Gun Owning Smokers

[denver24]

Has anyone shot the Springfield XD Sub-Compact 9 mm? I'm looking for something a little smaller that I can carry and that is still going to be somewhat accurate.

This would be my first firearm purchase. My buddy is an ex-marine and he is a gun safety and concealed weapons trainer. He recommended the XD 45, but I want something smaller to carry.

[ndv21]

Has anyone shot the Springfield XD Sub-Compact 9 mm? I'm looking for something a little smaller that I can carry and that is still going to be somewhat accurate.

This would be my first firearm purchase. My buddy is an ex-marine and he is a gun safety and concealed weapons trainer. He recommended the XD 45, but I want something smaller to carry.

I shot one the other day at the range from a buddy of mine that has like 13 handguns. Shoots very well and put about 50 rounds through it. I am no gun expert by any means since last week I bought my first gun. Honestly, If I had the money to spend, I would've bouth the XD. Shoot it at the range and see if you like it!

[MarineOne]

Has anyone shot the Springfield XD Sub-Compact 9 mm? I'm looking for something a little smaller that I can carry and that is still going to be somewhat accurate.

This would be my first firearm purchase. My buddy is a former Marine and he is a gun safety and concealed weapons trainer. He recommended the XD 45, but I want something smaller to carry.

Okay so for starters I fixed that for you. There are no "ex-Marines" unless they received a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable. Oh, and the proper capitalization of course.

I own both the XD 45 in the 5 inch tactical and the XDm in 9mm and both would be good for shoulder carry, but not the waistband. If you're looking for a waist carry CCW you should really look at a Smith and Wesson "J" frame or their light weight line in .38SPL. This way you can do IWB (inside the waistband), or ankle/pocket carry.


Kris

[denver24]

Okay so for starters I fixed that for you. There are no "ex-Marines" unless they received a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable. Oh, and the proper capitalization of course.

Kris, no offense meant and thanks for the correction.

If you're looking for a waist carry CCW you should really look at a Smith and Wesson "J" frame or their light weight line in .38SPL. This way you can do IWB (inside the waistband), or ankle/pocket carry.

Would you then not recommend the 3" XD for CCW?

[MarineOne]

Unless you get the extended magazine, no. The 3 inch hardly has anything to hold on to, so when the unfortunate time comes to draw it combined with the adrenaline rush, you could end up hurting yourself.



Kris

[denver24]

Cool, thanks for the insight!

[Kenyth]

Has anyone shot the Springfield XD Sub-Compact 9 mm? I'm looking for something a little smaller that I can carry and that is still going to be somewhat accurate.

This would be my first firearm purchase. My buddy is an ex-marine and he is a gun safety and concealed weapons trainer. He recommended the XD 45, but I want something smaller to carry.

As far as stopping power in a reasonable package goes, you will have a hard time beating a .45 ACP auto. Springfield makes one of many polymer variants that fire this potent round. Glock is another good choice. One thing to be careful of is a sub compact that fires .45 ACP. The round is pretty fat. Combine that with the steep loading ramps found in most sub compacts and the flat nose of hollow points, and you have a much higher chance of jamming. I had to get rid of an otherwise good pistol for that very reason.

9mm has so many pistols available that it can be daunting to choose one. My advice? Go out and shop. When you find a few that feel good in your price range, look up reviews and make your choice. They have very slim and small 9mm autos with a single stack mag. Some, like Kel-Tek make them for a very cheap price. Others, like Walther, make an expensive high end pistol.

[denver24]

As far as stopping power in a reasonable package goes, you will have a hard time beating a .45 ACP auto. Springfield makes one of many polymer variants that fire this potent round. Glock is another good choice. One thing to be careful of is a sub compact that fires .45 ACP. The round is pretty fat. Combine that with the steep loading ramps found in most sub compacts and the flat nose of hollow points, and you have a much higher chance of jamming. I had to get rid of an otherwise good pistol for that very reason.

9mm has so many pistols available that it can be daunting to choose one. My advice? Go out and shop. When you find a few that feel good in your price range, look up reviews and make your choice. They have very slim and small 9mm autos with a single stack mag. Some, like Kel-Tek make them for a very cheap price. Others, like Walther, make an expensive high end pistol.

Thanks for the input Kenyth! I'll keep you guys updated.

[mail man]

I second the Keltec, I had one a few years ago, and it performed quite well, and was very reasonable in the price range.

Keith