Posted: 7/11/2010 2:58:11 PM EDT
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Yesterday I was at the range with my new XD Subcompact 9 for some shakedown and CCW ammo validation.
I plan on carrying this piece a lot and want to make sure there are no bugs in either the pistol or the choice of ammo of course. The pistol ran fine, however, at one point it did not fire when the trigger was pressed, and I realized that the web of my thumb had eased off the grip safety just enough so that it engaged. Changing grip quickly corrected the situation, but I am curious if anyone else has ever had that issue. What's a little disturbing is that it happened without my noticing (I was not aware my grip had backed off the backstrap a little until the failure to fire occured). In winter, I will probably be wearing gloves should I ever need to draw defensively, because I almost always wear gloves in winter. I'm thinking that might increase the chances of this happening. I would hate to find myself in a critical situation and fail to achieve "bang bang" because of an improper grip, but with Murphy's Law being what it is, I could easily see that happening. As with all things gun related, I guess the answer is just practice, practice, practice. Thoughts or input appreciated. P.S. One of the reasons I chose the XD SC over a baby Glock for deep concealment is because I like having the added grip safety BTW. |
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I've never had this happen on my wifes XD 9mm subby she hasn't either. I have read threads with people saying that is some damning flaw or something. I don't see it myself. You could probably get one of those slip on hogue grips that would keep it permanently depressed if you really are worried about it or have problems with it.
I would say just keep it in mind, and maintain a firm grip when firing. Some people must loosely grip their pistol when firing I guess? I don't grip my AR's extremely tight, pretty relaxed, but a pistol is a whole different thing. I naturally grip one pretty tight to keep the barrel on target with quick firing. What gets me is that the 1911 has always had a grip safety. The XD has one, and all of a sudden glockboys have a field day cutting down on grip safeties, based on weak hand drills. |
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Go back and shoot it with your winter gloves on to find out for sure.
I expect you will find the grip safety is not a problem with gloves. The extra thickness of gloves effectively makes your hands bigger, which should mean it is a bit easier to keep the grip safety depressed. Try to keep your grip high on the gun in general. It's good for accuracy, as well as ensuring the grip safety remains depressed. You might have a tough time fitting your trigger finger where it needs to go, when wearing gloves. The XD's trigger guard isn't extra roomy, as are trigger guards on some guns (e.g. H&K USP, FN 5-7). I owned a 1911 for a few years before I bought my fullsize XD 45. Never had a problem with the grip safety on the 1911, so I haven't given the XD's grip safety a second thought. It's possible that the XD 9 is just not a good fit for your hands, but I wouldn't give up yet. |
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if you have problems in training that can be worse in real life. and a 1911 grip safety doesnt lock up the slide and the grip is slimmer so its not the same thing. support hand and/or single hand weapon manipulation can bite you in the ass.
also a lot of people take hits to their weapon hand because people focus on the weapons during encounters. what happens when a you have a hole in your arm and your grip power is cut? in my opinion its just one more thing that can go wrong that you shouldnt need to worry yourself with. not just with you working it the correct way but when it malfunctions too. i ended up selling my XD45 because i couldnt bring myself to carry it. ymmv. good luck |
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Quoted:
if you have problems in training that can be worse in real life. and a 1911 grip safety doesnt lock up the slide and the grip is slimmer so its not the same thing. support hand and/or single hand weapon manipulation can bite you in the ass. also a lot of people take hits to their weapon hand because people focus on the weapons during encounters. what happens when a you have a hole in your arm and your grip power is cut? in my opinion its just one more thing that can go wrong that you shouldnt need to worry yourself with. not just with you working it the correct way but when it malfunctions too. i ended up selling my XD45 because i couldnt bring myself to carry it. ymmv. good luck i've nvr had a problem with grip safetys and my xdm45 is a great gun and i'd carry it any day of the weak over a glock |
| 7 XDs and 7 1911s and never had a problem with the grip safeties. I've purposely shot low grip and at odd angles and none of them ever failed to fire. If you ask some people on here though a grip safety is the most moronic thing on a gun until you realize what it does. On an XD it blocks the sear, on a 1911 it block the trigger. I find it more important on the XD because the striker is in its most rearward position and would only have the trigger bar if the grip safety did not exist. Its like an auto "thumb" safety of a 1911 in a way. |
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Thanks for all the replies guys, I think I solved my problem.
Two things: - I installed Pearce grip extensions on my mags (allows my little finger to gain purchase on the bottom of the mag, whereas before it was riding under the mag). Much better master grip with the extensions now, giving more "pull" on the grip for more reliable disengagement of the grip safety. - Practiced my grip, being more conscious of my thumb position (holding my thumb further forward on the left side of the grip to keep the web of my thumb pressing on the grip safety). Just need to keep in practice now. Like I said in the OP, I have no objection to the grip safety and I like having it in fact - which is why I preferred the XD SC to the Baby Glock. |
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Quoted:
... What gets me is that the 1911 has always had a grip safety. The XD has one, and all of a sudden glockboys have a field day cutting down on grip safeties, based on weak hand drills. I've never had the issue. However, seems a poor grip on the Glock and it jams. With the XD is just won't fire. At least that is what the internet tells me. I keep waiting for it to happen. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
... What gets me is that the 1911 has always had a grip safety. The XD has one, and all of a sudden glockboys have a field day cutting down on grip safeties, based on weak hand drills. I've never had the issue. However, seems a poor grip on the Glock and it jams. With the XD is just won't fire. At least that is what the internet tells me. I keep waiting for it to happen. Me too. I find it amusing when they say its harder to rack the slide one handed against an object using the rear sight because without a proper grip the slide won't move. The second I read this I got one of my unloaded XDs, held it in my left hand (I'm right handed), put it against the edge of my work bench on the rear sight and racked the slide with ease. Then again maybe after 10,000 rounds me or my gun will forget how to do that. 
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| I would never ever ever advise using anything on an XD to keep the grip safety disabled(like the Hogue slip-on). Unlike the Glock, the striker is fully cocked to the rear on an XD and if that grip safety is defeated, that gun could go off if dropped. You can take a small screwdriver and insert it into the back of the gun and release the striker if the safety is depressed, but you simply cannot make it turn loose if that safety is engaged properly. I have broken a tool trying to release the striker with the safety engaged. |
