What's with...

[theGinsue]

Okay, this has been bothering me for some time and I'm finally getting around to asking for an explanation.

What is with the guide rod sticking out of the front end of Springfield XD's - in some cases by 2/8" - 3/8"? I've noticed this on guns that are new, and old, on guns that are loaded, and unloaded. With every other semi-auto handgun I've ever viewed/handled, the guide rod was always flush to the rest of the gun instead of sticking out where it can snag something.

Personally, I think it looks sloppy and I don't think it's as mechanically sound as it could be - due to the snagging possibility.

I tried to find photos to help identify what I'm talking about, but no go!

So, does anyone have any idea why these handguns are like this?

[cebeu]

"...What is with the guide rod sticking out of the front end of Springfield XD's...?"

Design feature intended to prevent the weapon from going out of battery when pressed against a firm surface (i.e. body). XDSC9 in my possession for ~4 years now, exceptional weapon and I prefer its ergonomics over the more common-place competition. Never once had a "snag" experience but...I would support a subtle melt treatment to buffer the abrasive serrations on the front of the slide (I have not had this customization performed).

[trlcavscout]

Design feature intended to prevent the weapon from going out of battery when pressed against a firm surface (i.e. body). XDSC9 in my possession for ~4 years now, exceptional weapon and I prefer its ergonomics over the more common-place competition. Never once had a "snag" experience but...I would support a subtle melt treatment to buffer the abrasive serrations on the front of the slide (I have not had this customization performed).

+1
If you google HS2000 you will find the origins of the XD.

[theGinsue]

I'm sorry for taking so long to respond, but thank you for the information.

I especially loved the info on the Wiki page. I wasn't aware of the roots/history of the XD.

So, if the guide rod is a desire feature to keep the slide "in battery", why is it that this isn't a problem with other semi-auto's......or is it?!

[Graves]

So, if the guide rod is a desire feature to keep the slide "in battery", why is it that this isn't a problem with other semi-auto's......or is it?!

It's not exactaly foolproof; if you press the muzzle into a soft target hard enough it will likely go out of battery just about everytime. If you look at the XD(m) you'll see it was a "feature" that was dropped.