glock vs xd-m

[speepdaedeesi]

i have owned a glock 19, and loved it. im familiar with the glock torture test, the hundreds of law enforcement and millitary agencies across the world who have chosen glock as their service pistol, and im down with it... but..

it seems like every gun magazine i get my hands on over here in afghanistan has at least two xd-m ads in them, usually a page apart. i like the look of it, and i also like the idea of the backstrap safety, it would make me feel a tad better about carrying +1...

my question is for those who own BOTH

which one do you like better?

the main thing i have heard is that the xd has a 1911 grip angle that most prefer. i wont be able to get my hands on one for a few months, so i can do now is dream.. .and read the responses to this post.

thanks! and yeah it sucks here in afghanistan!

[cajunautoxer]

I have several XDs (SC,Service, XDM) and shoot them well. I shoot Glocks well also. The main reason that I purchased the XD is I have short fingers so the XD works better for me. I do like the chamber indicator.

Now the main gripe about XD is the lack of parts. SA as far as I know still will not sell parts out to the public you have to send the firearm in. Also I've heard that people don't like the grip safty bc they know someone that was shooting IDPA and he didn't have a good grip so the firearm didn't fire.

Now I have a buddy that teaches firearms training and he loves the S&W M&P series. I actually like the S&W better but I purchased several XD items before the M&P were proven dependable

[USA1]

When I went to buy a new gun, the choice was between the Glock27 and the XD40sc.

i also like the idea of the backstrap safety

the main thing i have heard is that the xd has a 1911 grip angle that most prefer

These two reasons are why I chose the Springfield.
It felt better in my hand and I liked the additional safety feature.

I have been nothing but pleased with my decision.
The XD is extremely accurate and in my opinion just as reliable as the Glock.
So far I've never had a malfunction of any kind.

My 2 cents

BTW, Thank you for your service and get home safe !

[propellerhead]

I was on the other side of the fence from you. I have several XDs and an XDm. I shoot IDPA with them and they work great. Wanting to understand the hype over the Glock, I bought one and have been shooting it at matches. The Glock is lighter, which matters when you're moving around a lot and transitioning from target to target. However, I still like the XD/XDm over the Glock. The primary reason is that the grip feels better. The Glock grip is wider if you're looking at the gun from the side and a bit thinner when viewed from the back. The XD grips just fit me better. With the replaceable backstrap on the XDm you can make that work even better for you. Another big thing is the ambi mag release. I can drop the mags with my shooting hand's middle finger. With the Glock, I have to shift my grip around to reach the mag release with my thumb, then regrip it again before shooting.

The grip safety on the XD/XDm has always been a discussion point when you compare them to Glocks. I guess Glock guys don't like 'em. I think they're great. It's a passive device that adds an extra level of safety. Why would you want to fire the gun if you don't have a proper hold on it?

[USA1]

Another big thing is the ambi mag release. I can drop the mags with my shooting hand's middle finger.

Excellent point propellerhead.
I forgot to mention that in my above post.

I didn't realize how great that feature is until I went to the range.
I'm a righty but I also use my middle or trigger finger to drop the mag. It just feels more natural to me.

[frazzled]

Another big thing is the ambi mag release. I can drop the mags with my shooting hand's middle finger.

Excellent point propellerhead.
I forgot to mention that in my above post.

I didn't realize how great that feature is until I went to the range.
I'm a righty but I also use my right hand to drop the mag. It just feels more natural to me.

I don't have an ambi but do that with my Neo. Its great. I don't see why every pistol doesn't have it.

Its my understanding XD has done some torture tests of their own at this point.
Additionally, if you want, Springfield has a complete smithing service to tailor actions, different match grade barrels and different types of compeitition or night sights (Glock may have as well, I don't know).

[A-R]

Grip angle preference and grip safety are two things that XD has that Glock cannot match (though there are some folks who do prefer the Glock grip and grip angle).

