Facts:
1) I want (need) a larger carry gun
2) I have no extra money for new toys
Background:
I am currently carrying a S&W 642 that I like a lot, but I would really like to have the option of a larger gun - something approaching service gun size, but still has the options for true CCW work (IWB probably). The candidates that I am looking at are either a 1911 or a Springfield XD (my LGS has them in .45ACP even). My current service gun sized pistols are a CZ97 and a Ruger P89. I completely trust both of them, but they are both really too large for IWB work and they lack the abundant holster options of either the 1911 or the XD that would facilitate IWB carry. I could probably sell the CS97 for enough to get completely set up with the gun + holster for either (no full custom jobs though).
Questions - your opinions please:
1) How much difference in concealability and comfort is there between a XD SubCompact and a full sized model (Glock experience applies here as well)? Assume good holster/belt (thinking C-TAC).
2) Same as #1, but use 3.5" 1911 and 5" 1911?
3) XD in .45ACP or 9mm? 9mm means same ammo between my P89 and the XD, but then I wouldn't own a .45ACP...
4) How much are you seeing the XDs sell for at your LGS? Mine is right around $500 for the .45 and a bit less for the 9mm. Prefer to buy from a LGS, but must keep him honest.
Contemplating the unthinkable
Moderator: carlson1
I can only weigh in on #3 - if I was going to buy an XD it would be in 45ACP for two reasons,
One is Springfield corrected their slide finish problems with the introduction of the 45ACP. They are using a protection process to Golck's Tennifer process that is not supposed to rust.
Two, if you want a larger gun (read caliber) the XD's frame is smaller than the Glock's and easier to control, at least it is for me. And why buy another 9mm when you have the covered already with the Ruger.
DD
One is Springfield corrected their slide finish problems with the introduction of the 45ACP. They are using a protection process to Golck's Tennifer process that is not supposed to rust.
Two, if you want a larger gun (read caliber) the XD's frame is smaller than the Glock's and easier to control, at least it is for me. And why buy another 9mm when you have the covered already with the Ruger.
DD
Thanks for the response!
I'm not so much looking for a Glock to XD comparison as I know the Glock doesn't feel or point right for me and the XD does. I mentioned the Glock more because the "baby Glock" is about the same size as the "SubCompact XD" and the full sized versions are about the same size as well. So that was entirely for a concealability point of view between the two sizes.
I wasn't aware that the XD .45 had a better finish... good point.
About size of the gun - I am not as concerned about caliber. I feel COMPLETELY comfortable trusting in .38Spc / 9mm or larger as a main CCW gun. I wanted a larger gun that would be easier to shoot well instead of something that only holds 5 rounds and is more of a belly gun and tough to shoot accurately at a distance (think 15+ yards). The advantage of another 9mm is ammo cost and simplicity - 1 CCW ammo for 2 guns. That would drop me to 2 ammo choices instead of 3. The advantage of a .45 is variety - and it is a .45!
I'm not so much looking for a Glock to XD comparison as I know the Glock doesn't feel or point right for me and the XD does. I mentioned the Glock more because the "baby Glock" is about the same size as the "SubCompact XD" and the full sized versions are about the same size as well. So that was entirely for a concealability point of view between the two sizes.
I wasn't aware that the XD .45 had a better finish... good point.
About size of the gun - I am not as concerned about caliber. I feel COMPLETELY comfortable trusting in .38Spc / 9mm or larger as a main CCW gun. I wanted a larger gun that would be easier to shoot well instead of something that only holds 5 rounds and is more of a belly gun and tough to shoot accurately at a distance (think 15+ yards). The advantage of another 9mm is ammo cost and simplicity - 1 CCW ammo for 2 guns. That would drop me to 2 ammo choices instead of 3. The advantage of a .45 is variety - and it is a .45!
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jbirds1210
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I experienced this a while back....I could not decide on what kind of new toy to buy for concealment. First of all, I am bias toward 9mm....so feel warned. I do appreciate the .45, just not for a small frame carry gun. I realize that I am the minority in this regard.
My wife and I both shot another fellows Springfield subcompact XD and it is a fine weapon, I did not holster it,but I can see where it would be very pleasant! Most of the small XD packages available new force you to pay 30 bucks extra for a Kydex holster...I don't like kydex and did not want to pay for it. So I went for the Glock.
