Concealed Carry XD Compact 4" vs 5"

[daveIT]

Hello, first time posting here...although I've been lurking for a bit.

I'm looking to get my first handgun. I'm having a tough time deciding between an XD Compact 4" or 5" for concealed carry. With concealed carry isn't it mainly the grip size that matters? Some folks I've talked to tell me that there's no way I should get the 5", but what's an extra inch tucked in your holster. I'm thinking I'd rather have the added accuracy. Thoughts?

[Wild Rice]

I trade in my XD-45 5" Melonite Compact for an XD-45 4" Stainless two tone Compact. The 4" is just as accurate, handles better (less "clubby"), and carries much easier inside the waist band. I prefer the stainless finish for close to the body carry. The 5" was an excellent range gun, but I never carried it because it was just too big. The 4" is also a great range gun, but I can carry it in an inexpensive Uncle Mike's inside-the-pants holster with Velcro retention (size #15) that is very comfy. The 5" would need an OWB or shoulder holster which can be harder to conceal. In theory, a longer site radius can help aiming, but as your eyes get older, you have less range of focus, so I end up just focusing on the front sight no matter the sight radius. The 5" might have a bit less muzzle flip, but the 4" is very controllable.

[1978z28]

absolutely love my 4

[Chapie+]

Originally Posted by daveIT

Hello, first time posting here...although I've been lurking for a bit.

I'm looking to get my first handgun. I'm having a tough time deciding between an XD Compact 4" or 5" for concealed carry. With concealed carry isn't it mainly the grip size that matters? Some folks I've talked to tell me that there's no way I should get the 5", but what's an extra inch tucked in your holster. I'm thinking I'd rather have the added accuracy. Thoughts?

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+

[setabkcin]

I use a subcompact and where I carry it I couldn't use a barrel longer than 3". The grip on the sub is a tiny tiny bit smaller than the compact. But, subs only come in 9mm and .40 so if you want to use a .45 you'll need the compact. If thats the case I'd go with the 4" anyway.

[Chapie+]

daveIT,

I forgot the most important thing!

Welcome!!!

and

Good question!

You might consider putting in the polling place and seeing how the vote turns out:
The Polling Place - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Chapie+

[vthompson]

I have to agree with Chapie+. I carry a 5 inch tactical and I love it. I carry it in a IWB holster, and I can't even tell that I am carrying it. I wouldn't even consider anything else.

[Chapie+]

Originally Posted by vthompson

I have to agree with Chapie+. I carry a 5 inch tactical and I love it. I carry it in a IWB holster, and I can't even tell that I am carrying it. I wouldn't even consider anything else.

Which IWB do you use?

Chapie+

[Frisco Pete]

The 4" is more comfortable for me to carry concealed. In addition, if carried in a regular belt holster, the extra 1" can easily show below whatever you are wearing to cover up. I recently wore my 5" 1911 to the range and made a gas/snack stop on the way. At the store I noticed that the very bottom of the holster was showing below my sweat shirt. I am used to carrying either a 4" XD45 or 1911 so I wasn't even thinking about that happening.
Of course an IWB would eliminate this, but I still find a shorter barrel more comfortable, especially when seated in the car.

The smaller (in every dimension) the easier a pistol is to conceal. I would stick with the 4" Compact.

[XD9Sub]

Welcome to the forum!

Since it's your first handgun, I'd say get whichever feels most comfortable in your hand, assuming you can try them out at your local gunshop or gunshow.
Some people don't like the Tac, they say it feels top-heavy in their hands, so you really need to see how it feels.

I prefer to carry a Comp Tac, IWB. It's the gun I shoot most at the range, so it's the one I carry. And you're correct, it's the grip length that makes the biggest challenge for carry, not the barrel length.