Thinking about addingan XD Subcompact...user opinions please

[Brickboy240]

Many years ago, I let my concealed carry permit lapse and currently do not carry any concealed handgun. I have decided to renew my permit, but want a smaller semiauto for carry, since the smallest autos I have are 3 fullsize 1911s, a Hi-Power, Sig 220 and the XD-40 Service - none of which are really THAT comfortable, carried concealed all day, all the time.

A friend of mine wants badly to sell me a very nice Glock 19 with night sights. I swore off Glocks a long time ago, when I got rid of my G17 for the Hi-Power.

For about 50 dollars more than what my friend wants for the Glock 19, I can probably get an XD Subcompact in 9mm or 40SW, brand new. The idea of having something brand new, with a lifetime warranty and all the accessories is pretty darned appealing over the used Glock 19. Especially since I have had VERY good luck with my 4" XD-40 Service.

So...how does everyone like thier XD Subcompacts? Is the 9mm more reliable than the 40SW version? I really don't have acaliber preference, since I already have the XD-40 Service and a Hi-Power in 9mm - I am already "into" both calibers. Yes, the 9mm is cheaper to practice with, but unless I hear that the 40 Subbies have loads of problems - I'd really take either caliber.

So... I am wondering how everyone likes their Subby XDs versus the 4 and 5 inch models. Are they as reliable? Accurate? How do the full-size magazines work in the subbies? I noticed that you can use full-size Service mags in the Subbies with that XD Gear adapter - an appelaing feature if it fits right and feeds well, especially if I go with a 40SW Subby - I have three extra mags from my Service XD-40 that can be swapped around if needed.

(truth is..I am leaning towards an XD-40 Subby in OD green that matches my XD-40 Service)

The idea of having a concealed carry piece that is very similar to a full-size pistol I already am used to. Would you suggest one for concealed carry or go with the Glock?

Thanks in advance,

- Brickboy240

[AMBTX]

I really enjoy carrying my XDSC .40. I carry it almost everyday in very hot weather. I used to carry a 1911 compact and the XD is just a bit wider but lighter. It also holds more in the mag.

As far as reliability, I have around 500 rounds with no malfunctions of any type. Accuracy is on par with the service model for me and recoil with the .40 is not much more than the 9mm service at least to me.

You can indeed use the full size mags if you use the mag adapter and mine have functioned very well. I use the pearce grip ext but its not really necessary to shoot comfortably.

If you want a very concealable, lightweight , accurate and reliable pistol you can't go wrong with the little XD subbie IMO.

Keep us posted on your decision.

[rman]

truth is..I am leaning towards an XD-40 Subby in OD green that matches my XD-40 Service)

The idea of having a concealed carry piece that is very similar to a full-size pistol I already am used to. Would you suggest one for concealed carry or go with the Glock?

Thanks in advance,

- Brickboy240

I've got the same problem. Was going to buy a Kahr 9 or 40, but they seem to be having big time quality control problems at Kahr lately - especially the polymers. SA lists the overall height of the SC as 4.55". How much shorter is that than a service model? From past experience carrying revolvers concealed, it's not so much the barrel length (within reason), but the thickness of the gun and the length of the butt that matters when trying to hide them.

*Happiness is a pile of empty brass and a gaping hole where the 10-ring used to be*

[sixgun]

Hello I have the 9mm Xdsc. And I love the gun it handles well and the recoil is on par to my other nines. Should conceal well due to its size. And mine is very accurate at combat distances 10 to 15 yards. You wouldnt be shooting a gun like this at longer distance anyway. I chose the 9mm version because I have other 9mms also. So I dont have to stock to many other calibers. And I feel the 9 is adaquit for self defence dutys. Good luck with your choice.

Sixgun

[IronGambit]

I have both the .40 SC and .40 Service. Both shoot nicely in my opinion.
I have several of the mag spacers that perform flawlessly for me. I also have several of the Pearce extensions on SC mags, which are very comfortable too.

BTW, my first car was a 1980 240 wagon (bought it from my Mom) that was probably the most reliable car I've ever owned. I had a 760 Turbo for five years as well that was a great car too. I used to frequent the brickboard a lot back then. Oh yeah, I also went to Texas Tech (class of '97) and was born in Houston...lived there till I was 11 (went to Fondren Middle School).

Perhaps we are brothers from another mother.

Best regards,
IG

[ttheobald]

Well, whichever one you go with, just don't shoot yourself in the hand with it ).

T

[justinbaker]

Originally Posted by ttheobald

Well, whichever one you go with, just don't shoot yourself in the hand with it ).

T

haha

[Brickboy240]

Jeez, Irongambit...you're scaring me!

Yes Volvos are very overlooked cars. My affection for the boxy things stems from my Swedish heritage as well as very good expereince with my first car - an 83 240 that went 342K miles. My current Volvos are the wifes 2003 S-40 and my old 91 240 sedan with 225K miles on the clock. Yes, they're very hard to kill.

I also went to Texas Tech (class of 89) and we also share similar car experiences. No, I was not born in Houston, but in Lubbock. Mom was a Tech graduate, too. Dad and brother went to A&M...you can imagine the laughing I have been doing at those two in the last few football seasons!

I have been calling around Houston and found very few XD40 Subbys but lots of 9mm Subbys. I found one XD40 Subby in bi-tone, but I don't want anything shiny and the price was over 500 bucks...no way.

I found an OD green XD9 Subby for 439 brand new with all the goodies...is that a good price? Hell, I might go with the XD9 Subby. That price seems pretty reasonable and I like the shop that has it in stock. I think I paid around 465 or so for my OD green XD40 Service model.

I have gobs of 9mm ammo around due to my Hi-power and my ex-Beretta 92F, so its not like I am adding a new caliber.

- Brickboy240

[Brickboy240]

Update:

I found an XD-9 Subbie in OD green/black...new in the box for 409 dollars.

Is this a good price?

I may forgo the XD40 Subbie for this one, as the cheapest XD40 Sub I can find is about 469-500 dollars.

Thanks,

- Brickboy240

[bham shooter]

Originally Posted by Brickboy240

(truth is..I am leaning towards an XD-40 Subby in OD green that matches my XD-40 Service)

The idea of having a concealed carry piece that is very similar to a full-size pistol I already am used to. Would you suggest one for concealed carry or go with the Glock?

Thanks in advance,

- Brickboy240

I guess great minds think alike. I've got a .40 service, and want an OD Green SC to go along with it. Let us know how you like the SC once you get it compared to the service.