I like Glock and ended up buying the 26 after all of the comments from this forum (it is definitely my favority carry gun...along with a Don Hume IWB). One of the reasons for sticking with the 9mm is that all of my other Glock magazines would fit it. On the only road trip I have taken since purchase, it was convenient to throw a couple of 17 round glock mags in my backpack. BTW, I recently picked up a Sig P239 for my wife and it is a fabulous carry gun as well....if you find a good deal on one, please consider it.
My wife and I both shot another fellows Springfield subcompact XD and it is a fine weapon, I did not holster it,but I can see where it would be very pleasant! Most of the small XD packages available new force you to pay 30 bucks extra for a Kydex holster...I don't like kydex and did not want to pay for it. So I went for the Glock.
I like Glock and ended up buying the 26 after all of the comments from this forum (it is definitely my favority carry gun...along with a Don Hume IWB). One of the reasons for sticking with the 9mm is that all of my other Glock magazines would fit it. On the only road trip I have taken since purchase, it was convenient to throw a couple of 17 round glock mags in my backpack. BTW, I recently picked up a Sig P239 for my wife and it is a fabulous carry gun as well....if you find a good deal on one, please consider it.
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"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
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"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
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jimlongley
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I'll second Diver's vote on #3, for similar reasons.
Beyond that, I have an XD9 that had the finish problems, and I finally had it refinished by Mac's Guns (mostly for the reason that I got a special deal.) The XD is a little more concealable than my 1911s, and my wife particularly likes it (she fired a perfect score on her CHL requalification with it) which puts me in the market, someday, to replace it - with an XD 45ACP.
I think both of the flat guns are enough thinner than your round one that they would lend themselves to better concealability.
As to whether the sub compact is more concealable, well sure it is, but it's a little less controllable.
I was looking at an XD 45ACP the other day for $489.00
Beyond that, I have an XD9 that had the finish problems, and I finally had it refinished by Mac's Guns (mostly for the reason that I got a special deal.) The XD is a little more concealable than my 1911s, and my wife particularly likes it (she fired a perfect score on her CHL requalification with it) which puts me in the market, someday, to replace it - with an XD 45ACP.
I think both of the flat guns are enough thinner than your round one that they would lend themselves to better concealability.
As to whether the sub compact is more concealable, well sure it is, but it's a little less controllable.
I was looking at an XD 45ACP the other day for $489.00
Real gun control, carrying 24/7/365
The magazine interchangability is a nice plus - the XD does the same thing as the Glock in that respect. The Glock just does not point or feel right to me so it is out. A Sig would be nice, but probably a bit out of my price range right now... maybe not though.
jbirds - did you try both the full sized and the baby Glock and noticed that it did really make a difference?
jbirds - did you try both the full sized and the baby Glock and noticed that it did really make a difference?
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jbirds1210
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I have noticed something very surprising at short distances (21 feet)...the glock 26 shoots every bit as comfortable and accurate as its larger counterpart Glock 17. The design is amazing because it really looks uncomfortable...but you really don't miss the length in the 9mm caliber. I have a feeling it would be a bit more noticeable in a .45, 40, 10mm etc..
If you are ever in the neighborhood...you are welcome to shoot one or both of mine. Take care.
Jason
If you are ever in the neighborhood...you are welcome to shoot one or both of mine. Take care.
Jason
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"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
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"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
No one has spoken on the # 2 option. I carry a 1911 as my primary carry. Mine is Kimber Compac, 4" barrel & carries comfortably. I owned a full size Kimber Royal blue steel not aluminium frame for a while before selling it to a forum member (& wish I had not sold it). I carried it several times just to see about the difference in concealability, barrel length comfort, & weight. Barrel length made no difference for me in comfort even driving. weight was noticable when first holstering it but not a problem. I DO WEAR SUSPENDERS. That is a great weight support. So my belt stays quit loose & I have no problem w/ sag. Access & presentation was no problem w/ the longer barrel. I used two holsters. Don Hume PCCH. That is a leather, open muzzel, IWB. Other was a Hoffners hibread shirt tucker. Kydex. I never tucked but wore it strictly IWB. I am presently on the lookout for a really good deal on a full size heave frame, stainless or matt, & will carry it. So I am willing to live by my post. As far as price on XD. My son just traded for an XD .40 a few months ago. The starting price on the .40 was $485.00 as our LGS so yours is in line I would say. Jimology too. Hear from others. Check gunsamerica.com & see what they are selling for there. I have bought a few by telling individuals (not a GS) that they were too high & steer them to GA for a look. Some would come down then. Read all posts & you will decide right for you. 
