xd9 service or subcompact?

[k3nnex]

I'm looking to make my first handgun purchase, and I'm really debating between a 4" vs a 3". Can you guys tell me the pros and cons of each length?

If I get a SC, is the extended mag a 10rd mag? (more importantly is it CA legal?) And w/ the extended mag is the grip the same length as the service model? Is the grip on the sc just as thick as the service?

Is there any more reason I should get a SC other than the fact that it's very concealable. Considering that I can't have a CCW anyways.

Any other opinions?

[Millions-Knives]

I suggest a full-size anything for your first pistol. Nice solid foundation with a longer sight radius would help you acclimate yourself to pistol shooting.
Also consider a caliber that would fit your budget to maximize your trigger time.

[CA Gun Laws Suck]

You can have a CCW there just hard to get lol. I would go with the 4 in service model for the frame size and the longer barrel will be easier to shoot out of the box. The frame is shorter on the SC but but with the extended mag in the gun it is about the same size as the service model frame.

[ck867]

for a first gun, definately get the more full size gun. Better sight radius and less muzzle flip also. The xd's are somewhat snappy in 9mm and .40 due to there light weight. If it's going to be a range gun, I would even suggest getting the 5" tactical model over the 4" service model.

[Cokebottle]

Ditto on the 4". Even for CCW use, the standard 10rd mags are going to push the grip out to the same length as the Service/Tactical. 4.75" vs 5.5" high.

On mag capacity, the SC is listed as coming with a 13rd SC and a 16rd with grip extension. I don't know positively if they have a 10rd SC mag or not (but you could modify a 13rd rebuild kit to limit to 10rds)... if they don't make a 10rd SC mag, then you're probably stuck with the standard 10 rounder.
The difference between the standard 10rd and 16rd mags are a pair of ridges on the inside of the body that "squeeze" the 10rd into a "single stack" configuration, while the 16rd mags are smooth like a 1911 and fit double-stack. The 13rd SC mag would also be a "double stack" design.

Barrel length isn't that big of a deal for CCW at this level. Keep in mind that the OAL of the SC is still 6.25"... the little Ruger LCR 38sp (j-frame size) with the 1.88" barrel is still 6.5" OAL. So the Service model is only going to be 3/4" longer OAL than the little Ruger. The issue with concealment is going to be the butt and overall shape... an extra inch on the barrel isn't going to kill you on that.

The thickness of the SC and Service is the same... all you're gaining is OAL and height... and honestly, I'm not sure I would like the feel of my XD if the grip were 3/4" shorter.

[Joejitsu]

I guess I am the one to go against the grain here. I chose the subcompact XD9 as my first gun for various reasons. I wanted something that would be fun to shoot but could also be concealed well. With the finger grip extension or the mag extension the XD9SC shoots just like the full size. Without them the grip is shorter for CCW. I shoot fine out of the 3" barrel. Some people will tell you that you can conceal a full size well...I don't know who these people are but I can tell you for me it would be pretty uncomfortable to try to conceal a full size pistol on my frame. Even the XD9SC is a little big for CCW if you ask me, but that's just my opinion. If I had it to do over again I would still choose the subcompact model.

Joe

[ptdog]

For the magazine question, my subcompact 9mm came with 2 magazine. One was the standard full size mag with the adapter to make it fit. It is 10 rounds. It also comes with the short mag to fit flush, and it is 10 rounds.

[Saym14]

full size unless you plan to CCW

[ELEVENTH HOUR]

4" Service model, CCW's outstanding with an MTAC Minotaur and is a great range pistol..

[Greg-Dawg]

Find a place that'll rent them, or something close to them is one option. See if a Calgunner is willing to let you shoot theirs, you provide the ammo and lunch, of course. Then decide from there.

[k3nnex]

4" Service model, CCW's outstanding with an MTAC Minotaur and is a great range pistol..

O that looks very nice, I think I can do this !

[for2nato]

the real difference is going to be muzzle flip. or recoil. it will be less on the full size frame pistol. only due to weight and balance. the sc is still very controllable and can be very accurate in the right shooters hand. so it is all about personal preference here. is the sc cooler looking than the service model to you? or vice versa?

[addiction]

I think you can't go wrong with either, here is what I would suggest you think about,

what kind of shooting do you think is most interesting?

if you are interested in defensive shooting and think you will be attracted to personal defense type shooting, get the XD9SC,

If you are interested target and accuracy shooting, then get the XD9 or even the XD9 tactical.

I originally bought an XD45 Tactical, then bought a XD9, then a XD40SC, sold the XD45 tactical, and bought a XD45C....all because I got into defensive shooting. A buddy bought a G34 ( I think it thats the number, a target specific gun) he really got into target shooting and got 5" ported light trigger guns.

Neither is right or wrong, but they are tools, so get the tool for what you think you are going to want to do.

And just to make your head spin, I took my XD9 Service and chopped the grip to the size of the XD9SC, so now it takes the shorter mags and is as concelable as the XD40SC, but has the 4" barrel......

Plus if you want to shot them shoot me a PM....