14 May 04

SA XD Problem, from a friend and colleague:

"Just finished a five-day pistol class. Round count was 2,500. I brought two SA XDs in 40S&W. Up until now, I've liked them, but after my experience at this class, my confidence is shaken.

On day four, one of the 'captured' guide rods broke its end cap, whi ch, after closer examination was just one of five, separate parts that makes up the recoil-spring assembly. In any event, the pistol was useless from that poin t forward. We examined the second XD and identified the same problem. We contacted SA and explained the trouble. The assured us they would look into it. The ball is in their court now.

With one of these pistols, one should inspect the recoil-spring/guide-rod assembly regularly and tighten it as necessary, but it is my opinion, on a serious pistol, constant tightening should not be necessary."

Comment: All the XDs we've seen so far have worked well. This is the first critical XD issue of which I've been made aware. It is now up to SA to show us what kind of gun company they are. The can ignore it or fix it. We'll see.

/John