View Full Version : XD Conversion Barrels - Experiences?
JaxChris
04-21-2009, 08:24 AM
Just curious if anyone here has used a conversion or match barrel on their XD before?
If so, what's your experience? Are such barrels reliable enough for permanent use? I've read around the web that people suggest an upgraded guide rod and replacing the guide spring when changing out for a match barrel. As for the guide rod, I think I want to pick up a Lasermax and calibrate it with a boresighter.
Also, is it true that the 9mm/357Sig/40SW/45GAP all use the same slide? That seems like a lot of great options from a single frame & slide. For 200$ per caliber you can get a barrel, spring, and 2 mags. That makes the XD quite a versatile firearm.
I would love to have a 9mm package for the range (cheap shooting) and a 40SW package for Concealed Carry (stopping power). From what I understand, none of this applies to the 45ACP models as they have a wider frame and slide.
Thanks in advance for all feedback, please feel free to share anything you know about XD mods in here for me to learn. =)
I wouldn't put a laser on a conceal carry firearm. Most people are not trained enough to use it properly. Leaving the laser on all the time tells your assailant where you are at all times. Just practice more.
JaxChris
04-21-2009, 11:11 AM
Not sure I understand your scenario there. If I'm thrust into a defensive posture the assailant already has made visual contact with me and wouldn't a laser sight improve quick draw hit probability at medium to long range if you train yourself to be mindful of it?
Satan_3pc
04-22-2009, 12:45 AM
Keep it pointed down until you're in range?
People have a tendency to leave lasers on when in a self defense situation, that tells your assailant where you are. Same scenario as the lights mounted on the guns. You need to be able to blip your assailant with the laser fire and move. Repeat if necessary.
JaxChris
04-22-2009, 08:04 AM
So how about stripping a momentary switch apart and mounting it inside the frame behind the grip safety? Have it located so only when the grip safety is fully squeezed that it'll activate? Or maybe even have a thumb holster with the switch installed inside there for momentary use?
I don't want this thread to be consumed by just the lasermax, so moving on.... anyone got information on conversions?
anthony20031
04-22-2009, 09:29 AM
sorry but quick question lol...don't a lot of lasers now come equipped with different modes such as blipping where it goes on and off intermittenly (sp). I was thinking about getting the Veridian green light laser only because I got a coupon from Ruger to get one half off plus a blackhawk holster that would accomodate the gun with the laser equipped
They usually flash, green shows up at night time, you can actually follow the beam.
Satan_3pc
04-22-2009, 11:39 AM
Well I'm sure they have a switch for your opposite index finger just like the XM whatever light that mounts on the XD. You can either turn it on with a toggle, or you can flick it on temporarily with a hold switch to blind or surprise one.
JaxChris
04-22-2009, 12:20 PM
Thanks guys, but back to conversion talk now please. =)
I asked around on the XD-Talk forums and spoke with some XD part makers. Turns out the 9mm/357Sig/40SW/45GAP all use the same frame, but the 9mm has a different slide because the barrel has a smaller OD than the rest. The 357Sig/40SW/45GAP all have the same OD on the barrel which makes their uppers completely interchangeable.
The 45ACP is a completely different creature and isn't interchangeable with anything else, but aftermarket manufacturers have created drop-in 400Corbon conversions for match/competitive shooting.
I'm finding a lot of stuff now for the non-45ACP compact and tactical. I think I'm going to have fun building one up.
Sounds similar to other manufacturers. I think Glock is the same thing.
Unless you want to get a piece of shit Sig P250.
JaxChris
04-23-2009, 09:00 AM
Actually, from what I've been reading lately, the Glock and XD's are extremely similar in design. The XD is actually a mix & match of all the things people like best of different polyguns. The Glock's provided a lot of inspiration into the XD back when it started out as the HS2000. Everything from the inside stamping of the frame halves to the implementation of the USA trigger action is almost identical.
The Glock and the XD are also the most popular with drop-in conversions because the frames are identical between different caliber models (except the 45ACP which requires a deeper grip, wider slide, and larger breechface). This makes it far cheaper for both of these companies to crank out multiple models using a large amount of common parts.
Glock is actually much better at allowing user customization because they let you order any part directly. Springfield won't allow anyone to order factory parts and says if it needs a part to send it in on lifetime warranty and they'll do anything that needs to be done.
Because of this secretive nature around the XD, a number of aftermarket companies started taking apart numerous models and found many of the dimensions of large parts were all the same. The only change between an XD in 9mm/357Sig/40SW/45GAP per a particular size (Sub Compact, Compact, Service, and Tactical) is just the bore size of the barrel, the magazine, extractor, and width of the breechface. Even the firing pins are within a couple 100th's of an inch of each other - making them compatible.
