Springfield XD .45 Vs. Colt 1911

11099 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Makarov, Dec 1, 2006

Makarov

Discussion Starter · Nov 27, 2006

I've finally picked what caliber I want. Im going .45!
I should have known from the very start. Seeing as I love to shoot the "man stopper." But now of course, Im faced with the issue of what gun to purchase. I've pretty much narrowed my top choices to the Springfield XD or a Colt 1911.
I've shot the Springfield in 9mm and loved it. I've gotten no bad remarks about it from anybody that I've talked to.
I could rapid fire the 9mm and hit a target in the sternum from 25 yards out with no hesitation. I really loved that gun.
The only problem is that I may pick a 1911.
I love a Colt, I've held one and it was the perfect size for my hand. It just felt completely right and it was a beautiful piece of work sitting there in that cabinet with the light gleaming off the slide. It just whispered, "buy me!" Haha.
But I am so stuck...the XD isnt as pretty but it costs less.
So I guess what Im stuck with now is the decision of going for paper or plastic...well, steel or "plastic" in this case. lol.
Let me know what you think! Suggestions still apply.

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Makarov

Discussion Starter · #2 · Nov 27, 2006

Thanks goes out to EMC2 who bumped up some very interesting topics for me to read on this subject. But I just cant decide still...this is going to be hard. lol. It seems that everyone has their own preference. I think I might just have to make my own decision. Suggestions are still helpful.
I've also looked into Kimber alot but it doesnt seem in my price range as of yet.
And as of now from reading alot out of those topics. Im leaning toward a Colt for now.
Of course I wont be purchasing the actual firearm for 2-3 months. So let me know what you all think still.

DakotaElkSlayer

· #3 · Nov 27, 2006

The last six months, the XD has out sold all other semi-autos where I work. Everyone who buys them absolutely LOVES 'em! The basic word on them is that they are as reliable as a Glock, but can out shoot the Glock any day of the week. I have heard this from a lot of the customers that own them both.
As for the Colt, you probably already know that Colt announced a while back that they will no longer sell to the general public, they are going "contract" only. So if you are leaning towards the Colt, you should probably find one asap and throw it on layaway before they are all gone.

Good Luck!
Jim

Skligmund

· #4 · Nov 27, 2006

Just get a series 70 1911 of some sort and be happy with it. At the very least, you can customize every part on it, and find parts for it in any SHTF situation.

Makarov

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 27, 2006

Thats the problem, they arent selling them to the general public anymore...**** it, I saw the perfect Colt up at the pawn shop I visited a couple months ago. I wanted that gun so bad but I couldnt afford it at the time. I would have put it on layaway but I had spent the only money that I had brought at the gun range before that. Another thing is that theyre more expensive than the XD...**** it!

tarheel catfish

· #6 · Nov 27, 2006

Xd

the XD took all the good features from the 1911 and the G----
Shootable and superbly reliable.
Pick your caliber and go XD

It ain't pretty but beauty is as beauty does.

ps

Combat handguns recently had an article on this pistol. I didn't buy the mag and don't know what's in it. Might be helpful, who knows.

Makarov

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 28, 2006

Thanks Catfish. Im still really caught in between the two but I know where Im leaning.

Whats the .45GAP like in XD? Just wondering.
Whats the difference between ACP and GAP?
Capacity wise?

riley

· #8 · Nov 28, 2006

Makarov - Buy the 1911 for "show" and the XD for use. I have the XD in the 9mm and .45 ACP - excellent guns in all respects. I would advise against the .45 GAP; a solution to a "non-problem". More expensive to shoot, less ammo availability, and a soon to be "orphaned" (IMHO). Don't "beat yourself up" on what you might have owned, we all miss the one that "got away". Buy the one you will use, not the one you like to look at so your "kin" can some day take it to a pawn shop after your "gone"

. My 2 cents - Riley.

gcf

· #9 · Nov 28, 2006

I own a couple of Colt Series 80s (LWT Commander for carry), & won't be selling any time soon.

That said, I bought an XD9 (compact) for my wife, & have got to say that it is a very nice pistol. Accurate & 100% reliable to date. Biggest problem is that although it DOES have a grip safety, it lacks a manual thumb safety.

Trigger seems superior to Glock, in all respects.

I find the service model (4") in .45 sort of "calls" to me, but can't see it replacing my commander.

Makarov

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 29, 2006

riley said:
Makarov - Buy the 1911 for "show" and the XD for use. I have the XD in the 9mm and .45 ACP - excellent guns in all respects. I would advise against the .45 GAP; a solution to a "non-problem". More expensive to shoot, less ammo availability, and a soon to be "orphaned" (IMHO). Don't "beat yourself up" on what you might have owned, we all miss the one that "got away". Buy the one you will use, not the one you like to look at so your "kin" can some day take it to a pawn shop after your "gone" . My 2 cents - Riley.

