3" vs 4" vs 5" - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

DerbyDale · 02-27-2008, 06:57 PM

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm having problems deciding on what to do and would like some help.

I currently have an 5" XD-9 Tactical that I just got back in December (only 150 rounds so far). I want to get my CCW this spring, but don't think the 5" Tactical is very practical for CCW. I don't have the money to go out any buy a XD subcompact right now. So that means I have to pick 1 XD and make the best of it.

I've been considering the Kel-Tec PF-9 for CCW, but I really don't feel comfortable with it (durability and reliability). Do I get the Kel-Tec PF-9, or do I trade my XD-9 Tactical in and get a 3" XD? Then take the money I would have spent on the Kel-Tec on a LaserMax Guide Rod Laser for the XD?

How much difference in accuracy is there between the 3", 4" and 5" models really? Is the 3" model that much harder to shoot and get good groupings than say the 4" or 5"?

ARRRRRRRRRRGGGHHH Help Please!

**XDONBOARD** · 02-27-2008, 07:09 PM

XD 45 compact

paintballwannab · 02-27-2008, 08:21 PM

I don't know for sure how much difference there is between them, but consider this something like 80% of Police shootings are 3&3 3ft or 3 seconds away from the officer.

So at that close of a range the differences between the 3" 4" and 5" won't matter. I personally carry a 4" XD40 for CCW, for me its a happy medium between all three. All and all it comes down to what is most comfortable for you, anyone of those 3 guns will be accurate if you are comfortable with it.

Edit: you can also get the extended magazines for the 3" so the grip is the same size as the 4", but for the times where you want it the most hidden use the standard magazine.

**KCXPSS** · 02-27-2008, 08:29 PM

4" dude, unless you want to CC and really hide it then 3" but at the range you will like the 4" better on your follow up shot...

**NewXDsupporter** · 02-27-2008, 09:22 PM

I have fired both the 3in (mine) and a 4in (friends), and I had better groupings with the 4. The average diff for me is about .5 in at 10yds with both.

My friend has let me carry his 4in around the house just to compare how it fits and for me the 3 fits alot better, less printing and with a supertuck its alot easier to get most of the gun below the belt. But this is only with the short mag though, the extended mag makes the grip about the same length as the 4in.

Now this is just my opinion but I would stay away from the Laser Max and go with a Crimson Trace. The only real reason is that the Laser Max is not adjustable (windage and elevation). I have installed the Crimson Trace on my 3in and love it.

Ribbler · 02-28-2008, 11:30 AM

I have and carry both a 3" and a 4" XD40. The 3" is carried as a BUG on my ankle. I've noticed no difference in my accuracy between the two guns.

husker_t · 02-28-2008, 12:20 PM

I wouldn't be concerned about the inherent accuracy. Shorter barrels are--with other factors being equal--more accurate than longer barrels. The problem is us. Most people can shoot a longer-barreled pistol more accurately, because the longer barrel makes it easier to control the flip and movement of the gun, and because it gives you a longer sight radius, making it easier to keep the sights steady on target. With a shorter sight radius, every adjustment you make in the position of your sights on the target has a much greater effect on your bullet's point of impact than the adjustments you make with a longer sight radius.

An XD subcompact is every bit as accurate (inherently) as a Tac model, if not more so, due to the shorter barrel. And the fact that it will be harder for you to shoot it as accurately doesn't matter a lot, because as someone already said, if you are using this gun for self-defense, most engagements take place at close range anyway. So, bottom line: there's not reason to avoid getting an XD sc model, for carry purposes. I'd highly recommend the XD9 sc, for its reliability and accuracy. I've had absolutely no FTE's or FTF's with mine.

J.C. Outlaw · 02-28-2008, 12:53 PM

I bought the 3" XD9 a couple weeks ago and love it. I can hold a 4" group at 25'. With my eyes that's pretty good. I liked it so much I traded my Glock 21 (too big for my grip, other than that, I loved it) for the XD45 Tactical. I hold the same size group with the .45 as the 9mm. At that range I truly believe it is the shooter, not the gun.

Cheers,
J.C.

larz · 02-28-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paintballwannab

Edit: you can also get the extended magazines for the 3" so the grip is the same size as the 4", but for the times where you want it the most hidden use the standard magazine.

