jdphotoguy Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) Looking to build an Open gun on the cheap, well cheaper then an S_I new or used. Trying to decide between two guns I have, which are a M&P 9L in 9mm setup as my Production gun or a XDM 5.25 in 40 S&W setup as my Limited gun. Both have had trigger work done, the XDM has a Pistolgear Unlimited Mag Well and four 20 round mags, so it would be cheaper to make the switch then the M&P. Going with a Leupold Deltapoint which will fit on either gun, so other then the fact that I can fit more 9mm rounds in a mag then 40, is there any other reason to go with one over the other? BTW I have everything needed to reload 40 or 9, so that's not a concern. Edited May 24, 2012 by jdphotoguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gng4life Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I would still go with the M&P. You can get a few of the Arredondo mag extensions for $17 a piece that will put your capacity out to 23 rounds and it would be cheaper buying the 9mm bullets and brass over the .40. Either way, it will probably work out the same but if you do it for an extended period of time, the savings in the 9mm will come out on top. With the 9mm, you will be able to use lighter bullets and get more gas to work the comp. So, it's really a personal decision since there won't be many differences but I would go with the 9mm... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noximus03 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I guess it really boils down to what works best for you personally. If you're asking for an opinion...I've always like the trigger on an M&P, and 9mm just makes more sense cost wise. If you plan to make a move to open, you'll wind up spending some cash with new gear regardless, so the M&P build gets my vote. gng4 is right about personal decision. What do you feel works best for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted May 25, 2012 Author Share Posted May 25, 2012 Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward making the M&P 9L an Open gun and leaving the XDM 5.25 as my Limited gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gng4life Posted May 27, 2012 Share Posted May 27, 2012 Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward making the M&P 9L an Open gun and leaving the XDM 5.25 as my Limited gun. Report back and let us know how it goes...and don't forget the pics Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted May 27, 2012 Author Share Posted May 27, 2012 Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward making the M&P 9L an Open gun and leaving the XDM 5.25 as my Limited gun. Report back and let us know how it goes...and don't forget the pics Good luck Will do, right now I have the following parts on order Leupold Deltpoint 7.5MOA SSS Limited Magwell 1 x 170mm Taylor Freelance Extended Base Pad (Already have 4 x 140mm base pads) M&P Carver 3 port Comp Stainless Steel non-captured guide rod and various weight springs Storm Lake 5.71" Extended 1/2" 28 threaded barrel Now the wait for everything to show up and the process of working up a load. Oh and I need to buy some powder and bullets as my current powder (VV N320) and bullets (Precision Bullets 147gr moly coated) are not going to work. Was thinking about Winchester Auto Comp powder and a 124gr fully jacketed bullet, like those from Montana Gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathandewalt Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 SJC is making an optic mount just FYI. Just went on the market in the last few weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tagacali Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 I just thought I'd share this since you are in the process of looking for an Open Gun using Xdm platform..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg73 Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 jdphotoguy - any updates on your open M&P build? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted July 22, 2012 Author Share Posted July 22, 2012 1342955140[/url]' post='1747263']jdphotoguy - any updates on your open M&P build? Sadly the only update is the wait continues on my threaded barrel and Deltapoint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshoot Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 I am in the process of turning my Springer-built 4.5" XDm into an open gun. Right now I am shooting with the Burris Fast Fire II. The barrel and comp will be added this fall. I'll give reports over the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentG Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 (edited) I replaced the slideride with a RTS. Much better. Its a 9 but you get the idea. Im very happy with it. CR Speed holster was $200 but there may be other holsters. Plus the Pistolgear extensions make it 28+1 Edited July 22, 2012 by Kent Grewe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 (edited) OK the M&P 9L Open Minor build is back on. Going to call Storm Lake and KKM tomorrow to see who can get me a threaded barrel quickest, but I have a feeling it's going to be a long wait with either. Would like to have the slide milled to lower the dot and would it make sense to have the slide lightened or is it not truly needed? Edited October 23, 2012 by jdphotoguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noximus03 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 If you plan to get the slide milled for your Deltapoint, you might as well mill some slide cuts in there as well. Theres a ton of different places you could go, and designs to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshoot Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Personally, I believe the 4.5" XDm is better suited for the task, than the 5.25". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkJaey Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Where did you get the grip tape, mag release and mag well? I just thought I'd share this since you are in the process of looking for an Open Gun using Xdm platform..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 Got the threaded barrel from Bobby Carver today, btw nice guy that Bobby. The comp is all red loctited on and curing for before it's first trip to the range tomorrow. Going to try some Winchester White Box 115gr in it first to see how well it works the comp, as I only have moly coated 9mm bullets at this time. Post some pixs and range report tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racefan Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 (edited) I am very interested in you progress, as I am trying the sam thing woth my 9 FS. I managed to get a Storm Lake barrel for a Pro, from Ebay. Gonna thread it and add a comp myself. I will be experimenting wiht 115gr bullets and HS-6 to make major. The Full Apex trigger kit is a must!! Whole new gun! Edited November 22, 2012 by Racefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racefan Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Any updates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdawgbeav Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Personally, I believe the 4.5" XDm is better suited for the task, than the 5.25". Do you think the 5.25 would be too long? I am contemplating building an XDM 5.25 in .40 for an Open gun. Barsto is making threaded barrels for the 5.25 and was going to add a Springer Compensator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sludwin Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 i prefer the m&p pro long slide, im pretty sure you can even get it from the factory with the red dot cut on the slide, unless you prefer the c-more style Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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