[englishchannel]

I am interested in opinions on the polymer pistols. Anyone have any experience they would like to share on Glock or Springfield XD's? I've seen some posts for the Glocks, but cannot find anything on the XD.

Also - I followed a link here yesterday that took me to a gunsmith's sight that had alot of great info on 1911SA's as well as other handguns. That guy really seemed to favor the plastic guns for duty and self defense service.

I cannot find the link again, but he had quite a series on the makarov pistol, and I believe he was of Russian ancestry.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Guest]

I've dealt with 3 polymer framed pistols. I've previously owned a ruger P95, a friend has a Sig Pro 40 and I currently have an XD subcompact (3") 9.

The P95 ran fine. It was a little lighter than a P89 I had a while back. Very reliable. Kind of wish I still had it

My friend's Sig runs like I've always heard sig's to run. He is able to swap grips between two that the gun came with.

My XD is light and easy to carry. The grip safety is a nice addition as there is no manual safety (something that I didn't want). If I was going to get one as a house or plinking gun, I'd get either the 4" or 5" for the longer grip. FYI the gun dealer mentioned to me that the base finish is weak. I decided that I didnt care as I know that I can get it refinished if it bothers me.

From what I've seen and/or heard, polymer framed pistols tend to be lighter and less expensive vs aluminum or steel framed models. They are as reliable as metallic frames.

Steelheart

 

[abninftr]

My experience with Polymer guns is limited to the Glock, the H&K USP, and the orignial imported version of the XD.
Personally, my least favourite was the USP, particularly in .40 That was because I could actually feel the frame llex each time I fired a shot.

The Glock is good, but I believe the XD is a better choilce for novice shooters. The XD has more safety features than the Glock, which should help keep a novice out of trouble. None the less, neither of them would win a prize for good looks.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Here are some observations on the XD:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/SpringfieldXD9.htm

Since this was written, a gunsmith has mentioned that changing out extractors in the XD can be a nearly impossible task.

Best.

 

[erich]

englishchannel, you're talking about Mr. Teddy Jacobson's excellent weblog: http://www.actionsbyt.blogspot.com/

 

[Guest]

I have the XD9 4" model. I used to have 2 Glock 23's and also a S&W Sigma. I can't get used to the weird grip angle on the glocks, and the trigger reach is a little long for me as well. I also don't like the trigger action on the glocks. Neither of the glocks I had were accurate enough to suit me, and I sold both.

The Sigmas aren't all that bad as far as quality is concerned even though you always hear bad things about them on the net. The trigger on the Sigma is DOA and not very good from the factory. I ended up selling it due to the heavy trigger.

I'm very happy with the XD, great ergonomics, accurate, and affordable. My only complaint is the finish, which isnt very durable.

Jeremy

 

[Guest]

I have a Ruger P95 and a Glock 27. I have considered the XD9 and teh Sig Pro. I kinda like the polymer pistols.

 

[sabre2]

You won't regret an xd-9. I am very impressed with the performance that mine has given me. It has great sights and great ergonomics. It is a good option for someone with smaller hands. The trigger reach is quite a bit shorter than a Glock.
Glocks are fine if you have average to large hands. They are simple, reliable, and very durable.
The xd and Glock vary in grip angle and size, sights, trigger, and features. You may have a preference, but both are great guns.

 

[Guest]

I have past experience with Glocks - all good experiences. Now I've got an H&K USP Compact in 9mm that I really like. It's strictly a self defense weapon and has not been modified in any way. It functions flawlessly for me and I like the safety lever - its a little more "standard" for me, as I'm used to 1911s and my Browning. I don't know the XD, but all I've heard has been good!

 

[Guest]

I own a new polymar framed Steyr M-9, 9mm auto pistol that I purchased last year.
It's the size and barrel length of the Glock model 19 and model 23. I have had great experience with shooting my Steyr.
I have fired over 600 rounds of different factory ammo, of a variety of grain weight bullets.
I have experienced no jams or failures, it just keeps on working and is very accurate.
I like the option of the manual safety thats on this pistol, when I feel I need it.
The factory set trigger pull is shorter than a Glock, and crisp breaks at four pounds.
The "trapazoidal" sights look odd at first, but quickly get used to using them. I plan to install a set of Steyrs tritium sights soon though, just to have a night sight capability.
The M-series Steyrs come in .40 caliber as well as a .357 Sig.
But the newer versions of the M-series due out soon are called the M-A1 series I believe. They are the same as mine, but have forward frame rails for clamp on flash lights.
Steyr's polymar handguns are very high quality and design, but not well known by shooters it seems.
On the shooting ranges I have had Glock shooters handle and fire my M-9, and they all are impressed with it.
Gun magazine reports all give favorable write ups about the Steyr M-series.
I hope they will consider making a full size model, as the Glock model 17 and and model 22. I'd sure buy one myself.

 

[jimhigginbotham]

As far as personal tastes go, I prefer steel or, in a pinch, aluminum, so this opinion is not exactly favoritisim. That said, in any given year I see from 500,000 to 1,000,000 rounds go downrange so I get a feel for these things just by osmosis.

The guns seen most in our classes are the M-9 (naturally since many of these are military classes), the 1911 and the Glock, though there are certainly enough "others" to make up about 10 to 15% of the total.

I speak here mainly of the Glock since that the polymer that we see the most of. I have to say, they are accurate, durable and reliable. While I see quite a few challenges for the new Glock owner (largely to do with safety and reflexive use) these can be overcome with training and practice.

The S.A. XD certainly looks to be a good gun also. I don't know much about the Rugers and others but they are probably OK too.

It will be interesting to find out if the polymer pistols will last 100+ years but only time will tell. One thing for sure, they don't break any more often than the steel ones it seems.

Hope this helps,
Press on,
Jim