Finally got that XD now I need some insight

[Triton]

Okay so at long last I got that XD that I've been wanting to get for every day carry. Specifically I picked up an XD in 40 caliber the subcompact version. The thing I've noticed about this brand spanking new one is that it is a bit difficult in a couple of areas.

1) After the slide locks in place and you put a fresh magazine in, the slide release is EXTREMELY difficult to press down to release the slide. You can do it one handed if you REALLY put your mind to it but it's much easier to pull the slide back a bit and then release the slide release. Is this something that will wear in after some time or do I need to get a gunsmith to work on it a bit? Or is it something I can fix myself?

2) Do the magazines break in over time as well? They send you a little do loader to help load the magazines and now I see why, getting those last to full rounds in to fill it to capacity is difficult without it.

 

[zenheretic]

I don't own an XD but the issues you state are fairly standard in a new auto. Both questions 1,2 should become easier as the firearm breaks in. You need to shoot it a bunch anyway.

Some may disagree, but a slide release is fairly unneccesary, and using the other hand to do a quick slide release by grasping the rear pulling back and releasing is a good habit to get into...if nothing else you would likely be unable to perform a slide release with the little button under stress anyhow.

 

[XD45]

The slide release on my XD is not as hard to depress as it was when I first got it, but I tend to grasp the slide on top to release it more than I use the release button. I have the 13 round .45 mags and it still is fairly stiff when loading rounds in mine so I'm still using the mag loader. Saves the thumbs after a while at the range. But I have to agree on pulling back on the slide instead of using the slide release. Grabbing the slide would be much easier than trying to depress the release IMO.

 

[Triton]

Thanks for the thoughts gentlemen. I was wondering since my only other auto a Colt .45 has neither of these particular characteristics although as you say it is significantly older.

 

[Absintheur]

It should not require a "break-in period" but such is the level of quality control these days. As for rack and release versus using the slide release, both methods are fine but train to do one or the other and in times of stress muscle memory will see you though if you train sufficiently. Manner people have problems reaching the slide release without shifting their grip and for those people I suggest they learn rack and release. This will also serve if you ever find it necessary to use your weak hand to fire.

Shoot more and shoot more often...it's good for the industry!

 

[David E]

How are you trying to release the slide? If you're using your gun hand thumb (right hand for most) you're probably not quite able to reach it enough for proper leverage. Rereading your post, it sounds like you're doing it one-handed. Don't! Unless your left hand is disabled, there's no reason to do it that way. Besides, it takes too long.

While a case can be made for the "grab and release" method (and you should know this drill) another case can be made for using the LEFT thumb to drop the slide via the slide release. The advantage here is that you're back on target quicker for the next shot. If you can work the tiny mag release button under stress, you can work the slide release.

But, if you have trouble manipulating the slide release for whatever reason, go to the PROPER "grab slide and release" method: Grasp the top of the slide behind the ejection port, palm down, and pull back briskly to it's full stop position. Without stopping your stroke, immediately let go of the slide, allowing it to close with the full power of the recoil spring. There is no pause anywhere during this phase. Keep the gun pointed toward the target and get your left hand back on the gun for control.

Do NOT use the "slingshot" method where you pinch the rear of the slide between thumb and forefinger. This isn't nearly as certain as the first method described.

 

[Ed T]

I have the same model and did not notice the stiffness as much after about 300-400 rounds. Don't know if I toughened up or if it is really easier.

The magazines are a pain still. I use the loader. Why fight it.

My sub shoots better than my 5"tactical. Go figure.

How are you going to carry? I can fit mine in a small fanny pack and have a holster with mag holder sewn in that works nice as well.Pics to follow.

 

[zenheretic]

It should not require a "break-in period" but such is the level of quality control these days.

I believe it will loosen up in a few hundred rounds as most autos do so, the same goes for the mags, they become easier to load after multiple loadings. YMMV.

 

[David E]

The slide stop shouldn't need a break-in period, unless the mating surfaces are extremely rough.

Proper technique is the quick remedy here.

.

 

[Chiro75]

I bought a 9mm XD subcompact about 1.5 months ago. I've been to the range twice with it and shot about 300 rounds or so through total. Not a single problem. I like this gun!

 

[zenheretic]

If you can work the tiny mag release button under stress, you can work the slide release.

