Help Me choose

[Byrd]

I have a dilema-I have an XD Service in .45 ACP that I am thinking of trading for a .45 compact. I also have a Kahr PM9 and I am thinking of trading the Service XD for the Kahr .45

I love my service XD, but the Compact would be easier to conceal, and I love my PM9, but want to carry a .45 Auto.

So what to do? My XD Service is an excellent pistol, my Kahr PM9 is excellent as well, so I know I would be happy with either the XD Compact or the Kahr .45.

Help!

[EdMaxx]

+1 for the XD-45 Compact. I love mine!

[XD9Sub]

+1 for the Compact.

Had the service, now carry the XD45 Compact, except in very hot weather. Then I carry a single stack Taurus PT-745 (6+1) when wearing a T'shirt or Polo shirt, about 1/2 the cost of a Kahr P45, and actually has a shorter grip height than the Kahr.

The XD45 and PT-745 also use the same holster!!

[Verk]

I have had my CHL and have been carrying a handgun almost all the time for over 11 years. I have found that if you chose your holster and your clothes carefully, you can pretty much conceal pretty much anything well.

For the first several years I carried a full size 1911 and still do from time-to-time however, the weight of a loaded 1911 and two spare magazines became a factor not the size of the weapon. Down here in Texas, hot weather is most of the year but concealing a full size handgun is not a problem, you just have to pick your method of carry, holster, and cloths with some care.

Bottom line, I believe you should carry what you can shoot well. For example, if you can shoot a XD service, better than lets say a PPK, then make the necessary changes to be able to conceal the XD service.

Always keep in mind that the whole idea of carrying a handgun is that you may actually have to use it one day and you want to be able to shoot it well, especially when you are under extreme stress. Just my .02 cents.

[LandTrain]

I first bought the 45 Compact. It has 13 and a 10 mag to come with. Heavier and longer with the 13 mag, shorter and lighter with the 10 mag.
Easily concealable on someone my size, 6 ft, 225 lbs, average build.

I then got the 9mm SC for her. Comes with 16 mag and a 10 mag. Same thing as above on the different mags in regards to weight and size.

Then I always had a desire to have the full 45, TAC version. I found a great deal on one, that was supposedly used. That's what it was, supposedly. It might as well have been right off the line. Anyhow, it came with three 13 mags. It is much heavier than the 45 compact, and harder to conceal.

I can hide the .45 compact easily wherever. I even had her put it in her purse the other night to see how heavy it would be for her to carry. Yes, she has a permit too, easy now. Anyway, it went into her purse, no problem. No need to buy one of those hide a purse things for her, if that .45 will fit, so will the 9.

Now, she cannot hide the .45 C on her like I can. But if she has a purse, and that one the night we tried it out, it was the smallest one she carries, it fits well.

I like all of the XD's I own. I even traded my two old guns (non springfield)for the used/new Tactical I picked up.

So, trade all the other stuff and buy a new XD. But keep the full size.

[Johnnybgood]

I was going to buy the 45 service model some time ago but bought a 40 cal service having decieded to wait for the 45 compact to become available. While waiting I also bought a xd 40 sc and love it. I bought the 45 compact shortly after fathers day and man I am glad I waited I absolutely love it. easy to conceal, fits great in the hand as well. I am going to put some TFO's on her,I have them on my 40sc and love them, and i am also going to spring for a Crossbreed super tuck holster as well. Keep the Service model and get the compact if you can afford to, you won't regret it. Plus I think the Xd has the very best ergonomics available IMHO they sure feel like a natural fit in my hand anyway. Most folks who have handled my Xd's have gone out to purchase their own for that exact reason.Get the xd 45 compact.

[GaryTx]

Originally Posted by Verk

I have had my CHL and have been carrying a handgun almost all the time for over 11 years. I have found that if you chose your holster and your clothes carefully, you can pretty much conceal pretty much anything well.

For the first several years I carried a full size 1911 and still do from time-to-time however, the weight of a loaded 1911 and two spare magazines became a factor not the size of the weapon. Down here in Texas, hot weather is most of the year but concealing a full size handgun is not a problem, you just have to pick your method of carry, holster, and cloths with some care.

Bottom line, I believe you should carry what you can shoot well. For example, if you can shoot a XD service, better than lets say a PPK, then make the necessary changes to be able to conceal the XD service.

Always keep in mind that the whole idea of carrying a handgun is that you may actually have to use it one day and you want to be able to shoot it well, especially when you are under extreme stress. Just my .02 cents.

Well said!

[krazichinaman]

IF you already have the .45 service and want that compact, why not just do a grip chop yourself? It will be much cheaper than trading in your current XD and losing money on it. Plus you have the option of changing it back to the full size service with the mag extension sleeves.

[JhankG]

Can you have a grip chop done professionally? If so, anyone know the price range on a job like that?

[GaryTx]

Originally Posted by krazichinaman

IF you already have the .45 service and want that compact, why not just do a grip chop yourself? It will be much cheaper than trading in your current XD and losing money on it. Plus you have the option of changing it back to the full size service with the mag extension sleeves.

A "grip chop"?

Then maybe a mag extension sleeve?