1911 or XD

**onnie** · 04-08-2010, 18:44

Thought I would ask for opinions. A Springfield 1911 or a Springfield XD. Both 45's. Which would you prefer to shoot. Not concerned so much as a carry. I do not have a 45 and I am trading a old hunting rifle.

**TonyU** · 04-08-2010, 18:50

Lets just say I own five 1911's and no XD's.

**sean_stonehart** · 04-08-2010, 20:32

I just bought a XDm in 9mm but carried a Colt 1991A1 for years.

I grew up shooting a Gov't issued 1911 my dad's dad kept from WWII.

I'm drooling over a Kimber SWAT model now, but have to be realistic on $$$$ nowadays...

In .45ACP... I'd carry the 1911 over the XD. It disappears better & all the other arguements, but my XDm is making me quite happy right now.

So... personal choice...

**nismophreek** · 04-08-2010, 21:21

If you are only concerned with shooting and not concealing, there is no greater handgun to shoot then a finely built 1911.

**Cliff Hargrave** · 04-08-2010, 21:59

XD - for everyone.

1911 - pros only

My opinion of course. 1911's will bite you and are extremely unforgiving. I know several folks that have shot themselves, walls, car floorboards, TVs, and all but two were with 1911s.

So if you want to go a "real" shooting school, carry it in "real" holsters, and generally become a "shooter" then by all means get a 1911. If you want something fun, reliable, great for protection, easy to use-strip-clean-carry, then get an XD. I would have no problem carrying one.

If you are like me you are figuring out how to afford both. I got the 1911 but I had to get my AR set up right before I get an XD.

**onnie** · 04-08-2010, 22:04

From the time I posted, I have already given the XD back. I know a lot of you folks are police or in some related field, so thank you for the replies.

**Jonathan Randall** · 04-08-2010, 22:28

Originally Posted by Cliff Hargrave

XD - for everyone.

1911 - pros only

My opinion of course. 1911's will bite you and are extremely unforgiving. I know several folks that have shot themselves, walls, car floorboards, TVs, and all but two were with 1911s.

So if you want to go a "real" shooting school, carry it in "real" holsters, and generally become a "shooter" then by all means get a 1911. If you want something fun, reliable, great for protection, easy to use-strip-clean-carry, then get an XD. I would have no problem carrying one.

If you are like me you are figuring out how to afford both. I got the 1911 but I had to get my AR set up right before I get an XD.

That's great info to have; even though I'm not the original poster.

Ever try this one?

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?model=2

Thoughts?

Springfield's been making great arms for a long time as I'm sure you know. I'd love to have an 1862 Springfield Rifle. They were so powerful and so accurate that they were still used at times in big game hunting until the super cartridges of the 1890's (not sure about the date). Of course, they were what made the American Civil War so deadly as both North and South used Napoleonic tactics designed around smoothbore muskets.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?model=2

**nismophreek** · 04-09-2010, 04:07

I have both Springfield 1911 and an XD. I love both. I carry both. I shoot both. That being said, Cliff has some valid points. If you take the time to learn to shoot safely and correctly then you shouldn't experience any operational differences between 1 platform or the other. My best advice is to handle/shoot both and see what YOU like better. They are both wonderful platforms and Springfield makes a heck of a product.

Jonathan, I believe Dennis has one of the Subcompact models. You may want to ask him.

**TonyU** · 04-09-2010, 07:20

Originally Posted by Jonathan Randall

Springfield's been making great arms for a long time as I'm sure you know. I'd love to have an 1862 Springfield Rifle. They were so powerful and so accurate that they were still used at times in big game hunting until the super cartridges of the 1890's (not sure about the date). Of course, they were what made the American Civil War so deadly as both North and South used Napoleonic tactics designed around smoothbore muskets.

Keep in mind that Springfield Armory of old is not the same Springfield Armory of today. Although, the modern company is building quality rifles and pistols.

**Jonathan Randall** · 04-09-2010, 10:21

Originally Posted by TonyU

Keep in mind that Springfield Armory of old is not the same Springfield Armory of today. Although, the modern company is building quality rifles and pistols.

Thanks for the heads up. Darn. But good that they produce quality arms.

**Dennis Monk** · 04-09-2010, 11:23

I have both a Colt and a Springfield Armory 1911 as well as an XD.40 standard and XD.40 subcompact. My Colt I carry for work. My SA Gov't Model I used to use for shooting IDPA and IPSC matches. Both are great firearms.
My XD .40's are also very accurate and simple to operate.
I pretty much go with Cliff on his opinion. My personal favorite pistols are Government Model styled pistols. If someone I knew were to look for a carry gun or just an all around shooter to begin with, I would probably recommend an XD to start.

Now, when I get back into shooting heavily again, I will probably transition into the .38 Super "race guns". You know, if I ever have a few grand to spare.

**Michael J. Bray** · 04-09-2010, 11:55

I have owned several 1911's thruough the years. I still own three and really prefer them. I can't dis the XD however. Some good points made here on this thread!

**TonyU** · 04-09-2010, 12:17

Originally Posted by Dennis Monk

Now, when I get back into shooting heavily again, I will probably transition into the .38 Super "race guns". You know, if I ever have a few grand to spare.

Sell your bike.

**Dennis Monk** · 04-09-2010, 16:48

Sir, I would rather sell a kidney.

**Jonathan Randall** · 04-09-2010, 23:05

Originally Posted by Michael J. Bray

I have owned several 1911's thruough the years. I still own three and really prefer them. I can't dis the XD however. Some good points made here on this thread!

It has been pretty darn informative for me as well.

Dennis, your heart is in the right place.

Hope you get that .38 eventually, though...