Good input on the GAP. I didnt think of it completely I guess, lol. Even if I do go your way about it then Im stuck in between which gun to buy first. In the future I plan to own many guns but...the first gun I purchase is going to be pretty special to me. Because the Colt is alot prettier, thats where Im leaning at the moment. The only problem is that it costs about 200$ more...

gcf

· #11 · Nov 29, 2006

Makarov said:
Because the Colt is alot prettier, thats where Im leaning at the moment. The only problem is that it costs about 200$ more...

One thing to consider w/ regards to the extra $200, is that the Colt will likely retain (or increase) value much better then the XD. It is not uncommon to see a Colt selling used, for nearly the price (or even more) of a new one.

You just don't see Colt 1911s linger long on the auction block - unless they are waaay over priced.

Recommend that if possible, you put any pistol under consideration through paces at the range - before buying. Both pistols feature excellent ergonomics, but that's not to say that one size fits all.

I picked up the sweetest little Sig 228 for my wife's CCW, but sadly although it fit my mitt just fine, the ergonomics were all wrong for her.

As a result of my short sightedness, I took a beating selling the 228, & she got the XD9 Compact. It's all good though...

;=]

Gunslinger2005

· #12 · Nov 30, 2006 (Edited)

3

I have pretty limited experience with the XD's, but I'd say they're probably really good handguns overall. The 1911, however, is probably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, handgun design of all time.

The only XD I've tried is a compact model 9mm a buddy of mine at work has. We tried it along side my Glock 30 .45 acp. I know it wasn't a scientific test, and we were trying two different calibers, but my G 30 outshot the XD for both of us. Here's my G 30.

I have no problem out shooting my G 30 with any of my 1911's, and this includes both my 3" barreled Kimber Ultra CDP and my 3 1/2" barreled Para Ordnance P12, as well as my Springfield WWII GI. Here are my Kimbers. Top left: Kimber Stainless Covert; bottom left: Kimber Ultra CDP; top right: Kimber Stainless Classic LE; and, bottom right: Kimber Pro Eclipse.

Here are some others. Top left: Para Ordnance P14 Limited; bottom left: Para Ordnance P12 Limited; top right: Para Ordnance P13 Limited; and, bottom right: Springfield Armory WWII GI.

Even with these, I'd still like to have a Springfield Long Slide, and maybe another "loaded package" Springfield to use for a 460 Roland conversion (almost .44 mag performance level). Maybe something else too, if I could sneak it passed the wife. 1911's do that to you.

I'd recommend a 1911 from any major manufacturer like Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Dan Wesson, Rock River, etc. You can always start with a basic model, and then customize it later to suit your tastes.

The numbers in the Poll at the top of the page really says it well. IMO.

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Makarov

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 30, 2006

Yes, I've been looking at the results. Im also on another gun forum and I've posted almost the exact same topic...to get the most input that I can.
They also lean toward the 1911. Not as major on the other forum but close enough.
This is a really hard choice. So far though, Im definetely going 1911. But if they happen to have a XD in .45ACP next time I hit the gun range I will have to shoot it. To get a feel for the real thing.
Maybe I'll change my mind, prolly wont be its a thought. As for buying one...Idk if I'll have the money in January seeing as its right after Christmas. But by febuary I should purchase one of these awesome guns...and only time can tell which I'll pick...

gmd3006

· #14 · Nov 30, 2006

How about somewhere in between - a Springfield 1911?

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-fs.shtml

The XD magazine being 2x the 1911's is pretty attractive, though…

Skligmund

· #15 · Dec 1, 2006

Yeah, but if you need more than 8 rounds (or 9 with a Wilson Combat 8 round mag), you'll already have found cover and have time to reload. Either that, or you shouldn't own any guns due to poor marksmenship. Infact, I feel perfectly comfortable with only 5 rounds.

I like the Springfield BTW. LOTS. Especially the GI or the Mil-Spec.

Makarov

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 1, 2006

I know what I'll do. Someone already suggested this and I've really been thinking about it soo...I now I only have a smaller problem.

I'll buy both! But which one to buy...first...haha.
The same problem in a few less words...I think I'll grab a 1911 first.
And if the XD does really well then I'll add it to my collection. Being so young though makes it hard to raise the money to purchase just one gun!
Which means that I prolly wont even be able to buy the 1911 until Febuary or a month or so later. But I am definetely getting me a good 1911. Hopefully in Colt or Kimber. The XD can come later then. Thanks everybody, Im off to bed now. So tired. Long day, thanks again.

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