XDM 3.8 need help please

[SoccerKyCoach]

I think you'll be fine. I'm not the greatest shot, but I can shoot fairly tight groupings at 75 feet with my 3.8" XDM 9mm compact when I'm being patient and taking my time. And even if I'm not trying to "dot the I", I'm easily putting them all in the center mass of the target silhouette.

[Stillhunter]

Something to think about: Why are you shooting at a shooting competition?

I shoot a competition gun to try to win competitions but I also shoot defensive carry guns at competitions to improve my skills with them so I will win a gun fight when I need too! When I shoot the later I don't care about how good my score is but more how few mistakes I make and that I'm improving over time.

ALSO competition helps you prepare for a gun fight by putting more stress on you during practice than if you're just practicing on a firing line. In a gun fight you will be at stress overload so compete also with what you will use to protect you and your loved ones.

Stillhunter
US Triple Tap .com

[Oper8or]

I had absolutely no problem shooting steele at 20 yards with my .40 3.8 XD. Matter of fact, I shot better with it than I currently do with my Std. For me it was how fast I could re-aquire my sight picture. That had a ton to do with it. The worst you could do is try it. If you dont like it just ship the gun to me and I'll send you my .40 STD in an even trade.

[CavScout88]

Well, sight radius does matter a bit, but no where near as much as skill.

When it comes down to (practical) facts, yes, you 'should' be more accurate with the 4.5 XDm vs the 3.8". Whether someone shoots better with one or the other isn't tangible data unless there's a controllable factor.

And blah blah blah math blah.

I personally chose an XDm 4.5, which really does it for me. Depends what you want it for. Competition I'd say 4.5 since weight and length aren't crazy important. A sidearm/duty/OC, a 4.5 or 3.8 would both be fine. For conceal... I'd choose neither!