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Nutro
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Posted: 5/3/2012 9:29:12 PM

THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT
I'm looking for a non 1911 to conceal carry and for home defense and plinking or just general range shooting. I own several 1911 and carry an officer size in a Crossbreed supertuck or quick clip. I'm wanting a little something different and fell in love with the 3.8 in OD Green/Stainless but was wondering if I should just buy a compact 3.8 or the subcompact XD9 in OD Green.

I've never owned anything buy 1911's and a Ruger GP100 so I am wanting some opinions.

Thanks guys

Here is the OD Green XD Subcompact:



Here is the Black/Stainless 3.8 Compact (I wish they made this frame in OD!)



The 3.8 in OD/Stainless:



"Endeavor to Persevere."
synergyperf
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Posted: 5/3/2012 10:20:08 PM
if you are going to carry it, just get the subcompact XD. The extra $ for the XDM is only necessary if you are planning on using it for competition or if you just HAVE to have the extra capacity mags. Just my opinion, which is shared by several local gun shops. I have a compact XD40 myself and will be getting a subcompact 40 as well.
FRCA_WY
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Posted: 5/4/2012 1:38:31 PM
Its hard to go wrong with an XD sub for carry.

If its more of an all around pistol,the 3,8 compact would be better,IMO.

I have an XD9 sub,and it shoots a lot better than one would think for such a short barrel.

But for general use,the service model gets much more trigger time.

Hope this helps in some way.
"I cannot save the world, nor can I save mankind. The best I can possibly hope to achieve in my lifetime, is to save myself from the world, and mankind."
ajoe59
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Posted: 5/4/2012 8:06:41 PM
I'm very happy with my XD sc40. I shoot it better then my XD9. For carry with a pearce grip extension, can't be beat. But you'll be happy with any of them.
Rugby3
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Posted: 5/4/2012 9:10:22 PM
Find a range that rents all three or if you have buddies that may have them. Shoot them all and then decide. Any of them would be a good choice.
HRSGRUNNER
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Posted: 5/4/2012 9:56:40 PM
I'm pleasantly pleased with my XD9 Subcompact. I got it new at a fair price due to a scratch on the slide from the sales ladies diamond ring. I don't know if that says something about the durability of the finish or not. The XD gear promo was still going on also so that added about another 70 or so bucks in added value and pushed me over the edge. It does have a high center of gravity so to speak and the holster that comes with it is better than nothing for lack of a better description. The mag carriers are nice and get used with my M9 as well. That's another fun fact, M9 mags will work in the XD's with a little work.

It doesn't get the range time that the rest of the gang gets but I was very pleased with its accuracy the three times I've taken it to the range running bulk WWB, some Federal, PMC and one mag of golddots. No feed problems at all and ejection was perfect. I'm geeky about tracking ammo used, any malfunctions and such and keep track of it all. There is an indoor range about a 5 minute drive from the house so I shoot a lot.

My new years resolution was to get better with my handguns. This means I draw and dry fire practice at least one handgun each night for an hour or so and that has helped immensely. My wife thinks I'm weird about it but she understands my hobby and desire to get better.

I really couldn't see the value of the XDM laying next to the XD9 for $150 more and I've wanted the subcompact since I first held one.

Get the one you want and then save up and buy the next and the next and the next LOL. That's what I did with Glocks and couldn't be happier.
I had a hemorrhoid as big as a walnut. I knew it was bad but when the ER team said "oh my god you've got to see this" I've never been the same structurally or emotionally. TMI? FU too.
Nutro
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Posted: 5/4/2012 10:22:03 PM
Originally Posted By HRSGRUNNER:
I'm pleasantly pleased with my XD9 Subcompact. I got it new at a fair price due to a scratch on the slide from the sales ladies diamond ring. I don't know if that says something about the durability of the finish or not. The XD gear promo was still going on also so that added about another 70 or so bucks in added value and pushed me over the edge. It does have a high center of gravity so to speak and the holster that comes with it is better than nothing for lack of a better description. The mag carriers are nice and get used with my M9 as well. That's another fun fact, M9 mags will work in the XD's with a little work.

It doesn't get the range time that the rest of the gang gets but I was very pleased with its accuracy the three times I've taken it to the range running bulk WWB, some Federal, PMC and one mag of golddots. No feed problems at all and ejection was perfect. I'm geeky about tracking ammo used, any malfunctions and such and keep track of it all. There is an indoor range about a 5 minute drive from the house so I shoot a lot.

My new years resolution was to get better with my handguns. This means I draw and dry fire practice at least one handgun each night for an hour or so and that has helped immensely. My wife thinks I'm weird about it but she understands my hobby and desire to get better.

I really couldn't see the value of the XDM laying next to the XD9 for $150 more and I've wanted the subcompact since I first held one.

