Time will tell if the XDM has addressed the perceived weaknesses or not. I can report that I had great results with the original XDs when I used them in competition back in 2003-2005, and they were always reliable enough for me... so I see the robustness arguments as something of a red herring unless you're using it for a duty gun or jumping out of an airplane with them. The fact that the XDM costs a bit more (and sometimes a good deal more) than the competition isn't doing them any favors either. |
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I have both the xdm9c with the 3.8 barrel and compact grip (get the pierce mag extension) that I regularly carry. I also have the xdm 9 5.25 competition that I am more likely to train with and use at the range since the function and feel identical just the 5.25 has a better (longer) sight pattern and the full grip without any extensions. They both take the same mags (13 rnd compact obviously wont fit in the full size though).
I love both mine, PRP match triggers in both. The only "failures" I've had is one round that never fired (out of ~4000+ between both guns) which I believe was an ammo issue, not a gun issue (clear imprint on primer, just never fired). |
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How it feels in your hand depends on your hand. For me the XDM is better than the Glock but the M&P is better than the XDM.
I have 2 XDMs in 9MM, a 5.25" and a 3.8". The 3.8" shoots just as good as the so called competition gun and so far everyone who shoots it, like it better than the bigger gun. How does one shoot compared to the other? Every gun can be different. My glock has the worst accuracy, followed by the M&P with the XDM shooting the best groups of my plastic pistols. I won't buy any more Glocks. I won't buy anymore XDMs. I may buy another M&P. Oh, will buy another M&P as soon as the .22 magazines get more plentiful and the prices get reasonable. |
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Thanks for all the reports guys. I wonder if putting XDM in the title might have attracted more people that were positive on it than a generic title. I think the XDM may just be my next handgun purchase. I was leaning toward something with a lower bore axis and really wanted to lean toward the guns that everyone recommends - generally there are good reasons why everyone goes a certain way, and for a sidearm it might just be best to follow the crowd instead of coming up on the shortcomings of other guns over time and always thinking "Why didn't I just get that other gun"; even though I never liked to follow the crowd. The XDM is a little higher at LGS here, but actually not much, and when you consider the mag pouch and holster, it's actually a bit cheaper.
If I had the $600 to drop on a new 4.5" 9mm, I would probably do it this week! It just so happens that Battlecomp is having a sale this weekend, so I'm probably going to spend my money elsewhere this week. |
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I have an XDM 9mm with the 4.5" barrel and it's an excellent pistol. Smooth, accurate, and reliable. I'd put mine up against any glock or s&w any day.
IMHO, the whole "bore axis" thing is of no concern. The XDM is perfectly controllable for follow-ups. Check out xdtalk.com for everything you ever wanted to know about Springfields! Decent bunch of guys over there. |
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Quoted:
XD, Glock & M&P owner here. My M&P is the most comfortable, my Glock is my favorite, but I shoot my XD the best. I can locate a target, close my eyes, draw my XD and put it on target — with my eyes CLOSED. It just fits my anatomy best. I instruct everyone to try this exercise when considering a new pistol — help the pistol "pick" you. It's the one in my nightstand. I have EXACTLY the same experiences minus the Glock part. I have never meet a Glock I've liked. Personal preference I guess, shot probably 5 different ones and just don't like them. Not an anti Glock guy, just can't force myself to like them.... My dad and friend have m&p 9mm and I love those guns. But, the xd45 is the most accurate gun I own. I can put 13 shots inside a bullseye every single time at 10 yards. I can barely shoot my 1911 SA loaded that well! |
| I got rid of my glocks in favor for the xdm. I have the 3.8 and the 4.5 (id rather drop the 4.5 for a 5.25) the xdm grip with backstrap 1 feels worlds better for me over a tandard glock grip. However..... I made the swap before the gen 4 came out so I am unsure if the new glock grip would have felt any better for me. The xdm is a super fine pistol, and with a trigger upgrade you have comp pistol. The glock needs a few extras to get to comp level. You can't shoot lead in a factory barrel which since I reload is a issue. The glock will always get much love because it is the ak of handguns. But as time goes on I think more will go t9o the xdm platform once they see it is much better than the old xd platform. |
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I have a 3.8 XDM in 9mm and love it. Haven't had a single malfunction and is way more accurate than I could ever be. My brother has a 3.8 Compact .45 XDM and although its a nice gun, when you put the flush fitting compact mag in it I feel the gun is horribly balanced and way too snappy. I also have big hands and my pinky has to ride on the bottom of the mag, which probably has something to do with it.
It is my first handgun and at the time was not comfortable with the safety features on the Glock, and the addition of the XDMs grip safety made me feel better. In hindsight, I probably wouldn't have let this factor into my choice and probably would have ended up with a Glock 17/19. |
I don't have any XDm pistols (yet) but I do have 2 XD's and an XDs. Love them all. Also looking at picking one up in 40, and getting a stainless XDs in 9mm to accompany my stainless XDs in 45. My 1911 will also be either a TRP or a Marine Corp Operator. Guess you could call me a bit of a Springfield fanboy. 
