XDS 45 vs G36

[jmra]

Was wondering if anyone has compared these two firearms. I had a G36 for a while and didn't like the recoil. I found myself having to reacquire target after each shot. Second round of double tap was very high. Because of this I went back to my G23 as my EDC.
Now I'm looking for a slimmer framed EDC. Most of my stock pile of ammo is either .40 or .45 so 9mm is out. I have been looking at the PPS in .40 but I would be interested in the XDS if the recoil is less than the G36.

[C-dub]

I don't know what to tell you. You're the first person that I've heard of that favored a .40 over a .45 because of the recoil. Maybe it's got something to do with being a single stack compared to the double stack G23. It doesn't sound like you have ever fired an XDS-45. Have you thought about the G30 or G30SF?

[jmra]

I don't know what to tell you. You're the first person that I've heard of that favored a .40 over a .45 because of the recoil. Maybe it's got something to do with being a single stack compared to the double stack G23. It doesn't sound like you have ever fired an XDS-45. Have you thought about the G30 or G30SF?

Haven't shot any of the three you mention. I like the G23 a lot just want something slimmer to carry on occasions when it's hard to dress around the G23. I assume the G30 is the same width as the G23. Guess I just need to go to the range and rent a few guns.

[C-dub]

I don't know what to tell you. You're the first person that I've heard of that favored a .40 over a .45 because of the recoil. Maybe it's got something to do with being a single stack compared to the double stack G23. It doesn't sound like you have ever fired an XDS-45. Have you thought about the G30 or G30SF?

Haven't shot any of the three you mention. I like the G23 a lot just want something slimmer to carry on occasions when it's hard to dress around the G23. I assume the G30 is the same width as the G23. Guess I just need to go to the range and rent a few guns.

The G30 is 32.5mm and the G23 is 30mm. The G36 is 28.5mm. Unfortunately, the G30 is 2.5mm wider than the G23, while the G23 is only 1.5mm wider than the G36. It's not very much, but certainly noticeable even when just looking at them or holding them. Someone around here said that looking down the slide of the double stack .45 Glocks is like looking down the deck of an aircraft carrier. I thought that was funny and possibly why I like them so much since I was in an air-wing and worked on the flight deck. Anyway, I've not fired a G36 so I'm don't know if it feels like my G30SF at all.

[CC Italian]

I have shot all three you mentioned and to me the xds has more recoil then the G36. I could shoot the G 36 all day but probably not the xds. I also shot some +P in the xds and I would say the xds recoils harder then the pps in .40.It has been a long while sense I shot a pps .40. But like others have said the recoil in .45 vs .40 is subjective. The xds I think had more force with +P then the pps 40 but the pps snapped up a little more in my hand if that makes any sense. Both still have less recoil then my j-frame .38 if that helps any.

And the g36 feels nothing like the 30sf in the hand. I like the way the 36 feels but it is still pretty big. The xds is smaller then both the 36 and 30sf imo. The pps felt smaller the the xds. The pps 9mm is one of my favorite single stacks.

Edit. Let me put it this way the pps was a little thinner. How thin the gun is and how long the grip is makes all the difference. I would try and see if you could go 9mm honestly if you want less recoil. Try a shield (if you can ever find one) or PPS.

[Excaliber]

Here's the math:

Small, light gun + cartridge that starts with a "4" = snappy recoil

Same cartridge + heavier gun = tamer recoil

The small, light guns that are easy to carry and conceal are harder to shoot accurately when fired rapidly.

The heavier, less comfortable, harder to conceal guns are substantially easier to shoot accurately when fired rapidly.

It's physics, and there is no free lunch.

Among guns firing the same cartridge and with similar loaded weight, the difference in perceived recoil is due primarily to the ergonomics of the grip and the height of the bore above the axis of the forearm. A gun with a low bore axis that fits your hand well will feel better recoil wise than one that isn't so configured, and the effect is subjective because we all have different hands.

[hpcatx]

See if you can fire someone's XDs. To me, it has less perceived recoil than larger, heavier 45s and you may be pleasantly surprised. I also like the angle of the XDs grip more than that of Glocks, so it was an easy decision when looking for a single stack, polymer 45 for carry.

[jmra]

See if you can fire someone's XDs. To me, it has less perceived recoil than larger, heavier 45s and you may be pleasantly surprised. I also like the angle of the XDs grip more than that of Glocks, so it was an easy decision when looking for a single stack, polymer 45 for carry.

Have a LEO friend who has one just have to find time to shoot it.

