Move Over Kahr, there is a new Sheriff in Town in .45 ACP

[CPTKILLER]

This is my new Springfield-Armory XD Mod.2 .45 ACP Sub-Compact Pistol. I got it as a more powerful pistol than a 9mm with the caveat that it have similar capacity to my H&K P30SK. It seems to fit the bill nicely.
I got a new Black Arch Holster that is breathable with a Kydex shell. The holster is comfortable with the right magazine. In my case, it is the flush magazine.
The flush magazine holds 9 rounds +1 in the tube. The full size magazine or extended magazine holds 13 rounds +1 in the tube.
Spec's:
1. Barrel length 3.3"
2. Overall length 6.5"
3. Height 4.5" with the flush magazine and 5.5" for the full size magazine
4. Grip width 1.20"
5. Weight empty with flush magazine 26 ozs. and full size magazine 27 ozs.
Moving to the firing. Due to time and light, I only fired Winchester white box 230 gr. FMJ. The pistol was 100% reliable. The sights were extremely visible and some of the best that I have fired. From my perspective at a metal target, it was fun to shoot and accurate.
The recoil was a perceived concern in a small and light polymer pistol. The reality was quite different. It was comfortable and easy to use with the revised grip design. I found that follow up shots were quick and easy.
The trigger was also a pleasant surprise. It was better than I expected. It was smooth and easy to use. It certainly contributed to the positive shooting experience.
Disassembly and cleaning was remarkably easy, probably as easy or easier than any pistol I own. It can be disassembled very quickly with no tools. It make pistol maintenance a pleasure.
My goal has been met. It will be my new carry pistol.

[wyntrout]

Thanks for the report. Congrats!
I have a G30S that I've carried a few times, but I can't forget it's there, as I can with my P-series Kahrs. I'm more comfortable with single-stack carry and an extra mag in a carrier on the opposite side. Traveling and sleeping in my van, I leave my P40 holstered and I can sleep on my back... not too "lumpy". :-D
I did have an XD45 Tactical... probably the largest semi-auto I ever had and it shoot great, but it was too big for CC... for me, and it's replacement the G21 SF is, too.
I did try the small, single-stack XD45, but stuck with my Kahr PM45, which I swapped for a P45. :)

[yqtszhj]

Nice. I have the XDm .45 compact w/ the 3.8 inch barrel. Like you said they are very good shooters and recoil isn't bad. The trigger is super smooth and I like the fact that a 13 round mag with the grip sleeve gives a hold just like the full size. Its a tack driver too. Nice that you got the 3.3 inch barrel for carry too.

Looking at my round count log I only have 550 rounds through mine. Sounds like time to take it out for a spin.

[gb6491]

Nice looking pistol:cool: Thanks for the write up on ithttp://www.pic4ever.com/images/13.gif

I have an XD-S that I like for the most part, but a thing that bothers me about it is that if it is pressed slightly out of battery when a round is chambered in it, it will not return to battery of it's own accord. This does not happen with my full size XD in 45, my CW45, or my Shield in 45.

So, if I may, a question for you folks that have a compact or sub compact XD/XDM: do they return to full battery on their own if pushed slightly out of battery?

Regards,
Greg

[Ikeo74]

I have a XDS 9mm and a XDS 45, and haven't tried that on either one because they always go back in battery normally. The only out of battery situations I have had was with a couple of my own reloads being out of spec and causing the problem. But I will try pushing it out and see what happens. When yours does it, is it loaded at the time or unloaded? I want to try to duplicate your problem with both of my XDS's.

[gb6491]

I have a XDS 9mm and a XDS 45, and haven't tried that on either one because they always go back in battery normally. The only out of battery situations I have had was with a couple of my own reloads being out of spec and causing the problem. But I will try pushing it out and see what happens. When yours does it, is it loaded at the time or unloaded? I want to try to duplicate your problem with both of my XDS's.
Loaded and chambered: https://youtu.be/jFMe_9xK2CU
I appreciate you giving this a look.
Regards,
Greg

[Ikeo74]

Did the test: XDS 9mm always went back in battery. XDs 45 did what yours is doing. Took the mag out of the gun, the problem went away. I am thinking the upward pressure of the mag is causing too much pressure for the recoil spring to overcome. This never happens while shooting the gun.. So maybe the recoil spring could be just a little stiffer or the mag spring a little weaker. Out of battery during normal use has never been a problem for me and it only happens when I do the test, not while unholstering or reholstering.

