Is the XD9sc too big for concealed carry???

[Quoheleth]

I've posted several times in the past months about window-shopping for a (future) concealed carry pistol. I had been thinking about a full-size MP9 or XD9 or even a SP101. A friend whom I respect strongly urged me to go MUCH smaller - Kel-Tek size. So, I checked Bobo's pocket auto chart. After a quick post about SKYY autos and many negatives warning against them, I figured I better look at something like the Kel-Tek.

On the way home from a hospital visit this morning, I stopped at a local gun shop, the Pig Stop in Highlands TX. Great lady who owns the place. Prices are "high-average", but sometimes the extra service balances the extra cost.

She had a couple of new Kel-Teks as well as some other smaller size autos (no Taurus 111 Mil Pro, tho). I tried the PF9 and the 3AT, but they just don't feel right. SHe noted my fumbles and suggested something bigger and handed me the XD subcompact in 9.

Wow...was that ever nice. It FELT good. In fact, it felt GREAT. I tried it with both the extended mag and the shorter mag. It's heavier (about 14 oz, if memory serves, after checking the websites) and thicker (about .2") and longer (about .5). But I feel like I could handle it much better.

So, here's tonight's question. Will the XD9sc be concealed-carry-able? Is it too big? (I know it's about a 1/4 inch too long to be considered for Bobo's pocket auto chart, and I'm assuming it's other dimensions and weight don't pass muster, either.) I know it's $200 more than the Kel-Tek, but I fear if I don't like the Keltek (if it doesn't feel good) I won't carry it, leaving me with a $300 paperweight.

FWIW - I'm 6'4", pushing 300lbs (48" waist, 52 regular suitcoat - when I wear it, which isn't often) and usually wear slacks and buttondown shirt with tie to work. On Sunday mornings, I wear the full clergy vestments (alb - "robe" - etc.).

As I've said before...unless someone makes me a heckuva deal on a Taurus PT92 trade-in this weekend, this is down-the-road. I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row. Thanks, all, for your patience with me...

Q

 

[eagle45]

So, here's tonight's question. Will the XD9sc be concealed-carry-able?

- Yes.

Is it too big?

- No.

I carry an XDSC 40 regularly. I'm 5"11 and about 195 lbs. I usually use a Don Hume 721 OT OWB holster, and it conceals easily with just a dark t-shirt, or a t-shirt and open flannel shirt or button down shirt. The 721 holds it up a high and close to the body, and I carry one mag holder on the opposite side. Granted, it won't disappear like the Kel Tek would, but it can be concealed quite easily.

One of your other choices was an SP101. I also carry one of those in another Don Hume 721, and it is also a good choice. If you are planning on carrying to work, adding the jacket would certainly help, or dressing more casually. There are a number of IWB holsters that may work for you as well.

Edited to add:
You can find a lot of information about carrying the XD here: http://www.xdtalk.com/

 

[Quoheleth]

Eagle, if you could only afford one, which would you pick: the SP101 or XD (in my case, the 9)?

 

[Nitrogen]

Heck no. I carried one for a while until I got my S&W M&P, which is BIGGER

 

[8830]

While I haven't pocket carried more than a snubby from the way you dress and your size pocket carry should not be a problem with the XD. If is this is the way you intend to carry be sure to get a good pocket holster.

 

[abarth]

I used to have a XD9SC, when I bought new it was going to be my carry piece with a IWB holster. After test fitting it to my body I found it to be too thick for my liking. I sold it about a year later. I now carry a Bersa T380 in my front pocket, felt great.

 

[finalcut]

I carry an XD SC.40 and HK USP compact which is even a little larger....
5 o'clock IWB

 

[eagle45]

Eagle, if you could only afford one, which would you pick: the SP101 or XD (in my case, the 9)?

My personal choice would be the SP101, then I'd start saving for the XD!

While I haven't pocket carried more than a snubby from the way you dress and your size pocket carry should not be a problem with the XD.

I would have to disagree with this statement. I don't believe the shape of the XD would lend itself to pocket carry at all, not to mention the idea of reaching into a pocket for a loaded semi auto, that does not have an external safety, sounds more than a little unsafe. However there are many IWB holsters available.

BTW - if you are interested in the Don Hume holster - here's the link:
http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsPage.cfm?ProductID=44

 

[1911 guy]

Backward thinking.

If you're gonna carry a gun, decide what and how, in that order.

Find a handgun that fits you. For me, it's a Gov't Model, a large frame, large caliber handgun. Others like other guns. So be it. Choose a handgun that fits you and you shoot well. Most people do not shoot small guns well. The XD-9 is a good choice and is not too large. My father carries a 4 inch XD-45.

Then, and only then, decide what options are available for holsters and what, if any, modifications to your clothing you'll have to make.

Pocket guns are good backups. They are not good for a primary when the elephant comes within sight.

 

[scubie02]

I have had an xd9sc for several years now, and it is certainly easy enough to conceal with a belt holster, and is the gun I drop in a coat pocket most often when I walk the dog in colder/cooler weather (upstate NY has lots of this weather where you'll be wearing a medium to heavy coat). I love the sc for comfort/feel, and mine is quite accurate/easy to shoot well and totally reliable with any ammo I have tried. All those things having been said, it's a bit thick for pocket carry in a pair of pants, IMO, but MANY "pocket" guns are really a bit bulky for carry in alot of pants/shorts. In general you want the lightest weight and the smallest package you can still manage to shoot halfway decently for a pocket gun. I'd recommend an airweight J frame or a Kahr PM9--I've had good luck with mine. The xd9sc is WAY easier to shoot accurately and comfortably though than either of those in my experience. This is not to say that the j frames and PM9 can not be shot accurately, on the contrary, but they (for me) require more practice and concentration, whereas the xd is just so natural (again, for me) you can shoot it well in your sleep. =)

 

[murph50]

I carry the XD9SC sometimes. More of a cold weather CC for me OWB. In warmer weather I CC a KT P3at or a P11 pocket carry. I like having options.
IMO the XD9SC is too big for me to pocket carry. I carry a small backpack with me daily. One of the KT's is always in my pocket and (right now) the XD is in my backpack.