However, for very little money you can install (or have installed) an ambi safety and an XDm-like trigger on a Glock. A certified Glock Armorer can do this, or - if you're confident in your ability - you can do it yourself. The parts are widely available, and it's really not that hard, BUT just beware that Glock will void your warranty if you work on the gun yourself (of course, I've never heard of anyone actually needing to return a Glock for warranty service ...) So best to do this on an holder Glock, not a brand-new gun you just bought, if you plan to do it yourself. Plenty of web sites and YouTube videos that can show you how to do it yourself very easily.

But XDs are GREAT guns. It's all just personal preference. I would trust either with my life without hesitation.

[Skiprr]

Like others, I own both, like both, and trust both. But I shoot the XD just a bit better--let me rephrase that: it aims more instinctively for me--than the Glock. I owned 1911s long before I bought my first Glock. I don't really have any problem shifting from one platform to the other, but if I were to close my eyes and have you hand me each in turn, I could keep my eyes closed and point the XD with reasonable accuracy.

And comparing my XDm (.40) to my G22 and G27, the trigger is definitely better on the XDm: much crisper; not as mushy. The stock XD also has a decent trigger, but it has an awfully long, though positive, reset. My unmodified G35 has a trigger action that's somewhere between the G22 and the XDm. I have an XD9 tactical that was worked over by Canyon Creek Custom, and can confirm that the trigger break and reset length can still be improved upon on the stock XDm. (Canyon Creek also sells aftermarket spring sets and such for the XD.)

One tiny thing that I never see mentioned is that the two, slightly different striker activating mechanisms make a difference in dry-fire practice. With the Glock, once you release the striker, you essentially have a depressed trigger with no movement until you cock the striker again. With the XD, the spring returns the trigger to its original position. The result is that you can do a level of dry-fire practice with the XD without having to cock the striker. Admittedly, the pull-weight isn't the same, and you get no tactile feedback of when the shot would break, but you do get to move you index finger against spring tension throughout the range of motion.

To me, that's a big plus for the XD. One of the downsides of dry-fire is that you can't practice more than one shot at a time with many pistols. To practice realistically, you need to be able to draw, move, and shoot mutliple times, and the XD allows you to simulate that without having to actuate the striker. (And I agree with Gabe Suarez that that majority of practice should be done without live fire.)

As cajunautoxer mentioned, with so many Glocks in the world for so long, the parts aftermarket is huge. You can easily find anything. But XD parts are available; certainly all the basic parts you'd need for maintenance. Brownells' carries trigger kits, spring sets, guide rods, strikers, and what not. And other places like PistolGear.com sells both replacement and aftermarket "improvement" parts. So not nearly as plentiful as Glock parts, but they're out there.

Some experienced gunmen I know have shied away from the XD because they were familiar with its Croatian predecessor. Since the XD has been on the market now for several years, my suspicion is that the quality control and manufacturing consistency that Springfield brought to the table has started to allay some of those concerns.

The new Gen2 XDm-3.8 looks interesting, but I don't mind the 4.5" barrel . But I'll tell ya what I keep watching for: an XDm in .45 ACP. I might even part with my XD .45 Service if an "m" version comes out...

[A-R]

One tiny thing that I never see mentioned is that the two, slightly different striker activating mechanisms make a difference in dry-fire practice. With the Glock, once you release the striker, you essentially have a depressed trigger with no movement until you cock the striker again. With the XD, the spring returns the trigger to its original position. The result is that you can do a level of dry-fire practice with the XD without having to cock the striker. Admittedly, the pull-weight isn't the same, and you get no tactile feedback of when the shot would break, but you do get to move you index finger against spring tension throughout the range of motion.

To me, that's a big plus for the XD. One of the downsides of dry-fire is that you can't practice more than one shot at a time with many pistols. To practice realistically, you need to be able to draw, move, and shoot mutliple times, and the XD allows you to simulate that without having to actuate the striker. (And I agree with Gabe Suarez that that majority of practice should be done without live fire.)