[gb6491]

Did the test: XDS 9mm always went back in battery. XDs 45 did what yours is doing. Took the mag out of the gun, the problem went away. I am thinking the upward pressure of the mag is causing too much pressure for the recoil spring to overcome. This never happens while shooting the gun.. So maybe the recoil spring could be just a little stiffer or the mag spring a little weaker. Out of battery during normal use has never been a problem for me and it only happens when I do the test, not while holstering or reholstering.
Thanks for checking! It's never caused an in use issue for me either, but it does bug me some. I was hoping it would go away when I modified the slide so that you don't have to man handle it to chamber a round, but alas, it remained.

FWIW, I've had Alfonse's metal striker guide in my XD-S for a while now and have had no issues with it. Though I didn't have the OEM plastic one break on me, I prefer Al's version.

Regards,
Greg

[MMyers1970]

I have an XDS .45. It's a very good shooter--reliable,accurate, and it came in the bi-tone configuration so it matched my Kahrs. The trigger is OK, the aftermarket is strong,and it is a .45. My only problem with it is the bore axis is pretty high and I find that makes the recoil pretty snappy for a .45.

[Ikeo74]

Greg,
I am thinking that the problem will go away by itself after more rounds downrange or a little more lube at the friction areas.

[yqtszhj]

Nice looking pistol:cool: Thanks for the write up on ithttp://www.pic4ever.com/images/13.gif

I have an XD-S that I like for the most part, but a thing that bothers me about it is that if it is pressed slightly out of battery when a round is chambered in it, it will not return to battery of it's own accord. This does not happen with my full size XD in 45, my CW45, or my Shield in 45.

So, if I may, a question for you folks that have a compact or sub compact XD/XDM: do they return to full battery on their own if pushed slightly out of battery?

Regards,
Greg

My XDm .45 3.8 compact would do that and it bugged me. I followed some instructions Harrylee posted (where has he been, probably shooting .45's and inventing something cool) about polishing where the barrel hood meets the left side of the slide at the breechface I think but cant remember for sure. Now I have to work hard to make it happen, like have it dirty, no lube, and let the slide go forward real slow. Even then the slightest movement of the firearm sends it into battery like it should be so I pretty much call it resolved.

I'm wondering if part of it is maybe an under powered recoil Spring?

[gb6491]

Greg,
I am thinking that the problem will go away by itself after more rounds downrange or a little more lube at the friction areas.
I hope so, but I've quite a few rounds through this one already. I practiced a lot with it and carried it when my CW45 was having the frame replaced. It's not failed me, just bugs me.


My XDm .45 3.8 compact would do that and it bugged me. I followed some instructions Harrylee posted (where has he been, probably shooting .45's and inventing something cool) about polishing where the barrel hood meets the left side of the slide at the breechface I think but cant remember for sure. Now I have to work hard to make it happen, like have it dirty, no lube, and let the slide go forward real slow. Even then the slightest movement of the firearm sends it into battery like it should be so I pretty much call it resolved.

I'm wondering if part of it is maybe an under powered recoil Spring?
Thanks for binging that up:) I broke the sharp edges of the barrel where it contacts the breech face after reading his post. I've also polished any contact spots I've found, but none of that seemed to help.

BTW, HarryLee seems to be alive and kicking as a new video was posted on his YouTube channel a few days ago...a sharp man that one.

Regards,
Greg

[DJK11]

I've had an xd9-sc for more than eight years with a ton of rounds through it. Nice shooter and only a couple of malfunctions with hand loads. The locking/trigger block cracked after a few thousand rounds. When speaking to a guy at Springfield he said it's a very popular pistol and they get requests for a 45 version. Hence the Mod2 version.

I purchased the Mod2 in 45 and sold it after about six months. It's the same as my xd9-sc way too much muzzel flip compared to my PM45. The xd9-sc gets sold tomorrow. They are nice pistols but for me it's time to move on.

[Bawanna]

My much loved Remington 1911 still doesn't go into battery after a soft press check either. I can shake it and it will go, touch it with my thumb, goes in easy, just catches if you let it down easy.

[Harrylee]

Don’t you worry I will be there tomorrow, my mind is burning with ideas!

[GLOCKROCKER]

I had one and could never get that warm and fuzzy about it. Sold it to my barber. Glad it's working for you. I actually shot it very well, just didn't feel right to me and didn't like the way it carried IWB. But that's just me. Enjoy your Mod2!

