a lot of people get an SC XD and then want to get an extended mag that has the collar on it so it'll make the handle the same size as the service and able to shoot 15 rds as opposed to the 10 rd mags and I think somtimes they either cc with the extended mag or at least try to and if they already have a service, then that's just a pointless thing to do since it'll be just like carrying the service around, I think the handle of the gun is more important the the barrel anyway, there are plently of IWB holsters to hide barrels. go to springfield.com and look at the micro and compact 1911s and compare to the SC compact. If you don't want to do that, a SC XD would be just fine too. It's what I prefered after looking through all the types of guns at my local gun store, the XDs fit the hand very nicely but I doubt that is a real big concern if you just want something to cc to save your life, you won't care about how it feels or looks if you have to use it, just that it shoots. That being said, you can get a nice reliable taurus revolver for less money, maybe like a 9 rd, 9mm too.