XD9 - Talk me into (or out of) bitone finish...

[snorky18]

After much reading the internet and renting about every gun available at 3 different ranges, I've made the decision to purchase an XD9SC, primarily for concealed carry.

I'm hung up on whether or not the bitone (silver colored stainless steel) is worth the extra $50. I'm looking at $440 for the regular black or $490 for the bitone.

I like the way the bitone looks better, but that's not my primary concern. Functionality is.

The main thing tempting me towards to bitone is it seems like it would not show as much holster wear as the black finish (melonite is it?), and I think it would be less likely to rust since it is stainless, which is a concern since it will spend a lot of time against or near my skin.

Anyone have any positives/negatives of either finish? Or should I let the rational side of my brain take over, and save the $50?

 

[Comanche180]

Xd9sc

I've had the plain model for a few years. I carry it IWB in a leather holster some of the time, not always. It's showing a little wear, but no rust. In reliability and accuracy it has been bomb proof. Personally I don't like flashy guns, especially if I'm trying to keep one concealed, but that's me. And I'm cheap, so I would not pay more for the flash. The gun will work as well in either color.

 

[skinewmexico]

I like my bitone, just because I don't have to worry about rust as much. Or wear. The slide release, etc, will still show wear, but you can't use them and keep them like new.

 

[Marshall]

I love the "Bi-Tone" finish on all barrel lengths of the XD. But I own an all black service model.

The finish has held up very well. Pick your poison, you'll be happy either way.

 

[highorder]

I like the Bi-tone, especially on the XD.


YMMV.

 

[f4t9r]

great gun , If you like the bi-tone Then go for it.
You like the looks better so why second quess yourself.

 

[j1979]

Id get it. You sound like you want it, and if you dont get it, you will always wish you did. Or do what I would do, sell the non bitone one at a loss just after purchasing it just to get the bitone one you wanted in the first place.

 

[evan price]

I have a black XD9 Service bought barely used for $349.

My neighbor liked it so much he went and bought an XD9 Service BiTone barely used for $369.

Mine is more accurate, we both agree. Relevant, or not?

I prefer the black finish for CCW. Less likely to attract attention.

 

[misANTHrope]

I sometimes carry a 4" XD with the "normal" finish. I don't know if I just have ridiculously acidic sweat or what, but on the summertime I really have to stay on top of keeping it clean. Skipping just one or two evening CLP wipedowns can result in rust spots appearing.

If I had it to do over again, I'd buy a bi-tone for a carry gun, no doubt.

 

[Ben86]

If you like the look of the bi-tone go with it. Because they show less wear than the black slides. I like the bi-tone and plan on buying someting in bi-tone with my next purchase.

 

[mhillsing23]

Fore some reason, I just like the bi-tone much better on the sub compacts. On the service and tactical models I prefer all black.

The bi-tone will show less holster wear if that matters to you. Here are mine...

 

[Guns and more]

Get what you like, a year from now the money won't matter.
For me, SD guns are black.
But my Ruger P345 sure is nice too.

 

[rogertc1]

Get the BiTone. You deserve the extra $50 spent on yourself!!!

 

[XD9USER]

If the intent of the gun is 'concealed' carry I would think that the flashy bi-tone would work against hiding it. I suggest that you get one in black for carry purpose.

RWW

 

[snorky18]

bitone it is....

thanks for all of your input, I think I am going to go ahead and get the bitone, and for something I'll probably keep for a long time, it does make sense that $50 doesn't make much difference.

The main (only?) negative I saw mentioned about the bitone was the fact that the "flashiness" will make it more difficult to conceal.

My thought is if someone can see the slide for my gun, regardless of whether it is black, silver, pink, bright orange colored, whatever, then the gun isn't concealed very well in the first place, right? If it's in my pants in IWB, or OWB under a loose shirt, by the time anyone could see the slide, that means they've already seen the holster and/or rest of the gun.

Am I missing anything here in my line of thinking?

 

[clber lane]

i agree. bi tone looks better, only $50 more, less rust issues, and like u said...how big an issue is the stainless slide for ccw purposes? get bi-tone and send it to me if u change ur mind...hehe. ive been looking at xd's for ccw. i have an HK i bought 10yrs ago and STILL wish i went stainless.