XD40 vs. XD(M)

[Purplehood]

Is there a significant enough difference and improvement between the two to warrant moving up to an XD(M)?

[MojoTexas]

Is there a significant enough difference and improvement between the two to warrant moving up to an XD(M)?

A couple of months ago, I went to the range with one of my buddies and his wife, and while I was there I had the opportunity to shoot his XD45 and her XD9. I was impressed with how they handled, so I started getting the itch to get a pistol in the Springfield XD family. I wound up getting the XD(M) in .40 S&W, and I've been very pleased with my purchase.

I felt the "Pros" of the XD(M) over the regular XD were:
1. The XD(M) gives you a greater magazine capacity: 16 rounds of .40 S&W in the XD(M) versus 10-12 rounds in the XD40 (depending on which version you get).
2. The XD(M) comes with a decent Kydex paddle holster and magazine holster, as well as an extra magazine. The paddle holster isn't the greatest but it's better than nothing.
3. The XD(M) has three interchangeable backstraps, to allow you to customize the grip to your hand.
4. The XD(M) has a match-grade barrel, and it's 4.5" long, which is sort of a compromise between the XD40 Tactical and the XD40 Service Model.

The only real "Con" against the XD(M) in my opinion is that it's so new, there isn't a huge aftermarket for it yet, but I'm sure that will come in time. Most of the vendors who cater to the XD crowd have already started turning out products for the XD(M), or plan to do so in the near future. I've got a Super-Tuck IWB holster for mine from Crossbreed Holsters, and I've also replaced the guide rod with one of "Don's Guide Rods". I'm sure in the near future we will see Crimson Trace come out with a laser grip for it, as well as lots of other add-on goodies.

If you already have an XD 40 and it works for you, you might not feel this is compelling enough to buy a new pistol. Then again, if you're in the market for a new toy, and you're just torn between buying an XD40 and an XD(M), you might want to get the latest.

MojoTexas

[Purplehood]

Thanks, I like my XD40 alot and am happy with the grip. I was wondering if there was some overriding fundamental difference that made the XD(M) superior.

[ninemm]

I was wondering what the "M" meant, too.

[Biga9999]

More Bullets!!!

[MojoTexas]

I think supposedly the "M" means "Match", in reference to the match-grade barrel.

In my opinion, for concealed carry purposes, the extra four rounds of capacity and a match-grade barrel in the XD(M) isn't that big of a difference. Plus, you can buy an after-market match grade barrel for your XD much cheaper than you can buy a brand new XD(M).

[Purplehood]

"M"= More better?

[DoubleJ]

you also don't have to pull the trigger to take it down.

the 9mm version has a 19+1 capacity.

the regular XD's come with the XD Gear which is a Kydex Holster and Dual Mag Holster, as well.

[WEC]

I was wondering what the "M" meant, too.

According to their website (http://www.the-m-factor.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), there are a few things that they have cleverly used to explain the "M."

(M)ajor grasp serrations
(M)odel contour frame
(M)ega-Lock texture
(M)inimal reset trigger
(M)atch grade barrel
(M)elonite®
(M)inimal error disassembly
(M)aximum reach magazine release
(M)ega capacity magazine
(M)ould-tru backstraps
(M)ulti-adjust rail system

Although I don't own one, I had some chances on a few occasions to shoot other peoples'. I will own one eventually, for certain. So many projects, so little time...

[MTICop]

I have owned both, actually I still have the XD(M). Anyway, I much prefer the newer model for the following reasons (in no particular order):

1. The ability to change the backstraps to better fit your hand

2. The pistol grip was adjusted to make it more ergonomically correct. It does make a difference.

3. The longer barrel

4. The higher capacity magazine.

5. The fix they did to the trigger (it's better than the original version but still has too much travel for me to call it good)

The trigger is my only complaint about the gun and like I said it's still better than the old one as far as I'm concerned. I would like to see about getting something done to the trigger to tighten it up a bit but haven't done that yet. It's a great gun and I take it to the range with me every time I go. I don't use it as a carry gun as I have a 1911 for that. But it is a great stand-by for if the 1911 needs to go to the shop.

[MojoTexas]

The trigger is my only complaint about the gun and like I said it's still better than the old one as far as I'm concerned. I would like to see about getting something done to the trigger to tighten it up a bit but haven't done that yet. It's a great gun and I take it to the range with me every time I go. I don't use it as a carry gun as I have a 1911 for that. But it is a great stand-by for if the 1911 needs to go to the shop.

I've been considering ordering one of the Powder River Precision trigger kits for my XD(M) 40. It's not a huge priority for me, but I'll probably do it eventually.

The PRP site is: http://www.powderriverprecision.com/

[MTICop]

The trigger is my only complaint about the gun and like I said it's still better than the old one as far as I'm concerned. I would like to see about getting something done to the trigger to tighten it up a bit but haven't done that yet. It's a great gun and I take it to the range with me every time I go. I don't use it as a carry gun as I have a 1911 for that. But it is a great stand-by for if the 1911 needs to go to the shop.

I've been considering ordering one of the Powder River Precision trigger kits for my XD(M) 40. It's not a huge priority for me, but I'll probably do it eventually.

The PRP site is: http://www.powderriverprecision.com/

Thanks. I will look into this