imported post
kmcdowel wrote:
Thanks for all your input. It seems that the consensus here and elsewhere that the XD is much preferred. It is a very popular gun right now, so accessories will be easy to find and probably cheaper than others.
There are so many different models...which to choose? What are the differences b/w the compact 4" and the service 4"? Is it just the height?
And, is the height the same on the 4" compact and 5" compact, and the length the only difference?
So, it seems these are the choices (right)? Service Model 4", Compact 4", Tactical 5", Compact 5" and lastly the Sub-Compact 3"
Which do you recommend? I know this is more a matter of a personal preference...
Firstly, the sub-compact is not available in .45 so that is right out.
The service models are all 4" barrels. The tactical models are all 5" barrels. So in .45 you can get a service, compact service, tactical or compact tactical (although not stated that way on their web site that is generally the way I see them discussed - the web site kept adding things as the new models came and they didn't appear to change the prior entries to make the .45 nomenclature consistent with the other calibers).
The difference between the service/tactical and the compact is the grip length. The compact grip is about 3/4" shorter than the standard grip. It comes with a 10 rd and a 13 rd magazine. The 13 rd mag has a grip sleeve on it that, when loaded into the pistol, extends the grip to the standard length. Having fired standard grip models and the compact with sleeve, they do feel the same and unless your pinky landed right on the groove between the grip and the sleeve, I don't think there is any noticable difference. The 3/4" reduction in grip length with the 10 rd mag makes a surprising difference in concealability. I got a compact service because I CC frequently.
The frames on the service and tactical models are exactly the same. You can take a tactical slide assembly and put it on a service frame and vice versa. The only difference between the two is the slide/barrel length.
Which model you choose is going to depend on how you are going to use and carry the pistol and comfort for your body. If I only OC I would have bought a tactical model, for example. The service compact is nice because it really is, in many ways, two guns in one. I always use the 13rd mag when I OC, rarely use it when I CC. I always carry 13rd mags for additional ammo/mag regardless. I only shoot with the 10 rd mags enough to ensure proficiency with the shorter grip, the rest of the time I use the 13 rd for comfort. Lastly, if you spend any time in areas that only allow a 10 rd magazine, you may want to get a compact so that you have that option.