Bullet Boy on Shooting Sports

As previously posted in my review of the XDM I promised a comparison of the Glock vs. XDM.

I have owned Springfield Armory’s XDM 40 S&W for a few months and pleased to announce that I am still happy with my purchase.   I view myself as a regular gun owner that enjoys pinking and pistol competition as much as the next person and not a Todd Jarret.   When I went to purchase my XDM I was doing research on 1911’s and considering an XD40.   Needless to say… buying the XDM was a bit impulsive.

So why did I buy an XD vs. Glock?

Fashion!   What?   Shooters like fashion?   “Heck Ya!”   Have you ever considered that at an IDPA competition or IPSC match the guys talking about their rigs and wearing their favorite manufacturer’s shirt was all about fashion.   If that “ain’t” fashion awareness then I might have to start reading more tabloid magazines in the grocery store check out.

I bought my XDM because fewer people have them and it makes me more original and remaining tasteful.   Had I gone with a Nickle Plated   1911 it would have been too bold of a statement for a newbie.   Although I have been in possession of firearms since I was a wee little one, noob none-the-less in the eyes of my shooting buddies.

Lets compare the the Glock 23 to the XDM.

Nobody can deny that Glock is perhaps the most popular pistol manufacture of polymer pistols.   In fact it is probably the most dominate pistol in law enforcement protecting streets today.   I have received numerous e-mails asking me to compare the Glock to the XDM.   None more pointed than my new friend Officer Relacion at Hanalei, HI Patrol Services of the Kauai, HI Police Department asked: “I live on the Island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. I was just wondering if the 20% off is still eligible. Also whats your pros and cons for the XDM vs The GLock22 .40.”   I don’t know about the 20% off. But here are some Pros vs. Cons for the Glocks.

Lets start out by looking at the specs on the Glock 22 & 23

Glock 22 Specifications - From the Arms Site

GLOCK 23 Specifications - Also from the Arms Site

XDM Specs

So did you look at the specs? Besides the barrel length and weight there isn’t much difference. The XDM does come with a Match Grade barrel which is far and above Glocks Hex barrels which have been nothing but headaches for money conscious reloaders.   If you take out using lead cast bullets I can find little difference in the function of the weapons. The barrels of the three compared weapons are different lengths. The weight between the weapons is a major separator.

But what about performance. I like the sights out of the box on the XDM over the Glocks. As far a function and accuracy I can’t tell a difference. They both function well and the only accuracy difference I can tell is perhaps at 100 yds with the XDM is a little better. Shooting at 100 yds is not self defense.

In my opinion these three weapons are similar and are clearly built for different reasons. It is hard to compare them. Each weapon is a great weapon for that job. For weekend plinking the XDM is the winner and my choice for what I do. If this comparison was between an XD40 and Glock I would go with the Glock even though I own the XD40. Why? Because there have been so many Glocks sold that every gunsmith shop can fix them without sending out for work. Parts are abundant, and the price is a little lower at my store. But if cost wasn’t a factor and all three were never before seen guns without a brand name associated with it I would choose the XDM over and over again. Besides being a great weapon is just looks cool too.

What is your opinion of Glock vs. XDM or XD?

Have you heard about the new Springfield Armory XDM?   I hadn’t until I bought one.   I typically stay up with the XD Talk.   I have liked the XD ever since I first got my hands on one.   It is much like the Glock – but better, of course that depends on who you ask.   I will save the XD vs. Glock discussion for later. 9/16/08 That later has come with a comparrison of the XDM vs. Glock 22 &   23.

Springfield’s XDM!

The XDM is built on the XD platform, or the HS Produkt HS-2000 in Croatia, and currently available in the 40 S&W and 9mm.   It has a 4.5″ barrel similar to the XD Tactical.   The main Difference between the XD Tactical and the XDM is the grip.   The XDM comes with interchangeable grips to adjust for the shooters preferred grip size.   It is a little bit wider than the previous XD-40’s,   not sure – but it seems to be.   It comes standard in Alabama with two 16 round high capacity magazines,   all the normal XD gear Holster, speed loader, magazine pouch, and an allen/hex key.   One thing I did not expect was the new larger case.   The case it comes in looks a lot more industrial than previous versions and isn’t crowded for room.

Trigger travel is by far the shortest of any polymer pistol I have handled. Springfield even brags about it in the XD(m) marketing material.   The barrel is match grade with a fully supported chamber – Something Glocks don’t have.   It has an ambidextrous magazine release that is longer on either side than the standard XD release.   The assembly is easier over previous XD versions without having to pull the trigger during breakdown and field stripping.

It comes standard with a 3 dot steel sights and can be changed.   It has all the standard safety features like a trigger safety and grip safety. It weights in dry with an empty magazine with a forged steel slide at 2lbs.   The trigger pull seems to be around 5lbs untested.

Pros and Cons

Pro: This seems to be Springfield’s attempt at producing a match ready production pistol, hence the “M Factor” in my view.   Though polymer pistols have not truly cleared the path in match play this weapon has the potential to really make a name for itself straight out of the box.

Pro and Con: Having a removable grip means one more area to clean, break, and maintain.   Instead of making different fixed grips with the weapon they decided to include three different removable parts in the case.   Now granted this is nice and helps increase stock and availability, unlike Sig’s Attempt at the form fitting grips.

Con (personal Opinion): As a standard XD comes with a chambered warning.   The way it sticks out from the slide it looks as though it can be worn,   broken, and plus it will wear your holster too.

I always know if my pistol is locked and loaded.   This indicator shows everyone else your pistol is cocked and locked.   The warning system is great if you let people, specifically children, play with your gun loaded or leave it laying around.   That is sarcasm if you didn’t catch it.   If you let others handle your weapon locked and loaded, hand it to them, or don’t even open it for visual inspection before you share it you may not need to own a handgun.   <-That is just a gun safety pet peeve. –<

This isn’t a necessary safety precaution and may cause more harm than it is worth for me.

Other review factors:

The price will come down.

Currently only a .40 S&W is available. Different Varieties are sure to follow Update 11/10/08 : The XDM 9mm is available

Since the weapon is so new not many accessories have yet to hit the market. So far I have not found an interchangeable part with the standard XD.

Conclusion and Overall First Impression

If me making the purchase isn’t indication enough – this weapon is well worth the investment and fires like a dream.   If you can get your hands on one you will not be disappointed.   Go out and get one today.   Don’t buy one on GunBroker.com there buy it now prices are way too high.   I bought mine for less than $550.

Update 11/10/08: Posted about prices and shopping suggestions
Update 11/12/08: Gun Prices Post Election and Market Demand

If you are having trouble finding an XDM in your local area shoot me a message through my contact form and I can point you towards the right direction. But you should check out the links in updates to find out more.