.40 or .45

[jrs_dodge_diesel]

I'm trying to decide which caliber to go with. I want to buy a Springfield XD do don't know which way to go. I know that I do not want anything smaller than .40.

Please share your thoughts/opinions. :)

EDIT: This will be for concealed carry as well.

[Fronty Owner]

I have a XD40SC. 3" bbl, short grip.
to get a .45, you will have atleast a 4" bbl (XD45C) short grip also.
If your looking for a firearm to shoot, I would go with an XDm 45 and go with a 9mm bbl.
from what Im reading on XDTalk, the SCs are almost impossible to find right now

[jrs_dodge_diesel]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that this will be for concealed carry as well.

[Fronty Owner]

I went with the SC for concealed carry.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/zippy357/Ruger%20LCP/139_3929-1.jpg
that picture is from 1lowlife on xdtalk

[Adaminak]

Yep!

Oh wait...it's a choice. Ummmmmm....

[MikeyB]

Can't go wrong with either the .40 or .45.

I prefer the .45ACP since I have a ton of ammo for my 1911. My CC is a Taurus PT745.

MikeyB

[Shovelhead]

.45 ammo is cheaper........ ;)

[Fronty Owner]

.45 ammo is cheaper........ ;)
you might find it in surplus and get cheaper, retail ammo is $1 to $2 more for .45 than .40

On to the XD question. the picture above is a sub compact, the .40 and 9mm are the same size.
the .45 compact will have an inch longer barrel and I think will have the same grip length.

[Shovelhead]

Looks like prices have changed as .40 has become more available.

Thanks for the update.

[BT2Flip]

I'm trying to decide which caliber to go with. I want to buy a Springfield XD do don't know which way to go. I know that I do not want anything smaller than .40.

Please share your thoughts/opinions. :)

EDIT: This will be for concealed carry as well.

JR...as you know I just got the XDM...and LOVE it
I was going to get the 40...but I already have the .45 so I got the 9mm...if they come out with a conversion setup I WILL be getting that...so...

to answer your question...XDM .40 is a bit smaller than the 45 and ammo is now cheaper since a lot of LEO's now have gone to the 40 over the 9...

HOWEVER I CARRY MY .45 and it is NEVER out of arms length...it might not conceal as well as some, BUT it will make a BG pay attention

[tightgroup]

Both are good cartridges.

45 seems to be more accurate for me but that is comparing a 1911 to a Sig P226 and a Glock.

The 40 has more of a snap to it than 45.

[Fronty Owner]

Im not one for duplicating calibers. but go with the one you can conceal the best in the largest caliber.
outside of the sub compact, there are conversion barrels that will allow you to fire a smaller cartridge than the firearm was made in.

[ofcmarc]

My XD40sc can dissappear under just about anything.

.40 is big enough to get the job done, unless you miss, then the caliber dosen't matter anyway. :o

[Fronty Owner]

With an Uncle mikes Size 16 IWB holder, the grip is just above my waist with a couple inches of muzzle below the belt.

[ofcmarc]

With an Uncle mikes Size 16 IWB holder, the grip is just above my waist with a couple inches of muzzle below the belt.

:p I do the same thing SOB. Works great.:cool:

[Fronty Owner]

I think it was your picture that made me go buy a size 16.
I have a size 12 left hand that I use for the small of my back.

[ofcmarc]

I think it was your picture that made me go buy a size 16.
I have a size 12 left hand that I use for the small of my back.

How does the size 12 fit?

I think mine is actually a 15. Fit's pretty good but cant is just a bit off. Not bad for a $10 holster though.

[Fronty Owner]

The size 12 is neutral on the cant. the pistol holster doesn't stick up above the pistol like the size 16 does..
The size 16 has a nice cant to it, probably 30 degrees.
I will try to get some pictures later.

[ofcmarc]

The size 12 is neutral on the cant. the pistol holster doesn't stick up above the pistol like the size 16 does..
The size 16 has a nice cant to it, probably 30 degrees.
I will try to get some pictures later.

Thanks FO.

[Fronty Owner]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/FrontyOwner/firearms/100_3314.jpg left hand size 12
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/FrontyOwner/firearms/100_3315.jpg right hand size 16
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/FrontyOwner/firearms/100_3316.jpg right hand worn inside by belt.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/FrontyOwner/firearms/100_3317.jpg left hand worn in the small of my back.

[ofcmarc]

Thanks for the pics FO.

I'm gonna have to find a LH size 12 and give it a shot. The 16 at the SOB cants a bit too much fo me.

[Fronty Owner]

I like the cant on the right hand holster. Actually, it could even be a bit more.

[ofcmarc]

The cant would be alright on the hip but not SOB. It cants the wrong way for me. Strait drop SOB would be about right I think.

[Fronty Owner]

yea, for SOB, the straight is better, but for hip, I like the canting.

Actually, my left hand holster, I carry it with the grip parallel to my belt.

[ofcmarc]

yea, for SOB, the straight is better, but for hip, I like the canting.

Actually, my left hand holster, I carry it with the grip parallel to my belt.

That's what I'm looking for. I'm off to Sportsmans Warehouse soon. They opend an hour ago.......

[ofcmarc]

FO,

Did you have to strech that size 12 to fit? I found one but it seemed too small.

[Fronty Owner]

Its a tight fit, especially new. it will loosen up a bit.

[ofcmarc]

FO,
Did you have to strech that size 12 to fit? I found one but it seemed too small.
Its a tight fit, especially new. it will loosen up a bit.

Try a 15 LH if you get a chance. I didn't like how tight the 12 was but the 15 is just a bit bigger and fits great. It could be a bit shorter (1/4" to 1/2") but not bad.

[Fronty Owner]

Im not sure how much difference there is between a size 15 and size 16, I cant imagine there is much.
I haven't tried yet, but I think the 16 would fit a rail light too...

[ofcmarc]

Im not sure how much difference there is between a size 15 and size 16, I cant imagine there is much.
I haven't tried yet, but I think the 16 would fit a rail light too...

The 15 is a bit longer but not too bad. It also has a straight drop, no cant. With the 16 I never liked carrying with the extended mag. The cant was all wrong (SOB) and It felt like it was tipping over. With the 15, the extended mag is a piece of cake and it sits just barely above the bellt line.

You are right, there is probly enough room for a light.

I guess I'll be using the 15 SOB and the 16 for the hip.

[Fronty Owner]

sounds like the 15 and 16 are the same size, but there is a difference in cant.