Newbie with .40 question - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

RodasJ · 07-09-2007, 07:02 PM

Hi all, I am new to forum and I am in the market for a .40 XD. I have narrowed my search to two. The service model and the subcompact. Every time I think I have made up my mind I decide I want the other one. I want the service model due to the fact that there's conversion barrels for it. Although I don't know how easy it would be to conceal. I want the subcompact because of its smaller size for CCW, however I believe there are no conversion barrels at this time. I have shot the service model and I am fond of the .40 round. However I have not shot the subcompact. The subcompact is cheaper in price here for some reason but I would have to have the shop order it. The service model is readily available. Can anyone help me with my dilemma because it's honestly driving me crazy!!!

P.S. I do intend on carrying CCW further down the road.

Ishpeck · 07-09-2007, 07:04 PM

Do what I did: Get both.

(picture: http://www.ishpeck.net/functions/showpic.php?I=26 )

For summer attire, the smaller grip on the subcompact is very convenient (the protruding grip is what I fight with to keep the weapon concealed). In the winter, when I'm always wearing a hoodie, the service hides better (still not as well as a subcompact but *shrug*) and is generally more comfortable for me to shoot. I can still conceal the service model just fine if I wear a baggy enough t-shirt -- or if I could bring myself to carry anywhere but 3:30.

I recommend getting the pearce grip extension if y'get a subcompact. If your hands are disproportionately big (like mine), it's a lot more comfortable.

RodasJ · 07-09-2007, 07:09 PM

Unfortunately my budget only allows for one at this time.......

So you see my problem. What is recoil on subcompact like?

AZXD40 · 07-09-2007, 07:11 PM

You will not regret either.... its true

Ishpeck · 07-09-2007, 07:33 PM

The recoil difference between the 3" and 4" barrels is almost indistinguishable for me.

If I'm shootin' from a bench, I can tell there's a slight difference in accuracy but in practical shooting, it's really not that big of a deal.

Myk9noseknows · 07-09-2007, 07:58 PM

I have to say that concealing a service model is not exactly an easy thing to do. Especially if you are rail skinny, or fat as Homer Simpson.
If you're muscular with broad shoulders, it will be easier. I have a service and 2 compacts. I won't even try to conceal the service, (however I do have the option).
I conceal carry the Compact .45, my 4" 1911, and my tiny Kahr PM9

Since your main concern is CCW, I would buy a compact or subcompact right now. Then you can save up and buy a larger framed handgun later on.

First buy what you NEED, then buy what you want

RodasJ · 07-11-2007, 12:21 AM

Thank you all for the info. I am going to go with the subcompact. It just sucks that I have to wait for it to come in once the shop orders it.

?

Anyone out there have a .45 compact? Just wanted to know how big the grip on it was in relationship to a .40 sub.

xd4life · 07-11-2007, 01:15 AM

You can conceal virtually any gun, Your wardrobe plays a bigger part than the gun or your body size. I can conceal my full size 1911 wearing basketball shorts and a t-shirt, I am 6'3 and weigh 190 lbs.

The problem is with concealment first and foremost is your wardrobe. Second in your holster and carry method and then the gun. Go to your local fun shop, wear what is your daily clothes, They should allow you to try on various holsters with either gun. See how different holsters feel, How the gun feels, think of way to adjust your wardrobe. It took me a while to learn that it was not the gun I was carrying, or the holster, But the clothes I was wearing that made my gun print, or not able to conceal at all.

The SC does have a little more muzzle climb than the 4" But if it's a CCW weapon no big deal, Most instances where you would need your gun and actually fire happen at distances closer than 10yds. If you want to CCW and use it as a range gun, I would suggest the 4", Later if you don't like the grip, You can cut it down to the SC size and have the advantage of the longer sight radius...

But either way both would serve your purpose... Go rent one of each and shoot about 20 or so rnds through each, Shoot 3 rnd groups from one then the other. IF you still don't know shoot another couple of rnds.

IndianaJones · 07-11-2007, 01:31 AM

My 1st handgun was the XD40 Service Model. I really have no complaints about it.

roadhippie · 07-11-2007, 08:22 AM

I carry the XD40 4" and my GAP tactical. I use a blade-tech IWB now and both guns conceal nicely. I am not over weight or skinny, 155lbs. What I've found is the GAP is actually more comfortable for me. But I cc the .40 90% of the time. I've only held the SC and just didn't like the way it felt in my hand. I think it has a lot to do with the belt and holster you decide to carry.. I'd go with the one you like most.

07-09-2007, 07:02 PM	#1
RodasJ XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Camp Verde, AZ Posts: 140	Newbie with .40 question Hi all, I am new to forum and I am in the market for a .40 XD. I have narrowed my search to two. The service model and the subcompact. Every time I think I have made up my mind I decide I want the other one. I want the service model due to the fact that there's conversion barrels for it. Although I don't know how easy it would be to conceal. I want the subcompact because of its smaller size for CCW, however I believe there are no conversion barrels at this time. I have shot the service model and I am fond of the .40 round. However I have not shot the subcompact. The subcompact is cheaper in price here for some reason but I would have to have the shop order it. The service model is readily available. Can anyone help me with my dilemma because it's honestly driving me crazy!!! P.S. I do intend on carrying CCW further down the road.

