Springfield XD .40 Sub-Compact

[blonde_rider]

I am looking into purchasing my first handgun. I travel quite a bit alone. I also go camping a lot. I had initially decided to purchase a Springfield XD 9MM for my everyday gun, and later on get a .40 cal. Although, after talking to two really helpful gentlemen at Gander Mountain yesterday I think it would be better to 'kill two birds with one 'XD' ' and just get the XD Sub .40cal. I have a very weak left wrist, but I'm right handed. I always use a .40 FN when camping, and the recoil has never bothered either wrists. Does anyone discourage that choice, if so why? What are some other .40 cal sub compacts that are between 18-22 oz that you would recommend? I want to keep my price between $400-$550 if possible.

 

[skinewmexico]

I had an XD40SC, and thought it was really unpleasant to shoot. Plus I got tired of keeping 3 pistol calibers around. So I traded it for an XD9SC Bitone. The 9 is so much more enjoyable for me to shoot, and shockingly accurate. I'd rather have the capacity of a nine, or the diameter of a 45 personally.

And the thing to remember is.............those salesman at Gander (or any big box store) probably shoot once a year. I'm still waiting to meet one who had a clue.

 

[rcellis]

Some people find the 40 S&W round "snappy" and hard to control - I don't, but I started in center fire with the 40. (That being said, I am *just* a little more accurate with 9mm). 40 is somewhat more expensive too - and with bullet technology today, the 9mm is quite effective.

I liked my XDsc in 40, but found it just a bit grip-heavy, which affected carry balance, even in a good holster. As much as I like the XD, the S&W M&P compact in 9mm is an excellent alternative and available at about the same price.

I also like the Taurus 24/7c in 9mm - cheaper than either of the two mentioned but I've found the quality and accuracy to be equal to them.

 

[basicblur]

I have the XD40SC and while the recoil ain't bad (to me) I think it does have a little more muzzle flip than I'd like.
If at all possible shoot 'em both-I've told many folks interested in an XDSC (after seeing mine) that if I had it to do over again, I'm thinking I might go with the 9mm.

As others have stated, with modern self-defense ammo, I don't know that there's a heckuva lot of difference between the two?

 

[basicblur]

What are some other .40 cal sub compacts that are between 18-22 oz that you would recommend? I want to keep my price between $400-$550 if possible.

Here’s a couple of my choices in my CCW rotation-you’ll have to decide on size/price etc if you check them out:
Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro (or the 40/9mm equivalent).
While I'm still a bit leery of Taurus quality, I have a PT145 Millennium Pro which is pretty darn compact, feels great, has a manual safety (if that's important to ya-might feel more comfortable with a safety if you carry a round in the chamber?), and if I’m not mistaken it has double strike capability. Only problem is, I’ve only had it at the range once, and of all the pistols I have it’s the only one I couldn’t hit squat with! I really like this little gun, but until I have time to iron out my accuracy issues, it’s outta the rotation.
Think they’re now selling 3rd generation-I have the 2nd generation (with light rail).

HK USPc 40 (or the 9mm version?). The softest recoil of any of my 40S&W guns and accurate. Got variant 1, which allows for a number of carry options, up to round in chamber, de-cocked, manual safety on. ‘Bout the safest way for a civvie to carry with a round in the chamber.

XD SC40-Right now my main CCW, and pretty darn accurate, but recoil a bit snappy with more muzzle flip than I might like.

Since this is your first gun, you might want to ask yourself a few questions:
1. Do you want to carry with a round in the chamber or not?
2. Do you want a manual safety or not (‘specially if you’re going to carry a round in the chamber)?
3. How important is second-strike capability to you?

 

[boalex207]

Do you want to carry with a round in the chamber or not?

Yes. ALWAYS with a SD/CCW gun.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

I suggest adding a Pearce grip extension for your little finger and the xd40sc is not quite so "snappy", plus it's more accurate.. for me. I can't carry everyday, but between this XD40 and a couple different size 1911s I carry the XD most and it doesn't bother me to have it knocking around in my truck console. I do like shooting it with a 9mm conversion barrel installed too.

YMMV

 

[ar10]

I have 4 XD's (can't help it). I have the 9mm and .40SW subs. The 9mm sub is great, The .40 Service (compact now) 4" barrel is great. Can't say that about my 40 sub. My carry gun, most of the time, is the .40 4". It's comfortable and doesn't have as much of a kick at all. When I'm not shooting GAP in IDPA or doing 2 gun matches I use the .40

If you can try to get to a gun range and try one out first or rent one. I think the reason I like the XD's better than my Glocks is the recoil is straight back while the Glocks I owned would recoil up and to the right. The XD's aren't as prone to the "limp wrist syndrome" as the Glocks were.