Good info, skiprr. But I consider the Glock striker system a plus because seeing that trigger set back to the rear is a visual AND tactile indication that the weapon is not in effect "cocked and loaded". Not than anyone should ever rely 100% on any safety, loaded chamber indicator, or anything else other than visual and tactile confirmation from looking into and touching the inside of an empty chamber - but a Glock trigger in full setback position is a good indicator that there is not a round in the chamber. I tend to leave my guns that are not currently "in use" (holstered and on my person) in my safe with a full mag but an empty chamber. With a Glock, I can know very quickly if I left the gun this way or not by looking at the trigger position. If the trigger is forward, the chamber may or may not be empty. I always visually check the chamber on all of my guns anyway under normal conditions. But if I had to pull a Glock out of the safe in a self-defense situation, I would know instantly "trigger is setback, must rack slide".

[Skiprr]

Good info, skiprr. But I consider the Glock striker system a plus because seeing that trigger set back to the rear is a visual AND tactile indication that the weapon is not in effect "cocked and loaded". Not than anyone should ever rely 100% on any safety, loaded chamber indicator, or anything else other than visual and tactile confirmation from looking into and touching the inside of an empty chamber - but a Glock trigger in full setback position is a good indicator that there is not a round in the chamber. I tend to leave my guns that are not currently "in use" (holstered and on my person) in my safe with a full mag but an empty chamber. With a Glock, I can know very quickly if I left the gun this way or not by looking at the trigger position. If the trigger is forward, the chamber may or may not be empty. I always visually check the chamber on all of my guns anyway under normal conditions. But if I had to pull a Glock out of the safe in a self-defense situation, I would know instantly "trigger is setback, must rack slide".

I'm an old throwback who's been trained to always verify the condition of any firearm I pick up, and rely not at all on any mechanical indicators. The loaded chamber indicator on the XD is something that could vanish magically tomorrow, and I'd never know the difference. I press-check everything that has not been under my immediate control...meaning already been checked, and placed in a holster on my body.

I'd think if you routinely store your pistols with a charged mag inserted but chamber empty, that if you needed to retrieve a gun in an emergency you wouldn't stop to check the position of the trigger: you'd just rack the darned thing.

Another minor point we haven't mentioned, and may not be a factor for the OP, is that the difference between the XD and Glock in handling of the striker separates the two otherwise similar pistols into different divisions for IDPA competition. The Glock is considered a double-action and can be run in the Stock Service Pistol division. The XD is considered a single-action, and has to be shot in the Enhanced Service Pistol or Custom Defensive Pistol divisions. Just another FWIW.

[A-R]

Another minor point we haven't mentioned, and may not be a factor for the OP, is that the difference between the XD and Glock in handling of the striker separates the two otherwise similar pistols into different divisions for IDPA competition. The Glock is considered a double-action and can be run in the Stock Service Pistol division. The XD is considered a single-action, and has to be shot in the Enhanced Service Pistol or Custom Defensive Pistol divisions. Just another FWIW.

Now that is something I DID NOT KNOW. Interesting. I need to get involved in IDPA. Some day, after my kids are older and not such a handful.

[Dad24GreatKids]

i have owned a glock 19, and loved it. im familiar with the glock torture test, the hundreds of law enforcement and millitary agencies across the world who have chosen glock as their service pistol, and im down with it... but..

it seems like every gun magazine i get my hands on over here in afghanistan has at least two xd-m ads in them, usually a page apart. i like the look of it, and i also like the idea of the backstrap safety, it would make me feel a tad better about carrying +1...

my question is for those who own BOTH

which one do you like better?

the main thing i have heard is that the xd has a 1911 grip angle that most prefer. i wont be able to get my hands on one for a few months, so i can do now is dream.. .and read the responses to this post.

thanks! and yeah it sucks here in afghanistan!

