1. I forgot to add that I have somewhat smallish hands for a man....for some reason, the stock grips on the ruger redhawk felt perfect to me, while I have some difficulty hitting the speed safety on the 1911 (I understand that the Luger is just weird, and I doubt I will try to CCW anything so exotic). I have handeled a SA XD, and it seemed to fit my hand much better...my buddy will let me shoot his next week, so I will know how I feel about it next week for sure.
That's one great thing about the XDs... I have catcher mitt ham hands and they fit me really well, and people with smaller to medium hands like them too. My brother has smaller hands and likes the grip very much.
The grip on an XD9/40/357/45GAP service is the very smallest grip in existence I can get a solid 3 finger hold on. Each finger finds purchase.
The XD45 ACP however has just slightly larger grips and it is just wonderful. Some people think this grip is too big/long but I love it.
If your hands are smallish, that's something to think about.
2. I will probably be dressed in law school in the standard "preppy" cargo shorts and polo shirt/ maybe t-shirt. Some of my Old Navy cargo shorts have large pockets...is it a wise idea to try and keep a revolver/smaller auto in one of my pockets in a pocket holster in these shorts, or would I be better off with a OWB holster under a hawaiian shirt? I am planning to carry w/ a shoulder holster when I am an attorney, but I do not think I will be in professional attire all the time as a law student.
That's what I wear when I'm not at work, on weekends, etc.
I normally wear it on the belt with a T shirt or other shirt that's one size too big, but my body is weird I am exactly between an XXL and XL shirt size.
I have on occassion carried a pistol in the cargo pocket in a Mika's holster with a square bottom. It works, more or less, but I much prefer my holster.
Consistency is key, I train and practice with a draw from the belt so I try to stick to that.
3. I have handled the smith J-frames, as well as the SP101. I know the SP101 is heavier, but how much does an extra approx 15 ozs affect you when carrying...basically I am willing to pay a little extra to get a gun I perceive to be more durable and controllable.
Depends on the person and how you carry it and the balance of the gun. I love my GP100 and have CCWed it before. It weighs 35 ounces unloaded. My XD45 weighs 30 ounces unloaded. Considering the capacity difference, they're probably about the same fully loaded.
For some reason though, the GP100 starts to make its presence known after about 3 hours of continuous carry. I can wear the XD45ACP for 10 hours and it doesn't bother me.
I'm trying to tell you weight doesn't matter nearly as much as how the gun balances on you. I suspect a different holster would solve my "problem" with the GP100.
People carry the SP101 all the time, it's completely doable. The other thing about it is, are you looking at this for a backup or convenience gun, or as a primary go to gun? For the latter I'd want a steel gun like the SP101 as opposed to something like the 642. Honestly it's like they're made with two completely different objectives in mind.
4. Do you guys think I could get a decent auto and a smaller revolver+leather for within my budget if a shop around, or am I just better off getting an XD and picking up a small revolver later if I have the time
I'd do the latter; get one gun so you can get a good holster/belt/extra magazines/more ammo for it. Then once you try it out for a few months, you can make a better decision.
When I started CCW, I chose a gun which suited what I thought my needs were and just ran with it. I still have a gun very similar to it, but I discovered I wanted something radically different after getting some experience.
hth....
