Gear Review: Springfield Armory XD(m) 40

Hey there folks! I thought it was about time I got around to doing a review so here we go...

Today's guest is the Springfield Armory XD(m)40. Let's see, first things first some specs: this is a polymer frame pistol with steel slide and match grade 4.5 in barrel. Mine is in .40S&W and has a capacity of 16+1. It has a ambidextrous magazine release and standard sites. It has the all black Melonite finish. (Don't ask me what that is exactly, it's what they call it) It comes with 3 interchangeable back-straps to accommodate different hand sizes. The very nice case it comes with also includes 3 magazines, a polymer pistol holster, a dual magazine holster, speed loader for the magazine and a cleaning brush.

Mine is also considered to be a mk1 version. They have since come out with a newer model that has been cosmetically modified but to the best of my knowledge has not been changed mechanically. The biggest difference is the slide serrations. Mine are straight slashes and the new ones have chevrons cuts. So now on to the rest of the fun stuff.

I found the XDm to be a very user friendly firearm. I have read a number of folks who's opinions differ from my own but again, as with my Mossberg, I will continue to like my choice. Getting the full magazine inserted into the pistol can be difficult at first. It requires a good solid smack on the base plate to seat it all the way. Some folks complain about this and as compared to a 1911 I can see the complaint. Personally I like it, when I load up I feel confident that I am good to go when I give it a good smack. Ejecting a full magazine is also very difficult as well. While I can do it with just the magazine release, I find that giving some upward pressure on the base plate while I hit the release will has it coming out just fine. Again, some folks complain about this but I have two questions. First why would you have a sudden need to eject a full magazine under combat situations? I mean, isn't the saying for clearing a jam to tap, rack, bang? Well if you try to fire and can't (because I don't know, maybe you forgot to chamber a round in the first place) then racking the slide should clear this issue. My second question is this, if the magazine requires good force to seat it, and extra pressure to release it if full, then isn't that a pretty good thing because it means that the magazine isn't falling out of the pistol.

Firing to me is a breeze. I have found that as long as you maintain anything even resembling a proper firing grip that the grip safety will always be engaged. I have read more than one forum with users (who by the way are glock fans in general) complaining about the grip safety and it stopping them from firing under emergency circumstances (if they were to ever supposedly be in such a situation). Seriously though, I have tried to hold the pistol (unloaded of course) in such a way as to prevent me from engaging the grip safety and the only way I could resulted in me holding the pistol in such a way and to make firing it almost impossible. I said almost because yes I could still manipulate the trigger but in order to reach it I felt all sorts of wrong and of course, the grip safety prevented me from pulling the trigger as it should. There is a safe action trigger, much like on Glock and the Smith & Wesson M&P lines.

Regular cleaning is a breeze. Lock back the slide, eject the magazine, flip up the take down level and release the slide to remove. Pop out the recoil spring and guide rod, remove the barrel and there you go. Ready for cleaning.

I will admit to some prejudice with this particular firearm. This was my first pistol to own. I took some time in choosing this one and it really came down to the ease of tear down vs the S&W M&P at the time. I think the M&P' have been improved because I have heard from a owner of one of the new Shield models that the tear down is very easy on them now. I did try comparing to Glocks as well and found they didn't work well in my hand. I am very happy with my choice of firearm. The Springfield Armory company has a fantastic customer service department and I would highly recommend this pistol to anyone who is thinking about a purchase. I hope that you have enjoyed this review. I am sorry for not including more pictures. Until next time....Keep a weather eye out!

DM Bullard Dual Carry Holster

Since I said that I would be doing some shooting and talking about gear from time to time, lets talk gear. When I bought my pistol I tried the original holster provided by Springfield Armory. It is a polymer paddle style holster. The pistol fits in there extremely well and it is relatively comfortable however, not what I wanted to use for long term carry. I began to search around for a good leather holster. You would think this shouldn't be too terribly difficult. You would be sadly mistaken. When you want to be able to conceal a full size pistol, the holster is everything. Many people give up on carrying a full size pistol and opt for a smaller, compact firearm in a smaller caliber because they cant find a way to carry comfortably. Thus the search began for a quality holster that would allow me to carry my full size pistol comfortably all day.