[Barth]

Nice 45.
I so wish Kahr would make a K45...
For now my MK40 Elite fills this role.

[mr surveyor]

several years ago I bought the XDS45 believing it would make a good carry gun. In the first two weeks I had it the gun was a really great shooter and saw a coupld hundred reloads. The day the "safety recall" was announced I figured I had enough carry guns to get me through the recall time and sent the XDS back the next morning. That was going to be an excellent (as far as a plastic gun can be considered) carry gun with a very smooth 5.9 lb., crisp break trigger. Some six weeks later, after the recall/refurb return, it came back with a very nasty, gritty, 9 lb. trigger and in no way felt like the same gun. I sold it (for a whole $20 loss) the next week and haven't bought a handgun since. After going in the hole in dealing with strange medical issues for the last three years, there was/is nothing left to fund a new gun. I wish the XDS would have worked out, but the return funds from it bought a new chrony, reloading components and a few other fun things.

That all seems like a lifetime ago, and in some respects I suppose it is.


jd

[Harrylee]

OK guys I’ve been looking at this problem and this is what I did to make it work on my XDM Compact 45, I do believe this should work for the XDS 45. This is an exclusive video for all of you it’s a unlisted video so no search will bring it up, you need the exact address to this video so now you can hear me rant on about SPRINGFIELD but I think this will help others with the same problem. This was the best way for me to describe this, funny thing is that the 9mm doesn’t seem to have this problem as far as I know. Good luck

Here's Greg's vid first https://youtu.be/jFMe_9xK2CU


Here's mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18y61SFMGUo

[DJK11]

Thanks for sharing the spring gauge. I made a similar gizmo from a fish scale but mounted the scale on wood clamped to the bench vice, used different diameter rods for different springs. I would compress the springs to 90% and take the reading.

[ltxi]

My much loved Remington 1911 still doesn't go into battery after a soft press check either. I can shake it and it will go, touch it with my thumb, goes in easy, just catches if you let it down easy.

And when was the last time you replaced the spring? :yo:

[berettabone]

Anyone handled the new XDe model????????????Hooray!!!! No grip safety!!!!!! Bout time Springfield............

[Bawanna]

And when was the last time you replaced the spring? :yo:

Well the spring never really crossed my mind since it's not been shot much and still not very old but that's not to say the spring wasn't up to snuff out of the box.

I think I got some Wilson test springs in various weights, perhaps I'll try those and see if I have a more harmonious outcome.

[Bawanna]

I put in a fresh 20# recoil spring, didn't help. If I just cycle it half the chamber opening and let it go it goes into battery just fine.
Let it down easy stealth mode and it hangs up. Catching on something right at the very end of the travel.

Now I'm wondering, been doing this with no ammo, empty mag, maybe that mag is the issue although it does it with all. Don't recall if it does it with bullets on board.
My sons enhanced model does it some too. Figured it would get better with time whatever it is.

[kenemoore]

Default 1911 spring weights for all steel models:
Gov't 16#
Commander 18#

With that in mind, my DW CCO came with a 20# spring, guessing because its an alloy frame.

Maybe it just needs a little loving at the range :D

[gb6491]

OK guys I’ve been looking at this problem and this is what I did to make it work on my XDM Compact 45, I do believe this should work for the XDS 45. This is an exclusive video for all of you it’s a unlisted video so no search will bring it up, you need the exact address to this video so now you can hear me rant on about SPRINGFIELD but I think this will help others with the same problem. This was the best way for me to describe this, funny thing is that the 9mm doesn’t seem to have this problem as far as I know. Good luck

Here's Greg's vid first https://youtu.be/jFMe_9xK2CU


Here's mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18y61SFMGUo
Harrylee,
Thank you for taking the time and for the effort involved in making that excellent video. I polished up the some surfaces you suggested (others had already been done) and decided to stone the center rail. Upon disassembly of the slide, it appears the striker block is not completely clear the striker when it is released and my striker has some damage to it.
https://s13.postimg.org/t58awi47r/xdsstriker.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
I'm going to be working on this now:(
Like you, I lament that SA does not sell parts. I've had good fortune with their customer service before, but as I've modified this gun, I don't expect them to work on it under warranty. So, I've a line on a new extractor. I've also found a used trigger group, but believe it is overpriced. I guess I'll see if I can add some material to the trigger bar with my flux wire machine:eek:... or find a competent welder to do it for me.

Again thank you and I'll revisit this after the trigger timing thing is fixed.

