Author Topic: Springfield XD .45 ACP vs. 1911s (Read 364 times)

Halo · « **on:** November 26, 2006, 10:24:05 PM »

What do you think of the new Springfield XD .45 ACP? Better than a 1911? Not as good as a 1911? Do any 1911 owners consider the XD .45 ACP better than their 1911s?

If you could have only one .45 ACP pistol at a reasonable price ($400 to $800), the best value, the most for the money, what would it be?

As you can tell, I'm being inexorably drawn toward eventually buying a .45 pistol. I've fired a lot of rentals, and so far favor the Kimber Custom and the STI Eagle 5.0.

I prefer a steel 1911, but I'm trying to remain open to considering the so-called 21st century advantages of polymer and more modern mechanisms, e.g., I respect Glock but haven't come to love it, and the Springfield XD (a Croatian design) seems to be an improvement on at least some aspects of Glock, e.g., feeling more like a 1911.

Pricewise I'm a cheapskate. I hate to spend more than $300 on a gun. Kimbers and STI can top a grand. Some Springfield .45 pistols can be had around $500 including some nice accessories that usually are extra.

Are Springfields, XD or 1911, worth buying?

VOR · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2006, 10:32:11 PM »

A friend of mine just bought one of the XD Springfields in 45 caliber. We tool it out to give it a try and I brought along my 1911 just for fun. By the time we were out of ammo he wanted to trade but I refused

Anyway, Springfield makes some fine 1911s and always has. I'm fond of their newly produced GI-spec 1911A1s.

It all depends on what you want, really. If you want a traditional 45 that works well and has an established pedigree, get a 1911. If you want a pistol that you can hang all kinds of tacticool crap like flashlights, laser beams and those grenade launcher thingies from Aliens, go for the newer stuff.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2006, 10:35:12 PM »

For a pure carry gun, a Sig P-220. I don't like the DAO version.

For a carry and fun gun, a 1911. Lot's of ways to go here. The Dan Wesson Pointman is a nice 1911 pattern with a lot of top end custom features built in. The Springfield 1911 models are nice for a budget. And the Para Ordnance models are nice as well, you can even get a 14 shot version from Para Ordnance, if your hand likes the larger grip frame.

Maverick · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2006, 10:35:45 PM »

Springfields are good buys. You won't get the top of the line like Kimber but you aren't going to be spending the same $ for it either.

FWIW the springfiled IS a 1911. It does not have to say Colt on it to be a 1911 and frankly I don't think Colt builds them worth a darn anymore, especially when you figure the cost. The last Colt I bought was back in the 80's. I have 4 examples of the model so I do like the design.

For what you want to spend I think you'll do fine with the Springfield. Later on you can always mod it up with some race gun stuff.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2006, 11:17:05 PM »

Mav
Springfield has a new handgun thats polymer framed like the Glock, they call it the XD.

I agree about springfields, I own a ultra compact V10, (officer model 1911) and its a great little gun, it did have some issues but springfields customer service was top notch.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2006, 11:18:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Captain Virgil Hilts
For a pure carry gun, a Sig P-220. I don't like the DAO version.

For a carry and fun gun, a 1911. Lot's of ways to go here. The Dan Wesson Pointman is a nice 1911 pattern with a lot of top end custom features built in. The Springfield 1911 models are nice for a budget. And the Para Ordnance models are nice as well, you can even get a 14 shot version from Para Ordnance, if your hand likes the larger grip frame.

I agree with Savage 100% here.

I bought my sig 220 back in 93, and have fired tons of rounds through it over the years. Always works, and the only work it has needed is new springs(recoil&magazine).

Seraphim · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2006, 12:01:49 AM »

I was curious about the XD also,friend of mine wants to buy one. I have a Colt MKIV series 70, and I love it, so does he. Is it worth it? I mean, switching over to Springfield?

deSelys · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2006, 02:15:28 AM »

I tried a Para-Ordnance P14-45 last week during a IPSC training and it's sweeeeeeeet!

The grip is not as large as the double-stacked Glock or CZ. I could reach the mag and slide releases without moving my grip, and I have medium hands.

lazs2 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2006, 08:25:10 AM »

1911's are flat and have great triggers.

I like the Kimber and the Wilson combat. The springfields I have tried were all disapointing.

The new taurus may be good in a cheap 1911. They look like they have all the features of a custom 1911 for about $600

lazs

FX1 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2006, 10:09:07 AM »

The XD is having great success in the ipsc stock class. For the money i think its a good buy but i would look at the 9mm our 40 for the XD.. I have shot the 9 and it was a sweet shooter. If your going to purchase a 1911 that would be better than the XD your going to spend over $800 i think the XD run $550 ish. BTW i like them better than the sig..

Maverick · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2006, 11:11:38 AM »

GTO, thanks for the pic, it cleared up the confusion I had about the model.

It looks to be a clone of the Glock / Sigma. Frankly I'd go for the model (1911 or XD) that had the higher mag capacity if you are just going to shoot stock. If it's to be tuned up then the 1911 Springfield would be my choice. Lots of mods available to race it up.

storch · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2006, 11:24:11 AM »

I don't know that I would ever purchase any taurus autoloader. their revolvers work well though. it's hard to beat the kimber in a 1911 type autoloader they are very well made and very reliable......so far.

Halo · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2006, 12:00:32 PM »

I looked at a couple Taurus 94 .22 revolvers and shot one at the firing range -- it was awful, spraying particles and with a trigger pull too stiff to use in double action. Sours me on the whole brand.

storch · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2006, 12:34:25 PM »

the revolvers are made on smith and wesson tooling which taurus bought out many years ago. they produce them in the state of rio grande do sul which is basically german and italian type people and good craftsmen. the .38 and .357 models are fine but I'm not familiar with the .22 though.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2006, 05:54:06 PM »

Very much enjoy shooting my Springfield 1911. GI Milspec version.

Author Topic: Springfield XD .45 ACP vs. 1911s (Read 364 times)

storch

storch