 

[gym]

Lived in NY most of my life and carried a model S&W model 60, also had a second gun on my NYC carry, a ppk's, pre 74, German made, and customised, I would aternate, but always felt more secure with the revolver. Going back 20-35 yrs ago, there weren't a lot of choices. When I moved down here, FL, I went through guns like a kid in a candy store. It was the complete oppisite of up north, you could get as many as you wanted. Guess what, I am back to now, after 35-37 guns, yep a 5 shot titanium revolver in 38+P. Although when I do work for one of my ex -partners in the ATM business, I take 2 or 3 with me, and they wouldn't be enough in the wrong scenario, a model 30 glock in a shoulder rig, a,38 in a belt holster, and a seacamp either in a pocket or ankle, as with that line of work, you are sitting or bending on or over a machine in Miami, for several minutes depending on what you are doing to that unit, repair, and we do a lot of bars and strip clubs, and drunks are a pain in the butt to deal with when they see large amounts of scrath, and almost every time feel the need to mess with you, it dosen't bother me as long as they keep thier distance, I just got an xd sub in 9, and really the only reason was that it's cheaper to shoot,and holds 17 rounds, traded a nice 45 for it but sometimes you just do stuff on impulse, although I am not regretfull, they carry a heck of a lot of rounds, as you know, and that is also why these guns start getting heavy, half the weight is rounds. With a bad back, I feel the difference right away, after a few days of carrying 30 rounds or so for each piece I feel the difference in my hip back etc. You sound like you are a big dude, and should have no problem hiding an XD. But if you have any doubt that you won't carry it for some reason, then get the revolver for comfort and cocealment, there is no right or wrong, the weapon is a tool, a nice looking tool and also a hobby, so you have to decide if you need to combine the hobby with the tool or keep them seperate, pretty guns for the hobby aspect, and functional reliable guns for work, kind of like owning an SUV and a Ferrari, sure they will both get you there but they serve 2 different functions and duties. Good luck, and the worse thing you can do is wind up with an extra gun, that ain't a bad thing either, we have to keep the circle going. By the way, your hand is probablly too big for anything smaller than an xd.

 

[Prototypeperson]

Definitely NOT.

 

[misANTHrope]

If you're really tied to the idea of pocket carry, the XDSC will be too big. But if the mentions of pocket carry were just incidental, and you're open to there methods of carry, it's a great carry weapon.

In the end, no pistol is too big for concealed carry- the defining factor is just how much wardrobe and lifestyle adjustment you're willing to make. Pocket pistols require little to no adjustment. Depending on your body size, you shouldn't have any trouble carrying an XDSC IWB under a t-shirt, though you might need to stick with shirts sized a little large.

 

[mhillsing23]

Get a XD 9mm SC and a Crossbreed Supertuck holster. You will like it!

 

[Lucky Strike]

I carry a XDsc9 in an IWB holster (crossbreed supertuck) and it's a great combo. Very comfortable (5'6" 180lbs)

 

[possum]

like eagle45 i carry a xd sc .40 and i have no issues. and before i bought the sc i carried my xd service model! i carry my sc iwb in a grandfather oak holster and i love it. even iwb it is a great carrying concealable holster and i won't leave home without it.

 

[esol]

i carry an XD40sc IWB in a CTAC holster... conceals easily under a t-shirt or polo... just about invisible under a button down

 

[ozarkhillbilly]

I carry a XD9sc quite often, I do not think you will find it to large at all. Although if at all possible dress for the gun do not make the gun fit your dress. I have found that the 5.11 tactical series Tshirts with the built in pocket holster works great for button up shirts.

 

[lvcat2004]

Is it concealable?? ABSOLUTELY!!
People CCW full-size Glocks and 1911's, it's doable.

Is it front pocket concealable....well....that may depend on how big your pocket is, but I would say DEFINITELY not for me. I'm 5'9" 185...it would look extremely awkward since XD's are a bit bulky/thick. I have an XD-9 SC that I used to CCW in IWB small of back, but I didn't like it, so I changed to P3AT in front pocket and it's a beautifully easy to front pocket carry.

Would I prefer to have an XD-9 over P3AT?? Hell yes, but I'd rather have P3AT on me than XD-9 at home.

 

[CJ]

Doable? Yes, lots of people carry larger. Fit your lifestyle? Can't tell you there. Many times, I find even a Kel-Tec P11 annoyingly large to carry.

 

[Northalius]

Too big? Heck no! I've read about people concealing full-sized Glock 20/21's IWB!

I plan on doing such a thing, and was looking for a good holster. I found SmartCarry on the web, and it looks really, really good. A multitude of feedback on the site you can read for yourself, if you want. Amazingly positive, too! Look into a SmartCarry holster! The owner of the company conceals his FULL SIZED 1911 pistol in it! And he's no big guy! Go check it out!

www.smartcarry.com

 

[yongxingfreesty]

just get a g26.

 

[FireArmFan]

How are you planning on carrying it? I would say that the XD9sc is too big for pocket carry if that's what you're planning but it is definitely not too big for IWB or any other type of carry. I carry a HK P2000 in .40 and I can conceal it under just a T-shirt. I know people who carry full size 1911's just fine.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Definitely too big for pocket carry but it works great for an IWB holster. You might be able to get away with it in a coat that has big pockets but not in pants pockets unless you wear gangsta pants.