Get the one you want and then save up and buy the next and the next and the next LOL. That's what I did with Glocks and couldn't be happier.


Ya know, I was thinking that at dinner tonight. Why not get both? I'll buy the OD/Stainless fullsize XDm 3.8 now and the XD9SC after that.
"Endeavor to Persevere."
FRCA_WY
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Posted: 5/5/2012 1:27:40 PM
Originally Posted By Nutro:
Originally Posted By HRSGRUNNER:
I'm pleasantly pleased with my XD9 Subcompact. I got it new at a fair price due to a scratch on the slide from the sales ladies diamond ring. I don't know if that says something about the durability of the finish or not. The XD gear promo was still going on also so that added about another 70 or so bucks in added value and pushed me over the edge. It does have a high center of gravity so to speak and the holster that comes with it is better than nothing for lack of a better description. The mag carriers are nice and get used with my M9 as well. That's another fun fact, M9 mags will work in the XD's with a little work.

It doesn't get the range time that the rest of the gang gets but I was very pleased with its accuracy the three times I've taken it to the range running bulk WWB, some Federal, PMC and one mag of golddots. No feed problems at all and ejection was perfect. I'm geeky about tracking ammo used, any malfunctions and such and keep track of it all. There is an indoor range about a 5 minute drive from the house so I shoot a lot.

My new years resolution was to get better with my handguns. This means I draw and dry fire practice at least one handgun each night for an hour or so and that has helped immensely. My wife thinks I'm weird about it but she understands my hobby and desire to get better.

I really couldn't see the value of the XDM laying next to the XD9 for $150 more and I've wanted the subcompact since I first held one.

Get the one you want and then save up and buy the next and the next and the next LOL. That's what I did with Glocks and couldn't be happier.


Ya know, I was thinking that at dinner tonight. Why not get both? I'll buy the OD/Stainless fullsize XDm 3.8 now and the XD9SC after that.


I commend our friend from Texas on his wise plan,

I have the sub and service XD9s, get both is the best option,always!
"I cannot save the world, nor can I save mankind. The best I can possibly hope to achieve in my lifetime, is to save myself from the world, and mankind."
Jered33
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Posted: 5/5/2012 6:41:50 PM
XDM
3s1k
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Posted: 5/6/2012 2:56:04 AM
Love myXDm Subcompact 9mm for carry the use the full size 19rd mags for range use.

My buddy bought clothing dye and use it to die the polymer parts of his ACR. Something to think about if you want an ODG frame.
RedBones
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Posted: 5/8/2012 12:54:39 AM
XDM 3.8 40S&W
JBmedic7
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Posted: 5/8/2012 3:06:26 AM
I carry an XDM 3.8 9mm. I was going to get the XD but changed my mind I like the interchangeable grips on the XDM. Plus I heard it has better corrosion resistance but im not 100% sure about that.
kenndogg
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Posted: 5/9/2012 7:38:49 PM
[Last Edit: 5/9/2012 7:40:31 PM by kenndogg]
I have both models. My sub 9mm has been my carry for the past year and a half. Good shooter and very comfortable was carry concealed. Recently bought the 3.8xdm compact in .45. While I like the bigger caliber, I prefer to shoot the 9mm. Trying to give the .45 more range time to see if it's something I want to carry full time. Also my xdm fits in my 9mm sub crossbreed holster just fine so no need for a new holster.
tommytomaso
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Posted: 5/14/2012 9:29:23 PM

Originally Posted By Nutro:
Originally Posted By HRSGRUNNER:
I'm pleasantly pleased with my XD9 Subcompact. I got it new at a fair price due to a scratch on the slide from the sales ladies diamond ring. I don't know if that says something about the durability of the finish or not. The XD gear promo was still going on also so that added about another 70 or so bucks in added value and pushed me over the edge. It does have a high center of gravity so to speak and the holster that comes with it is better than nothing for lack of a better description. The mag carriers are nice and get used with my M9 as well. That's another fun fact, M9 mags will work in the XD's with a little work.

It doesn't get the range time that the rest of the gang gets but I was very pleased with its accuracy the three times I've taken it to the range running bulk WWB, some Federal, PMC and one mag of golddots. No feed problems at all and ejection was perfect. I'm geeky about tracking ammo used, any malfunctions and such and keep track of it all. There is an indoor range about a 5 minute drive from the house so I shoot a lot.

My new years resolution was to get better with my handguns. This means I draw and dry fire practice at least one handgun each night for an hour or so and that has helped immensely. My wife thinks I'm weird about it but she understands my hobby and desire to get better.

I really couldn't see the value of the XDM laying next to the XD9 for $150 more and I've wanted the subcompact since I first held one.

