XDm-9 3.8 My Take...

[Graves]

Well, I'm a little out of character by doing a thread like this but I'd like to clear a few things up here as just about every thread I've looked at related to the 3.8 is mostly the 1911 and Glock crowd (Go Figure) bashing it for not being the carry gun they'd hoped the XDm would be (not here @ co-ar). First, I'd like to point out the fact that the 3.8 is not a sub-compact pistol so please dont come here to complain about it - plenty other threads to do that in. Sure I'd love to see a 3.8 with a shorter grip or an XDm-45acp but unlike many I realize that it's more of a service sized pistol packing a 19+1rd supply of 9x19 - I like. I came across one a couple weeks back and couldn't resist so...

It came with all the gear normally suplied with the XDm - mastodonic case, a paddle holster & mag pouch that I'll probably never use, manual, brush, bicycle lock, two 19rd mags, fired case, a speed loader that I dont mind using, and two extra backstrap pcs. It came fitted with the med that seems to fit my hands well. Before I bought it I opened her up and found no supprises - everything nice, tight and wet - I Like (hehe). Holding it while empty it felt good, nice grip angle, well balanced, and light. I took it right to the range and loaded a few mags with some 115gr Speer Lawman. With a full mag the characteristics still felt very good and it pointed real natural for me so I started on a few B-16 targets out @ 5yds with some dbl taps to get a feel for it and warm it up (both eyes open is my preference here). I failed to bring that tgt home with me but with the exception of one flyer all 19 rds from the first mag stood in the orange area. I was happy to see a few of the DT's landing in the same hole. I pushed my tgts back a few more yards and blew through a few more mags (100rds) and had no issues what so ever. I was able to collect ALL of my brass, this rarely happens at indoor ranges since most of the auto loaders I've shot throw brass in just about every direction. Since I may carry this gun, I wanted to see how it would act with a box of 127gr +p+ SXT's I had in the Jeep. I loaded up a few mags and it took em down like a champ, DT's were still landing side by side (in the same hole a few more times) and muzzle flip wasnt anything I'd expect from a sub 4" gun - pretty mild even with full power loads. The standard three dot sights are okay and easy to use in the light but they'll go once I find some NS for it. All in all, I have nothing bad to say about it, 150rds straight from the box and not one hicup - Now I may be on my own on this but the damn things a tac driver and I Like!!! In fact I liked it so much that I can now send my G19 packing since I'll probably be using this as my edc once Ive ran it through some hell. No worries I have other things to carry in the mean time. Edit: I should note, like the XDm it can be field stripped without pullint the trigger - I like.




10 shots unsupported @ 15yds (Ammo - RA9TA)




Compared to my G19

[opie011]

Thanks for the report! That's some good shootin'

[gnihcraes]

keep us posted on any other issues you find... a friend has one of these, I've shot and liked, he does too so far...

[Irving]

So is this a newer release of the XD-M with a slightly shorter barrel?

[ChadAmberg]

Yeah, the 3.8 is the shorter "compact" version. I've shot the full size a lot and like it, I just wish they'd come out with a real compact version where it counts, the size of the grip. That way you won't print while wearing a down parka with it.

[Irving]

Yeah, I've always been confused by the full sized frame but short slide combination of guns. I have a CZ that I want to make a Frankenstein with a compact frame and full length slide.

XD-Ms are pretty awesome. I suppose the reason that they did it this way was because most people know the XD-M as the gun that holds so many rounds (even though it has a better grip, and a much better sight picture). Still pretty cool either way.

Nice shooting by the way Graves, I'd take me 200 rounds to make one hole that big.

[Batteriesnare]

Good shootin'!

[Irving]

With the shorter barrel, you'll be able to can't the pistol more when you carry it.

[Graves]

Thanks guys, I was after something a little different and this seems to fit the bill.

[MichiganMilitia]

If you're serious about selling your G19, send me a PM.