[9mm conversion barrel for competition?]

17 hours ago, N3WWN said:

I suppose to answer any of the questions, we need to know more about what you plan on doing...

 

What sport?  USPSA?  IDPA?  Steel Challenge?  Other?

 

What division?  (I'm a USPSA shooter, so this comes from knowing that different things are legal in Production vs Limited, etc)

 

The recoil spring and guide rod setup will depend on the ammo you actually shoot, your grip and personal preference.  I'd lean to the side of not changing anything right now, get some matches under your belt and see what, if anything, you want to change.   Since this appears to be a 4" XD, you may find that you want a longer sight radius and/or more velocity with the same ammo, so a new gun may be your next step.

 

9mm NATO ammo is going to be a LOT hotter than what most of your competitors will likely be using (again, depends on sport and division).  Looking at the ammo specs, they are about 148 PF, which, for many sports, is going to be a disadvantage.

My co-worker is an RO for USPSA in my area and that's where I was planning to start. Although I wish there was an IDPA club a little closer (I'm in Rochester, MN), because I think it just makes sense to train for real life since I carry every day. Per HCH's comments, if caliber conversion isn't legal for production (even if it was a production SA barrel?), then I guess I'd have to shoot Limited or Limited-10. I know I'd probably be in way over my head if I wanted to be competitive, but as a noob, I'm just wanting to learn the course and pace of the sport. I have an XD-40 tactical, but that gets pricey to shoot .40 all the time. I figured I could test the match shooting waters with my 4" XD and 9mm conversion barrel, since I don't have a 5" XD in 9mm.

 

On the ammo topic, why is a PF of 148 a disadvantage? Is it purely recoil? I suppose 148 is nowhere near major PF, so it wouldn't really be a help, huh?

 

 

[9mm conversion barrel for competition?]

Hey folks,

My first foray into the forum. I have standard-size frame XD-40 with a 9mm conversions barrel I'm thinking about using to get started in competition shooting. I like the conversion barrel, because it has a thicker barrel wall and adds more weight up front. I included a picture of the barrel. I don't know much about it, since it just came with the weapon when I scooped it up on ArmsList.

 

It seems the 115 gr. brass just barely pops out of the gun and drops within 3 ft of my feet. For competition I was planning on shooting 124 gr. or 147 gr. loads. I was thinking about swapping the slide spring and possibly the guide rod. I just don't want the slide to short stroke and wind up with a stove pipe if a factory load is slightly inconsistent. I have yet to run any heavier ammo through it.

 

1. What are your suggestions for a spring and guide rod swap? 

2. What spring weight(s) would ya'll recommend for more consistent cycling and follow-up shots?

3. I have 600 rnds. of Winchester 9mm (124 gr.) NATO. Would these loads be sufficient/recommended to use for competition?

 

*Also, does anybody recognize the manufacturer markings? It has the EE in the picture and then a capitol "H" on the other side.

 

I know I have a lot of questions, hopefully you guys have some answers.

Semper Fi!

[Greetings from Minnesnowta]

On 1/3/2020 at 3:08 PM, Sarge said:

Even in the summertime!

I believe the weather records from Minnesota in the last 100 years reflect a recorded snowfall in every month but August. We got 15 inches of snow on May 2nd, 4-5 years ago. I now wait till May 2nd before removing the snowblower from my Kubota tractor. 

You gotta be ready for the weather though, it changes every 5 minutes.

[Greetings from Minnesnowta]

Hey all,

Just joined the forum. I heard about it from a work friend be and I'm thinking about getting into competition shooting. I thought this would be a great community of knowledgeable shooters to get familiar with. 

 

Semper Fi!