Got my first firearm!

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-25-2014, 11:36 AM

I picked up my first firearm today, a Springfield XD .45 compact. I am going shooting with it on Monday!

**98Hardtop** · 01-25-2014, 04:51 PM

Congrats!

**5150** · 01-25-2014, 06:32 PM

Nice!

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-25-2014, 06:57 PM

Thanks, I am pretty excited to try it out. This is the 4" compact model.

**az gt eater** · 01-25-2014, 08:34 PM

Nice choice. I picked up my second XD=40 on Friday. Love that gun. I do notice that it balances alot better with a full clip. Once you shoot a half of a mag out of it, the slide unbalances it. Easy to hit with, either way!!

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-25-2014, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by az gt eater

Nice choice. I picked up my second XD=40 on Friday. Love that gun. I do notice that it balances alot better with a full clip. Once you shoot a half of a mag out of it, the slide unbalances it. Easy to hit with, either way!!

Cool. I really like it so far, I haven't shot it yet but it seems very solid and high quality. I also like how I can switch from compact to service model by just switching the magazine. I just love the feel in my hand it seems much more natural, like it is part of my arm. I am also liking the 2 13 Rd magazines it came with. I am so glad VA isn't one of those states with laws against hi-capacity magazines.

Question I have been thinking about a tactical light and laser sight combo, any good ones for the xd?

**BruZer28** · 01-26-2014, 06:00 AM

I wouldn't if you plan to carry, it's tough to find a holster for it. But we all know the need to modify

**35th-ANV-SS** · 01-26-2014, 07:03 AM

I like my Crimson Trace laser, but always practice and get comfortable using open sites.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-26-2014, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

I like my Crimson Trace laser, but always practice and get comfortable using open sites.

That's a given, practice using regular sights. I was looking at the Viridian C5l since it comes with a holster as well I believe. Question do they make holsters for left handed people, I have been having trouble finding one that is and the one that came with the xd does not appear to be able to mount on my left side.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 01-26-2014, 08:19 AM

Yes on the left-handed holster question.

**az gt eater** · 01-26-2014, 12:04 PM

I had a paddle holster for my last one. Plastic, tension retention. Slides inside the waistband. The one that comes with my new one is really similiar, just goes on a belt instead. I a pretty sure that a leather holster made for a Glock will fit just fine. I could not find a holster for my BuckMark that I liked, so I got a glock holster and it worked great. Only downside is that the end of the barrel sticks out of the bottom of it. Wears the end of the barrel like crazy, but I treat my firearms like hammers. If they work everytime, who cares if they are scratched? Not me, I don't buy to collect, I buy to carry and use!! Well, my .22 I use a lot. (Snakes, rabbits, etc.)Hopefully never have to use the XD. (Defense)

**INMY01TA** · 01-26-2014, 03:35 PM

Congrats. I have the XD45 service model, still one of my favorites. I could never imagine carrying it, it weighs a ton. Good info on this sight for the light/laser.

Laser and Light on XDm 3.8 Compact .45 - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-26-2014, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Congrats. I have the XD45 service model, still one of my favorites. I could never imagine carrying it, it weighs a ton. Good info on this sight for the light/laser.

Laser and Light on XDm 3.8 Compact .45 - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

I personally don't think the weight is all that bad but regardless I'll get use to it. Thanks for that link btw.

**INMY01TA** · 01-26-2014, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

I personally don't think the weight is all that bad but regardless I'll get use to it. Thanks for that link btw.

I recently got the XDs 45, it's what I'd be carrying if I lived in a free state. Much lighter and thinner. I'm a bit of an XD whore.

**theorangeguy** · 01-26-2014, 07:01 PM

congrats on manning up and getting a 45! So many people now days are going with a 9mm...is ammo cheaper, yes...but its not nearly as fun as a 45

XD is hands down one of my favorite guns...from a learning stand point, I would recommend learning how to shoot it before you put a laser on it "just my opinion" but the lasers are fun to play with

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-26-2014, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by theorangeguy

congrats on manning up and getting a 45! So many people now days are going with a 9mm...is ammo cheaper, yes...but its not nearly as fun as a 45

XD is hands down one of my favorite guns...from a learning stand point, I would recommend learning how to shoot it before you put a laser on it "just my opinion" but the lasers are fun to play with

Thanks. I do know how to shoot and I have been for a while now, could always get better though, I just never bought my own gun until now. I am going to shoot this gun for a while before I get a tactical light and laser set up anyways though since I think it is wise to learn this gun.

I recently got the XDs 45, it's what I'd be carrying if I lived in a free state. Much lighter and thinner. I'm a bit of an XD whore.

I suspect I will be owning more Springfield Armory guns in the future.

**2002ssslp** · 01-27-2014, 05:00 AM

Congratulations, you should now have gun fever, it is like Lay's potato chips you can't have just one. A .45 is a good gun to start with even though it is a larger caliber. When you have it in you hand it should feel like it is part of you and balanced. You will have some kick but not that much, just remember to get the sights on your target and squeeze the trigger, never pull it. Good luck, try a 9mm next, you can't go wrong.

**Zinergy** · 01-27-2014, 05:38 AM

Congrats. I own and enjoy XD guns

**wileyCoyote** · 01-27-2014, 06:31 AM

congrats to the OP!

...as to the mags, ...13 rnds is "not" high capacity

...there are a lot of custom-holster shops out there who will make one for a lefty, ...you can find something in leather, kydex, or a hybrid (kydex and leather), ...you'll want to decide which type you like, and find the vendor you like, the XD is a prevalent gun, so most will have molds for it... you'll also want a "good" belt (do not underestimate this), ...department store belts will droop and sag, compromising concealability, safety, and comfort... like holsters, there are many vendors who make good belts that are generally double thickness (1/4"), ...some you can get w/ internal kydex stiffeners, double stictching, etc.. don't cheap out, ...a good holster and belt will cost some money, ..but think about the responsibility behind the investment...

...and remember to always follow the 4 rules!

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-27-2014, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by wileyCoyote

congrats to the OP!

...as to the mags, ...13 rnds is "not" high capacity

...there are a lot of custom-holster shops out there who will make one for a lefty, ...you can find something in leather, kydex, or a hybrid (kydex and leather), ...you'll want to decide which type you like, and find the vendor you like, the XD is a prevalent gun, so most will have molds for it... you'll also want a "good" belt (do not underestimate this), ...department store belts will droop and sag, compromising concealability, safety, and comfort... like holsters, there are many vendors who make good belts that are generally double thickness (1/4"), ...some you can get w/ internal kydex stiffeners, double stictching, etc.. don't cheap out, ...a good holster and belt will cost some money, ..but think about the responsibility behind the investment...

...and remember to always follow the 4 rules!

I just assumed they were hi-capacity since it says they are on the box and it said the 13 rnd mags aren't legal in CA. Thanks for the information, I will look into a better belt and perhaps a custom holster if I can't find a off the shelf one that will work well for me.