Springfield XD or 38/357 Snub for CCW - Need Help!

[chopper180]

OK, I need your help on this. Currently I have a Springfield XD 9 compact that I use for CCW. The problem is, I have a really hard time concealing it and have been thinking of trading for a 38/357 snubbie since I've found myself not carrying the XD due to the size/weight, plus it "prints" on just about anything. Before I go trading, I thought I'd ask some advice. Don't know if there is a good CCW rig for the XD, and don't have the money to experiment with a ton of different setups. I was considering trading it for something like a Taurus .357 with 2 1/4" ported barrel. Thanks for your help.

[CDH]

The XD9SC will conceal better than you think, but as you note, it needs a "good" concealed carry holster.
Because of it's thickness, going IWB is uncomfortable (at least to me), but it works very well under a jacket or sweater or loose shirt if worn OWB with a high quality and tight fitting holster that pulls it into your body, for example, the Milt Sparks Axiom.

So keep the XD, but if you want a "deep conceal" pistol that can be worn with almost any clothing, you'll want to go with something thinner.
Others that I have that work well with most clothing are:
PPK
Smith Model 642
and my favorite "go anywhere, any time, wearing anything" pistol, the Rohrbaugh R9S Stealth 9mm.

[Powder_Burn]

It's good to have both options since one gives you good concealment, the other more firepower. I was in the same situation and wear the XD-9sc IWB when I can have a cover garment. Otherwise, I just drop a J-frame S&W into a pocket holster. I wear t-shirts and and shorts most of the time and double stack guns print under my shirt when I bend over. I also tried concealed carry undershirts but they held the pistol too high and ended up rubbing against the inside of my upper arm.

[chopper180]

That's how I am too, here in the south you wear t shirt and shorts most of the time. Unfortunately having both is not an option given that it's almost Christmas and I have 2 little ones to consider first. I got started thinking about trading here recently because I've found myself either leaving the gun at home, or worse, leaving it in the car. I can hide it with a jacket on, but lightweight jackets have the same printing problem, and heavyweight jackets that hide the gun well tend to cook the wearer (me). I did look at the Axiom by Milt Sparks, which may give a better option for carrying the XD, but it would probably have to wait until after the holidays.

[ArchAngelCD]

No matter how good a handgun is if you don't carry it all the time it's worthless. Since you already said you don't already carry it all the time then I would make the trade ASAP.

BUT, like the others have said, there are better ways to carry a XD than with the holster provided by Springfield.

Welcome to the forum. Good luck working this out...

[texaspunk]

I have had luck with the Galco Silhouette High Ride Holster and the Stow-N-Go IWB, depending on pant style. Both conceal just fine when worn with just a loose box over shirt. XD is big for tucking IMHO, I have a J-Frame and a NAA I use with a pocket holster if I need to tuck in or go T-shirt only. I love the XD, so it seems worthy of trying another holster or two. Good luck!

[ZeBool]

Keep the XD and explore other carry options. Do you think you could conceal a revolver of roughly the same size any better?

[teflonbilly0]

I love my xd sc9. it is my daily ccw with a galco iwb, 3 o'clock with untucked T.

Its a great gun, just get a better holster. you will be surprised at how much it helps conceal it.

[BP44]

As mentioned before a good holster will hide just about anything. and if you were to swap your xd for a snubby i woul avoid taurus and stick with smith,ruger,etc

[chopper180]

BP -

Why no Taurus? I've never had a problem in the past, are they no good now?

[chopper180]

Zebool,

Are they that close in size? I have an uncle with a snubby 38 and it just feels smaller...is that just my mind playing tricks?

[Eightball]

Doesn't matter how awesome the firearm is, if it's too big and bulky so that you left it at home.

If you plan on having it be a CCW gun, get something you can CARRY, that is CONCEALED, rather than "only" a WEAPON.

[possum]

welcome to thr,
i say keep the xd sc you will be glad that you did, look at a better holster/ attire combo to suit you carrying. look into raven concealment holsters. they are good to go. if you want a wheel gun save up the money and get one, i know Hyatts has plenty of em. ;)

[Mr. Bojangles]

Definitely agree that carrying anything is better than leaving something too bulky at home. The Springfield is an excellent choice as a sidearm and it would be a good choice for carry if you can conceal it, but even a kel-tec .32 in your pocket is better than the XD sitting in your house when you need it.

[Graymutt]

I actually have both a XD and taurus 357, ported. the best way I found to go is the XD, I use a blackhawk, IWB, COB. leather holster left handed even though I am right handed. took me forever to find one that worked but it worked well..

[alde]

The right holster makes all the difference in the world. Lots of people carry full size pistols all the time. I carry a Ruger P97 45 ACP sometimes. It's a pretty big gun but with the right holster and cloths it works great. I just use a paddle holster and wear a tucked tee shirt with an open button down shirt over it. The holster is just an inexpensive Uncle Mikes. Works great.

[BP44]

I have a taurus PT99 and HAD a model 94:evil:

The 94 was a 4" 9 shot revolver that shot awsome but it missfired all the time and the firing pin stuck in the back out the shells. I fixed the firing pin by using a wet stone on the sharp burred edges of the pin face but I never fixed the light strikes. I figured a new main spring would have fixed it but dealing with the company was such a headache that i just sold it for next to nothing to my buddy. He sent it to the factory and they fixed it after a few weeks "New firing pin, new mainspring".Shipping a pistol is Very expensive and in my experience painfull to say the least. Now to keep the pro taurus guys off me, I have a PT99 that has been very reliable and accurate

[jbauch357]

When I started carrying it was with a Ruger SP101 2 1/4" barrel. I thought it was the smallest and most concealable weapon I would find in a decent caliber. It was pretty hard to conceal, wasn't comfortable to wear, and I ended up carrying less and less cause of it.

I then sold that gun and went to a GLOCK 26 with a Kramer IWB horse hide holster. It's easier to conceal, more comfortable to carry (even IWB), has twice the round count and still packs a punch with DT ammo.

Work on your carry holster options, and maybe even look at something in a slim or sub-compact model in the auto arena - I think you're going to be worse off with a revolver.

[mgregg85]

You might try a crossbreed holster, they have a 2-week money back guarantee if you dont like it and a lifetime warranty.

[Zathras01]

keep the xdsc..I use a Don Hume inside the waistband holster, and it conceals mine nicely..

[Kind of Blued]

I'd suggest trying a Comp-Tac M-Tac, even over the Cross Breed Supertuck Deluxe.

[U.S.SFC_RET]

You might want to consider a J-frame Smith and Wesson revolver and if you do make it a steel one. Not one of those titanium lightweight models. reason why? in 38+p or 357 the rounds will want to back out opon firing.