Gun guys: let's talk (SA XDm and Taurus Judge content).

So... I'm thinking of purchasing my first handgun. Number one on my list is the Springfield Armory XDm 9mm 19+1. I like the capacity, especially for range shooting. The problem is, I can't find anyplace (or anyone) that has an XDm available for rent, so can anybody comment on the XDm in comparison to the regular XD? I've got a decent amount of experience with the regular one.




Also... anybody got a Taurus Judge? I want one of these bad boys for home defense. It takes both .45 and .410, has a 2.5" or 3" chamber. This thing could really ruin an intruder's day.



I must admit, I love the fact that this thing has "THE JUDGE" engraved on it. Maybe that makes me a sucker for advertising, but that's okay with me.

1. the XDM has a better quality match grade barrel (more accurate)
2. you can change the back strap on the grip for variation in grip size
3. has better recoil system (heavy duty guide rod spring)
4. has striker status indicator (to verify weapon is cocked)- may have this on origional XD, but not certain
5. has a MRT (minimal reset trigger) similar to sig's SRT (short reset trigger)- this is a great improvement for follow up shots.
6. deeper, longer slide grasp serrations for grip
7. more texture on polymer frame for better grip and control.
8. 16 rd. mag vs. 12 rds in the origional service model XD .40
The XD is a good weapon to start with, but with the improvements.

I would go with an XDm in 9mm.
19+1 = ftw

That being said. If I could only own one handgun, it would be an HK or a Sig. The XDm would be a close second though.

Glock.

As far as the judge, I almost bought one last weekend at the gun show but I was at my self assigned 3 gun per day limit already.

Pretty neat gun overall.

Takes .45 COLT rounds.

The XD-9 Subcompact with the extended mag with grip is awesome....the Judge...particularly the Night Court Judge feels clunky...then again it is essentially a legal sawed off shotgun....and it's 45 long colt and .410.

The XD-9 subcompact is a great gun as is also the Judge....however you have several pros and cons.

XD-9 is light and has a fairly large capacity whereas the the Judge is heavier...louder...but packs more of a punch...potentially anyway.
One is a revolver and the other is a semi-auto.

XD has 2 external safeties (1911 grip safety and Glock style trigger safety) Judge has...well none that I can think of.

If you didn't want a shotgun and had a handgun already I'd say go for the judge...which is essentially a compact shotgun.

A bit more feedback from the OP would be nice.

Thanks

Have either of you had a chance to try the M? If it's really better than the XD, we're in business, as I really like the regular XD9. The price isn't too bad, either. My local place has it for $649 but I can probably get it for just under $500 via my dad (retired military and can still purchase guns on base).

Originally Posted by glockman9c

Glock.

As far as the judge, I almost bought one last weekend at the gun show but I was at my self assigned 3 gun per day limit already.

Pretty neat gun overall.

Takes .45 COLT rounds.

The only Glock I have any experience with is the G19 and I'm not a fan of the ergonomics. Not a Glock hater... just not a big fan.

Originally Posted by Ferm3

The XD-9 Subcompact with the extended mag with grip is awesome....the Judge...particularly the Night Court Judge feels clunky...then again it is essentially a legal sawed off shotgun....and it's 45 long colt and .410.

The XD-9 subcompact is a great gun as is also the Judge....however you have several pros and cons.

XD-9 is light and has a fairly large capacity whereas the the Judge is heavier...louder...but packs more of a punch...potentially anyway.
One is a revolver and the other is a semi-auto.

XD has 2 external safeties Judge has...well none that I can think of.

If you didn't want a shotgun and had a handgun already I'd say go for the judge...which is a compact shotgun.

A bit more feedback from the OP would be nice.

It's not an either/or situation I guess I was just looking for verification that the XDm is worth going for over the regular XD. The part about the Judge was kind of an afterthought. I'll probably buy the XDm within a month and the Judge later in the year.

I just LOVE the capacity on the XDm.

Originally Posted by dwass325

The only Glock I have any experience with is the G19 and I'm not a fan of the ergonomics. Not a Glock hater... just not a big fan.




It's not an either/or situation I guess I was just looking for verification that the XDm is worth going for over the regular XD. I'll probably but the XDm within a month and the Judge later in the year.

I just LOVE the capacity on the XDm.

Glad I could help

do NOT get the Judge. Those things are absolutely BS. You're so so so much better off picking up a .357 or .44 mag (if you're into wheel guns). the .410 shot shells are hard to come by, and loadings for them are sub-par. Even with the .45 LC rounds you're not getting the best performance. A .45 acp or 357/44 mag rounds will perform far better.

Yeah don't get the judge. My dad was gonna get it and heard way to many bad things from way to many people.

Originally Posted by Rush4theYehO

do NOT get the Judge. Those things are absolutely BS. You're so so so much better off picking up a .357 or .44 mag (if you're into wheel guns). the .410 shot shells are hard to come by, and loadings for them are sub-par. Even with the .45 LC rounds you're not getting the best performance. A .45 acp or 357/44 mag rounds will perform far better.

Originally Posted by benzfreak

Yeah don't get the judge. My dad was gonna get it and heard way to many bad things from way to many people.

Mucho thanko guys.