There is one change though over the past 2 years where the slide on the 9mm models has a smaller mouth for the barrel and the barrel has a smaller outer diameter. The 40SW/357Sig/45GAP are still completely interchangeable, while conversion barrels are available simply by taking an unbored 40SW barrel and being bored to 9mm instead to maintain the proper OD.
There are numerous makers of drop-in and conversion barrels for the Glock's and XD's because of this universal platform. Among the highest ranked are Storm Lake and EFK Fire Dragon. Then you have other companies that are specific to one brand or the other - like in the instance of the XD you have PistolGear and for Glock's you have Lone Wolf.
You also have a number of match-grade barrels that you can have professionally fitted for different caliber shooting IDPA and other contests. I think I may end up modding this first XD of mine to be a stout target pistol (since it's a Tactical) and then get a smaller model for carry.
I'm thinking about dropping this Tactical down to 9mm or 357Sig. I might even get stupid and have it Gunkote'd. lol
Springfield also has great warranty service, one of the best manufacturers to deal with for warranty service. Depending on the part you will not have to send it in either.
Looks like you did a lot of research Jax. I never trusted the conversion barrels such as Lone Wolf's conversion from .40 to 9mm for the Glocks. They claim that the difference in breechface and extractor is not enough to cause malcunctions. If that were the case all 9 and .40 glocks would be exactly the same aside from the barrel and magazine. I don't buy it, so there's no way I'd do that. Conversion barrels to the .357 Sig from a .40 shouldn't pose any functional problems. I never really looked at a .45 GAP, but IIRC, the case was shortened but I wasn't aware they reduced the diameter of the case head. I'll need to look at it.
Slowbra01
04-23-2009, 11:52 AM
Unless you want to get a piece of shit Sig P250.
whoa whoa whoa.... fuck you asshole lol. I love my sig(s)! Nothing wrong with it!
If i were to get an XD...it would be the XDM in all its awesomeness!
whoa whoa whoa.... fuck you asshole lol. I love my sig(s)! Nothing wrong with it!
If i were to get an XD...it would be the XDM in all its awesomeness!
Do you have a Sig 250?
Slowbra01
04-23-2009, 12:13 PM
indeed i do! Walked into guntech one day just to see whats up. As i was leaving, either rich or cris pulled it out from somewhere and i walked out with it. i have the compact 9mm.
I've got a German 226. One of my favorite guns. Honestly, not a big fan of the 250, as it is great idea in concept but the DAO and the feel of the frame doesn't do anything for me. Plus, while the caliber conversion kits are now available, they certainly haven't made the different frame and magazines sizes readily available. You didn't get the digicamo tan one did you?
Slowbra01
04-23-2009, 12:31 PM
HAHA...come on phil, would ASIAN JOE take the digicamo?!?! As much as i love sigs, i couldn't bring myself to buy that. Unless i could have it for a ridiculous low price then i would spend the extra $$ and duracoat it with a color i like.
As for your german 226...kudos to you! The 226 is definitely on my list of "must haves". I just can't decide which variation to get!? The 226 is in my mind a legendary pistol based on its service history and overall value. I love 1911's and sigs....so my GSR revolution was the perfect creation for me. But the 226 is def calling my name. All i can say to you is ... LUCKyyyyy *napoleon dynamite voice*.
Ok, good. That particular gun appealed only to rednecks. lol. Yeah, during the AWB, I came across a new pre ban 226 with hi cap mags at Firearms Plus and traded my desert eagle .44 mag for it. I had originally bought the DE thinking it was a really cool gun but it was the most impractical handgun ever made. Too heavy to carry and hunt with and not a good home defense gun either. My intent was to get rid of it and I got an even exchange for it.
Satan_3pc
04-23-2009, 04:48 PM
Speaking of the conversion kits. I was looking at ammo at walmart today and a guy came in and cleared the case out of .40 and 9mm. Of course .45 was already gone. I started talking to him and was telling him how I wanted an XD. He then told me that he hates XDs and they're to thick to carry and the polymer frame flexes in your hand.
I'm thinking wtf is this guy talking about? it's one of the best carry guns out, and I have shot my brothers... seemed pretty sturdy to me.
contrarion douchebag
JaxChris
04-23-2009, 08:11 PM
Matt, tomorrow at dinner I'll let you feel my XD Tactical. There is no flex in it. The guy is probably a cheap ass that buys Hi-Point handguns and won't justice the expense for a real gun.
