Posted on Feb 3, 2016
I'm looking at buying myself a 45 ACP, but not a 1911, any recommendations?
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I have been debating between the SW M&P 45c, Glock 30SF or Springfield XDM. Does anyone have any experience with these models or do you have an alternative brand/model? I won't ask whats the best because I know that is very subjective. But just want opinions of users of these weapons. Thanks for the feedback!
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Firearms and GunsGLOCK, Inc.
Firearms and GunsGLOCK, Inc.
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 21
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I used to be a Springfield, Glock LE, and S&W dealer. My carry piece is a LW 4" Springfield .45, however I had used the XD. I've used the S&W as well. And most glock variants.
They're all great guns. The XD & Glock are directly comparable in a lot of ways. The XD has a couple added features, and in my opinion is just a little bit more ergonomic (I have small hands), however the glock just has more accessory options etc. Both are tried and true tech. The S&W is also a very nice weapon however it's retail cost was a little high compared to the XD or Glock (back when I sold).
You really can't go wrong with any of them. What I always suggest is go to a local range that has all three and pay to shoot them. Better to spend $100~ to try a gun you love than $5-600 to own one you hate.
They're all great guns. The XD & Glock are directly comparable in a lot of ways. The XD has a couple added features, and in my opinion is just a little bit more ergonomic (I have small hands), however the glock just has more accessory options etc. Both are tried and true tech. The S&W is also a very nice weapon however it's retail cost was a little high compared to the XD or Glock (back when I sold).
You really can't go wrong with any of them. What I always suggest is go to a local range that has all three and pay to shoot them. Better to spend $100~ to try a gun you love than $5-600 to own one you hate.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
I was going to do that at my local range but they don't have any of them in stock. Seems everyone in the area wants 9 mil or 40. Shields and XDS's have been going like gain busters. In my area Springfield's are a tad more spendy about $650. I do have a buddy that has the 30SF, maybe I'll talk him in to going to the range and try it. Would be nice to at least get my hands on them. Both the Glock and the Smith are around $569 here but they have a military discount on them that knocks off a little over a hundred. I probably should check out at the base and see if they have any in stock. So I would be able to at least get the feel of them. Thanks for the insight much appreciated.
I was going to do that at my local range but they don't have any of them in stock. Seems everyone in the area wants 9 mil or 40. Shields and XDS's have been going like gain busters. In my area Springfield's are a tad more spendy about $650. I do have a buddy that has the 30SF, maybe I'll talk him in to going to the range and try it. Would be nice to at least get my hands on them. Both the Glock and the Smith are around $569 here but they have a military discount on them that knocks off a little over a hundred. I probably should check out at the base and see if they have any in stock. So I would be able to at least get the feel of them. Thanks for the insight much appreciated.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
MSgt (Join to see) - Anytime. Don't forget the local gun shows if they have any in your neck of the woods. It's sometimes worth the entrance fee if you can swing a good discount.
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The answer is simpler than you think and harder than it sounds.
There is no answer we can give.
It's what fits your hand so go shoot everything that is in the general category
I am a Springfield striker fired fan.
It's what I own a lot of, shoot more and Cary always
But I have an M&P as well.
I don't hold or shoot Glocks comfortable .. They do not point well for me.
There is no answer we can give.
It's what fits your hand so go shoot everything that is in the general category
I am a Springfield striker fired fan.
It's what I own a lot of, shoot more and Cary always
But I have an M&P as well.
I don't hold or shoot Glocks comfortable .. They do not point well for me.
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PO2 Steven Erickson
Agree 100%... The angle of the grip makes a world of difference. 80% of people can't tell the difference, because they haven't held both of them.
I love the M&Ps but can't stand the Glock. It doesn't look like much of a difference, but oh, boy... Aiming the Glock feels odd to me. My friend who's a patrolman - exactly the opposite feeling.
I love the M&Ps but can't stand the Glock. It doesn't look like much of a difference, but oh, boy... Aiming the Glock feels odd to me. My friend who's a patrolman - exactly the opposite feeling.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
PO2 Steven Erickson - The cutout for the thumb muscle is what makes it for me. When you grip, you thumb muscle tightens (creating a "ball") which causes the weapon to shift slightly. It's not a huge difference, but it can throw the weapon alignment off. The Glock uses an aggressive angle to compensate for it (creating a pocket) while the XD series uses the cutout instead allowing a less steep angle. If the cutout weren't there the XD would point cockeyed.
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SMSgt Thor Merich
Outstanding answer. Years ago, at my former civilian job, we transitioned from revolvers to semi-auto pistols. Many guys went to the Sig-Sauer, but it didn't fit my hand well. I went with a S&W 645. However, I never could shoot it to my satisfaction. A few years later we transitioned to Glocks. The Glocks fit like a glove, easy to point, etc. But that was me. Not every gun fits every shooter.
It's important to put a few rounds into whatever gun is chosen before buying.
It's important to put a few rounds into whatever gun is chosen before buying.
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SGT William Howell
When I first started shooting ISPC I was shooting both open and limited class. One with a 1911 and the other with a Glock. I would shoot and then change gun belts and shoot the same stage again. I would always shoot high with my 1911 and I could not understand why. It was the grip angles. I would shoot my Glock first and then when I went to my 1911 I would have the muscle memory set in so my sight alignment was just a bit askew. I finally had to buy another 1911 for my limited class.
If you want to see what gun fits your natural grip style. Pick a spot on the wall, draw the gun up, looking through the sights. Do this like like 10 times. Then do the same but with your eyes closed. Once you get the gun up, open your eyes and see how close you are to the spot you are on the wall. Then change guns and do it again. You can find a gun, that points good for you.
If you want to see what gun fits your natural grip style. Pick a spot on the wall, draw the gun up, looking through the sights. Do this like like 10 times. Then do the same but with your eyes closed. Once you get the gun up, open your eyes and see how close you are to the spot you are on the wall. Then change guns and do it again. You can find a gun, that points good for you.
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First off I've become partial to 9mm.
Second, I like glocks because they're affordable and very functional.
Third, I have shot and enjoyed the Sig P220, the S&W M&P .45 and the Springfield XD 45.
Lastly, consider this: if you couldn't have your own gun (say you're on a school campus), but had to pick one up from someone else say in the midst of a crazy mass shooter event, what model do you think you'll be picking up? Odds are the standard service model for the local police force (or the most sold private firearm in your area). Being intimately familiar with that weapon may pay more dividends than whatever comfort in your hand one model or another might give you.
I strongly recommend going to a range that rents pistols and trying them all before you buy.
Second, I like glocks because they're affordable and very functional.
Third, I have shot and enjoyed the Sig P220, the S&W M&P .45 and the Springfield XD 45.
Lastly, consider this: if you couldn't have your own gun (say you're on a school campus), but had to pick one up from someone else say in the midst of a crazy mass shooter event, what model do you think you'll be picking up? Odds are the standard service model for the local police force (or the most sold private firearm in your area). Being intimately familiar with that weapon may pay more dividends than whatever comfort in your hand one model or another might give you.
I strongly recommend going to a range that rents pistols and trying them all before you buy.
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