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Springfield Armory XD Tactical Model .45 ACP Review

I replaced my Glock 21 .45 with an XD-45 Gen 1 several years back. I actually got the service model with the 4" barrel for concealed carry reasons. Glad I got a stainless slide version while they were still available new. I still prefer the XD Gen 1 personally. I just like the looks of it without the "Grip Zone" or huge "XD" across the grip. The Gen 1 is a classic to me. Notice the Glocks still look mostly the same after 40+ years as well (not to mention 1911s). I may pick up one of these Gen1 Tactical models with the longer barrel, just to have in case Springfield ends those too. I feel Springfield would have a larger sized market if they would tone down the marketing stuff and just focus on perfection, and stop with replacing/retiring models all the time. Gun buyers don't like short shelf lives with their guns, and neither do aftermarket parts manufacturers.
 
Talyn said:
Have had my "Tac" for a long time. Great in .45acp.
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I have 2 XDs both are service modes, one is a 40 and the other is 45. They are both excellent and yes I would love to have the the Tac but I already have excellence and my wallet can't take the hit because of medical expenses. I have several 13 round mags for the 45 and several 12 round mags for the 40. I feed all my 45s with 200 gr HPs and the 40 with 155 HPs. All my 45s are ready and able to get the job done with the 200 grain pellets which I have used in 1911s since the early fifties. Now if a crew would like to take what little a old disabled couple has I suggest they pack a lunch and have a relatives phone number so they can be notified because we can't flee.
 
I bought a first Gen, XD in 45 ACP, just about 20 years ago brand new at one of my local gun stores. I was no longer working in Law Enforcement at the time, but i had plenty of experience from carrying 5in and 6in sidearms on the job, so the 5in tactical model seemed right up my alley. I bought it to replace my Glock 21, which felt like a brick in my hands...and i have meaty hands. I am 6'3", and over 265 Lbs...but i hated how bulky the Glock was. The XD was like butter. it fit my hand so well for a full 13+1 45. Fast forward to today, in August of 2026. I still have the XD, and it has always remained in my EDC rotation. I have fired well over 3500 rounds thru it in the past 20 years, and to this day it looks and fires like it is BRAND NEW out of the box. It is 100% Factory original...no upgrades, mods, or replacement parts. The magazines are original with original springs. and it feels like it is new. That is how well built this gun is. Some of the small pieces are a little less Black in color, and are venturing into a dark brown color, but the functionality is still there. At some point i may see if the Springfield shop will take a look at it just to test it to see if any of the springs or pins need to be replaced after 20 years. I sold or traded a lot of firearms over the 50+ years I've been alive...but this is one that i will not part with.
 

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seatex said:
I replaced my Glock 21 .45 with an XD-45 Gen 1 several years back. I actually got the service model with the 4" barrel for concealed carry reasons. Glad I got a stainless slide version while they were still available new. I still prefer the XD Gen 1 personally. I just like the looks of it without the "Grip Zone" or huge "XD" across the grip. The Gen 1 is a classic to me. Notice the Glocks still look mostly the same after 40+ years as well (not to mention 1911s). I may pick up one of these Gen1 Tactical models with the longer barrel, just to have in case Springfield ends those too. I feel Springfield would have a larger sized market if they would tone down the marketing stuff and just focus on perfection, and stop with replacing/retiring models all the time. Gun buyers don't like short shelf lives with their guns, and neither do aftermarket parts manufacturers.
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I agree 100%. I kept my Gen1 because all the next "mods" looked like gimicky stuff to impress the "Tacti-cool kids". i have the small range holster that came with it that you can see in my photo, and a generic "Uncle Mikes" holster for the few times a month i carry it...because you cannot find good holsters for the 5 inch any more... and don't even think about trying to find one that will let you keep your light attached to it that is under $125. I really want to find a good (preferably leather) holster that will fit the 5 inch with my light attached, so i can dump the cordura Uncle Mikes...but that may never happen
 
Hi,

GrandCrusader said:
I bought a first Gen, XD in 45 ACP, just about 20 years ago brand new at one of my local gun stores. I was no longer working in Law Enforcement at the time, but i had plenty of experience from carrying 5in and 6in sidearms on the job, so the 5in tactical model seemed right up my alley. I bought it to replace my Glock 21, which felt like a brick in my hands...and i have meaty hands. I am 6'3", and over 265 Lbs...but i hated how bulky the Glock was. The XD was like butter. it fit my hand so well for a full 13+1 45. Fast forward to today, in August of 2026. I still have the XD, and it has always remained in my EDC rotation. I have fired well over 3500 rounds thru it in the past 20 years, and to this day it looks and fires like it is BRAND NEW out of the box. It is 100% Factory original...no upgrades, mods, or replacement parts. The magazines are original with original springs. and it feels like it is new. That is how well built this gun is. Some of the small pieces are a little less Black in color, and are venturing into a dark brown color, but the functionality is still there. At some point i may see if the Springfield shop will take a look at it just to test it to see if any of the springs or pins need to be replaced after 20 years. I sold or traded a lot of firearms over the 50+ years I've been alive...but this is one that i will not part with.
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Welcome to the forum from the Wild Wild Upper Midwest. Thanks for resurrecting this thread. I'd never seen the original article.

I enjoy my XD45 Mod2 Tactical. I bought it used at a great price from an online auction.

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The trigger is just mush so I bought a PRP unit that I will install soon, but this handgun lets me be very accurate. Plus, I always know where to hold it. ;)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
I have a 5.25" barrel in mine and I love it, for an auto. But honestly, I'm not in love with any auto except my high standards.

The 45 goes bang when I pull the trigger, hasn't needed work, doesn't jam, it's like owning a Glock, but better!
 
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