Also, Walmart has a 4 box per customer per day rule. How did he clear you out? Did you just get a delivery today or something?
JaxChris
04-23-2009, 08:24 PM
Phil, almost nobody really trusts the workmanship of the Lone Wolf's from what I've read. They do Glock-only work and people think they try to clone Storm Lake's barrels.
Apparently Storm Lake is the highest regarded maker of conversion barrels. People have reported the least amount of fitting or the shortest wear-in periods for their barrels.
I'm thinking I may try one of their 40SW barrels.
I picked up my XD-45 Tactical today. I got a good price on it because it is 45GAP, but I don't mind it since the rounds are the same price as 45ACP and easier to find right now online. The thinner frame actually feels better in my hand than the 45ACP did. With the 45ACP I couldn't hit the mag release with my thumb without twisting my hand around the grip.
And the other aspect which fascinates me is the configuration changes that can be made and the large number of accessories available for this platform over the 45ACP.
The 45GAP round is the same diameter as the 45ACP, but it uses a shorter casing similar to the 40SW. The inside shaping of the casing is where they better shape the charge and make additional room available compared to the 45ACP. This is how they maintain the same ballistic properties as the 45ACP from a shorter round.
Since I posted this thread I actually have been doing numerous searches into the most obscure archives of the internet to learn everything I can. As for the conversion barrels, the rule of "buy cheap, buy twice" could very well apply so I'll be staying away from the low-end models.
I may be looking at getting a 5.5" threaded match barrel that will accept compensator on the end for reduced muzzle climb and easier double taps.
I must say that the action of the XD is very nice, and the 1-inch travel to lock the firing pin back feels natural and not excessive, even for a 45 caliber spring rating. My girlfriend is able to repeatedly cock and dry fire at all 115 lbs of pregnant woman she is.
Satan_3pc
04-23-2009, 10:01 PM
Matt, tomorrow at dinner I'll let you feel my XD Tactical. There is no flex in it. The guy is probably a cheap ass that buys Hi-Point handguns and won't justice the expense for a real gun.
Also, Walmart has a 4 box per customer per day rule. How did he clear you out? Did you just get a delivery today or something? I have no idea. The guy in sporting goods sold it to him. That rule probably DOES exist to. That sounds right down Wal-marts alley.
As for holding your gun... I told you my brother had a XD 40 subcompact. I'm sure yours in different, but thats why when that guy was saying that I'm thinking wtf is this asshole smoking? The XD is one of the best guns out right now for carry and weight and value and everything.
Arrogant dick. :jerkit:
Not to thread hijack but I was in Walmart with the wife tonight and figured id peek to see if there was any ammo. They had (6) 100rd boxes of 45acp, (2) 40rd boxes of 7.62x39 and over a dozen boxes of .40, all by Winchester. They also had one box of 7.62x39 in Remington. I picked up 300rds of the 45acp.
Satan_3pc
04-23-2009, 11:39 PM
Noice! Our case at the walmart I work at is usually empty. I am keeping an eye on it.
Some of the polymer frames do flex actually for the recoil. Its designed to do so, this is why you can't put a tactical light on some of them.
Some of the polymer frames do flex actually for the recoil. Its designed to do so, this is why you can't put a tactical light on some of them.
:+1: Great point. Never did understand why they made a rail in the first place since when you actually used it, it potentially threw the balance of the gun off. IIRC, tho, it was with certain lights.
JaxChris
04-24-2009, 08:15 AM
So anything heavier than a couple ounces on a poly rail could throw off the dynamic of the weapon?
I never read that before, good to know. Thanks.
The mounting of the lights on the rail don't allow the frame to flex, which could cause and has caused failures. I don't have stats of what frames and lights they were but I am sure if you research your particular firearm you can see what does/doesn't work.
JaxChris
04-24-2009, 10:57 AM
Will do.
Satan_3pc
04-24-2009, 04:55 PM
Is that why the XD has a little rail on the bottom then?
JaxChris
04-25-2009, 02:59 AM
Yep, for attachments. There are a few different things you can put on there but it's mostly all lights and lasers. The XD Gear accessories (like the mag loader) even lock on there - I know it's stupid, but I've seen pics.
My rail is just for looks, I ain't mounting anything on it.
Satan_3pc
04-25-2009, 10:15 AM
Yep, for attachments. There are a few different things you can put on there but it's mostly all lights and lasers. The XD Gear accessories (like the mag loader) even lock on there - I know it's stupid, but I've seen pics.I know that the rail is for attachments. I am just saying to what Cris was saying. Does the XD have that down there because on other polymer pistols it throws the gun off and makes it flex?