I own an XDM9, with 4,600 documented rounds through it. I have experienced 8 failures, all failures to eject and all usually after the gun had about 500 cast bullet handloads through it without cleaning or oiling.
I owned a Glock, which had a higher percentage of failures. I have friends who own Glocks and the reliability rate seems to be comparable to my XDM. I know some people with Glocks with over 1,000 rounds and no failures; others experience the occasional FTE. I can say the same for the XD.
I shoot Glocks well but I like the XD for the following reasons:
-it is cheaper than comparable Glock models
-it has a well-supported, conventionally rifled barrel
-it has metal sights that don't break off like stock Glock sights
-it has a very well-designed grip safety
-I prefer the trigger pull (opinion)
-I perfer the ergonomics (opinion)
-compact models come with extended magazines and compact mags
-there is a free 3 mag promotion on all new XDs now
-it has an ambidextrous mag release
-it has a slide release I can actually use
-reliability and accuracy are just as good as comparable Glock models
-XDs have not been subject to the same "product upgrades" (i.e. RECALLS) as have Glock models
-frame and rails actually feel sturdy, not flimsy (opinion)
-it has a loaded chamber indicator that you can actually see and feel
-it has a striker cocking status indicator that can be seen and felt
-.460 Rowland conversion availible for .45 models. It is not availible for the Glock, which indicates to me that the Glock is a weaker design.
-it has front cocking serrations standard
-it is availible with a SS slide
-it has a finish on the slide that does not feel like a non-stick frying pan
-cocking serrations feel better to me (opinion)
Reasons to go with a Glock:
-slightly lighter and more compact
-mags are cheaper (not counting SA promos)
-you can rebuild the entire gun yourself
-LE/Military promo offers will get you a gun for the same price as an XD
-availible in two more calibers than the XD (.380 and 10mm. XDs were briefly offered in the now defunct .45 GAP)
-slightly lower bore axis
-it has a few 22 LR conversions availible (which some consider to be a moot point, given that they usually cost more than a dedicated .22 LR pistol, but I'm trying to cover all bases)
The next reasons apply only to competition:
-Glock models are availible factory ported and with slide cutouts for competition
-Glock sponsors shooting matches wherein you can only use their guns
I've heard Glock owners say that they don't like the XD because of the grip safety, as though it somehow reaquires the adoption of a new manual of arms. The MOA for both guns is equally simple; pick up the gun and pull the trigger. Only the field stripping is slightly different, and is no more complicated with the XD.
The Glock is not a bad handgun. For me though, there is nothing a Glock can do that an XD can't do better and for less money.
