I'v got a XD40 4 in Service model. Break down could'nt be easier. Confirm that chambers empty and then just lock the slide, turn the lever above the trigger to the vertical position. Release slide,pull trigger(you did check the chamber didn't you? :eek: :wink: ) and the slide will slip right off. Remove guide rod & bbl,clean as usual,replace the same & slide,lock it and turn lever back down to horizontal. There hasn't been any reloading issues that I'm aware of,other than start at min and work up,some are rather tight chambered. I'v got the Bi-tone model,there were some finish problems with the early blued/black versions,its probably been resolved by now.