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I am looking for my first CHL weapon and had my eye on an XDm 9.
Is this to large of weapon to carry daily, some have suggested the XDsc 9 is more suitable for daily carry.
I was hoping to get a weapon that was both fun to shoot at the range and also carry daily.

The XDM pistols sure are snazzy, but are targeted toward the match shooters crowd. They are full size pistols that aren't designed with concealability in mind at all. You're on the right track with the XD9SC, though. That's a great little gun and easily concealed, although it is a bit wide; some people prefer thinner pistols.

What is "to large" varies quite a bit from person to person. You might want to start with a smaller gun, but if you think you wont mind the weight and can conceal it well go for it.

Ruger SR9? Thinner than average grip and profile for concealment. Cheap. Gaining in stature after problems in the first issue guns were resolved. Nice handling gun, points well.

Just a note that the XDM's real target market (IMO and from what I've read) is law enforcement: Springer trying to take a bite out of Glock's market share. That's one reason they came out with a .40 S&W model first; .40 is not a typical competition caliber. Too, the stock gun is not competition tuned. The trigger on mine breaks right at about 6 pounds with reasonable overtravel and a reset that's better than a standard XD, but nothing to write home about. So I'd call it definitely more of a duty pistol than a match gun.

That said, it isn't tiny...although not huge, either. The biggest aspect for concealed carry, again IMHO, is the XDM's height from butt to top of slide. While not terrible--there are larger--to put it in perspective a typical, full-size 1911 will be about 5.25" in height, and the XDM comes in at 5.6". Width is the next concealability factor, and the XDM isn't bad: about 1.38" overall compared to a 1911's 1.28". With a 4.5" barrel, the OAL of the XDM is about 7.3", a 1911 about 8.7".

I think the thing that's most deceptive, though, is the pistol's weight. At 32 ounces, it's a relatively common weight for a full-sized pistol (a little less than a Beretta 92FS or a steel-framed 1911), but that's about the loaded weight of a Glock 17 (which is about 22 ounces unloaded). And when you add that honkin' mag capacity, it gets heavier. I don't know about the 9mm, but at full-boat 16 rounds my .40 magazine comes in at around 13 ounces with 180-grain ammo. So the whole package weighs about 45 ounces.

Another downside for folks like me who own other XDs is that the mags for the M aren't interchangeable. The XDM magazines are slightly wider (one way they get that extra capacity) and you have to use mags specifically for the M.

My .40 does get carried, and I like it a lot; I don't mind the weight, and the size is fine depending upon my clothing. A 1911, though, is still my most-often.

I certainly wouldn't rule out the 9mm XDM as a carry gun--it has a lot going for it--but if this is your first carry I'd definitely seek out someone who has an XDM and holster they'd be willing to let you try before you buy. If it feels like a brick to you, you probably won't carry it.

Everything else being equal, it's easier to shoot accurately with a longer sight radius and it's easier to control recoil with a heavier pistol.

beekeeper101 wrote:I am looking for my first CHL weapon and had my eye on an XDm 9.
Is this to large of weapon to carry daily, some have suggested the XDsc 9 is more suitable for daily carry.
I was hoping to get a weapon that was both fun to shoot at the range and also carry daily.

I have a XD 9 SC that carries very well with the 10 Rd. magazine in either a Don Hume J.I.T. or a Don Hume First Agent holster. My XD .45 Service 4" does not carry as well due to the longer grip/magazine; however, I do carry it and nobody but me and Mrs. Oldgringo knows. I don't plan on gettin' in any shootouts that last longer than 10 rounds so I don't concern myself too much with carryin' the large capacity mags.

Others have said the difference between the XD and the XDM is not as great as the difference in the price between the two - I don't know?

While I prefer a Glock 26, I find myself carry the XDsc 9 more these days. I would highly recommend it.

Thanks, for the input you all have been a big help.
Still not 100% on what I will do, but I am going to take a second look as some different models this weekend, taking into account your alls input!

Thanks again!

Oh, I forgot to mention, if you get the XD9sc, the magazines for the normal size XD9 (16rds) will fit it and if you get a mag "sleeve" it wil be flush with the grip. (extended grip surface area).

I have shot the XDm 9 and I like it. I will agree that the XDsc will be easier to conceal, I really don't think the XDm 9 will be that hard. I have the XDm .40 and would carry it if I didn't have my 1911. Too big/too little/just right is up to the individual and I think the XD's are great guns. This is all just my .02, for what it's worth.

Just got my new XDm 9mm this week, going to shoot it later today for the first time. Not sure about it being a daily carry, seems like 19 rounds would weigh it down. I like the idea of the SR9 mentioned earlier. I do, however, think the XDm would be nice in my bedside safe.

Congratulations on the new pistol. Whether you carry it or not, you will enjoy shooting it. I love my XDm!

Yes, it's big. I wouldn't carry it because I couldn't conceal it properly. In TX, we wear pretty much just our skin all year around. It's hard to even conceal my skin mole during summer time. Plus big pistol forces you to wear baggy cloth and it doesn't look very fashionable in front of your girlfriends - mine would refuse to walk with me if I dress not as good.

On the other hand, there are people who claim to be able to carry Berretta 92F which is a HUGE pistol. If you like XD platform, the XDsc would be a great choice - i am thinking to get one too but since I needs to pay 700 billions to cover my bankers' bonus this year, i cannot.

Stupid wrote:Yes, it's big. I wouldn't carry it because I couldn't conceal it properly. In TX, we wear pretty much just our skin all year around. It's hard to even conceal my skin mole during summer time. Plus big pistol forces you to wear baggy cloth and it doesn't look very fashionable in front of your girlfriends - mine would refuse to walk with me if I dress not as good.

On the other hand, there are people who claim to be able to carry Berretta 92F which is a HUGE pistol. If you like XD platform, the XDsc would be a great choice - i am thinking to get one too but since I needs to pay 700 billions to cover my bankers' bonus this year, i cannot.

Aint that the truth?!!!