Get the one you want and then save up and buy the next and the next and the next LOL. That's what I did with Glocks and couldn't be happier.


Ya know, I was thinking that at dinner tonight. Why not get both? I'll buy the OD/Stainless fullsize XDm 3.8 now and the XD9SC after that.

Mags aren't interchangeable... I'd say the 3.8compact is the best overall package..it's realy 2 guns in one..
ARKAR
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Posted: 7/24/2012 10:12:33 PM
[Last Edit: 7/24/2012 10:13:38 PM by ARKAR]
Anyone else want to comment? I'm trying to make up my mind about this also. I'm really liking the XD9 subcompact. I shot
a friend's XDM40 3.8 yesterday and really liked it. Made up my mind about going with the 9mm, but can't decide about the
compact or subcompact. I like them both.

Thanks!
ARKAR
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I can see where you're coming from, 'cause I know where you've been and I can see where you're going 'cause I can see the direction you're headed in. I just don't know where the hell you're at right now.

Nutro
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Posted: 7/24/2012 10:17:40 PM
Originally Posted By ARKAR:
Anyone else want to comment? I'm trying to make up my mind about this also. I'm really liking the XD9 subcompact. I shot
a friend's XDM40 3.8 yesterday and really liked it. Made up my mind about going with the 9mm, but can't decide about the
compact or subcompact. I like them both.

Thanks!
ARKAR


I now own both. I bought the 3.8 9mm and love it but I also picked up a Subcompact 9mm. I carry the SC9 more often but I friggin love the way the 3.8 feels in my hand. I am about to sell the 3.8XDM to pay off a credit card I went crazy with but now with a cash offer in my court, I am thinking about keeping it. I can't let it go.
"Endeavor to Persevere."
ARKAR
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Posted: 7/24/2012 10:39:19 PM
This will be a carry gun so that's why I was leaning toward the subcompact. I also like the looks of the sub better too.
However I do like the 19 round mags of the XDM 3.8 compact versus the 16 round of the XD subcompact. Three rounds
isn't a deal breaker though. I was planning on carrying with the 13 round and having one or two 16 round mags as backup.

Thanks!
ARKAR
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I can see where you're coming from, 'cause I know where you've been and I can see where you're going 'cause I can see the direction you're headed in. I just don't know where the hell you're at right now.

Rossi
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Posted: 8/8/2012 9:36:13 PM
Hi! I'm also shopping for a daily carry and also trying to decide between models (compact or sub) and cal (9 or .40).

For the first (size) how do the folks with big hands feel with both?

And, no wanting to start a flame war, which cal is more versatile? I keep hearing and reading all the pros and cons about both but only getting more confused. I shot a friend's 9mm and was very impressed by the accuracy, but that was the larger model.

Also, is there a holster you recommend?

Thanks!

ARKAR
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Posted: 8/8/2012 9:57:29 PM
I've just about narrowed mine down to the subcompact in 9mm. It's a little lighter since the slide/barrel are a
little shorter. The grips are almost the same height with the 13 round mags in place from what I've researched.
Also, I'm going with the 9mm since the ammo is a little cheaper. I like the looks/styling of the subcompact a little
more than the compact.

ARKAR
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I can see where you're coming from, 'cause I know where you've been and I can see where you're going 'cause I can see the direction you're headed in. I just don't know where the hell you're at right now.

Rossi
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Posted: 8/8/2012 10:51:20 PM

Originally Posted By ARKAR:
I've just about narrowed mine down to the subcompact in 9mm. It's a little lighter since the slide/barrel are a
little shorter. The grips are almost the same height with the 13 round mags in place from what I've researched.
Also, I'm going with the 9mm since the ammo is a little cheaper. I like the looks/styling of the subcompact a little
more than the compact.

ARKAR

Thanks! But if ammo price was not an issue, would you pick the .40?

As an extra, info, I can shoot a lot more accurate with the 9mm but the .40 has more punch and seems more versatile. So, if I had to compare would be two good 9mm placements vs. one 0.40. I'm leaning towards to 9mm also because of that. But since the gun would be a last resource where I could not choose the cal, I want what is the most versatile. If that makes any sense...

Chapman
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:24:39 AM
I would certainly choose the 9mm over a 40 simply because of ammunition capacity. That, to me, is versatility. I would take the 3.8 compact. Grip length is the same as the sub, but you get the advantage of a longer barrel. Since the barrel is the easy part to conceal, I'll take that every time.
Rossi
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:34:54 PM

Originally Posted By Chapman:
I would certainly choose the 9mm over a 40 simply because of ammunition capacity. That, to me, is versatility. I would take the 3.8 compact. Grip length is the same as the sub, but you get the advantage of a longer barrel. Since the barrel is the easy part to conceal, I'll take that every time.


Good point. So 9mm it is.