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I am taking my chl course the third saturday of Oct and it's one where you won't be able to rent from the instructor. I wanted to take my time in picking out my concealment piece but with this change of events I have to make the plunge before then. I have decided on one of the two trims of the XD-9. Either the sub-compact or the 4 inch. I have not fired the sub compact so I have no idea what that's like and I was wondering anyone who has/shot both other then the usual differences between longer/shorter/balances if theres anything else that jumps out.

Also the issue of concealment is a concern and how do those who have one or anyone in the same ball park feel about the difference between carrying a 3 and 4 inch.

Also if you carry a XD mind posting what holster you use. Open to all types so no limits.

Is there any way that you can go to a range that rents guns? This way, you can rent before your class.
Before dropping down so much money, you really need to fire both before making the decision.

Venus Pax wrote:Is there any way that you can go to a range that rents guns? This way, you can rent before your class.
Before dropping down so much money, you really need to fire both before making the decision.

Ya I completely agree. In Austin only range that rents is red's and only SA they rent is a .45.

I may have to drive down to college station at some point and see what ranges there (or in houston) rent guns. Anyone know?

I think Thunder Gun Range near Woodlands does.

http://www.thundergunrange.com/

Try their website or call them.

Great thanks. Some how I that one didn't come up on a list of them that I found.

Ill try calling them tomorrow. So far I found a really nice women that works at 59 Gun Range who apparently said she'll let me try hers this weekend. I don't even know her lol.

southern hospitality++

I carry an XD9 Subcompact in a Tucker Cover Up IWB (see link below), this holster is awesome for easy on and off, and is very comfortable, plus you can tuck your shirt in with it too. As far as concealing the sub-compact, it conceals very easy with an untucked shirt. With a tucked in shirt it still conceals pretty well, but with a nice bulge since it is double stack magazine, something to consider if you plan on carrying with a tucked in shirt.

I also have a XD40 service model, but I don't use it as a carry weapon, purely a nightstand gun. Very accurate and reliable also. Again, this one is very easy to conceal with an untucked shirt, I've never carried it with a tucked in shirt though.

You can't go wrong with either size, but for a carry weapon I'd suggest the subcompact.

http://www.tuckergunleather.com/

The XD is not my first choice for a handgun at all. But as you've already heard from others, I too will strongly suggest you shoot both formats before buying. Buying a gun is expensive enough without buying one and then discovering it's not the gun for you.

The 4-inch service models can be used for concealed carry but you have to dress around it and pick the right holster. I personally don't care for the compact XD's. The XD's bore axis already sits higher than I like but going to a short grip and a short slide bugs me even more. I also prefer to stick with 9mm in the XD, even more so with the Compact.

At a recent trip to the range, The Marshal and I had our concealed carry pistols with us, he has a XD-9SC and I have a Kimber Tactical Ultra II. We swapped pistols throughout the session, and I noticed the recoil between the two was VERY similar. Muzzle flip was comparable as well. I was quite suprised with the results considering the difference between the .45ACP and 9mm rounds they are chambered for.

I could not tell any difference between the two when shooting. If you get the SC you can always get the full size mag. and the plastic collar that makes the grip the same size as the 4".

I have both XD40 Service and XD40SC. So far, I have found both to be good machines - the real evaluation will be after the I hit 5,000 or so rounds. Gary has a good point that the bore axis on XDs do seem higher than others, such as Glocks, but the grip angle of the XD seems better for me. He is also correct in that single stack magazine pistols are easier to conceal. I have been able to conceal the larger Service, but I may choose to carry the larger unit only on cold days where extra clothing will help concealment. I have found the 1" shorter grip of the SC does help make concealment easier. Right now, I am using OWB holster, but certainly IWB holsters will make concealment even more effective. One thing that happened when using the short magazines in the SC is that I was shooting low until I adjusted my grip by tucking my little finger under the magazine plate. I have the Pearce Grip extensions on order which should help with the placement of the little finger.

I have a XD9 SC but not a 4" so I can't compare.

I like the grip extension better than the fullsize mag with a sleeve. Becaus of the angle of the extension, it does not seem to effect concealment much.

I tried carrying concealed for a while and still do on weekends when I can dress casual but with a office attire I went with a pocket gun.

I use the C-Tac holster and really like it and it works well.

Check out the http://www.TXDPSA.com forum. We have just about all the different sizes and calibers. Ask around, there is most likely someone in your area that would be happy to let you give theirs a try.

Jake

+1 for the Pearce extensions, a must have if you get the subcompact version.

XD9_SC w/Pierce Ext on 10Rnd Mag, in Tucker Heritage IWB holster.

Reason I am carrying the SC, is that Cyphur got the last Tactical II Ultra on sale!
I harrassed him into it, truth be told. The SC is chunkier than the Ultra, but it does have 11 vs 8 rnds if that is an issue. Both guns are about the same in shooting for Cyphur & myself. Short barrelled guns are just that, short. However, Cyphur will tell you I chewed the center out of the bullseye last time we went with my XD. Kimber Ultra takes the advantage if you employ the "Shock & Awe" function of shooting that bad boy. Why the volume of the shot alone will knock down anyone stupid enough to be in front of it.

Prior to the Pierce Extention, it was a handful as your pinkie would go up under the mag. Extention installed on the 10Rnd'er, and its a thing of beauty.
My accuracy jumped significantly with it in place, and my grip is now very comfortable. I *never* shoot the 15Rnd mad with the grip extention.

Switched out the sights for some TFO's. Again, Cyphur can tell you that my accuracy increased with the change. Yummy.
Also, the TFO's fit perfectly in my Tucker Heritage holster.
Now, I haven't worn any other holsters, so take this for what it is worth.
The Tucker is so darn comfortable, I tried it one day against my bare skin. No difference, it was just as nice as when I wear a t-shirt under it!
I am wearing it right now under my tucked-in dress shirt, and no one has given me a 2nd glance. (Remember, people by nature are *not* observant.)
This with a cheesy belt at that. The SC is light enough that you can wear it all day and pretty much forget about it.

Now, with the larger mag, the grip should be closer to the Service model in length. I don't believe the Service model will conceal nearly as well, another reason I abandoned the 15Rnd mag.

I would get the SC if you are wanting it for a primary carry pistol.
Service model would be better if primary is range gun.

Had I more $$ at the time, I would have purchased the Kimber Tactical Ultra (say, uhhh, Cyphur, do you know your serial# on that nice gun of yours? ) as it comes with all the goodies, night sights, and small size. BUT, you could get BOTH the SC & Service for cost of the Kimber!

Everyone that has shot my SC has had positive comments, to the extent that 2 of the guys are now actively searching for one. I can't imagine that you would be disappointed with any of the 3 I mentioned here.

I would tell you to get the SC.
You should be able to sell it fairly easily if you don't like it....I see lots of requests for the SC over the Service....

~Bill

Pictures worth words?

Here is my target at 21-25'.
40 rnds of slowfire.
XD9mm SC
Stock sights.
Pierce Ext. on 10-rnd mag



~Bill

Marshal,

Dang! That's a nice group! I can't wait for my Pearce Grips to get here on Monday so I can try to get that good.

piro,

I forgot to fully address your question on holsters. Currently, I am using a Comp-Tac paddle for the Sub Compact. It holds the pistol nicely, is easy to take on and off, and is easy to draw. A nice IWB holster is on my list, like a Comp-Tac CTAC, since it will help conceal better.