Springfield Armory: XD-45 VS 1911?

Which would you pick?

  • XD-45 Tactical

    Votes: 82 51.9%
  • 1911 Mil-Spec

    Votes: 76 48.1%

  • Total voters
    158
Status
Not open for further replies.
You admitted a liking for the XD. Go with what your gut wants first, and what your brain wants later--you shouldn't have to "reason" with yourself to like a firearm.
 
Yep and the FLGR and plug aren't difficult or expensive to replace. I did so with both my Kimber and my Dan Wesson. I don't see any advantage to the FLGR and I prefer to have my 1911s "GI disassembly" (I even replaced the hex grip screws on both pistols with slotted screws). May seem goofy to others but works for me.
I did the same with all of my Kimbers. Short guide rods, slotted screws for the grips and mag catch.
 
Agreeable Addemdum

Although I explained that I grab an XD for those noises in the night, I absolutely agree that every man should own a 1911...and learn how to use it.
 
Yes the XD is a great pistol
Yes everyone should own at least one 1911 (altough 6 is a better number)

Buy the XD then start saving for your 1911. The reason for this is that Springfield is going to start putting a stupid safety on the XD but you will be able to buy a non lawyerized 1911 in the future.
 
Have and XD45C Tactical and just love it. Got it because most decent 1911s have gotten way to expensive. Like both and shoot both well. 1911 much easier to CCW than XD45, even in the compact version.:)
 
Buy the XD then start saving for your 1911. The reason for this is that Springfield is going to start putting a stupid safety on the XD but you will be able to buy a non lawyerized 1911 in the future.

You can still purchase an XD with or without the thumb safety. It is 100% completely optional. "Non Lawyerized" 1911's are becoming rare. There are only a few 1911's left that don't have a series 80 safety.
 
This was a difficult decision, since I have both a 4" 1911 & a 4" XD45. The reason I chose the XD in your list is that the other listed was a low end gun. I have had one of those as well.

The XD definately offers more firepower in it's round carrying capability, though the grip is a bit larger to accomodate those extra rounds. Having the gun loaded, one in the chamber and two extra mags gives you 40 rounds. The XD weighs 30oz.empty and is extremely comfortable to shoot. It is extremely accurate with Federal 230gr. Hydrashoks.

The 4" 1911, mine is a Wilson Combat Professional weighs 36oz. empty and feels natural in my hand, but then I grew up shooting a 1911. The Professional is extremely accurate and though it only holds 8 rounds in the mag, I feel that it is adequate in most defensive situations. Having the gun loaded, one in the chamber and two extra mags gives you 25 rounds.

I have high end leather holsters for both and carry them IWB. I find myself carrying them both on an equal basis these days. Both feel about the same after 8-10hrs of carry.
 
Not to nit pick, however the statement above is not correct. The XD you list has a four inch barrel, not the five inch of the 1911. I own an XD45 4" and two 1911s. The XD lives in my bedside table drawer as I prefer the larger magazine capacity. The 1911s go to the range with me for IPSC and other fun stuff.

Not to nit-pick, but his question was centered around the XD45 TACTICAL, which does have the 5" barrell...I have the same pistol and wouldn't trade it for anything!
 
If Sk1etor is correct and the XD thumb safety is optional I change my opinion. I love my XD but everyone should have a 1911.

The reasons are similar as to why my daughter's first handgun was a .357 revolver. Simple, versatile, teaches disipline, shot placement and economy.

I hereby change my vote. Buy the weapons that you have to have before you buy the ones you want to have.
 
Last edited:
I am a 1911 kind of guy. But I have no use whatever for a milspec 1911.

In my eyes it's like buying a 6 cylinder Mustang. What's the use?
 
The XD grip safety is not optional. What will be optional is the thumb safety they are adding.

I have an XD Tactical and used to have a mil-spec 1911.

The XD has a higher capacity and IMO superior reliability. However, I would buy the standard model XD if doing so again. The extra length barrel is somewhat limiting IMO unless you just want a big pistol. I thought I heard the longer barrel smooths the recoil, but I don't know.

The 1911 mil-spec is a great gun and fun to shoot, but it won't be as reliable without seeing what ammo works best and being careful. I have no doubt that many 1911's out there have great accuracy and reliability, but mil-spec is a low end budget 1911. I am sure you can find ammo and such to make it reliable for you, but IMO, the XD is much more forgiving in that department.

I sold my mil-spec last year. I think I will get another 1911 in the future, but it will be a higher end model if at all possible.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top