Greetings from Utah

[Darsint]

Hi everyone,

I'm from Layton, Utah and pretty new to guns in general. They've always been an interest of mine but I've never owned one. I was very impressed by the quality of users on this forum, and decided to sign up so I could further benefit from the knowledge here.

I've been doing my research and have decided on a .40 XD, though I'm still undecided as to the model! I like the sub-compact but since it may be a while before I get around to getting a CCW license (I'm lazy), I'd have to say I'd probably be using the gun more on a range than as a carry. So I'm leaning more towards the service model. Anyone have any suggestions for a first time owner? Would a longer barrel be easier to learn to shoot with?

Also, with 3 kids (7, 5, and 1) I'm not sure how to best keep my gun handy for home defense, and I know my wife wouldn't be happy if I drop another $300 on a nice fingerprint-actuated gun safe.

Thanks!

[Ishpeck]

Welcome from Orem, Utah!

I have both an XD40 Service and XD40 Subcompact. I carry either (which depends on the weather and my clothing).

I recommend getting your CCW license even if you don't intend to carry because it puts your name on state records as someone who believes your inalienable human rights, as protected by the second amendment, are important to you. Our state legislature always looks at the number of CCW permits issued when considering another insane fascist bill -- they ask themselves: "Is this a group of people we really wanna piss off?"

The best way to have your weapon handy for home defense without putting your children in harm's way is to just carry it in a holster. That way the gun is always under your supervision.

It's also important to include your kids in proper weapon handling. The seven and five-year-old may be old enough to understand what's going on so make sure they are educated.

[rockerz71]

Welcome

I'd say get the service, I have no problem concealing it at all. I have never shot the SC though so I'm biased.

[ichy_trigger]

Welcome aboard, I won XD's but dont carry them so dont listen to my opinion...lol

[kg4bcn]

Welcome to the group from Tampa Fl. I have the XD40 4" and love it. I'd recommend that you obtain your CCW and get some kind of training with the weapon. ABOVE all else make sure that the little ones do not have even the most remote chance of getting their hands on one of them.

[bigpov]

I'm from up here in Tremonton. I'm a lot like you in the fact that I never owned a handgun before I purchased my XD. I did quite a bit of looking into it before I purchased the 9mm. I would suggest going with a 9mm rather than the 40. Especially if it is mainly going to be used on the range. 9mm loads are quite a bit cheaper from what I have heard. I went with the subcompact for ccw reasons. The nice thing about the Sub it that you can purchase the longer clip and the shroud and actually make the grip a standard length for just out plinking. Personally, I don't like dressing like Miami vice with an unbuttoned shirt over my t-shirts to hide the bulge of the longer grip, so I went with the subcompact. Hope this helps. Have a good day.

[Ishpeck]

Originally Posted by bigpov

The nice thing about the Sub it that you can purchase the longer clip ....

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MAGAZINE!

Sorry. Had t'do it.

[Chris Pierce]

Welcome from Plain City! I work in Layton (does that count?) I was in the same boat as you just a few months ago, bought my first XD a .45 service, I went and took the CCW course at Impact (still waiting on the permit) I have 3 kids (2,4,&7) I picked up a nice gun safe at Smith and Edwards for under $100, it's not the fingerprint one, but it does have a numberpad and I can fit 4 handguns and alot of ammo in it. I usually take one out at night and put it in the drawer next to me for quick access at night, since having a gun I have become much more aware of the sounds my house makes at night, all the creeking and cracking that I never heard before having a gun, at first I hated it, had second thoughts about it, but the peace of mind and the safety of my family made me get used to it, now I can't sleep without one in the drawer. I have come to love the green glow from my TFO night sights, and the little red dot from my lasermax....

I have since picked up a SC 9mm XD that I really love, I am thinking of selling my service .45 and picking up the compact .45 to carry.

I am trying to teach my kids gun safety by letting them look at my guns, and handling them (unloaded of course) teaching them they should alway be treated as if they are loaded and always pointed in a safe direction, I also tell them if they ever come across a gun laying out, that they should leave it alone and find an adult immeditely. I like to test them every once in awhile by leaving one laying out (unloaded, keeping a eye on it)

I would be happy to meet you at Impact and let you shoot my guns to see wich one you like, or you can rent them at Impact before you buy, Impact is a great place, if you go in, talk to Dee <--- great guy

[GaryTx]

Welcome to the forum!

[Ed Ely]

Welcome.

Ed