This makes the gun more versitile, much like the 45 compact....go with the SC.

tialloydragon · 02-28-2008, 02:29 PM

get the grip chopped on your tactical to accept SC mags, and you won't have to buy another xd

02-27-2008, 06:57 PM	#1
DerbyDale XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 26	3" vs 4" vs 5" I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm having problems deciding on what to do and would like some help. I currently have an 5" XD-9 Tactical that I just got back in December (only 150 rounds so far). I want to get my CCW this spring, but don't think the 5" Tactical is very practical for CCW. I don't have the money to go out any buy a XD subcompact right now. So that means I have to pick 1 XD and make the best of it. I've been considering the Kel-Tec PF-9 for CCW, but I really don't feel comfortable with it (durability and reliability). Do I get the Kel-Tec PF-9, or do I trade my XD-9 Tactical in and get a 3" XD? Then take the money I would have spent on the Kel-Tec on a LaserMax Guide Rod Laser for the XD? How much difference in accuracy is there between the 3", 4" and 5" models really? Is the 3" model that much harder to shoot and get good groupings than say the 4" or 5"? ARRRRRRRRRRGGGHHH Help Please!

02-27-2008, 07:09 PM	#2
XDONBOARD XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 3,493	XD 45 compact __________________ Michael XD-45 compact XD-40 sub-compact XD-9 sub-compact I'd rather have my XD and not need it, then need it and not have it.... I hereby certify that the person described hereon has been granted the privilege of carrying a concealed weapon in compliance with Arizona revised statute 13-3112.

02-27-2008, 08:29 PM	#4
KCXPSS XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lancaster, PA (Millersville) Posts: 452	4" dude, unless you want to CC and really hide it then 3" but at the range you will like the 4" better on your follow up shot... __________________ XD-C .45 ACP 17+1 NRA Member LEAA Member PA LTCF Myspace

02-27-2008, 09:22 PM	#5
NewXDsupporter XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Marietta GA Posts: 318	I have fired both the 3in (mine) and a 4in (friends), and I had better groupings with the 4. The average diff for me is about .5 in at 10yds with both. My friend has let me carry his 4in around the house just to compare how it fits and for me the 3 fits alot better, less printing and with a supertuck its alot easier to get most of the gun below the belt. But this is only with the short mag though, the extended mag makes the grip about the same length as the 4in. Now this is just my opinion but I would stay away from the Laser Max and go with a Crimson Trace. The only real reason is that the Laser Max is not adjustable (windage and elevation). I have installed the Crimson Trace on my 3in and love it. __________________ By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life." WAR EAGLE

02-28-2008, 12:53 PM	#8
J.C. Outlaw XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 4	I bought the 3" XD9 a couple weeks ago and love it. I can hold a 4" group at 25'. With my eyes that's pretty good. I liked it so much I traded my Glock 21 (too big for my grip, other than that, I loved it) for the XD45 Tactical. I hold the same size group with the .45 as the 9mm. At that range I truly believe it is the shooter, not the gun. Cheers, J.C. __________________ The old Strategic Air Command Motto: "Peace is our profession; believe it or we'll bomb the hell outta ya!"

02-27-2008, 08:21 PM	#3
paintballwannab XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 222	I don't know for sure how much difference there is between them, but consider this something like 80% of Police shootings are 3&3 3ft or 3 seconds away from the officer. So at that close of a range the differences between the 3" 4" and 5" won't matter. I personally carry a 4" XD40 for CCW, for me its a happy medium between all three. All and all it comes down to what is most comfortable for you, anyone of those 3 guns will be accurate if you are comfortable with it. Edit: you can also get the extended magazines for the 3" so the grip is the same size as the 4", but for the times where you want it the most hidden use the standard magazine.

02-28-2008, 11:30 AM	#6
Ribbler XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 47	I have and carry both a 3" and a 4" XD40. The 3" is carried as a BUG on my ankle. I've noticed no difference in my accuracy between the two guns.

02-28-2008, 12:20 PM	#7
husker_t XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: WA State Posts: 189	I wouldn't be concerned about the inherent accuracy. Shorter barrels are--with other factors being equal--more accurate than longer barrels. The problem is us. Most people can shoot a longer-barreled pistol more accurately, because the longer barrel makes it easier to control the flip and movement of the gun, and because it gives you a longer sight radius, making it easier to keep the sights steady on target. With a shorter sight radius, every adjustment you make in the position of your sights on the target has a much greater effect on your bullet's point of impact than the adjustments you make with a longer sight radius. An XD subcompact is every bit as accurate (inherently) as a Tac model, if not more so, due to the shorter barrel. And the fact that it will be harder for you to shoot it as accurately doesn't matter a lot, because as someone already said, if you are using this gun for self-defense, most engagements take place at close range anyway. So, bottom line: there's not reason to avoid getting an XD sc model, for carry purposes. I'd highly recommend the XD9 sc, for its reliability and accuracy. I've had absolutely no FTE's or FTF's with mine.

02-28-2008, 02:29 PM	#10
tialloydragon XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Levittown Pa Posts: 152	get the grip chopped on your tactical to accept SC mags, and you won't have to buy another xd

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