Suppressors Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

Swift

Swift

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Aug 4, 2010
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#1
I never used to demo pistols before I purchased. Didn't always have the resources. I just went by how the felt in my hand. For me, nothing felt better or fit better in my hand than the XDM. I was ready to go buy one but went to the range instead.

Found out they have XDM rentals so I jumped on it. It was the 3.8 model with the extended baseplate in 9mm. I shot it side by side with my Glock 19 and, although I have more trigger time with the 19, it outshot the Springfield all day long. Put about 200 rounds through both and every time the Glock grouped better. I don't personally find the Glocks to be comfortable, in fact it feels like I'm trying to grip a large brick covered in scorpions, but when all is said and done, it's about results.

The one thing I couldn't get adjusted to is the exceptionally long reset in the Springfield. There's a LOT of take up and it's not nearly as crisp as the Glock. I'm really bummed because I really wanted to like the XDM. It feels so natural and comfortable but it just didn't give me the results I was looking for.

So, long story short, learn from me. Don't buy a gun based on how it feels. If at all possible, shoot it first.

*Note: I'm not a troll nor am I trying to start a Glock vs Springfield flame war. I just used those as my examples. YMMV but for this particular operator I didn't get quite what I expected.
 
#2
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I havent shot a 3.8 but I did own and shot in comps my 4.5 XDm9. While shootin the comps I out shot most the glocks, 1911, and sigs. I believe with a lil more trigger time you would come to like the XDm a lil more. I also own a G23 and I have noticed the glocks muzzle flip even being in 40S&W is more controlable for follow up shots. When the glocks first came out I really couldnt stand to shoot them at all but with the gen 3 they have came a long way. Just my .02 cents
 
#3
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

Love my G22 and fired a Spring. G22 was Better in every way. Overall i love my kimber 45 more than anything.
 
#4
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HAVOC615</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I havent shot a 3.8 but I did own and shot in comps my 4.5 XDm9. While shootin the comps I out shot most the glocks, 1911, and sigs. I believe with a lil more trigger time you would come to like the XDm a lil more. I also own a G23 and I have noticed the glocks muzzle flip even being in 40S&W is more controlable for follow up shots. When the glocks first came out I really couldnt stand to shoot them at all but with the gen 3 they have came a long way. Just my .02 cents </div></div>

I agree. Glocks aren't fun to shoot, IMO, but they do something right. I understand why the XDm is so popular. It's a great piece and I know it's accuracy is well documented. However I was working on defensive drills rather than precision shooting, and for that particular task, it fell a little short. I won't totally condemn it just yet but so far it hasn't left a great impression.
 
#6
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

Lots of aftermarket stuff for the XDm, most of which are drop in. Springer Precision makes a nice replacement trigger. Also, you can send the XDm to the S.A. custom shop and have a trigger job done that wont void the warranty.

You also didn't mention which size grip was on the gun you rented. The gun comes with 3 which can really change everything.

Not hatin the Glock, I own the 27 and shoot it well. Just like the XDm better.
 
#8
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I haven't really ever been a glock fan, I love the overall springfield XD, but the trigger ruins that gun for me, I am trying to get one of powder river precisions trigger kits to reduce creep, overtravel, and pull weight, so I will have to see what its like after that, but for now, I much prefer my taurus pt92
 
#9
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

The XDM does have a very much longer reset and trigger than the Glock. I've shot more rounds out of the G19 with work than the XDM, but the trigger is incredibly different. I've heard of replacement triggers for the XDM. Has anyone else heard of this or have any other info on it?
 
#10
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shooter45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The XDM does have a very much longer reset and trigger than the Glock. I've shot more rounds out of the G19 with work than the XDM, but the trigger is incredibly different. I've heard of replacement triggers for the XDM. Has anyone else heard of this or have any other info on it? </div></div>

Yes, you have like three options

Springerprecision.com They make a very good one, but if they install it, its very pricey. Buy trigger kit, then send to gunsmith or do yourself.

Powderriverprecision.com --My favorite, that's who im getting my trigger kit from and then a local gunsmith is installing. The thing about this one is that it comes with a different trigger that has a peice built in to stop overtravel.

And i cannot remember the third option, it wasnt very good.
 
#11
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I feel the same way about M&P vs. Glock.

The Glock puts one round right on top of another while the M&P, which feels so much better, is all over the place.
 
