Brass63

Sixto’s (and others) assessment of Springfield XD’s as being/feeling top-heavy got me thinking.
When designing their guns, do manufacturers plan the balance of their guns based on a full, half-full or empty magazine?
(Or maybe it’s of no concern to them at all?)
I know that the balance of my XD 45 changes considerably between an empty mag and one fully loaded.
Do those of you who shoot competitively ever notice any change in accuracy as you shoot your way through a full magazine?
Or is this issue of balance a minor/mute one, having little or no impact on the shooter?

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Ram Rod

I couldn't say on most of this, and I'm a Glockster to boot. Thing is...the magazine is in your hand when you are shooting. It may be covered by the grip and all, but it's where no difference in weight should be of any issue with balance of the pistol as a whole. The weight of a fully loaded magazine compared to a near empty magazine should not affect the "balance" of a pistol if good engineering is involved. (period). I do shoot competitively at least once a month with my Glocks. Only change in accuracy would be affected by me and not a fully loaded or near empty magazine. It has to be in the design rather than user adaptability. Doesn't it?

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Brass63

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this RamRod.

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SIXTO

Well, its apparent that some engineers don't consider balance at all, let alone full vs empty mag. And to be honest, I don't know if there is an industry standard of what to do in this area.

But, if it were me sitting at the drawing board, I'd design it to feel balanced with a full magazine. My reasoning is, that a combat pistol will spend most of its life with a full mag, not half empty or empty. Also, the first and most critical shots will be placed with a full magazine. As the shooter depletes the mag, he wont notice the weight change at all. That is true on the range as well as combat. Test this theory; when at the range, somewhat rapidly empty a mag. I promise you wont notice the weight change or balance point.

I guess that bolsters RamRods post; with good engineering it doesnt really matter.

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Brass63

"...if it were me sitting at the drawing board, I'd design it to feel balanced with a full magazine. My reasoning is, that a combat pistol will spend most of its life with a full mag, not half empty or empty. Also, the first and most critical shots will be placed with a full magazine."

+1! I completely agree. Thanks for your thoughts too SIXTO.

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