New guy question about an XD...

[jholland]

Hi, guys. This is my first post...

I'm thinking about getting into IDPA as my first form of competition shooting and was considering the Springfield XD (haven't decided on caliber). I understand that the SA version of this weapon may affect my division? Is that correct? Will I be bumped up to Enhanced? If so does that place me at a disadvantage to other guns in the Enhanced division? What do most people in the Enhanced Division shoot?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jason

 

[DragonFire]

SA version of the XD? I thought they all had the same action, not quite DA, but sort of like the Glock's "safe action".


But yes, it would put you into a different IDPA division.

The whole point of IDPA is to shoot what you carry, but, given that it's a competition, alot of people are going to 9mmm because of low recoil and quicker follow-up shots.

 

[Gary G23]

All XDs are single action according to IDPA. You would have to shoot in Enhanced Service Pistol unless you get a 45acp, in which case you would have the option of shooting in Custom Defensive Pistol if you wish.

Shooting in ESP would be a disadvantage if you shoot the Nationals, but if you just shoot club level matches it is not always. Most ESP shooters at the Nationals are shooting highly modified 1911s.

 

[jholland]

DragonFire,

I was a little confused about the DA issue as well. I guess it could be a misprint. It's listed on this site...

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item.aspx?PID=59386


Gary,

Thanks for the confirmation. Is there a suggested gun for a first time IDPA'er in the SSP division? I don't want to get stuck with a bad choice and I'd prefer to not spend the money for a decent 1911 now, although I want one.

Thanks, Jason

 

[Gary G23]

Jason,

I always recommend to shoot what you carry. At last Saturdays match I noticed a very large number of Smith and Wesson M&P 9mms. I guess if were buying a gun specifically for that purpose that would be a good choice.

 

[ddj8052]

The SSP division is pretty much ruled by Glocks, although the M&P is quickly starting to gain ground. If you are new to the sport I would not worry to much about what kind of gun you are shooting. Just come out and have fun. Once you have shot a few matches then you can see what you like and make equipment changes that will make sense for you. If you already own and shoot the XD then bring that to the matches and have some fun. You may find that you like shooting it and want to keep shooting it. With a trigger job from Rich @ Canyon Creek you will find that the XD is an outstanding ESP gun and you will not be at any disadvantage to any other gun. In fact, with the double stack mag opening, you will find that it is probably a slight advantage in reload times when compared to the 9mm 1911's that rule ESP.

Oh, and for the record IDPA has ruled that the XD is SA so it is ESP or CDP for any XD pistol. Have fun

 

[Bob Hostetter]

The XD falls into ESP for IDPA competition, and with a decent trigger job you aren't at any disadvantage equipment wise. The Nationals this year in CDP was won by a shooter using a XD.

 

[offroaddiver]

Like everyone else has said IDPA rules xd's as ESP. But remember one thing. a shooting competition is more fun than pressure. I see it as more trigger time and a more fun way to go to the range, since i'm going to a range anyways... why not have fun and meet new people?

 

[shootinxd]

I shoot an XD40 in IDPA and had the trigger reworked by Canyon Creek and LOVE it.Good to see more people shooting IDPA.Have fun!

 

[cpirtle]

Maybe I'm wrong since no one has mentioned it but if you shoot the XD in CDP I believe you have to load the mag's to 8.

I shoot XD 45, 9 &/or 40 in IDPA but always ESP, so I never paid much attention to CDP rules.

 

[SR_]

Maybe I'm wrong since no one has mentioned it but if you shoot the XD in CDP I believe you have to load the mag's to 8.

That's correct.

Unless the stage design provides differently, you would start with 8 in the mag and one in the chamber. So with high cap mags, the first could have 9 rounds. All other mags would have 8.

 

[skinewmexico]

I liked my XD so much more than a Glock, I just shoot in ESP. Total time is total time if you want to razz someone.

 

[CatsEye]

I started shooting IDPA not long after purchasing my XD40. I didn't know at the time that would put me is ESP. On the club level it hasn't hampered me any though. If I were to make a purchase just for IDPA I would go with a M&P or Glock in 9mm with the M&P being my first choice.

 

[btg3]

Jason, if you have a carry pistol, I suggest you shoot that at your first IDPA, before making a purchase decision solely for IDPA. For that matter, some IDPA clubs prefer that you observe a match before you shoot, and that's another option before you make a purchase decision.

If you do not carry, but intend to, I suggest you first decide what pistol would be best for you to carry, and use the same at IDPA.

Since you are just getting started in competitive handgunning, and especially in IDPA, I suggest that you think in terms of competing with yourself and going for personal improvement, rather than trying to be competitive with other shooters.

FWIW, I use an M&P 9mm compact for CC and IDPA. If I were only shooting IDPA, I would not get the compact. Bigger/heavier pistols will fare better with recoil, sight radius, and sight-picture-recovery. As to caliber, if you shoot regularly, you will save enough in roughly a year with 9mm on your first gun, to pay for a 2nd gun. Of course, if you've got the money, you can just keep buying guns until you figure out what you like.

The first question you should answer for yourself is whether IDPA is the means to an end, or is IDPA the end to which you desire a means.

 

[Jim Watson]

If you have a remotely suitable gun, take it to a few matches to learn the ropes. I would let a beginner shoot a Makarov or a 6" .38 Special, for example, even though they are not technically qualified. Whatever it takes to get the new shooter hooked.

If you like the sport you then have three choices.
1. Buy a neat little hideout gun and exercise your carry weapon. You probably won't win, but you will be intimately familiar with the gun and as a bonus can quote pious platitudes about the purpose of IDPA.
2. Buy a full size service pistol that will enhance your match scores and carry something more convenient. Some Internet Experts will look down their noses at you, but if your carry gun is of the same action type as your match gun, you will not be giving up much capability at all. A G26 will shoot nearly as well as a G34 and is a lot easier to tote.
3. Buy a full size service pistol and use it for all purposes. After you have gained some experience and skill, this will make you a ranked competitor and a dangerous man to assault. Two of the best shooters in our club carry medium to large size pistols routinely, so there is no saying it can't be done.

Unless you handload, caliber should be 9mm. Less recoil, lower cost. And 9mm hollowpoints are worthwhile for self defense.

Don't worry about action type. As gunsmithing and shooting techniques have improved, the different divisions pretty much converge on the same scores. If you want an XD, get an XD and shoot it in ESP as required.