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Default 1911 spring weights for all steel models:
Gov't 16#
Commander 18#

With that in mind, my DW CCO came with a 20# spring, guessing because its an alloy frame.

Maybe it just needs a little loving at the range :D

Yeah I'm pretty sure the original spring is 16#, I only tried the 20# because I had it on hand, didn't plan to leave it since I don't use hot loads and was afraid it would balk with my powder puff loads.
I think 20# for the CCO is correct. I think my Para Officers model uses a 20 or even 22.

[yqtszhj]

Yeah I'm pretty sure the original spring is 16#, I only tried the 20# because I had it on hand, didn't plan to leave it since I don't use hot loads and was afraid it would balk with my powder puff loads.
I think 20# for the CCO is correct. I think my Para Officers model uses a 20 or even 22.

Nutin wrong with a powder puff load as long as it leaves a nice big hole I reckon.

[Bawanna]

Agreed, I'm rather fond of them myself but you can't run a heavy spring with them or she'll balk on ya.

[Harrylee]

Bawanna are we talking about a 5" Remington R1?

[Bawanna]

Yes sir. Mine is the plain jane no frills, my sons is the enhanced with the beavertail and a few amenities. They both do it.

[Harrylee]

Yes sir. Mine is the plain jane no frills, my sons is the enhanced with the beavertail and a few amenities. They both do it.
I thought that was a R1 and your son had the R1 enhanced if I remember correctly you both got them at the same time. Or he got that for you at Christmas or something, now I know the R1 enhanced is a series 80 and I think yours is too. As far as the slide not going back into full battery with a slow cycle doesn’t add up even with a worn out spring. First does it only do it on your reloads or does it do it with factory loads also. And you said a new spring didn’t help, try to slow cycle some factory loads and if it does the same thing there is something not right. If you want I’ll walk this out with you to get it right.

[kenemoore]

You know, it's that last little bit of slide movement that the barrel lugs fully engage. Wonder if the fitment is a little too tight?

[Harrylee]

Not sure yet could be a few things going on, well have to get Bawanna to do a few things to narrow it down

[Bawanna]

It does it empty. Just retract the slide a bit to check chamber and ease it forward and it hangs up the last little bit, almost there.
Like I say, I can shake it a bit and it goes in so it's not hanging up much. Neither has any issues at all shooting, or if you retract the slide and let it go, only when you ease it down.

Your right it is an R1 and R1 enhanced. Son bought both at the same time.

[Harrylee]

See I have a mind like a steel trap with mild rust I remembered, Well OK that takes out the extractor theory we’ll look at the easy stuff first. With the barrel out does the link move freely and smooth could be some sharp edges on the link and while you're at it check the fit of the slide stop pin in the link and we’ll take it from there

[Harrylee]

Now if the link feels good and the slide lock pin fits good, then I would look at the barrel hood to slide fit it may fit to tight and look at the finish on the hood where it contacts the slide and the finish on the breech face. Then after that I’d look at the locking lugs ya might just have to tune it up a little or send it back. But the slide not going into full battery on a empty chamber don’t seem right to me. How many rounds do you have thru it?

[Bawanna]

Not a lot, 2 or 3 hundred, maybe more. I have a hard time keeping track anymore.

It's just something minor, I just need to find that minor thing. It's a lot like making a grip fit, some sliver of wood fouling me up, find that sliver and bam, all is good.

I think it's punishment for all the sins of my earlier life. Now days of course I'm a saint, why take chances ya know?

[Harrylee]

Gee Colonel 2 or 3 hundred, that thing is new in box!! Went to the range Friday and then on Monday cost me 600 rounds for 2 days, oh did I mention I like shooting my 1911. Now trying to do Bullseye with it but those little targets are giving me one heck of a challenge plus old eyes. What you could do is the drop test in the barrel and see if the hood is a lot higher that the brass if it is stone it down a little. Carry -on:cool:

[Bawanna]

Don't shoot as much as I used to. I remember my PM45 got 350 rounds through it first range session, basically out of the box. My son and I both shooting it.

I have a few 1911's so the rounds get spread around some. I like them all, can't even pick a favorite but the Remington is high on the list. Old school I guess.

[ltxi]

I put in a fresh 20# recoil spring, didn't help. If I just cycle it half the chamber opening and let it go it goes into battery just fine.
Let it down easy stealth mode and it hangs up. Catching on something right at the very end of the travel.

Now I'm wondering, been doing this with no ammo, empty mag, maybe that mag is the issue although it does it with all. Don't recall if it does it with bullets on board.
My sons enhanced model does it some too. Figured it would get better with time whatever it is.


