Was going to buy a Glock 26, but.....

[basicblur]

One of my main carry guns was a (pre-Melonite) XDSC40 - when they redesigned the XDSC9 to hold more than 10 rds. (and as SD ammo has improved), I went from the 40 to the 9.

Someone posted a poll in here a few years ago about your favorite / biggest surprise regarding shooting / firearms - a number of folks reported the accuracy of their XDSCs as a pleasant surprise (I'd second that).

FWIW, I had a number of co-workers that have just gotten into shooting / SD over the last few years, and came to me looking for advice.

I told them they may find it easier / less confusing if they simply pick a baseline firearm, learn what they can about it, then compare it to anything else they're interested in. The baseline I suggested they start with was the XD line - told them not to buy it, but just learn the gun / platform, then start shopping around.
I think every one of them ended up with some type of XD.

I've never been much of a fan of the newer XD line - I much prefer the older style as listed in the special. The older XDs seem to be so darn accurate, that I always thought the "match grade barrel" touted on the new models was pretty much a marketing gimmick.

Not that I need another one, but I thought seriously about the special you listed in the OP - fortunately, I dallied long enough for them to sell out!

One thing "that darn grip safety" does is help you avoid Glock Leg - in case you don't already know, when reholstering the gun, place your thumb on the back of the slide as you shove the gun in your holster.
Doing so will prevent the slide from moving, and will remove the web of your hand from the safety in order to prevent ADs when reholstering.

 

[JDR]

Should I have spent the $200 extra for the Glock?

I like, own, & shoot the full size 17, 21, & 22 Glocks; never cared for the 26 or 27 Glocks. I would much rather have the CZ RAMI 2075 in 9 or 40 than the Glock 26 or 27.

 

[Teachu2]

Really, our opinions are worthless to you - go buy the G26 and shoot them both. Then you'll know what works for YOU, and that's the opinion that matters.

I really, really wanted to like the XD pistols when I decided to get a poly-framed gun. I went to the range where I was a member and got to shoot rentals for free, and the XD checkering was just too aggressive for my delicate hands. YMMV.

 

[Jackal]

Well, just so you fella's dont think I forgot about you, here's my take on things. I received the XD sub 9mm from Grabagun.com just 3 days after I placed my order, good job Grabagun! I loaded it up and put about 100rds through it without a single hiccup, it worked just like its supposed to. I find it more comfortable in hand than the Glock 27 I used to own (gen 3). I also found it to be surprisingly accurate for me, printing casual offhand groups of soft ball sized at 10 yards with cheap fmj (good accuracy for me, I'm more of a rifle guy). Recoil is a non issue due to its hefty weight. All in all, I think I am quite happy with my purchase, especially for the price. Thanks for all the info, criticisms, poignant observations and general thoughts on the subject.

 

[basicblur]

YMMV, but I hate a dangling pinky, so I had to add the Pearce Grip Extender to my XDSC9 short mags.

It really makes a difference - goes from having a four-finger grip with a dangling pinky to having all fingers on the grip, and with the curve of the grip extender, it really feels "locked in".

I also found it to be surprisingly accurate...

Yup - many owners report how surprised they are with how accurate the subcompact series is.

As we know, traditional 'Net wisdom sez a short barreled gun just cannot be accurate!

 

[Jackal]

YMMV, but I hate a dangling pinky, so I had to add the Pearce Grip Extender to my XDSC9 short mags.

It is sort of a 2.5 finger grip. I can mush 3 fingers on it or dangle the third. Maybe 1-2 rounds less capacity for a true 2 finger grip may have been beneficial, though I do sort of like the 14rd capacity in a sub compact.

 

[basicblur]

Good or bad, it seems some folks have arrived at the same options as I (based on some posts I've read).

I carry mine with a short mag for a little more ease in concealing (with the Pearce Grip Extender) - I carry one of the long mags for a reload.

Odds are should I ever need to use it (based on average shots per encounter), the short mag should have enough rounds to cover the situation?

If I need a reload, apparently I have walked into something deep, and will want all the rounds I can get (hence the long mag for a spare).

It appears a number of folks on the 'Net feel / carry the same way?

 

[wunderkind]

If you're a regular Working Joe, then the 200.00 is real money, a few tanks of gas or a cart of groceries. I would have done the same thing.

For all the comparisons, and fractions of an inch here and an ounce or two there, the Baby Glocks and XD Subcompacts pretty much fill the same niche. The 13 rd flush fitting mag is way cool. 13 is more than 10. And the 16 rounder with the mag sleeve is pretty cool too.

Nice choice.