Rudukai13 Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 (edited) So over the last few months I've been posting various questions trying to gather information for my planned open gun build. I've settled on using either an M&P Pro in 9mm minor, or a Glock 35 or XDM converted to .357SIG as the base for it and am currently leaning towards the XDM. My question regarding the platform is as follows; In my research I've looked for other examples of open guns built on the three platforms I'm looking at. In looking through examples of XDM open gun builds, I'm noticing far more people have chosen the 4.5" model to use as a base over the 5.25 Competition model, though I have found a few examples of comped 5.25 guns. What are the pros and cons to using the longer barrel as an open platform? Why is it that most seem to prefer the shorter barrel when adding a comp and optic? Is there a distinct disadvantage to using the 5.25 as a base platform? I should note - I am not currently set up for reloading, and won't have the space or time to do so any time soon, so I'll be using factory ammunition. In addition, my goal is not to build this pistol to WIN competitions, but more so to have something fun and a bit different to take to the range and to have FUN in competition when I'm able to participate. Edited November 19, 2015 by Rudukai13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HCH Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I built a G35 into an Open gun and never saw the longer barrel as a disadvantage. The slide weighs the same as the 4", so that shouldn't be an issue. Also, the longer barrel should yield greater velocity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Most feel the excess weight out on the end of the barrel eventually with longer guns when adding a comp. that's why you see more 4-4.5" guns converted. i.e Glock 17's in favor of 34's. BUT, if you really want to just have fun with it and not live or die with it in competition. Another thing to consider, as much as I'm not a fan, you could just stick a slide ride dot on it and shoot Carry Optics. Especially if you're not going to reload ammo that will have enough gas to work the comp to its potential anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudukai13 Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 I don't really have any interest in a slide-mounted optic, I'll be using a Carver scope mount on whatever I decide to build. I was told .357SIG would create enough gas to make a compensator effective? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikerburgess Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I can't attest to factory ammo but I know my reloads make plenty of gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I don't really have any interest in a slide-mounted optic, I'll be using a Carver scope mount on whatever I decide to build. I was told .357SIG would create enough gas to make a compensator effective? excellent call on frame mounted optic. Isn't 357 sig expensive? Since you already giving up mag capacity I would just go with a .40 and make sure the comp you get will maximize the load. But you're right, factory 357 will surely work for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudukai13 Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 I have access to it at local stores for a reasonable price. Plus, I like its oddball status! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Then that's what you should do by all means! Save the brass and sell it too! I think it's hard to come by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudukai13 Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 Actually that might be a good question to ask - Given the same load (even though it's a factory load), would the longer barrel help or hinder the comp effectiveness? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbcaster45 Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 I just got my 5.25 back from Springer Precision with Scott's new compensator. I really just shoot +P in mine... but I love how it looks! Does pretty count? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandabooks Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 Here's my .357sig build on a M&P .40. I've since added a brass magwell. Currently have 3 140mm and 1 170mm mags. The Taran Tactical extensions are really nice and I wish they had a 170mm. Unfortunately they don't so I bought a Taylor Freelance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshoot Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 Here's my .357sig build on a M&P .40. I've since added a brass magwell. Currently have 3 140mm and 1 170mm mags. The Taran Tactical extensions are really nice and I wish they had a 170mm. Unfortunately they don't so I bought a Taylor Freelance. Moderators, please delete this M&P post that ended up in an XDm thread' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Light700 Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Even if you don't plan to reload I would go with 9mm and just shoot minor. I did it for a while with my XDM open gun and had a ton of fun doing it. You get better mag capacity and cheaper ammo. The comp still helps with minot PF ammo. JMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Light700 Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 BTW mine is a 4.5 model not the 5.25 parts and gun were less expensive for the most part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshoot Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 BTW mine is a 4.5 model not the 5.25 parts and gun were less expensive for the most part. Mine as well. Scott Springer told me the 4.5 would make a better balanced gun, and I took his advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckaroo45 Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 FWIW I put a Carver Hunter mount on my XMD 4.5 in 40 S&W, a Millet Multipoint red dot, a Pistol Gear magwell and mags w/ Springer extensions and went out to play. It ain't pretty, I call it Frankenblaster, but it runs 100%, makes major, is a ball to run and I don't have $3K invested nor have ammo headaches. Perfect for a fat old man that's shooting for fun anyway. Rated C in Open. YRMV. () Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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