See you in print.
See you in print.
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
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SRVA
Kalrog, Before you make a final decision on the Glock or the XD, take a look at the new Smith and Wesson M&P. AJC Sports has them listed for $495, they are slimmer and less blocky than either the Glock or the XD and they shoot like crazy.
Last edited by SRVA on Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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HighVelocity
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There are other 45acp options. How about a Sig P245? It's a cut down version of the P220 and it's flatter than an XD.
Or how about an HK USP compact? 9mm, 40, 357 or 45.
The XD 45 is really big for IWB imho. By big, I mean thick.
Finally, the 1911. My favorite pistol. Even though I often carry a 3" baby Kimber, I would not recommend a 3" 1911 for your first one. They can be finnicky or they can be perfect, but you don't know until you buy it.
Get a 4" Kimber Pro, Springfield Champion Loaded or Colt Commander (4.25"). The 1911 is the flattest of the bunch and easiest to conceal imo.
I picked up a Comp-tac ctac slide for mine. "Slide" means that it is not tapered inward at the end and will fit ALL sizes of 1911 so I only had to buy 1.
Or how about an HK USP compact? 9mm, 40, 357 or 45.
The XD 45 is really big for IWB imho. By big, I mean thick.
Finally, the 1911. My favorite pistol. Even though I often carry a 3" baby Kimber, I would not recommend a 3" 1911 for your first one. They can be finnicky or they can be perfect, but you don't know until you buy it.
Get a 4" Kimber Pro, Springfield Champion Loaded or Colt Commander (4.25"). The 1911 is the flattest of the bunch and easiest to conceal imo.
I picked up a Comp-tac ctac slide for mine. "Slide" means that it is not tapered inward at the end and will fit ALL sizes of 1911 so I only had to buy 1.
I'm very partial to the XD line. I have a 9mm SC with the "old" finish, and I have never had rust. I do have plenty of holster wear, but it's my daily carry piece and I compete with it.
I'm fairly lean at 5'10" and 170lbs. I generally carry OWB, but find that IWB carry is also quite comfortable.
I have over 10,000 rounds through my SC and have never had a single malfunction. It eats everything I feed it without a hiccup. Some of the short bbl 1911's have feed issues with HP ammo.
The XD has a low bore axis which helps to manage muzzle flip. I find it to be very controllable.click here
I don't know what part of Texas you're in, but Carter's Country in Houston frquently has the XD Service and Sub-compact on sale for $419. Tomball Pawn has the XD 45ACP (new) for $470.
I'm fairly lean at 5'10" and 170lbs. I generally carry OWB, but find that IWB carry is also quite comfortable.
I have over 10,000 rounds through my SC and have never had a single malfunction. It eats everything I feed it without a hiccup. Some of the short bbl 1911's have feed issues with HP ammo.
The XD has a low bore axis which helps to manage muzzle flip. I find it to be very controllable.click here
I don't know what part of Texas you're in, but Carter's Country in Houston frquently has the XD Service and Sub-compact on sale for $419. Tomball Pawn has the XD 45ACP (new) for $470.
Having carried both the XD SC and the 1911 frame I would say that the 1911 is a tad thinner up top (on the slide as opposed to the grip). This is key for IWB as this is the part that goes....IWB.
I have the Kimber Ultra Carry which is light, but not quite as light as the XDSC - fully loaded - its about a coin flip though.
Both disappear on my IWB.
If you trust the 9mm for SD, it is cheaper = more practice = better shot placement = more "stopping power".
As far as 3.5" vs 5" 1911....I think you will see a bigger difference as far as concealability as well as weight. My 3" Kimber is great, and draws quick IWB - I would have to train up for this to switch to a 5".
If you are in my area - you can try out my kimber UC or my buddies XD 9 SC and see which conceals better.
-nick
I have the Kimber Ultra Carry which is light, but not quite as light as the XDSC - fully loaded - its about a coin flip though.
Both disappear on my IWB.
If you trust the 9mm for SD, it is cheaper = more practice = better shot placement = more "stopping power".
As far as 3.5" vs 5" 1911....I think you will see a bigger difference as far as concealability as well as weight. My 3" Kimber is great, and draws quick IWB - I would have to train up for this to switch to a 5".
If you are in my area - you can try out my kimber UC or my buddies XD 9 SC and see which conceals better.
-nick
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