XDM As A Duty Weapon

[FlyChicaga]

Today I decided to head to the range and rent a few different models of 9mm's, trying to see which one was a better fit for me. I may be needing to buy a duty weapon soon, so I wanted to see which gun fit my hand better, and how well I shot with each.

I carry an H&K .40 USP Compact now, and I shoot OK with it. I don't practice more than once every other month with it though (just because of $$). So for my "evaluation," I decided to shoot the Glock 17, S&W M&P9, and the XDM9. After doing research, I had decided I was going to choose between the Glock and the S&W, but I figured I'd give the XDM a whirl just for S&Gs.

Honestly, I shot the XDM a LOT better than the other two models. As in, at 10 yards I had a grouping that was about the size of my fist. I haven't shot since December, so I felt pretty good about that. At 25 yards, I had a grouping about the size of my hand.

When shooting the Glock, I found I didn't like the grip that much, and I hated the stock sights. I did easily reach the mag release, which was a problem for me on the M&P9. I had to turn my hand a bit and adjust my grip to properly hit the release on the M&P. That's was a big turn off for me, because it's important I can quickly do a magazine exchange or emergency reload. With the XDM, I had no problems reaching the mag release, and I was very quick to do magazine exchanges. I also found I was quicker in getting back on target with the XDM for follow-up shots.

So, my question is, does anyone have any experience carrying the XDM as a duty weapon? I've read some things online saying there are reliability issues with the gun, but I'm not sure how true they are. I know that was the case with the XD9, but the new XDM seems to be a love/hate relationship with most people. I don't know if they are just coming from other guns like Glocks, and don't like the change, or what. For me, I've shot my current weapon so little, I'm almost able to start fresh and not "relearn" anything.

Also, for a BUG/OD carry, obviously Springfield doesn't really made a compact model XDM. So I'd need to find another model to carry. That leaves me with going to shoot the Glock 26 or M&P9c I guess.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated. I didn't come up with anything in a search.

PS: Is there any difference in materials between the all black 4.5 XDM9 and the two-tone 4.5 XDM9?

[TOrrock]

Welcome to the forum.

Take some time to read through some of the threads, and search XDM or Springfield XD in the search engine, there have been multiple threads already about the durability and reliability issues that have been associated with the XD/XDM.

Also, read through DocGR's thread, which includes a good article on service and duty ready handguns.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19887

The fact that there are no MAJOR police departments that issue them is telling.

[FlyChicaga]

Thanks. I've been reading for a while (this place is a great source of info).

I did a search for "XDM" and came up with only a few hits. I'll try again...

[TOrrock]

Try throwing Springfield in the search as well, and use the orange search button at the top of the page on the right hand side.

Definitely read through Doc's post, great article about service pistols.

[TheGreenRanger24]

So, my question is, does anyone have any experience carrying the XDM as a duty weapon? I've read some things online saying there are reliability issues with the gun, but I'm not sure how true they are. I know that was the case with the XD9, but the new XDM seems to be a love/hate relationship with most people. I don't know if they are just coming from other guns like Glocks, and don't like the change, or what. For me, I've shot my current weapon so little, I'm almost able to start fresh and not "relearn" anything.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated. I didn't come up with anything in a search.

Welcome to the forums FlyChicaga. I think most of the people at this board would recommend you get either a Glock or M&P (mostly because they have better track records than XDs do). Read through this thread for a glance at some XD issues: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...springfield+xd

I am by no means an expert and I'm sure some of our more knowledgeable members will be around shortly. Some things to keep in mind though as you make your decision: 3rd Generation Glocks have an excellent track record for dependability/reliability; 4th Gen Glocks are a bit more picky. M&P's haven't been around as long as the XD design, but are more highly thought of than the rebranded HS2000. XDs are considered to be more of a range gun for "bubba" than a weapon to depend on.

My two cents worth: see if you can take a pistol training course with either a Glock 17 (or 19) or the M&P and go from there.

fwiw

ETA: Damn, Templar you're fast . . . or maybe I should type a little faster

[rathos]

My old FTO carried an XDM .40. He had no issues with it and it was an accurate gun. I have another friend in a small department that carried an XD .45 tactical. While they might not be regarded as the best guns neither of them have had issues.

Both guns are owned by "shooters" who put quite a few rounds through their guns. They haven't had any issues but know how to lubricate their guns and how to perform regular maintenance. I think most people that report the issues are the "bubba" shooters that don't know how to take care of their guns. Are their others that might have had issues? Sure, guns are mechanical objects and can break.

If you like it then get it.

[dsg2003gt]

keep searching, there are enough XD/XDM threads on here to keep you busy.

ill summarize them all for you:

For serious duty use: Glock/M&P/HK
Of the above: Glock in 9mm, M&P in .40 and HK in 45.

[ralph]

In addition to the Glock, and M&P, I would'nt forget to consider the HK P-30, or possibly the P-2000, If possible try them with a LEM trigger, But as suggested, do some more research on the XD/XDM series before you buy..I used to have a XD-45 (service model) I have a Mid-size M&P45 now...The M&P is far superior,I have NO regrets in ridding myself of the XD..

[JodyH]

The only reason I steer people away from H&K P2000, P30 for duty use is the poor selection of duty holsters, especially if you have a tac light mounted.

[BigBuckeye]

I have an XDM3.8 9mm with over 3k rounds through it. Never a stopage of ANY kind. I would not hesitate to trust my life with this handgun.

I just purchased an M&P .45 4.5" and I like it a lot, but I am afraid so far, I like the XDM slightly better.

-Fit and finish seem to be just a tad better on the XDM (M&P has a noticable gap between the frame and slide)

-The grip angle for me is also slightly better on the XDM but frankly both are very good.

-Take down- I hope I am missing something on the M&P because having to use a tool to field strip this handgun is NOT amusing. I assumed that the takedown would be like the XDM...simple....I was floored when I realized that you had to use the tool that slides out of the grip. I probably would not have purchased if I knew that before, my fault for not doing enough research.

The M&P is only a week old and while I can already tell it is a quality weapon, I still feel the XDM has a slight edge.