[The Annoyed Man]

Here's the math:

Small, light gun + cartridge that starts with a "4" = snappy recoil

Same cartridge + heavier gun = tamer recoil

The small, light guns that are easy to carry and conceal are harder to shoot accurately when fired rapidly.

The heavier, less comfortable, harder to conceal guns are substantially easier to shoot accurately when fired rapidly.

It's physics, and there is no free lunch.

Among guns firing the same cartridge and with similar loaded weight, the difference in perceived recoil is due primarily to the ergonomics of the grip and the height of the bore above the axis of the forearm. A gun with a low bore axis that fits your hand well will feel better recoil wise than one that isn't so configured, and the effect is subjective because we all have different hands.

Good compromise:


http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CW40.asp

CW40

CW4043 (3.6" Barrel)
Black polymer frame, matte stainless slide
MSRP: $485.00
Ships with one magazine only

Caliber: .40 S&W
Capacity: 6+1
Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel: 3.6", conventional rifling; 1-16 right-hand twist
Length O/A: 6.36"
Height: 4.62"
Slide Width: .94"
Weight: Pistol 16.8 ounces, Magazine 1.9 ounces
Grips: Textured polymer
Sights: Drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight
Finish: Black polymer frame, matte stainless steel slide
Magazines: 1 - 6 rd, Stainless

These are narrow, single-stack pistols. I have the CW45 .45 ACP version of this pistol and like it very much. My wife has the CW9 9mm version which is her EDC. They shoot very well, and the recoil is easily controlled.

[benenglishtx]

See if you can fire someone's XDs. To me, it has less perceived recoil than larger, heavier 45s and you may be pleasantly surprised. I also like the angle of the XDs grip more than that of Glocks, so it was an easy decision when looking for a single stack, polymer 45 for carry.

Seconded. I have an XDs and like it very much.

I find it a bit problematic to shoot in stock configuration; there's not enough handle for my fat paws to get a grip on. I feel the same way about the G36 with which I have had only a small amount of experience. Both are decent choices though, of the two, I'd pick the XDs.

So if it's only a "decent choice", why did I lead off by saying I like the XDs? Because the entire character of the pistol changes when you insert one of the extended mags with their attached grip extensions. Yes, that configuration takes them out of the realm of "pocket pistol" but turns it into the best-feeling-to-shoot carryable .45 I've ever experienced. I substantially prefer it to 1911s. (Heresy, yes, but I've never been a huge enthusiast of the 1911 except for formal target shooting where it has certain distinct advantages.) It just fits my hand better. Clearly, this is an ergonomic advantage that is entirely dependent on the configuration of my hand. Someone else may hate the XDs and say it feels all wrong.

However, if someone is looking for a .45 to carry in an IWB holster that can be easily and reversibly altered to fit a pocket holster, the XDs is made to order. If they just want something to go on the belt, they'd be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't try an XDs with a long magazine and grip extension.

To my mind and hand, this is the size that a .45 should be. A 1911 is needlessly large and thick. Anything smaller is uncomfortably less shootable. I actually wish they made a long-grip version so that the extended magazines would drop free without me having to flare open the bottom of my dominant hand when I drop the mag. To me, that would be the ultimate in a "size-efficient" .45.

tl;dr version: It was my XDs that turned me into a .45 guy.

[blackgold]

I recently purchased an XDS as well. I'm pretty fond of the gun. I LOVE it with the extended mag for the range. I truck carry currently and keep the short mag in it for that. I do shoot with both mags to keep the familiarity with the short but prefer the extended for control. I will say after enough rounds my wrists feel this gun but it's worth it.
Brian

[Redneck_Buddha]

IWB, the XDs is insanely concealable. I just wear my regular sized polo untucked with not even a trace of a print (with the 5 round magazine). Large caliber, small package. Love it!

[jmra]

Ok, I'm sold on the XDs. Now to find one that is priced somewhere close to MRSP.

[Redneck_Buddha]

Ok, I'm sold on the XDs. Now to find one that is priced somewhere close to MRSP.

I paid $550 for an all black just before the panic buying, and $440 for an XD 9sc from a private FFL in mid-January. There are deals, you just have to be patient and persistent. Look for a place that has a track record of getting them in because they are being produced and distributed -- just not fast enough.

Best of luck!!

[blackgold]

I got my bitone for 570? maybe 580 at academy. If you're serious about one, call your academy(ies) and see when their shipments show up, seems like different stores are on different days. call at 8 when they open on those days and ask if they got one in. Sometimes they will hold it for you for a bit. That seems to be more by store/associate though than anything else.
Good luck and enjoy it!
Brian