07-09-2007, 07:04 PM	#2
Ishpeck XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 4,024	Do what I did: Get both. (picture: http://www.ishpeck.net/functions/showpic.php?I=26 ) For summer attire, the smaller grip on the subcompact is very convenient (the protruding grip is what I fight with to keep the weapon concealed). In the winter, when I'm always wearing a hoodie, the service hides better (still not as well as a subcompact but shrug) and is generally more comfortable for me to shoot. I can still conceal the service model just fine if I wear a baggy enough t-shirt -- or if I could bring myself to carry anywhere but 3:30. I recommend getting the pearce grip extension if y'get a subcompact. If your hands are disproportionately big (like mine), it's a lot more comfortable. __________________ When given a chance to issue letters of marque and reprisal against Bin Laden, Congress voted against it and instead, voted the Patriot Act into law. Tells you who they think their real enemies are. http://www.ishpeck.net/ Last edited by Ishpeck; 07-09-2007 at 07:11 PM.

07-09-2007, 07:11 PM	#4
AZXD40 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 717	You will not regret either.... its true __________________ John F. Kennedy: "Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom."

07-09-2007, 07:33 PM	#5
Ishpeck XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 4,024	The recoil difference between the 3" and 4" barrels is almost indistinguishable for me. If I'm shootin' from a bench, I can tell there's a slight difference in accuracy but in practical shooting, it's really not that big of a deal. __________________ When given a chance to issue letters of marque and reprisal against Bin Laden, Congress voted against it and instead, voted the Patriot Act into law. Tells you who they think their real enemies are. http://www.ishpeck.net/

07-11-2007, 12:21 AM	#7
RodasJ XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Camp Verde, AZ Posts: 140	Thank you all for the info. I am going to go with the subcompact. It just sucks that I have to wait for it to come in once the shop orders it.? Anyone out there have a .45 compact? Just wanted to know how big the grip on it was in relationship to a .40 sub.

07-09-2007, 07:09 PM	#3
RodasJ XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Camp Verde, AZ Posts: 140	Unfortunately my budget only allows for one at this time....... So you see my problem. What is recoil on subcompact like?

07-09-2007, 07:58 PM	#6
Myk9noseknows XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,887	I have to say that concealing a service model is not exactly an easy thing to do. Especially if you are rail skinny, or fat as Homer Simpson. If you're muscular with broad shoulders, it will be easier. I have a service and 2 compacts. I won't even try to conceal the service, (however I do have the option). I conceal carry the Compact .45, my 4" 1911, and my tiny Kahr PM9 Since your main concern is CCW, I would buy a compact or subcompact right now. Then you can save up and buy a larger framed handgun later on. First buy what you NEED, then buy what you want

07-11-2007, 01:15 AM	#8
xd4life XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Back in HOTLANTA Posts: 2,251	You can conceal virtually any gun, Your wardrobe plays a bigger part than the gun or your body size. I can conceal my full size 1911 wearing basketball shorts and a t-shirt, I am 6'3 and weigh 190 lbs. The problem is with concealment first and foremost is your wardrobe. Second in your holster and carry method and then the gun. Go to your local fun shop, wear what is your daily clothes, They should allow you to try on various holsters with either gun. See how different holsters feel, How the gun feels, think of way to adjust your wardrobe. It took me a while to learn that it was not the gun I was carrying, or the holster, But the clothes I was wearing that made my gun print, or not able to conceal at all. The SC does have a little more muzzle climb than the 4" But if it's a CCW weapon no big deal, Most instances where you would need your gun and actually fire happen at distances closer than 10yds. If you want to CCW and use it as a range gun, I would suggest the 4", Later if you don't like the grip, You can cut it down to the SC size and have the advantage of the longer sight radius... But either way both would serve your purpose... Go rent one of each and shoot about 20 or so rnds through each, Shoot 3 rnd groups from one then the other. IF you still don't know shoot another couple of rnds. __________________ "A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well." Rick Hebert "The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities.... It is best to win without fighting." Sun-tzu 300 B.C Bob Barr FOR PRESIDENT

07-11-2007, 01:31 AM	#9
IndianaJones XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Howard County, Indiana Posts: 781	My 1st handgun was the XD40 Service Model. I really have no complaints about it. __________________ http://video.google.com/url?docid=-1...BGtholoYBTeguw

07-11-2007, 08:22 AM	#10
roadhippie XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dublin, OH Posts: 154	I carry the XD40 4" and my GAP tactical. I use a blade-tech IWB now and both guns conceal nicely. I am not over weight or skinny, 155lbs. What I've found is the GAP is actually more comfortable for me. But I cc the .40 90% of the time. I've only held the SC and just didn't like the way it felt in my hand. I think it has a lot to do with the belt and holster you decide to carry.. I'd go with the one you like most.

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