Springfield XD series question

[FL180]

So I've been looking into a cc weapon for a while now and one of the firearms i was looking at is the Springfield XDm 3.8 and XDs, both in 9mm. I've never conceal carried before so I am new to this. I know there are many options for a cc weapon and I know many like these two in particular. I don't think I want a thumb safety you have to flip to make the gun go bang but what's the story with the grip safety on the XD series of handguns? Why would you need a grip safety? What is a practical situation where a grip safety would be important or useful? Why would anyone want one? This is an honest question, I'm not being a smart , I just don't know anything about this type of safety.

I look forward to reading your responses to this!

[NN]

Because it was reported that some careless persons shot themselves.


1. Having the pistol start to drop and grabbed it.
2. Probably other incidents.

Grip safety is not nec, but, I don't shoot without holding the grip;
so what does it matter?

It is just different, so people complain.

1911's have them, no one thinks it is a problem.

I have tested the safeties they work

[SirGeorgeKillian]

JMB seemed to like them.

[shooter]

Smith & Wesson even put a grip safety on a model of their revolver! This is my S&W Safety Hammerless, chambered in 38 S&W caliber!

[rootbrain]

I have the XD9 subcompact and love the way it shoots. I'm not a little guy, but I don't have hamhocks for hands, so fits nice. I have a couple of the 13 round extended mags that I use. With the standard mag, my pinky does almost hang off, which some don't like. With hollow points, there should be no question about "stopping power". It's a very easy conceal, most people don't even know I have it most of the time. I use IWB or SOB holsters, but also have cc vest that I use and it's unnoticeable. The hand grip safety is great, and a great feature IMO. No thumbing off some other mechanical safety.

[samzhere]

Grip safeties go back to the classic 1911 pistol and other brands. They ensure that you've got a reasonably proper grip on the pistol, so that your thumb won't get banged when the slide punches back -- having your thumb on the grip helps ensure it's lower than the slide.

There are pistols manuactured without any external safety at all, and these can be fired in a bad stance and perhaps even a dangerous stance. Then there are pistols with grip safeties, trigger dual-action safeties, thumb safeties all, and these pistols work fine, if you're used to the safety action. It's a matter of personal preference.

I have 2 XDs with grip safeties, 2 1911s with grip and lever safeties, the XDs also have the dual-trigger safety like the Glock (and I have 2 Glocks). I also have a small KelTec that has zero external safeties.

With practice, I've learned to shoot all of these pistols easily and without confusion. It takes practice if you shoot different types of pistols but it can be done. Choose whichever pistol suits you best.

[Jayhawker]

JMB seemed to like them.

The ARMY liked them....JMB didn't originally design the 1911 with a grip safety,

[SirGeorgeKillian]

The ARMY liked them....JMB didn't originally design the 1911 with a grip safety,

There are plenty of other handguns designed by JMB that the ARMY didn't have a thing to do with, and a lot of them sported a grip safety.

[Jayhawker]

I thought we were talking about 1911s...what pre-1911 JMB designs had grip safeties?

[breamfisher]

Wait... was the grip safety, or the thumb safety added to the 1911 at the behest of the Army? Because I've read both...

[Cheetoh734]

XDs are very good functional guns. Love mine. I still don't know of a single person that purchased an XD and regretted the decision...I also carried a subcompact XD9 for years. Very good CC option...can't argue with 13+1 of 9mm in that small, accurate, and reliable of a package...one 16rd mag in the pocket and its even better...

[Jayhawker]

Wait... was the grip safety, or the thumb safety added to the 1911 at the behest of the Army? Because I've read both...

Never mind....it was the thumb safety....apparently, I'm having a senior moment....which has rendered all my previous posts on this subject moot....Thank you Bream and sorry Sir George, my mistake....DAMN, getting another year older sucks!

[Tugar]

There are plenty of other handguns designed by JMB that the ARMY didn't have a thing to do with, and a lot of them sported a grip safety.

The Hi-Power doesn't have a grip safety. Granted it was finalized after his death. If the grip safety is there, I will use it, if not, no biggie. The safety is between your ears anyway.

[rapier5316]

The ARMY liked them....JMB didn't originally design the 1911 with a grip safety,

The Army was still mounted when they thought that a lanyarded pistol could be harmful to the horse and soldier if the rider had to concentrate on driving the horse and let the cocked pistol hang on the lanyard.

[breamfisher]

Never mind....it was the thumb safety....apparently, I'm having a senior moment....which has rendered all my previous posts on this subject moot....Thank you Bream and sorry Sir George, my mistake....DAMN, getting another year older sucks!

It's not just your post that said that. I've read it in articles about the 1911. Even ones in Guns and Ammo...

[SirGeorgeKillian]

I thought we were talking about 1911s...what pre-1911 JMB designs had grip safeties?

For the record, a model 1903 pocket hammerless. And if I am as good off as you when I get to your age, I'll be in good shape

[shooter]

Yes, my 1903 Vest Pocket model also has one.

[FL180]

Thanks for the responses. I originally was looking at an M&P 9 compact or an M&P 9 Shield before I started reading about the XDm and XDs. Now I think I may be leaning towards the XD. The next step for me is to feel them all in my hands and try to see if I can rent them at the range.

[cpj]

I didn't used to be a fan of the grip safety on the XD. After using it, I must eat a little crow.
I like it. Could I live without it? Yep. But here's why I like it.
1. When carried in a Man Sack, or tucked between the seat of the truck, it adds a little margin of safety. Do I RELY on the safety? No. Only an idiot would. But it adds a little comfort when reaching blindly into my Sack to retrieve it.
2. It locks the slide. Shoving it in a holster or between the seats, you won't work the slide. It's a minor benefit, but I've grown to like it.
I love my XD , it fits my hand perfectly.

[DanChamberlain]

There is simply no way a properly gripped 1911 or XD will fail to depress the grip safety. The springs are so light as to make a lie, the statement from anyone that they were unable to shoot because of the grip safety. They were unable to shoot because they were unskilled.

[TSchub]

IMHO, the grip safety on the XD or other 1911 pistols is a non issue. I've shot both and they don't cause any interference with me, and I love the way the XD's shoot. Good guns and I wouldn't let the grip safety sway me from getting one.

[NN]

2. It locks the slide. Shoving it in a holster or between the seats, you won't work the slide. It's a minor benefit, but I've grown to like it.
.

I'm glad you posted this up. I had been noticing the slide starting to come back
on holstering and been more cautious than I had to be.

I just tested your statement and your right; but, it does come back at least half the
length of the brass case of the cartridge.

[SirGeorgeKillian]

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