geez, i wish i knew how to get quote in from other threads, but go see the posts on the thread "first time handgun owner needs some opinions....." by 12bravo, posted either yesterday or today. i try to read new posts every day. what a bunch you are hooked up with, my friend.
i have the plain old xd 40 3.8" bbl. i have to agree totally with the posts here so far. you have one of the finest weapons God has allowed on this planet, IMO. yeah, it's made in Croatia, but hey, they put together a nice pistol, and the folks at SA were smart enough to stamp their label on it. i think it's one of the 'safest' (as much as a machine can be) SAO (single action only) guns you will ever find, me thinks. my love for it grows with each passing day, as my love for my children did. i like the two tone. got mine new at Waukesha WI gun show when i was able to get three extra mags and mag holder free, all for 439 plus tax and background check fee. that's why i bought it for, the free offer, but man, i am feeling very fortunate that i was steered toward it.
and with your weapon comes the knowledge and expertise of the xdtalkers. they are literate, with good grammar and spelling as a bonus. i could list a bunch of names, but you will know them as time goes on. congrats, madav8r!