should I get a 40cal. or a 45cal. looking at xd models?

Answer 1

I would get the 40 cal, my friends have them, I shoot them at the range all the time, smaller caliber with better range than the 45...... the XD is a very nice hand gun and with good ammo very accurate. I would take a 40 over a 45.

Answer 2

I would get the 40SW for two reasons. The first is that .45ACP just does not seem right in a non-1911/non-steel platform. Keep a 1911 if you want 45ACP. They were made for each other. Note how non-45ACP 1911 models have drifted to the wayside for the most part. Secondly, Guntests magazine tested an XD .40SW and found that it outshot all the other .40SW guns in the accuracy department. Sub-2" accuracy at 25 yds. is not a must out of a service weapon, but if you range shoot a lot it "makes your day". I think that the .40SW, although born into a S&W 4006, really is best in a polymer platform. Maybe this is due to the fact that it is the newest of the 9mm-.40-.45 trio of popular auto chamberings.

Answer 3

I bought the XD compact (the smallest one) last year in .40 cal. Weight was a concern for me as its my concelaed carry gun, so the added weight of the .45 acp made it not appealing. I use the small 9 round clips and it fits real snugly in the small of my back in a pancake holster. Ballistically the .40 is a great round for personal protection and has almost as much knockdown as a .45, and a little easier on the ears and wrists.

I LOVE MY XD, my only complaint is the finish. I'm around water a lot and sometimes I've gotten it splashed. Within a year the finish was shot and I had to get the upper slide molly coated. I've never had a jam using normal ammunition. I quailfy that remark in that I use specialty .40 shot shells for water moccassins since I'm in the water a lot and they have a tendency to jam after the second or third shot.

Also, you can find the XD packages with extra "goodies" too such as the hard holster, multiple clips, and loaders

Answer 4

Are you looking for something to use a lot or something to rely on 'in the gravest extreme'? If you are heading off to the range and mostly you want to make holes in paper then the 40S&W is easier on the hands and cheaper to feed.

If you want something for self defense then the 45ACP is a more effective round, but it costs more to feed.

The idea that you shouldn't use a 45 outside of a 1911 is ridiculous, they are not consistently reliable and require far too much expert knowledge to properly maintain and to keep reliable.

Answer 5

Personally, I like the Glock Model 22 in .40 S&W. I shoot the .45 ACP also out of my Colt Government Mk IV Series '70.

Answer 6

XD models are a great choice. I personally do not like 40 cals. I perfer 9mm and 45ACP. Just are much smoother. I own a 9mm 4" barrel and .45ACP 5" Tactical. My first gun was a .40 and I got rid of it 4 months later and traded it in for a Beretta.

Answer 7

Para Ord Warthog 45acp.

Answer 8

Go for the .45

Answer 9

Neither one I prefer the Colt Combat Commander in 45 acp.* Check it out before buying.*