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With training/practice perhaps, but they are different motor actions applied at different angles. Assuming activation with the same thumb, pushing a button directly towards the fingers, to drop the mag, is as natural as tightening a fist. Activating the slide release is towards the mag well and is a parallel movement to the fingers, not directly into the fingers. The thumb strength is weaker and less natural in that direction, especially since performing that action weakens the grip. Most people lose fine motor control under stress, there is more fine motor control to the slide release than the American style mag release.

Frankly there is no reason the slide release couldn't be the exact same direction/action as the mag release, other than convention set by the limitations of Brownings design and technology at the time.

The slide stop shouldn't need a break-in period, unless the mating surfaces are extremely rough.

Proper technique is the quick remedy here.

.

Ok, break-in may not have been the exact term with which you are comfortable.

How about: After you shoot it a few thousands rounds (even though it functions flawlessly now) it will loosen up a bit, therefore becoming easier to activate.

 

[David E]

With training/practice perhaps,

Who in their right mind would buy/carry/use a gun WITHOUT practicing and training with it ?????

Assuming activation with the same thumb, pushing a button directly towards the fingers, to drop the mag, is as natural as tightening a fist.

I do not assume that. In fact, that's the WRONG way for 99% to do it. Use the left hand thumb to push it down. Most people also have to shift their grip to reach the mag release button, so it's not "as natural as tightening your fist."

I'm always amazed that "under stress" people will have no trouble activating the mag release, but those same people will be too perplexed and bewildered to activate the slide release.

Ok, break-in may not have been the exact term with which you are comfortable.

How about: After you shoot it a few thousands rounds (even though it functions flawlessly now) it will loosen up a bit, therefore becoming easier to activate.

All my slide stops on all my guns worked fine the first time and every time, so I don't see why, short of rough mating surfaces, a break-in period is expected for the slide release. If you wanted to say that "general break-in period" of about 200 rds should be done, then I'd certainly agree with that view.

There may be one exception with the slide stop being difficult to disengage. That is when the shooter, usually a newbie, finds it difficult to release the slide stop when an EMPTY magazine is in place. Kahr's are especially stubborn here. But thinking about it for a few seconds, they'd realize that when you're doing a reload, a loaded magazine would be in there, so the extra force of the follower would not be pushing up on the slide stop while you're pushing down on it.

Other guns have such a miniscule slide stop that there's nothing to push on. The first S&W M&P's had a horrible slide stop design that they fixed pretty damn fast. Glocks also have a small one, but a slightly larger one, such as on their G-34/35, can easily be swapped out for it and problem is solved.

All that said, it's still a good idea to know and practice the proper overhand slide grip/release method.

.

 

[zenheretic]

Who in their right mind would buy/carry/use a gun WITHOUT practicing and training with it ?????.

Oh come on David E, that is a pretty disingenuous reply. No where in this thread does anyone suggest pratice and training shouldn't be performed. My comments directly applied to the past discussion and nothing else. In fact my very first comments mention needing to shoot a bunch.

You twice state to use the other hand; that is also not the natural application, otherwise it wouldn't have to be taught.

The rest of your words are worthy though just vary from mine a bit based on perspective. I originally said the release will become easier as it is shot. I believe it will. No where did I say it is defective or isn't working properly, just that it will be easier. You mention 200 rounds as a reasonable break-in period.

I don't even see that we disagree on much of anything.

You make the salient point if you can do the mag drop, you should be able to do the slide. I put forth reasons why it might not be so. You counter with a different technique.

It is an interesting discussion.

I don't own an XD but the issues you state are fairly standard in a new auto. Both questions 1,2 should become easier as the firearm breaks in. You need to shoot it a bunch anyway.

Some may disagree, but a slide release is fairly unneccesary, and using the other hand to do a quick slide release by grasping the rear pulling back and releasing is a good habit to get into...if nothing else you would likely be unable to perform a slide release with the little button under stress anyhow.

 

[David E]

I said:
If you can work the tiny mag release button under stress, you can work the slide release.

You said: With training/practice perhaps, (emphasis added.)

That implies to me that without training, your point is valid and with training, my point is valid........"perhaps." ...

My response was that a simple question: Who in their right mind would buy/carry/use a gun WITHOUT practicing and training with it ?????