#13
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

The Glock is the AK of the pistol world. Its ugly,does not feel the greatest and there is not a lot you can do to it but the damn things work....like an AK. Its this reason alone I got one then two and they multiply to around a 1/2 dozen or so. I have fired a few XD's and they are nice but I like the Glock over it.
 
#14
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

It would be hard for me to justify buying a $600 handgun that I will immediately have to dump $80 or more into just to get it on par with a factory $500 pistol. I know to some people that isn't much but if you're trying to stay budget minded that's almost a $200 difference. Just doesn't seem like good value to me.

Again, this is only my opinion. Not based on any factual evidence.
 
#15
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

Ha, i did the same thing when i was searching for a poly pistol.

Of course it came down to the M&P9 and the G17. I really wanted the g17, but a buddy told me i'd like the M&P more.

Sure enough, my g17 groups looked like a bag of ass, and my M&P groups were much better. (that and the grip didnt suck nearly as much)

now i'm a happy M&P9 owner. Or as they say, "the comfy glock"
 
#16
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I had something similar happen. While looking at possible pistol purchases I decided a XDm would be best for me with a glock in second. When I tried the XDm though I really did not like it at all compared to pretty much every other gun I rented that day. I actually liked the M&P9 more than everything else which I had not even considered in the running.
 
#17
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I had a Glock 21 that was ok, nothing special. I had a 3.5# trigger in it. It was stolen from me in 1996, and to replace it I went the 1911 route. Much happier with the 1911. Fast forward to 2010 when I finally talked myself into buying a hi cap .40 S&W. I looked at the Glock 35, SA XDm, STI 2011, EAA Witness Ltd, Para Ordinance P1640, and the Sig X5.

After looking at them all, holding/fondling each one, and comparing capabilities/features with price, I went with the XDm. Now, I am not saying the XDm is better than the Sig X5 or STI, but for the price difference, the XDm came out on top. It was the best bang for the $, to me.

There are a lot of aftermarket parts for the XDm, not as many as the 1911 or Glock...yet. But a Springer Precision trigger kit, Pistol Gear 140mm mag extenders, and a lot of ammo, makes for a great shooting gun.
 
#18
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

I would avoid any dealer that does not let you dry fire a centerfire rifle or pistol. Not the same as shooting it, but you'll find out what the trigger is like at least. My wife dry fired a bunch of 9mm before settling on a LC9. Compared to our 1911s the trigger is long and stiff, but we have gotten used to it.
 
#19
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't personally find the Glocks to be comfortable, in fact it feels like I'm trying to grip a large brick covered in scorpions,</div></div>
That is priceless right there...
laugh.gif
 
#20
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my M&P groups were much better. </div></div>

Hey, if you can have it all then you've got it made!

I still carry my M&P9c on occasion, but the compact Glocks are only ever-so-slightly larger and shoot so much better for me.
 
#21
Re: Lesson learned - shoot a gun before you buy it!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I never used to demo pistols before I purchased. Didn't always have the resources. I just went by how the felt in my hand. For me, nothing felt better or fit better in my hand than the XDM. I was ready to go buy one but went to the range instead.

Found out they have XDM rentals so I jumped on it. It was the 3.8 model with the extended baseplate in 9mm. I shot it side by side with my Glock 19 and, although I have more trigger time with the 19, it outshot the Springfield all day long. Put about 200 rounds through both and every time the Glock grouped better. I don't personally find the Glocks to be comfortable, in fact it feels like I'm trying to grip a large brick covered in scorpions, but when all is said and done, it's about results.

The one thing I couldn't get adjusted to is the exceptionally long reset in the Springfield. There's a LOT of take up and it's not nearly as crisp as the Glock. I'm really bummed because I really wanted to like the XDM. It feels so natural and comfortable but it just didn't give me the results I was looking for.

So, long story short, learn from me. Don't buy a gun based on how it feels. If at all possible, shoot it first.

*Note: I'm not a troll nor am I trying to start a Glock vs Springfield flame war. I just used those as my examples. YMMV but for this particular operator I didn't get quite what I expected. </div></div>

Been there, done that only with the XDm 40 and the G23. Glock for me all the way. I keep trying the latest and greatest pistols as they come out but I reckon I'm just hooked on Glock. I have wasted literally thousands of dollars proving the superiority of the Glock.
 
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