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| I've got the XDM 9mm 4.5" and like the fact that it holds 19 rounds and has a grip safety. It is a good gun for the money; very reliable, easy to field strip, & fairly accurate. I use mine as a range gun. There are pistols with better "out of the box" triggers to be had at a similar price point; SigPro SP2022 comes to mind, have 2 of those in .40. I carry an XD9SC and for some reason shoot it more accurately than the XDM9, don't ask me why. Overall I like the XDM9, use to "love" it till I discovered 1911s. |
| I own a xdm 4.5 in 40, carry at work a Sig 226 in 40, and ccw with a glock 35 gen 4 in 40. I carry the sig for work because I have to use a department issued weapon. It's a good pistol, just not one I would have bought. I bought the glock as I'm looking into switching departments and the glock is by far the preferred brand. I will admit, though, that neither of them fit my hand anywhere near as well as the xdm. Now, I don't know if it has to do with me formerly being into 1911's (had to go away from them because it was just too expensive), but every time I go to the range, I can only hit targets from 50yards and out with the xdm. The glock only has about 300 rounds through it, but it doesn't even come close to the target at 50yards yet for me. So, for now, the xdm sits as the wife's house duty gun. Nothing special, all stock with a tlr-1 and 6-16rnd mags loaded with 165grn speer gold dots. I did have a xd40 service back in the day, but the xdm is by far a better pistol. |
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I"d handled Glock's, M&P's and and a couple HK"s....they just never felt comfortable in my hand.
Last fall I was in a lgs and they gave me an XDM to check out....that was the one that fit. I picked up a 3.8 compact in .45 and although I never thought I'd like a plastic pistol.....I do now. My wife got me an XDS for Christmas, and while they were pretty good out of the box I sent them both to SA custom shop for trigger work and the 3.8 now has Trijicon HD's. I had one round fail to go fully into battery, the last round of a new mag in the first 100 with the 3.8 otherwise they've eaten everything, with no hic ups. The weather's gotten better and I run about 100 rounds a week through one or both with no malfunctions and they seem to get better. I've gotta say...they've moved into the 2 top cc slot's and the 1911's are home. |
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Solid guns. My gripes are:
-Long trigger reset. -Roll pin in slide damaged by dryfire, complicates detail strip. -Mags are reportedly fragile. Never shot mine in IDPA or dropped mags, so I have no opinion. -Much more pronounced recoil in a given caliber than Glocks. They're fine guns. I found I shot very accurately in slow fire with them, but accuracy at speed went to hell (am used to Glock, 1911 trigger reset). |
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Quoted:
Solid guns. My gripes are: -Long trigger reset. -Roll pin in slide damaged by dryfire, complicates detail strip. -Mags are reportedly fragile. Never shot mine in IDPA or dropped mags, so I have no opinion. -Much more pronounced recoil in a given caliber than Glocks. They're fine guns. I found I shot very accurately in slow fire with them, but accuracy at speed went to hell (am used to Glock, 1911 trigger reset). Give the PRP trigger a try, it's dead simple to install.... and if you don't like it reversal is just as easy and you'll sell it for probably close to what you paid for it. Reset is much much nicer. |
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Well guys, I ended up getting an XDm 4.5 in 9mm. It feels great after handling it for a few minutes (when I initially got it home the grip felt too rugged for a minute, but now it feels fine). I looked up the PRP trigger kits, and there are several variations available.
Powder River Precision XDm Trigger kits It comes in: Drop in Trigger Kit -- $125 Easy Fit Trigger Kit -- $110 Ultimate Match Trigger -- $145 It looks like the drop in kit has striker springs. The Ultimate Match trigger I think is what people advocate changing (Lower powered trigger and sear springs + enhanced striker safety lever and sear). The Easy fit trigger is basically the Match trigger without the Sear (which doesn't seem to be an extremely important upgrade). What do you guys think? |
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Had a G19.
Bought an XD to try and took it to a 4 day at Front Sight when it was brand new.. Shot this with less than 200 rnds on the gun & had to blah - blah in front of the class. 
Now have all XD's - including an XDM 3.8 in 9mm. Shoots GREAT! I never have understood the whole high bore axis argument. A gun is a 'system'. All have different dynamics and recoil profile due to the overall design. And exactly how much higher is the bore axis anyway? I did an analysis of the M&P vs the XD a while back and IIRC the difference in bore axis was around .100" higher on the XD. So.... The design of the dual recoil spring might fully negate this. |
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Show up for a Saturday morning IDPA match sometime. Then get back to us on XDm don't get no love. There was a time Glock ran a monopoly on stryker fired pistols and there's no doubt Glock owns the Lions share of the market. Both Springfield and Smith & Wesson eat a little more Lion share every year.
I own one Glock , just for GSSF matches. Otherwise everything pistol of mine is 1911. I shoot best with M&P or XDm in tupperware. If you really want to see what an XDm, 5.25 will do, get ahold of some footage of this years Bianchi Cup, Colt Speed event. Robbie Leatham smoked 5 steel poppers from the ready in 2.33 seconds. I was there and every shot was exactly centered. When the debate between Glock , XDm or M&P are discussed, differences are like debating lollipop flavors. Just pick your favorite flavor and be done. dc. |
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Quoted:
XD, Glock & M&P owner here. My M&P is the most comfortable, my Glock is my favorite, but I shoot my XD the best. I can locate a target, close my eyes, draw my XD and put it on target — with my eyes CLOSED. It just fits my anatomy best. I instruct everyone to try this exercise when considering a new pistol — help the pistol "pick" you. It's the one in my nightstand. Nope. Once you own a gun and dyrfire with it, you should be able to do this with just about any design. I know I've done it with glocks, CZs, M&Ps, and HKs. Just pick the gun that meets your reqs for reliability, aftermarket, holster availability, etc. The whole nebulous "feel" portion will work itself out with practice very quickly once you've built up a basic proficiency with pistols. |