I don't see any "disingenuous" element to that sequence of posts.

Now, that said, there are plenty of people that WON'T seek out proper training or practice very much and may ignore certain parts altogether. But I'm not talking about a moron without training doing it wrong under stress!

For those that will listen and train, there are better ways to release the slide from slidelock than using their right thumb. I've described the two best ways already. One is quicker, one works no matter what gun is being used. Both are valid. Both should be practiced. Altho if you only pick one, do the overhand grip version. It's slower, but it works on everything.

.

 

[XD45]

Try practicing with the left thumb to release and try the overhand method to see what works best. But the overhand would work well so you get familiar using that method in case you have to clear a malfunction, such as the infamous stove pipe. I haven't heard of that happening on an XD yet but you know what they say about Murphy showing up at the worst time .

 

[Triton]

Uh oh... didn't know I'd ignited a hornets nest, I was just wondering why on my Colt I could thumb the slide release (yes with my right hand, shooting hand) and I couldn't on this XD, or at least not with anything like comfort or ease. The same thing goes for the magazines, on the Colt, very easy, no problem on the XD use the loader.

It sounds like the general consensus is that a few hundred rounds through the gun will loosen it up a bit, I can live with that.

I'm not sure about carry options at the moment. I've never cared for fanny packs, so I'm thinking probably an inside the belt paddle type holster, although I'm not sure if that will work very well for concealed carry with my normal work attire. (Slacks and either a polo or button down shirt). I carry a computer laptop and had just thought of stashing it in there, except that the computer laptop itself is a target for theives so giving them a gun in the bargain might not be a good plan. Additionally I often have to take that backpack through airport security and I would hate to set off their powder residue sensors although I have no idea if that would do it. I'm completely open to other suggestions.

 

[zenheretic]

Uh oh... didn't know I'd ignited a hornets nest,

No hornets on my end, if everything was perfectly clear and everyone agreed about everything 100% there wouldn't be much use for forums.

I'm not to proud to admit I'm learning plenty from my interactions of this thread.

 

[zenheretic]

Try practicing with the left thumb to release and try the overhand method to see what works best. But the overhand would work well so you get familiar using that method in case you have to clear a malfunction, such as the infamous stove pipe. I haven't heard of that happening on an XD yet but you know what they say about Murphy showing up at the worst time .

That is why I do that and that only because I have to use the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid(me being the stupid one)).

About the only way a stovepipe happens with modern autos and ammo is limp wristing, so it depends on the company you keep.

 

[zenheretic]

...
You said: With training/practice perhaps, (emphasis added.)

That implies to me that without training, your point is valid and with training, my point is valid........"perhaps." ...

My response was that a simple question: Who in their right mind would buy/carry/use a gun WITHOUT practicing and training with it ?????

I don't see any "disingenuous" element to that sequence of posts.

.

It seemed disingenuous because on my end it appeared you were saying I was saying training isn't needed.

Perhaps (used here because I can't know your experiences) in your experience folks naturally use the left hand right off the bat, without someone telling them too. IMO, folks will naturally tend to use the right thumb to activate all the buttons on the left side. Under that caveat, I outlined mechanically why it is likely more difficult to do one operation over another.

Anywho, it grows frustrating when if we were in the same room this whole thing could have been cleared up in about 1 minute. I don't hold you for a fool and hope you see me in the same light. Peace.

 

[David E]

Zen, no problems here ! The stark, cold written word without inflection, much less gesticulations to make a point clear account probably for 90% of internet misundestandings!

I was just wondering why on my Colt I could thumb the slide release (yes with my right hand, shooting hand) and I couldn't on this XD, or at least not with anything like comfort or ease. The same thing goes for the magazines, on the Colt, very easy, no problem on the XD use the loader.

Because it's a different gun with different user interface. (John Browning never thought of THAT term, I'm sure!)

Using your right thumb to drop the slide isn't a good way to do it. It's slow and won't work on too many different guns as you found out.

Loading a magazine has never been that hard for me, but I notice that most folks don't do it like I do. I dunno why.

One of my private students has a "LULA" for double stack mags that works like a charm, the best tool for that purpose I've seen. I'll be getting a couple for my wife and daughters to use. It should solve your issue, as well.

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