Grip Modification on XD 45

[Ike]

We know that there are people that can shorten grips on Glocks and stipple them Etc. can anybody shorten a full size grip on an XD45 to a compact size so it can be used with their 10 round compact mags or with their 13 round mags with a sleeve.

Also how necessary is that grip safety, I would like to put a Houge rubber grip on the grip but it will cover the grip safety, I am thinking that Glocks don't have grip safeties then maybe the XD does not need it either.

[glockin]

I believe that the striker is not fully cocked in the Glock Safe Action, however, the striker IS fully cocked in an XD, which is why the XD reportedly has a crisper trigger release.

The Glock has safeties built into the trigger itself. Does the XD have safeties in its triggers, or is the grip safety it's only or primary safety? Of course, as long as the trigger isn't depressed, the weapon won't fire, right?

Of course, you can do as you wish, but if it were my pistol, I'd leave the grip safety alone. YMMV.

[DaveJames]

Ike try going over to the XD forum those guys and gals can answer your questions,,as far as shorting the grip I know that Bowie Tactical does it.

[Dr John Meade]

Yes, there are lots of folks who have done a "grip chop" on their XD's. Discussed several times on XDTalk.com. I have no interest in taking a saw, Dremel or soldering iron to my guns, because I am quite sure I would screw them up. If you are brave, it can be done.

[Dr John Meade]

Oops, forgot to address the safety issue.

glockin, yes the XD has a trigger safety that is virtually identical to the Glock's. The grip safety is extra. Those that put the Hogue slip-on on their XD's usually take an Exacto knife and just cut out a slot, to allow the grip safety to operate normally.

[Desert Rat]

Unless you just don't like the longer grip on your XD-45, I think buying a new XD-45C or trading for one might be a better idea than getting an existing gun modified.

If you were talking about getting one of the 9mm or .40 Service XDs shortened to a subcompact grip, the way some guys get their Glock 19's grip shortened to a G-26 length, then I'd say it would be a good idea. But when you're talking about the XD-45, the only difference between the Service and Compact models is the shortened grip; the slide on a compact is the same as on a service model. Springfield also sells a 5" .45 with the Compact grip, so you could easily get whatever combination you'd like.

As far as putting a sleeve over the grip safety, go for it if you'd like. It's not something I'll do with my XDs, but if the grip safety bothers you then why not make it work for you? The Glock guys don't feel that the lack of a grip safety is a problem for them, so don't sweat it.

The only warning I'd give about doing so is the whole court liability of willfully deactivating a safety on a pistol, scum-sucking lawyers will use it against you, and yada yada yada.

[PT Doc]

This is from XDtalk. I included the thread link at the bottom. Hope it helps.

The Grip Chop

Quote:
Disclaimer: Please don't get pissed at me if you fu@k up your pistol.
Have the new magazines handy. Once the rough cut is done you'll need the new mag with sleeve to check your progress.

XD45c measurements:

A. Use masking tape to transfer measurments.

B. The measurement from the top of the frame down is 3 and 5/8" to the main flat area (exact).

C. The measurement from the top of the frame down to the lowest rear area is 3 and 7/8" (exact).

D. The measurement from the top of the frame down to the rearmost part of the grip is 3 and 3/4" (exact).

E. You can use the rough cut to see the 3 and 7/8" area is about 3/16" wide before it angles to the back.

F. The 'outline' on the side of the grip is the cut line between the two measurements. Cut on the inside of the 'outline'. In fact, I can still barely make out the 'outline' as it goes from 3 and 5/8" down to 3 and 7/8".

G. See steps 7 & 8.
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
All other XDs:

1. Use masking tape to transfer measurments.

2. The measurement from the top of the frame down is 3 and 5/16" to the main flat area (exact).

3. The measurement from the top of the frame down to the lowest rear area is 3 and 1/2".

4. The measurement from the top of the frame down to the rearmost part of the grip is 3 and 1/4".

5. You can use the rough cut to see the 3 and 1/2" area is about 3/16" wide before it angles to the back.

6. The 'outline' on the side of the grip is the cut line between the two measurements. Cut on the inside of the 'outline'. In fact, I can still barely make out the 'outline' as it goes from 3 and 5/16" down to 3 and 1/2".

7. Once I finished the rough cut, I then sanded, and sanded, until both mags fit. (The small mag can be tricky, especially if it has the pinky grip, and might require a little custom tweak. I think I razored off a little from my pinky grip (unnoticable) to get it to fit right.)

8. Keep the rough cut as it will give you a pattern to use when you bevel the inside of the magwell.






http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/showthr...highlight=chop

[Ike]

Thank you all for your help, I would not dream of doing the chop job myself I would let an expert do it and at the same time I would ask them to do the stippling also so I do not have to use a rubber sleeve over the grip. I am going to check with Bowie Tactical for cost Etc.

The grip safety does not bother me at all it is the smooth plastic grips like in the Glocks that bother me, the other thing I might consider is Decal Grip
for a rougher texture to the grip.

[PT Doc]

I have the rubber Decal grip on my XD and like it. It does increase the grip size slightly however. The sandpaper style is good but can be a little rough if you carry AIWB. Trugrip also gets some good reviews.

[mballai]

I haven't stippled an XD, but it's really not hard to do polymer stippling. I shy away from chop jobs--if you really need to do it, you've started with the wrong gun frame IMHO.