One of them things that would drive me nuts until I figgered it out. Whether it functionally mattered or not.

[ltxi]

Ya' know, Col...1911's are all, by definition, "old school".

[Bawanna]

Well I'm proud to be old school, not the first time I been labeled that. Feel sorry for the young bucks and buckets (buckets ha ha) that ain't figured out yet that it don't get no better.

Been watching Wagon Train each evening for my therapy session each evening. Dang I love that show. Used to watch MASH but seen every episode at least 5 times, and they changed the schedule. Then I found Wagon Train. Life is good. Ooooom Hari Krishna hari Krishna

[ltxi]

I actually really dislike the term "Old School" because of it's dismissive connotation. Just 'cause things/stuff/etc now often be done different don't making it/them/whatever better or negate the value of previous. Often, IMO, newer be decidedly inferior. And quite often the labelist be too ignorant to understand that.

[Harrylee]

My buddy has a R1 enhanced he brought over so I could check it out and can slide a piece of paper between the hood and slide so that’s good so the slid a piece of paper between the locking lugs to slide and that cut the paper showing me the locking lugs are very tight. Could see on the barrel locking lugs the edges were broken slightly but in the slide the edges were very sharp. Now this gun has maybe 1000's round thru it and doesn’t hang up but close to hanging up. I think ya got to go to the range and shoot the bejesus out of it and get some rounds down range, take a day off and go shooting. Gotta break that puppy in!

[berettabone]

Well I'm proud to be old school, not the first time I been labeled that. Feel sorry for the young bucks and buckets (buckets ha ha) that ain't figured out yet that it don't get no better.

Been watching Wagon Train each evening for my therapy session each evening. Dang I love that show. Used to watch MASH but seen every episode at least 5 times, and they changed the schedule. Then I found Wagon Train. Life is good. Ooooom Hari Krishna hari Krishna
Wagon Train, one of the classics..............along with other favorites.............Death Valley Days....Cheyenne....Zane Grey Theatre....Have Gun Will Travel......Wanted: Dead or Alive.....The High Chaparral......Laramie......Laredo.....Rawhide.... ..The Rifleman.........The Virginian............Maverick. There are many more, but I don't know if they're still shown.

[Bawanna]

Actually most of those are. Afternoons. I just record some and watch in the evening when there isn't anything but democrat news or lame shows.

Nice seeing some of the big name movie stars in their early days

[b4uqzme]

...
I so wish Kahr would make a K45...


I stumbled upon this picture of my K45 :rolleyes:

[Barth]

I stumbled upon this picture of my K45 :rolleyes:

Close but it needs to be a Kahr.
Something like this would be nice -
Maybe a a bobtail commander... :cool:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y278/Inspiribomb/Fire/P1000826.jpg

[Bawanna]

I got one of them K45's too.

https://s26.postimg.org/qzev3di55/DSCN7557.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8jue5z40l/)

My chief carry's the Para Carry like B4's.

[Armybrat]

Well, I gots me an all steel frame .45 too.... a Model P: :p

http://image.ibb.co/gepM9G/CFB267_CF_BFC8_4_C96_8_A76_A4_DA2_B62877_D.jpg

[Bawanna]

Damn I love that gun. Said it before and I'll no doubt say it again.

I'm seriously pondering going to a Single Action 45 for daily carry. Hows that for a fella born a 100 years too late.

Thinking that Bird Head Vaquero 45ACP.

Am I nuts? Here it comes, boy did I walk / roll into this one.....................................

[ltxi]

Damn I love that gun. Said it before and I'll no doubt say it again.

I'm seriously pondering going to a Single Action 45 for daily carry. Hows that for a fella born a 100 years too late.

Thinking that Bird Head Vaquero 45ACP.

Am I nuts? Here it comes, boy did I walk / roll into this one.....................................


In a nice cross draw holster.

Nuts? No. I think you're perfectly sane.

[Bill K]

Nice. I have the XDm .45 compact w/ the 3.8 inch barrel. Like you said they are very good shooters and recoil isn't bad. The trigger is super smooth and I like the fact that a 13 round mag with the grip sleeve gives a hold just like the full size. Its a tack driver too. Nice that you got the 3.3 inch barrel for carry too.

Looking at my round count log I only have 550 rounds through mine. Sounds like time to take it out for a spin.

Wow! You wrote what I could have posted. [And just about the same round count.]