Question about Subcompacts.

[Gothemi]

Thinking of buying a new handgun and I am looking at a nice deal on a subcompact XD-40.

I want to stick to .40 SW since I have a decent amount of that ammo.

However, I have large hands (big boy) and don't have (nor do I expect to get) a CCW. I mainly would like to have something other than another full size pistol like my Glock 22 and XD-9 Service.

Is there any other good reasons to purchase a subcompact that perhaps I am not taking into consideration (value, resale, etc.) Any other reasons not to?

I have shot a similar model and liked it with the x-tension grip. The standard size mag wasn't great, but it didn't have a pierce extension, which I would add to my mags.

[Glock-matic]

Personally, I like the compacts (ie glock 23, HK p200SK, etc.) and I too, am endowed with bear paws.

Really, the only reason for a subcompact is for easier concealability, the shorter sight radius and small grip makes them less enjoyable for target work and the lighter weight makes them more jumpy than their less concealable brethren. Subcompacts are also louder and throw more of a flash with the short bbl.

Of the subcompacts, I would look towards the glock 27, you already have a 22 and the magazine from thee 22 will fit in the 27. It also a slightly beefier grip than the XD. The training between the two will be easier as well. Plus I just happen to like glocks.

[Greg-Dawg]

I bought my Glock 27 in CA for the purpose of carrying on my trips to UT. I was just carrying it today at the barber, in an outside the waistband holster with my shirt over it.

I got my Glock 27, not for conceal carry (until later) but just for a great defense and car gun. Yeah, it's really meant for conceal carry and can actually fit my coat pocket.

I have big hands and the Glock fits like a glove, without the Pearce grip extension...I just use the flat Glock mag baseplate because I don't want anything sticking out.

Go try one out and see if you like it. I love mine:

[abusalim81]

My cousin had recently bought an M&P 40 Compact, it has similiar size to the XD sub-compact but shoots softer and is dead reliable... TRY IT OUT AT THE RANGE... You might like it!

[bigcalidave]

They certainly are UGLY guns, but if you aren't gonna carry it, why get the subcompact! Get something that is full sized and you can really hold well to shoot!

[Barbarossa]

I have a 5" XD, and pick an SC up this week. both in .40

[Gothemi]

They certainly are UGLY guns, but if you aren't gonna carry it, why get the subcompact! Get something that is full sized and you can really hold well to shoot!

That is one of my concerns. I, most likely, will not be getting a CCW. Though, I like to carry around my property and a full size is a bit bulky for me, so I thought SC.

[Bug Splat]

I carry 100% of the time while at home. I carried a G27 for a couple years and its bulky. The XD is even wider. My buddy has a SC XD-40 and its a nice pistol but I would not want to carry it. I ended up selling it and getting Bersa 380 which only has a slide width of like .85" and I made some thin wood grips for it and it just hugs my side like a glove.

You should also really look at a Kahr. I owned a K40 for many years and loved it. Had to sell it though due to rough times. I really want another.

[Jak1]

I carry a XD40SC daily and shoot it often. While it may not be the smoothest looking sub-compact pistol out there, I shoot it well and it carries fine.