Here's a pic of my judge, 6 inch barrel model, propped up by an 8mm Mauser round. Its a great gun, fun as hell to shoot. Load it up with a combo of both .410 buckshot or .45 Colt hollow points or anything else like 250gr lead flat nose.

The Judge is a novelty, not a real home defense gun. I you want a serious home defense pistol, get a revolver in 44mag, or 357 mag. 410 shot shells are worthless unless your rat hunting...and the 45 Long Colt is just too expensive....I personally don't like any XD's, but that's because I prefer Glocks. I have nothing against them, and hear great things all around. If it fits your hand and you're comfortable shooting it I say go for it.

The Judge is pretty neat for what it is IMO.

Perfect for a canoe or hiking in the woods, etc.

Originally Posted by 3erdriver

The Judge is a novelty, not a real home defense gun. I you want a serious home defense pistol, get a revolver in 44mag, or 357 mag. 410 shot shells are worthless unless your rat hunting...and the 45 Long Colt is just too expensive....I personally don't like any XD's, but that's because I prefer Glocks. I have nothing against them, and hear great things all around. If it fits your hand and you're comfortable shooting it I say go for it.

I think its quite useful. Trust me, having a shotgun in your hand the size of a pistol is great for home defense. Pretty sure some intruder coming in through the window and getting sprayed in the face with a blast of steel shot is going to be deterred. Would I do battle with it? No, I've got other guns for that. I think that people who hate on the judge clearly don't own one, and have probably never fired one.

The judge isn't a new concept, there have been other .45 colt .410 pistols for years, my grandfather had a 45 colt 410 Derringer years and years ago (small over-under two shot pistol for those unfamiliar).

If you like the feel of the XDM, it would be a great gun (especially at under $500 ). I didn't really care for the weight distro myself, but everybody is different. They've done a lot for the money. I personally like the Judge for what it is, but more as a car or camping gun than for HD. For HD I'd say get a real shotty if you want something in addition to the XDM.

Originally Posted by bradleyg

I think its quite useful. Trust me, having a shotgun in your hand the size of a pistol is great for home defense. Pretty sure some intruder coming in through the window and getting sprayed in the face with a blast of steel shot is going to be deterred. Would I do battle with it? No, I've got other guns for that. I think that people who hate on the judge clearly don't own one, and have probably never fired one.

The judge isn't a new concept, there have been other .45 colt .410 pistols for years, my grandfather had a 45 colt 410 Derringer years and years ago (small over-under two shot pistol for those unfamiliar).

I have fired a judge. And believe me I do think it's a great gun. A blast for range days. But I stand by my home defense statement. I mean anything is better than nothing, but I would never make it my primary home defense weapon. I think there are plenty of better option. If you want a shotgun use a shotgun, if you want a pistol use something that's a little more practicalfor home defense. But that's just my opinion.

I've been looking at the XD9's and the XDm9's and I cannot decide which one I want. I think it will come down to which one I can get a better deal on. Also, is it worth the extra $$ to get the tactical stuff, or is it the type of think that stays in your gun bag?

Originally Posted by 3erdriver

I have fired a judge. And believe me I do think it's a great gun. A blast for range days. But I stand by my home defense statement. I mean anything is better than nothing, but I would never make it my primary home defense weapon. I think there are plenty of better option. If you want a shotgun use a shotgun, if you want a pistol use something that's a little more practicalfor home defense. But that's just my opinion.

+1. Judge is a gimmick/novelty. If you look at the performance of the buck loadings for the .410, they're hard to find and on top of it, the penetration is poor. Using bird shot for defense is flat up stupid.

A coworker of mine has one for fun, but he leaves his serious home defense to something else.

Update: I have two 19+1 9mm XDMs on order - one with and one without night sights. This was the dealer's recommendation since I said I didn't really care about the night sights. Whichever one I don't take, my dad will most likely buy, so we'll have two XDMs in the family I'm paying around 30% less than the market price.

Do you guys think I'll regret it if I forego the night sights? I live in a low-crime area but you can never be too prepared. Just not sure if they are really of any benefit. I've shot a couple XDs before and I honestly don't remember if they had night sights or not. With the pricing I'm getting, it's a $67 addition.

Not-so-fun fact: where I live, I cannot legally have any more than 15rds loaded at any given time. I can have as many mags as I want with 15rds in each of them, but >15rds = dangerous

Originally Posted by dwass325

Update: I have two 19+1 9mm XDMs on order - one with and one without night sights. This was the dealer's recommendation since I said I didn't really care about the night sights. Whichever one I don't take, my dad will most likely buy, so we'll have two XDMs in the family I'm paying around 30% less than the market price.

Do you guys think I'll regret it if I forego the night sights? I live in a low-crime area but you can never be too prepared. Just not sure if they are really of any benefit. I've shot a couple XDs before and I honestly don't remember if they had night sights or not. With the pricing I'm getting, it's a $67 addition.

Not-so-fun fact: where I live, I cannot legally have any more than 15rds loaded at any given time. I can have as many mags as I want with 15rds in each of them, but >15rds = dangerous

I prefer night sights, but I have a Streamlight TLR-2 light/laser combo zeroed for 10 yards. If anyone ever breaks into my house(which I doubt because I live in a safe neighborhood), I will just shoot where the red dot is XDm with TLR-2 ftw!