Problems with XD's? 1st pistol recommendation...

CanuckShooter

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
61   0   0
My frigging restricted PAL should be coming anyday now.... would like to buy my first pistol. I was hoping to get some input on what would be a good pistol for under $700.

I have been seriously considering the following:

- Gunnar Tuned Norc NP-29 (would be nice, but norinco is so slow to send shipments and i am getting impatient...lol)
- XD-9
- CZ-75

I am pretty set on 9mm due to availability of ammo and price.

Any input on how these would compare? Keeping in mind that my fingers are a little bit on the shorter side, but normal size hands.

Read something abou the XD's having problems with the finish coming off on the slide? Anymore info on this?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
The finish on both the CZ and XDs leaves much to be desired, especially if you are holstering them.
Both are decent pistols though and are good value for the money.
 
My XD had a burr in the slide. This burr caused a bunch of scratches on my guide rod. Frickin Pissed me off!!

Took it to a smith and had him deburr the inside of the slide. Now it has an ugly guide rod, but it still shoots great.

BTW, I have small hands, and the XD is probably the best fitting (double stack) gun for my hand.
 
I have a little wear on the slide of my XD40 due to holster wear. The finish could be better. The gun however, is a good, reliable shooter. I have regular sized hands and the grip fits great.

Rumor over on XDtalk forums, says that the newer much tougher finish is already available on new production XD's.

The CZ series is also an excellent value for the money. I would recommend either of these pistols.
 
CanuckShooter said:
Thanks for the info guys, how do you know if it's a newer model with the different finish?

Apparenty ( http://www.xdtalk.com/ ) SA has now started to make the new finishes available on all it's new models. But, they are waiting until all the stock with the old finish has been sold, as not to have a bunch of XD's with the original finish stock pile.
 
Yes, it's true that the finish on the XD's slide will wear fairly easily. I wouldn't say it's a big deal though. It just gives it character. The grip is a very comfortable size and shape, but personally I found it a little slippery. I put a Hogue Handall grip sleeve on it, and now it's perfect for me (although it disabled the grip safety).

The XD would be a great choice for a first handgun.
 
The XD is a great shooter but has piss poor coating on the slide. Keep it oiled or you will be refinishing it. I had about 15 assorted firearms in the safe and the only one that got any rust on it was the XD40.
 
At about $700-800, you can have lot of choice, XD 9, Glock17, CZ 75/85/SP 01 and the newest M&P-9. They are all great gun for you to choose from. But better try before you buy.

Trigun
 
XD9's seem to be the model that has the finish problem re: rusting. I bought an XD40 from Wolverine Supplies (GREAT SERVICE :) )when they first hit the country and the finish on the slide was as good after 3 years as the day I bought it. I also have an XD9 that still has a nice finish on the slide. I use "Sheath" on all my guns, and it does seem to keep the rust at bay.
 
Get a used G17 or or a used S&W MP 9mm (if you can find one) - a CZ might be an option but not sure of price. XDs are decent guns, one of mine flipped brass straight back at me until the ejector was swapped. Other than that, a decent gun (especially for the money).
 
Trigun said:
At about $700-800, you can have lot of choice, XD 9, Glock17, CZ 75/85/SP 01 and the newest M&P-9. They are all great gun for you to choose from. But better try before you buy.

Trigun

Shoot a number of guns first. There are a lot of great guns out there but they are only great if they fit you. Small differences can make a big difference in the long run.
 
The finish is parkerization according to the guys on the XD forum. I've treated my XD40 with Sheath and it has no rust. The new coating is supposed to be the same as what the Glocks have now.
 
Back
Top Bottom