Greetings from Utah

[Darsint]

Thanks for the welcome!

The reason I'm going with the XD40 is mostly due to the recommendation of my father-in-law. He's former Special Ops, former policeman, and currently an Apache Pilot for the National Guard who's had several tour of duties over in the Middle East. He recommends the .40 for the stopping power over 9mm, and because they're a bit cheaper rounds than .45 (not to mention slightly less kick).

My only concern about the subcompact would be the barrel length reducing accuracy, but I suppose it's just a matter of training and practice in any case. I think Springfield has done a great job with their packaging, what with two magazines (one with extender), holsters, barrel lock, and even the mini attachable maglight that comes with the SC. The SC is oh-so tempting.

Great advice all around guys, thank you. I've already started talking to my kids about guns, and I do have a BB pistol from days of yore that I use as an example on safety. Being that they're girls they don't have a huge interest in them, thankfully, but that doesn't make me any less careful. A $100 safe seems like a very good investment and a small price to pay for the safety of my children.

I definitely will have to make a visit to Impact, Chris! Is that the Ogden or the SLC one you mention? I agree with Ishpeck on exercising my rights, and I think I'll be signing up for the CCW course there.

I think the country would definitely be a safer place if more responsible people carried. Events like the Trolley Square shooting really have persuaded me to follow up on my rights to self-defense. If there had been more people there carrying aside from one off-duty cop, even more lives would have been saved.

[slugger6]

Welcome to the forum.

[Chris Pierce]

Dee is in the Ogden one, stopped by there tonight, left $400 lighter in the pocket, man I hate that place.......

[apollosmith]

I'm another gun-toting citizen of Utah. Cache Valley.

I wouldn't be too worried about the accuracy factor. I have the XD-9 subcompact and I can shoot it much more accurately than my full-size pistols. I'm not sure if it's the weight, the awesome sightes, or what, but the thing flat out shoots.

While I also don't want to start the debate (it's happened a zillion times here or elsewhere), I also wouldn't put to much stake into the .40 over the 9mm in regards to stopping power, etc. Just get what you're most comfortable shooting and then shoot it a lot. I went with 9mm because I own another 9mm, I like to shoot A LOT, and I like the extra capacity for concealed carry.

The biggest problem with getting a subcompact is finding one. I'd definitely check with http://sierraguns.com/ They are based in Clinton, tend to have the subcompacts at times, and have great pricing.

Oh, and if you're considering getting your CFP (Concealed Firearms Permit, in Utah), be sure to join us at http://utahconcealedcarry.com/

[Chris Pierce]

another vote for sierraguns, that's where I got my SC9mm. I am pretty sure he trys to keep them in stock, they are a hot seller

[MasLakas]

Welcome to the forum and the XD world. I would reccommend that you start off with a service or tactical model. You can always trade it for a compact/sub-compact. I personally prefer a 4 to 5 inch gun for home defense. I carry the XD45 Service concealed or a 1911.

Shoot whatever you can so you can get a feel for the gun before you buy if possible. I have the 45 service model and after shooting 357 mag for a number of years, the recoil is nice and pleasant.

As for children, it sounds like you are off to a good start in training them. Get a safe of some kind! I am not concerned about my children getting into my firearms, but thier friends they bring over and that can get ugly very fast.

Good luck!