Springfield pistol

Question
QUESTION: I have a Springfield XD .45 and was wondering if there was a way to get rid of some of the kick that it has. I know that since it's a short barrel there will be some kick, but someone had told me that they had a pistol that they replaced a spring or something on it and it took a lot of the kick out. I guess what I'm wanting to know is where do I find out if there's a way to fix it so it kicks less and if so, where do I find the parts for it? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
ron

ANSWER: For a short barrel, I don't know that there is anything you can do. For the 5" Tactical model Springco makes such a system (http://www.sprinco.com/recoil.html), but I wouldn't recommend it for a self-defense gun.

You would be better off learning to manage the recoil, or going to a .40 S&W (which is a more effective self defense cartridge than the .45 ACP) or the 9mm (which with modern self defense ammunition is as effective as the .45 ACP).

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, I was considering buying a Glock .40, but would have to see it first. I usually buy at Cabela's so I'll have to make a trip there and check them out. What kind of self defense ammunition are you talking about, hollow points or something else? The S&W, is that an automatic also? If it is, what model would you recommend and do you recommend it over the Glock? Thanks again for your answer.

Ron

Answer
.40 S&W is the name of the cartridge, like  the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). It's not a firearm. It is a cartridge developed by S&W.

I had great hopes for the S&W M&P pistol when it first came out, but it has not proven to be the equal of the Glock (specifically, parts breakage). The Glocks are the most robust handguns out there. You can find ridiculous torture tests of them on You Tube, including footage one that was buried in the ground for 2 years, taken out of the ground, washed in water, and without any other clearing or lubrication, digested 500 rounds almost problem free in under 15 minutes.

There are a number of good self defense rounds available. In the .40 S&W cartridge, those in the 155 grain range tend to be the most effective. Good self defense ammunition includes Federal Hydrashock, Winchester SXT, Speer Gold Dot, and a host of others.