Springfield XDm 45 Compact

[PBratton]

So, I stayed up late surfing last night and placed an order for the XDm Compact. Dunno, it just happened, like I was under someone elses control... (that's my story anyway)

Looking forward to playing with it soon.

Now, I will freely admit that I am a spoiled 1911 guy and am used to a really nice trigger.

So, my question for all of you veteran XDm owners is this: How's your trigger? It is worth the extra $150 investment to get a 'drop in' set?

Was also thinking about night sights. Any advice?

[Roccodawg]

So, I stayed up late surfing last night and placed an order for the XDm Compact. Dunno, it just happened, like I was under someone elses control... (that's my story anyway)

Looking forward to playing with it soon.

Now, I will freely admit that I am a spoiled 1911 guy and am used to a really nice trigger.

So, my question for all of you veteran XDm owners is this: How's your trigger? It is worth the extra $150 investment to get a 'drop in' set?

Was also thinking about night sights. Any advice?

Best defensive handgun I've owned, considering I just bout it. Admittedly, I've carried and shot quite a few Glocks, but a good amount of shooting my neighbor's SA's products and I was sold. I went down and got the new XDm .45 ACP Compact 3.8" two days ago and have 200 rounds through it thus far. I didn't anticipate such accuracy out of the short barrel/short sight radius, but am absolutely blown away at the accuracy. I could go on and on, but it's a superb firearm. I won't go quite so far as to call it a tack driver, but I shoot it considerably more accurately than I do any of my other longer barrel pistols with longer SR's - period. My only negative comment, which I've now learned is common as a new SA owner is that the 9 round magazines rattles when fully loaded. All of the forums say it's normal, but to me, there's nothing "normal" about it; it seems like a poor design if you ask me. Take the 9th round out, thus reducing it to 8 rounds and no problem. For the record, the 13 round mag doesn't do that....I've already initiated a warranty email requesting a new 9 round mag from SA; we'll see how they reply. Otherwise, incredibly accurate - cleaned it out of the box and drilled a ragged hole through the target out to 10 yards with the first 150 rounds.....2-2 1/2" groups off hand at 15 yards, and I consider myself an average marksman....fine weapon.

Now that I'm finished slobbering - to your questions: yes, I intend to send it back for the trigger job and the night sights. I realize all of the arguments against doing so, but their combat/defensive job only takes it from 5.5 to 4.5 lbs, which I think would be ideal....at least for me. The night sights I could slap on myself in 2 minutes, but while Springfield has it, I figure what the heck. The newest XDm line already has reduced uptake and a better reset than do earlier models, so overall; it's a nice trigger out of the box. If you're a 1911 guy, I'll be interested to see how this compares in terms of accuracy from your perspective....I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised.

[straybrit]

If you're a 1911 guy, I'll be interested to see how this compares in terms of accuracy from your perspective....I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised.

Hmm - my Kimber TLE II will hold a 3" group at 50yds from sandbags (3.5 lb trigger, standard barrel but refitted to ensure better lock-up, 200g swc), my XDm 45 compact struggles to maintain 6" at 25 yds, at least one out of every mag is a flyer (10" or more). The standard trigger doesn't help - but I'm not sure I want a match trigger on a carry gun. With the adrenaline pumping I suspect that I wouldn't have the finger control to deal with it.

Just my opinion - YMMV.

Derek

[Roccodawg]

If you're a 1911 guy, I'll be interested to see how this compares in terms of accuracy from your perspective....I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised.

Hmm - my Kimber TLE II will hold a 3" group at 50yds from sandbags (3.5 lb trigger, standard barrel but refitted to ensure better lock-up, 200g swc), my XDm 45 compact struggles to maintain 6" at 25 yds, at least one out of every mag is a flyer (10" or more). The standard trigger doesn't help - but I'm not sure I want a match trigger on a carry gun. With the adrenaline pumping I suspect that I wouldn't have the finger control to deal with it.

Just my opinion - YMMV.

Derek

I wouldn't know what the XDm would do at the distances you're referring to; the work I do with my carry weapon is largely confined to more realistic defensive distances - always at or less than 15 yds, and not bullseye distances....No doubt the two are in different leagues. I agree with your comment about not having a match trigger on a carry weapon; I'm just not sure I consider 4.5 lbs a match trigger. SA has specifically developed that trigger package as a carry option and I think it's a pretty nice compromise. I have yet to shoot a polymer pistol with a barrel as short as 3.8" in .45 ACP that's any more accurate that this one....that's all I'm sayin'.

Cheers,

[straybrit]

Don't think I'm knocking the gun - I love mine.

SA has specifically developed that trigger package as a carry option and I think it's a pretty nice compromise

I would heartily agree with this - I think it's a lovely balance between control and 'knowing that you're pulling it'. I was just commenting on the accuracy difference between this and a 1911.

always at or less than 15 yds, and not bullseye distances

Yeah - well, I normally practice with the XDm after a bullseye session and I'm too lazy to change ranges to one with a target closer than 25 yds :-)

Derek

[Lumberjack98]

YES it is worth the money for a trigger job. My advice is to send it off. I've tried both the drop in and sending it off, and having them do the work is much, MUCH better.

I recommend either Spring Precision or Canyon Creek. Scott and Rich both do incredible work and you won't be disappointed.

[straybrit]

Just to briefly update this - I decided to see how good a group it would hold this morning. Using ball ammo at 25yds, unsupported, 2 hands, not hurrying - taking 12-15 seconds for 9 shots it will nicely put 90% of the shots in a ragged 3" hole and the others were poor trigger control. That's with 100 rounds.

Colour me impressed - this is one accurate little gun.

[PBratton]

Shot mine yesterday for the first time and I am thoughly impressed with this pistol.

Accuracy and controlability is superb.

I'll state it again, I am a spoiled 1911 shooter. This handgun has a remarkably familiar feel to me. The point and shot placement was effortless for me and required no adjustment in my grip or aiming technique.

I am sure that it will quickly become one of my favorites.

As far as the trigger goes, it will be on my list of updates, right below night sights.

[varko]

Great gun. No complaints about the trigger at all. Shot four different kinds of ammo flawlessly. Only issue I had (due to operator error) was a couple of times my thumb pushed up against the slide-stop and prevented the gun from cycling properly. Only real complaint (a very minor one); the grip texture begins to sting a little after about 150 rounds or so.

Most comfortable .45 I’ve ever carried. No rattle from 9 round mag.