TexasCHLforum.com

short grip with extender. I don't see any point in the 3.8" with the long grip when the short-grip version gives the option of either short or long.

I purchased an XDm Compact 3.8" 9mm this weekend. I'm not sure whether or not I made the right decision since I'm having a few issues with the narrow grip and I'm having second thoughts about the weight compared to a G19 or M&P. I'll try the larger backstrap once I have a chance to buy a punch.

I fondled an XDm 4.5" at Academy over lunch, and I've decided it's bigger than I want to conceal IWB. Standing wasn't an issue, but sitting or crouching caused issues with either the barrel or grip sticking out. I've just about decided to go with the XDm Compact 3.8", but I haven't decided whether to go .40 or 9mm. If I go .40, I'll probably pick up a 9mm conversion barrel (maybe even threaded) pretty quick.

Thanks for those recommendations. Two very pretty holsters. I don't think I'll be ably to carry OWB until I get a little more comfortable carrying in public.

The Walther PPS way high on my list until I finally found one in a gun shop to handle. The trigger was too heavy, and just dry firing it I could tell I'd pull everything to the right (probably "thumbing" it). I'm sure it could be remedied with practice, more experience, or modifications, but I think I prefer something else. I may get to try a Kahr PM9 next week.

Thanks for all the great comments from everyone. Some prevalent views so far (I'm paraphrasing):

• You can conceal just about anything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8F495aMd50
• Carrying a gun is meant to be comforting, not comfortable (though I don't see any reason why the two shouldn't co-exist)
• Full size M&P or XDm 4.5 should be readily concealable, but
• A compact with grip extension would provide more versatility
• Better to dress around your preferred gun than to buy a gun to fit your preferred dress. I can only mildly agree with this one. I can understand buying a few longer shirts or bumping up a pant size next time I need new jeans, but I'm not about to buy a gun for EDC that requires a whole new wardrobe. People I see everyday will be a little suspicious if I completely change my clothing style.

So I haven't eliminated any guns from my decision, and I guess I'll just have to spend more time at the gun store.

A-R wrote:Shoot all three guns and decide which fits your hands best and which you like best overall and go with that.

If that was my only criteria, I'd rule out the Glock 19/23. I shoot better and like the feel better of the XD9 or M&Pc. However, I do like the simplicity, parts availability, and parts price of the Glock. Of the guns I've shot so far, only the glock has been problem-free. The M&Pc and XD9 both had issues that will require warranty work.

A-R wrote:Of course, for ultimate flexibility for a single gun you could go with a subcompact

I may go this route. As much as I liked the XD9 I shot, I'd be leaning toward a XDm compact, but I haven't found one to try yet.

I hope I can pick soon though. I have a lot of money going down the drain on range fees, rentals, and ammo while trying out guns that could be going into breaking in a new gun.

rqFLSTFB wrote:pick something that you "are" going to carry.

Definitely. Since this first purchase will have to be my EDC for a while I don't want to get something that I'll end up leaving home after the first couple weeks. I've tried sticking a few guns in my waistband at the gun stores, but it's really hard for me to get an idea of what it will feel like after wearing all day.

I'll probably also eventually buy a CM9 or PM9, which a friend of mine can carry in his pocket in a soft holster without printing, but I'd like something with a little more capacity for my first gun.

Good point. I should have mentioned that I plan to wear IWB at 3:00-4:00. My usual attire is jeans or shorts and a tucked-in short sleeve shirt, but when I start carrying I'll probably untuck. Most of my shirts will overlap my pants about 3-4". Perhaps I should wait until I get my license and then borrow a few guns to wear for a few weeks to see what I think I can handle in terms of concealability and comfort.

The best option would have been to buy them all, but the market's recent performance has me in saving mode.

I'm pretty new to the forum, and I'm in the process of choosing my first concealed gun (actually my first handgun of any sort). I'm focusing of what seem to be the three most popular semi-auto platforms: Glock 19/23, SA XDm (4.5 or 3.8 compact), and S&W M&P (full or compact).

Since I can't find a clear winner, I'm looking for reasons to eliminate some guns from the running. For the purpose of this thread, I'd like to focus on concealability of the XDm 4.5 and M&P full-size. I'm 6'3" and 210lbs, and I think I can conceal a Glock 19 or 23 fairly well. My understanding is that the gun height (grip+slide height) is the most important dimension for concealment. IIRC, in terms of height, XDm compact < Glock 19 < XDm 4.5, and similar for the M&P and M&P compact models. In terms of weight, I think the Glock 19 is the lightest of all of these options.

Since this is my first and only gun for a while, I want something fairly versatile for concealment and home defense. In your opinion, are the XDm 4.5 or M&P non-compact too big and/or heavy to conceal? Should I eliminate them from the running in favor of their respective compact models?