The front frame rails on the compact aren't part of the 'takedown mechanism', but part of the locking block. The space for the barrel lock (plunger) is located within the locking block, however, so I can see how you might have that initial impression.
The XD's locking block frame rails are reportedly differently designed because they bear the brunt of the slide's travel, and the rear 'rails' molded into the polymer frame are more 'guides'. I didn't see any noticeable wear in the rear 'rails' while helping with some limited testing of a XD40 recently, and owners/users report good service from them. I was told that only approx 50+ L/E agencies either issue and/or approve the optional carry of the XD pistols at this time, although I'm sure that number will slowly grow now that Springfield is taking an interest in the L/E market.
It'll be interesting to see how the HS/XD design fares with some extended evaluation in the next few years after it's been in the hands of more cops. I found it to be an accurate, well-balanced pistol. The trigger was a bit stiff, but predictable. I sort of expected it to be better than it was, however, considering that it's essentially a SA pistol. I like that you have to lock it open in order to begin disassembly, which provides for an easy way to double check whether a magazine remains in the pistol, and whether the chamber is empty. I found the frame to be a bit less precisely molded and finished, but considering that you had a different impression, that just goes to show you how perceptions are variable, huh?
Hand cycling live ammunition isn't something that's necessarily safe to do (obviously), but it also doesn't really indicate how the pistol will necessarily function when actually being shot, either.
I've fired approx. 650+ rounds of W-W 147gr JHP's through mine, and 100 W-W 127gr +P+ HP's, and the markings left by the bullet noses on the dirty feedramp shows the bullet noses to be hitting against the feedramp plenty high enough during actual shooting.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable range session with your new gun.