Speepdaedeesi, first thanks for your service. You honor yourself and our country by serving. Regarding Glock v. XD-m, I do own both. I have a Glock 23C, Glock 27 and a XD-m 9mm. I prefer the Glocks because I'm more accurate with them. I also think that they are more concealable. I bought the XD-m because I had a chance to fire one owned by a co-worker. I shot it incredibly well. I'd been looking for something to use for IDPA and it seemed to fit the bill. Unfortunately I haven't been able to replicate that initial accuracy with my own XD-m. I'm consistently a bit low and to the left with the XD-m. With the G23C I can consistently shoot in the center ring. The Glock also feels better in my hand. I can't explain why, it just does. I've tried all of the XD-m backstraps and none feel like the Glock.

Both of these are great guns. I've had no issues with any of them. You shouldn't go wrong with either.

[neilp]

I used to own an XD 9mm and have rented Glocks several times. I can't shoot a Glock well. I have small hands and I found the XD to be one of the few double stack pistols that I do not find the grip size to be a problem. I also found the grip angle to be awkward on Glocks. The XD was a great pistol, I would still have it but my ex sold it when I was out of town.... I intend to get another to replace it at some point.

[USA1]

I would still have it but my ex sold it when I was out of town.... I intend to get another to replace it at some point.

Woman?

[Skiprr]

Speepdaedeesi, first thanks for your service. You honor yourself and our country by serving. Regarding Glock v. XD-m, I do own both. I have a Glock 23C, Glock 27 and a XD-m 9mm. I prefer the Glocks because I'm more accurate with them. I also think that they are more concealable. I bought the XD-m because I had a chance to fire one owned by a co-worker. I shot it incredibly well. I'd been looking for something to use for IDPA and it seemed to fit the bill. Unfortunately I haven't been able to replicate that initial accuracy with my own XD-m. I'm consistently a bit low and to the left with the XD-m. With the G23C I can consistently shoot in the center ring. The Glock also feels better in my hand. I can't explain why, it just does. I've tried all of the XD-m backstraps and none feel like the Glock.

Dad24GreatKids, thanks for reminding us: those who serve our country deserve our recognition at every opportunity we have.

Your comment about the Glock feeling better in your hand is pretty much what I meant, on the opposite side, that the XD was a more instinctual pointer for me than the Glock. A single-stack 1911 even more so. I think that's partly anatomy, but mostly experience. What you're most used to becomes the most instinctive shooter for you.

Have you bench-rested that XDm? Since you've tried all three backstraps and the results are consistent, it may actually need some sight adjustment.

Did you ever find anything to shoot in IDPA? Since you shoot the G23C well, I'd recommend either the G35 or G34. I have a G35 that has served me flawlessly (though its rear sight was mounted poorly, and to get it zeroed required every bit of horizontal adjustment that was available: proof that manufacturers don't always mount sights perfectly). I chose the G35 because I already had a G23 and G27, and a marvelous feature of the Glocks is that within the same model set they can use magazines interchangeably...discounting short mags in long frames, of course.

But if it were to be primarily an IDPA gun, I'd opt for the G34. Not only is 9mm cheaper to shoot, but the lower recoil is an advantage in IDPA.

Since the XD can't be shot in SSP and has to move up to ESP, a few years ago, before the XDm came out, I bought a competition-tuned XD9 Tactical from Canyon Creek. New barrel, new trigger, BoMar adjustable rear sight and Dawson fiber front, that sort of stuff. I'm as accurate with that pistol as any I own.

A G27 is my "hidden" car gun, but otherwise I don't regularly carry a Glock. For primaries, I have two: a 1911 or my XDm .40. The 1911 does get most of the holster time, so maybe I should bow out of this topic.

Bottom line for the OP, though, is that I believe both XDs and Glocks each have their merits. If an XDm is of interest, go for it when you can. I don't think you'll be disappointed.