I began with general searches and looking at different types of holsters. I reviewed many different gun forums for recommendations. I narrowed my choices down to three different models; the Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC, the Crossbreed Super Tuck and the DM Bullard Dual Carry. The Mtac and Supertuck are both dedicated in-waist band holsters. Both are made with a leather back that has a kydex holster attached and tuckable belt clips. The Dual Carry is an all leather holster that can be used inside the waist band or outside the waist band. All three are in a similar price range of $70-$90 plus shipping. At first I was very enamored with the MTAC and also impressed by the many, many glowing reviews on the Super Tuck. Both are solidly built devices. Both allow for various cant (tilt) adjustments on the the holster as well as depth of wear. I, being the multi-funtion guy that I am, felt that while both were good at what they did, they were limited to a single wear style.

I then looked more at the DM Bullard Dual Carry. This holster is all leather with metal belt clips. It is hand made in Azle, Texas. Many leather holster are out there but as I looked at them, I felt the workmanship that was used by Mr. Bullard was outstanding. The Dual Carry can be configured for IWB or OWB wear and looks good in both configurations. The metal clips can be swapped out with leather tuckable belt loops if you desire for a small additional cost. I did not go with this option as I was unsure if the holster would work for me or not. I finally ordered his holster and then began my wait. This may sound strange considering that you can walk into most gun shops and there are easily 50 to 100 holsters there on the shelves. However, when you want handcrafted it takes a little more time. Mr. Bullard, at the time I ordered, was essentially a one man shop working from his garage. He made each holster one at a time himself. His popularity meant that he was somewhat back ordered and there would be some lead time involved.

When the holster arrived I was not disappointed with the quality at all. It is made with thick saddle leather, has a re-enforced mouth and heavy duty stitching. The holster fit my pistol like a glove and has remarkable retention all by itself.

I tried it on and after a few minutes of trying in different positions settled for a 4 O'clock position. The holster came set up for IWB carry. This worked very nicely with my belt adding additional retention to the pistol. I then configured the holster for OWB carry. My pistol disappeared beneath my shirt, even when tucked in. The Saddle Brown color of the leather tanning is very sweet. The white thread used for the stitching is heavy gauge and very even. Even when worn OWB, this holster can disappear underneath an untucked shirt.

 The only tiny issue, and one that anyone familiar with quality leather products know of, is the leather squeaks a bit a first. This will reduce over time as the holster is worn more and broken-in.

As I don't currently posses my concealed carry permit, I very much enjoy the fact that I can still use this holster for open carry and that it looks nice when doing it. Once I have my permit, I am still undecided if I will use it IWB or OWB. Most likely I will be switching back and forth between the two (you only need a screw driver to switch it around). I recently checked on Mr. Bullard's website and was pleased to see that his company has done some growing. In fact his popularity has grown to a point where he has added an additional 6 employees to keep up with demand. I would highly recommend the DM Bullard company to anyone looking for a high quality leather holster for their pistol. As I saw on another site for some handmade leather bags, if it is a quality product, leather goods can be passed down. As long as my pistol still works, I hope to pass this down some day to one of my kids or grand-kids.

Turn and turn again

I have been in a teaching position in my church for some time now. I have had the pleasure of sharing my beliefs with the children in my church and have enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with them. Of late though, I have been feeling that perhaps it is time for me to relinquish my calling. Perhaps it is the stresses that I have in my life outside of my calling. Perhaps in my efforts to become more open about my feelings with others I am losing the ability to compartmentalize and keep my frustrations and disappointments in check. I don't know...and I must say that indecision, though it has ever been a companion of mine, is none the less a very annoying thing.

...but enough of this silliness. Today, I don my pistola to better familiarize myself with it's presence. I had hoped to get out and put 50 slow, yet (hopefully) well placed rounds down range today but alas, tis not to be. I have damaged my target frame prior to this to such a degree as to render it unusable. I must conceive of a machination to repair it or construct a new device to take it's place. Yes, yes, I know. Woe be unto to me and my insignificant tribulations. I would like to ask that if either of my two readers happens to be in possession of an ingenious (and cheap) target stand, if you could forward to me said designs I would be deeply indebted to you.

Now, having feed my son, got my daughter on the bus (having ensured both are dressed and presentable), emptied and loaded the dishwasher and hand-washed those items that could not go in. I must find further engagements beyond those pleasant moments spent spewing forth my mental musings. I bid you good day 'till we meet again. :)