Browning High Power vs Springfield XD Tactical

[Ghostrider_23]

I wanted to get some advise on the Browning High Power in 9mm and the Springfield XD Tactical in 9mm for shooting IDPA.

Do any of you use either or both of these weapons for IDPA???

Are there any draw backs the using one verses the other???

What do you like about one better than the other???

Is one more capable of shooting higher groups than the other???

How is the out of the box performance?

[Lloyd Smale]

shot quite a few high powers and quite a few springfields not an tatical though. Never shot either in competition and neither would be my first choise for that anyway. Out of the two of them id take a high power hands down. Its one of the finest 9mm pistols that has ever been made.

[John R.]

I agree with Lloyd that the Hi-Power is one of the finest pistols made. I love mine. If, however we are talking about an inexperienced shooter getting started in IDPA I would suggest he go with the the XD Tactical. The learning curve will be much shorter with the XD (draw pistol, align sights, squeeze trigger). The single-action design of the Hi-Power will take more practice to become profecient. Now before anybody gets the wrong idea, i've shot IPSC with single-action auto's for years. They're my hands down choice. Beginners need to devote the time required to master the single-action design, or go with a pull,point,shoot design. 

[Todd N.]

Comparing Browning HP's and XD's is like comparing Tiffany's and Walmart. The HP is the top of the food chain. But for IDPA? There are easier ways to get started in IDPA than using a HP. And there are getting to be fewer and fewer 'smiths who can tune a HP correctly.

[S.B.]

Is the Springfield made in a foriegn country, like other Springfield products?

[drdougrx]

Hi,

My 2 cents.  I have three high powers, 2 9mm and 1 40 cal. One has been very highly modified by Cylinder and Slide Shop.  I'm with the other guys on this one and Todd said it right.  An HP is a class act on an traditional platform.  I carry them all of the time and it satisfies my WOW factor. 

If you want a IDPA pistol, an HP isn't a good choice, go with the Springfield.  Just a couple of suggestions about HPs.  1st, you need to function fire and make sure it feeds whatever the desired ammo is.  Also, both of my 9mm HPs are Mark IIs (older models from the 80's) and the thumb safety is not as reassuring as it clicks on or off.  The Mark III's (they have a set of grooves on the bottom of the grip behind the mag well) is much more positive.  Other than that...get an HP, you won't regret it.

[tomzuki]

The H.P traditionally all have a "Bad" safety latch as stated above.  Mine just slides back and forth with no indication of positive position.  This leads most to carry the thing loaded and at Half-Cock.  I'd rather carry my Colt for Personal Defense anyway.  And speaking of this, I don't think the 9mm is a good choice for IDPA anyway.  I consider my 9mm just a pea-shooter and have shot matches in IDPA and IPSC with a .45 acp.  If you reload, you can load down with 200 gr. bullits and still make power factor.  The Springfield XD is made in Croatia and I would'nt let that bother me a bit.  Many I know have them, they come with alot of accessories included in the reasonable price, and it's also available in .45 acp.  Whats not to like??  If you have to have a High-Power you will spend about $300-500 bucks above the XD.  Good Luck!

[S.B.]

IPSC and IDPA both have a power factor don't they? So, how can you load down and be within the rules? Do you compete in the minor caliber class?

[tomzuki]

Check the rule book for information on .45acp power factor.........................

[S.B.]

Last I knew it was 165,000 bullet to be shooting major caliber? In .45 ACP a 200 grain bullet would make major if it was moving about 850-900 fps. A 9mm had a hard time making it?