Concealed Carry XD Compact 4" vs 5"

[RobbSmith]

I have a XD 45 Compact 4" for my CCW, Love it!

5" might have been too long and you won't be loosing accuracy with the loss of a single inch.

[PWB]

I carry a Glock 26 or 17 concealed and sometimes a S&W model 36...(I carry the 26 about 90% of the time and really can't tell much difference between the 26 and 17)...I have in the past carried a S&W 4506 w/a 5' bbl and a 686 w/a 4' bbl...I've never had a problem carrying a mid to large frame automatic concealed, L-frame revolvers tend to be a bit bulky. That is why I recently ordered the XD Tactical, and plan to carry it instead of the G-26. If your going to wear it as a concealed weapon for the majority of the time I would recommend a stainless or parkerized finish.

[vthompson]

Chapie+,

I bought a IWB Holster from Larry at Tennessee Holster Company. It is made just for the 5" tacticle and it fit's like a glove. I got the metal clip to just clip over my belt. The holster cants for even more comfort. I catch myself brushing against it with my forearm just to make sure that it is still there. I can't tell that I have it on, and I pretty much wear it 24/7.
Check out the web-sites at:

Tennesseeholstercompany.com
or
Gun-works.com(same place)

[Wild Rice]

Going from 5" to 4" makes a big difference in ease of carry. Going from 4" to 3" makes a big difference too. I got tired of waiting for Springfield to produce an XD-45 SubCompact, so I bought a Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro. It is smaller than my XD-9 SubCompact, holds 10+1 rounds of 45, shoots great, and is very reliable.

[daveIT]

Originally Posted by Chapie+

I carry a compact tactical (short frame 5" bbl). It is the perfect compromise. A carry tactical. Accuracy, quick follow up, and low recoil of the tactical combined with a short grip for concealment. I like it!

Chapie+

Sorry, I'm a little ignorant of how the Tactical model differs from the others. You mentioned low recoil, is it less than the Compact models?

Thanks for all the other replies. I'm a relatively inexperienced with shooting handguns (I've shot a couple hundred rounds through my dad's P89 and a couple other random guns) so I don't know if I could really tell the difference between a 4" and 5" accuracy.

I stopped at a sporting goods store and looked at a couple this weekend, but the guy behind the counter didn't seem very knowledgable, so I'm going to try an actual gun shop.

[DRH]

Welcome to the forum!

When I carry my 45 service, it is in a Don Hume 715 IWB. Great gun and holster!!

[brianf2k2]

I own the XD 45 ACP full size 5" and I love it because I have a big hand and it just feels better. Since I'm in California and can not carry so it didn't matter if the barrel was an inch longer. Fact is, even the full size handle just does fit and I really like the feel of grips with finger grooves but then would need to add a little more length to the handle by using the Pierce grip extensions to go with the Hogue finger groove grips. But I'm unusual so don't go by me. Anyway you go you will love the XD!

[skylark175]

Originally Posted by brianf2k2

I own the XD 45 ACP full size 5" and I love it because I have a big hand and it just feels better. Since I'm in California and can not carry so it didn't matter if the barrel was an inch longer. Fact is, even the full size handle just does fit and I really like the feel of grips with finger grooves but then would need to add a little more length to the handle by using the Pierce grip extensions to go with the Hogue finger groove grips. But I'm unusual so don't go by me. Anyway you go you will love the XD!

Excuse me, but what did you mean "since I live in Ca and cannot carry" ? I live close to you and have my CCW here in CA. Not an issue.

By the way for the OP, I carry my XD .45 Compact in a Crossbreed Supertuck and love how it hides. Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[brianf2k2]

Thanks - I was told that it is near imposable to get one. So I just accepted that. After your post, I now have looked into it more and found out that just having a good reason is the key. I don't have a good reason other than I want one, but I will request the application and get specifics today from the Santa Maria police department.

[Pete V]

Originally Posted by RobbSmith

I have a XD 45 Compact 4" for my CCW, Love it!

5" might have been too long and you won't be loosing accuracy with the loss of a single inch.

+ one and keep in mind most CCW with a 10 rd mag and I for one like the balance with the 4" barrel. Check out the Pearce Pinkie extension, and Houge grip cover.

Pete V