XDm Elite 4.5" inital impressions

[James Fonteneaux]

Hello all. Here's a mini review after trading comments with @Buzznrose . I picked up my new 10mm XDm Elite 4.5" from the FFL Thursday and finally got around to taking it out today. I didn't stay out too long, it's over 100 here. I did shoot two full mags (15 round) of different ammo through it, plus a couple of mags downloaded to 5. I really like the fiber optic front sight. The trigger pull is short with little reset. I didn't shoot the best groups, but that's likely more on me. Always gotta have a flyer... I was shooting unsupported from 7 yards. Recoil is present, it's a 10mm, but not unmanageable. It comes with multiple backstraps so you can adjust it to your hand. I'm excited to take it out again when it's a little cooler. I'm also going to be trying out an optic on it. I'm interested in any suggestions/relevant experience on that front. Finally, this is a duty sized pistol. Andre the Giant or Shaq might be able to conceal carry it, but not me. I plan to use it as a hunting sidearm and for home defense.

 

[Jdague12]

As far as optics go, I spent about $80 on this from Amazon only because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be a fan of red dots or not. Surprisingly, I’m impressed with this one.

The full size of this pistol fits my large hands beautifully and recoil is not any worse than a 1911. This is one of my favorites to shoot. And I agree, this is not for CCW.

I nailed the 12”X18” target at 100 yards with it.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I picked up the 3.8" Compact model not long ago. I shot full power AA#9 loads through it. Agree, recoil isn't bad and I do intend to CC mine in winter, and carry it on the hip in the woods.

 

[James Fonteneaux]

I may look into getting the compact model as well.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Love my compact 3.8 model and carry it often. I got the OSP with the Hex red dot but prefer the iron sights better.

 

[sparkyv]

Good to see that SA is putting out a duty sized XDM 10mm again, this time in the Elite version. Very nice, James Fonteneaux.

 

[James Fonteneaux]

Thank you all for the feedback, I appreciate it. I went ahead an ordered the compact 3.8 model. I carry an M and P shield in .45 ACP now, this will get me more rounds and not feel like sandpaper on my side. I'll keep looking into the sights. I have a slight astigmatism in my dominant eye, so I actually see green dots better, but I've got new glasses coming, so we'll see. Thanks again

 

[Styx]

Thank you all for the feedback, I appreciate it. I went ahead an ordered the compact 3.8 model. I carry an M and P shield in .45 ACP now, this will get me more rounds and not feel like sandpaper on my side. I'll keep looking into the sights. I have a slight astigmatism in my dominant eye, so I actually see green dots better, but I've got new glasses coming, so we'll see. Thanks again

So did you get the 3.8 yet? What's your thoughts on it?

 

[James Fonteneaux]

Yes, and I took it out on the 4th and made some noise with it. I like the feel of it in my hand a little better than the full size. I shot it a tad better than the larger one too. Don't know that I'll be winning any competitions anytime soon, but it's certainly minute of badguy.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Yes, and I took it out on the 4th and made some noise with it. I like the feel of it in my hand a little better than the full size. I shot it a tad better than the larger one too. Don't know that I'll be winning any competitions anytime soon, but it's certainly minute of badguy.

My XDM Elite shot way better than the full size XDM I owned in the past. The larger XDM no longer resides in my collection

 

[Styx]

Yes, and I took it out on the 4th and made some noise with it. I like the feel of it in my hand a little better than the full size. I shot it a tad better than the larger one too. Don't know that I'll be winning any competitions anytime soon, but it's certainly minute of badguy.

My XDM Elite shot way better than the full size XDM I owned in the past. The larger XDM no longer resides in my collection

Very interesting. What do you attribute that to? I reckon the only difference is a slight longer slide/barrel and sight radius and a slightly longer grip.

 

[James Fonteneaux]

Well, I feel I would be remiss if I didn't share a picture of what I'm working with for a shooting hand.

This is the result of an ATV accident over a decade ago that broke my first two fingers badly and ended up with the amputation of my index finger. I'm sharing this as is pertinent to hand fit and how my assessment of that is likely different from someone else's. For me, the compact just fits right in my hand. I attribute that mainly to the grip length, on the compact, it's just right. It's also comfortable shooting it left handed. Still working on the eye dominance part of shooting lefty though. So my handgunning is a work in progress. I enjoy it, though and practice when I can.



These are from the 4th, pretty much same setup as before. The yellow one was both hands with different points of aim across 40rounds or so. Always room for improvement. Next outing, I may try bench resting it. Thanks for yall's interest.

 

[Y-T71]

Well, I feel I would be remiss if I didn't share a picture of what I'm working with for a shooting hand.View attachment 1088719 View attachment 1088720

This is the result of an ATV accident over a decade ago that broke my first two fingers badly and ended up with the amputation of my index finger. I'm sharing this as is pertinent to hand fit and how my assessment of that is likely different from someone else's. For me, the compact just fits right in my hand. I attribute that mainly to the grip length, on the compact, it's just right. It's also comfortable shooting it left handed. Still working on the eye dominance part of shooting lefty though. So my handgunning is a work in progress. I enjoy it, though and practice when I can.

View attachment 1088721 View attachment 1088722

These are from the 4th, pretty much same setup as before. The yellow one was both hands with different points of aim across 40rounds or so. Always room for improvement. Next outing, I may try bench resting it. Thanks for yall's interest.

Well, I'm not a doctor nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night but, I'd say that's some pretty good shooting!

Also a good review.

 

[James Fonteneaux]

Well, I'm not a doctor nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night but, I'd say that's some pretty good shooting!

Also a good review.

Thanks!

 

[Spats McGee]

Well, I feel I would be remiss if I didn't share a picture of what I'm working with for a shooting hand.....I'm sharing this as is pertinent to hand fit and how my assessment of that is likely different from someone else's.....

James, you win The Understatement of the Day Award.

Your shooting is just fine, no matter how many fingers ya got!

 

[James Fonteneaux]

James, you win The Understatement of the Day Award.

Your shooting is just fine, no matter how many fingers ya got!

Thank you sir!