Advice needed. Thinking of an XD-45 for CCW and HD

[wuchak]

I went to the store today to checkout 9mm compacts in anticipation of my KS Concealed permit. What should they have in the case but a NIB XD-45 with the gear kit on sale for $429! I picked it up and it feels like it was made for my hand. It would make an excellent nightstand gun but is larger than what I wanted for CCW. It just felt sooo good in my hand that now I'm thinking of getting it and trying to find a way to use it for CCW (I'm 6' 200lbs).

How difficult is it to conceal something like the XD-45?

I'm thinking of waiting for a deal on a compact 9mm (I like the subcompact XD) but the price and the fit of the XD-45 are making this a tough one to pass up. I just don't want to end up with something that is impossible or uncomfortable to carry. I need to decide tonight.

I already have a P-3AT for those times when something larger cannot be carried.

Thanks,
Wuchak

 

[velojym]

Depends on your build, what you wear, etc.
I've tested my XD45 with the included holster, with the brown jacket I normally wear, and it conceals pretty well that way. I also tried it with an IWB holster without a jacket, and it printed a bit, so I don't think I'd carry it that way. I have a Micro Compact .45 for warm weather use.
If you use a fanny pack, you shouldn't have a problem, and if your build permits, perhaps a shoulder rig, though I haven't tried that yet.

 

[shadowalker]

Provided you are within normal size ranges you should be able to conceal an XD 45 ACP with a good holster / belt without problem.

Depending on my mood I carry a Sig P229, Ruger P90, or XD 45 ACP in a Haugen Handgun Leather SOB holster. I wear the SOB on my left side between the hip and the buttocks ;D. It makes it very comfortable to stand or sit and eliminates the concern about injuring the spine in the case of a fall.

I'm 6'1, 185 pounds and can get very good concealment with a white undershirt and excellent concealment with a polo shirt. In the summer I just wear an undershirt and a tee shirt and also get very good concealment.

I have never had anyone visually discover my weapon, I have had a few family members brush it while giving a hug though but not a big deal.

In any case for a larger sized handgun you will want to get a good holster and a good belt, $20 Uncle Mike's paddle holster and the like will not work well.

 

[bear71]

The XD 45 is now being made in a compact version with a 4" barrel and shortened grip which might be more appealing to you, I'm assuming the XD45 you were looking at has the typical 4" barrel and full grip. The grip on the XD45 is pretty long and it is often said that the most difficult part of a handgun to conceal is the grip. This is where the compact may shine for you for CCW purposes.

As far as a nightstand/home defense piece, buy it now if it is a pistol that you want for this task. That's a good price. Granted an 870 is a far better choice for home defense.

Additionally there is strong speculation that Springfield will issue the XD45 in sub compact form soon which may be of interest to you.

The compact version of the XD45 has the capability of taking magazines that fit flush with the butt, or takes full sized magazines with a plastic piece that fits over the magazine, effectively increasing the grip size to the normal XD45. Versatility.

I have a XD40 sub compact that does this and I like it for that reason.

 

[RP86]

You'd be surprised at what is easily concealed. Tonight I went to dinner with my friends before we hit up the range, one being a LEO. Until my LEO friend went to adjust his shoulder holster I didn't even know he was carrying. He was carrying his duty weapon Sig 226 .40 cal. and the 2 mags on the opposite side, and all he had on was a polo t-shirt. He's about 6'3" 180lbs.

-Ryan

 

[Euclidean]

I do it all the time with a 4" XD45, every day actually. Get a good belt and a well made belt holster. Wear a dark shirt one size too large as a cover garment. Admittedly, I'm sort of between standard sizes anyway.

You will have to dress around the gun though, make no mistake. But it can be done.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I got an XD-45 compact on Saturday and finally got out today to shoot it. Put 225 rounds thru it without a hitch. Accuracy was awesome, almost as good as my Kimber. I prefer the 13 round mag over the 10 but point of impact is the same with both. As soon as I get another 500 thru the gun it will take over CCW from the Kimber.

I think I'm going to order a Desantis Cozy Partner IWB holster for it.

 

[mattx109]

I've carried an XD45 for some time now. I'm pretty slim, but have no trouble concealing it. I started out with a DeSantis "Inner Piece" holster and it served adequately. I just received a Milt Sparks VM-2 (which I also used for my previous gun, a BHP) and it's as good as one would expect.

My blog thread about it, including photos, is here:

http://x109.livejournal.com/197561.html

Highly recommended.

This is a fun read about an XD "torture test":

http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.html

Enjoy!

 

[.357 magnum]

Do It!

Great price! Buy it and do not look back! At your height and weight you will be just fine concealing it. You just cannot beat 13mag capacity and the reliability!

Take Care!

Frank

 

[distra]

I use a Crossbreed holster part leather, part kydex. It conceals just fine on my "stocky" body. I generally use an untucked shirt or cover jacket in the fall, winter, and spring. My 1911 bobtailed commander and P45 are thinner and conceals easier than the XD-45, but I still carry the XD. Nice thing about the XD platform is the XD45 and XD9 will fit into the same Crossbreed or CTACholster. You made a good a choice, if I didn't have an XD45 + many other pistols, I'd pick-up the XD45 compact. But...I just picked up a Springer micro compact 1911 that Mrs. Distra is not aware of yet

 

[wuchak]

Thanks to everyone who responded. After much deliberation I have decided to pass on the XD-45 and get an XD compact 9mm instead.

The price of practice ammo for the 9mm is cheap enough that I don't need to reload for it. The 45 I would have had to reload for and I don't have the time or inclination to start loading for another caliber right now.

Also the 9mm is something my wife will be able to shoot.

 

[dairycreek]

How difficult is it to conceal something like the XD-45?

I carry the XD45 concealed with the large mag. Granted the extra length of the mag is of some concern but I carry it concerned with two holster devices. The first is a FIST #43 which allows for both IWB or OWB carry. I have included a pic of my XD45 in the FIST #43 FYI.



Recently I broke down and tried a SMARTCARRY Security V and am amazed at the results. Tried it pretty much on a lark but have been much pleased at the outcome.

It has turned out to be an effective and comfortable mode of carry for me and, based on my experience, I sure can recommend it highly. I tend to wear loose fit jeans a lot and these help concealment and prevent printing. FYI