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The Annoyed Man wrote:

dalto wrote:There is no reason why you cannot carry an XD 9mm. I know several people that do.

A good IWB will easily conceal that gun.

Agree.

You describe yourself as 5'9" and 180 lb. You should have no trouble concealing your XD. Many of us successfully carry and conceal full sized pistols from all sorts of manufacturers. The secret (for all sizes of guns) is that you'll have to make some adjustments to the way you dress. This has been true for most of us. But that said, a compact version of your XD will conceal quite easily. Ditto for compact Glocks, M&Ps, 1911s, etc., etc. Mine are a 1911 and an M&P.

If pocket carry is your game, then either the LCP or the P3AT Keltech would serve you well, although .380 is sort of a minimum for self-defense. Just as popular in pocket pistols, very nearly as easy to conceal as the LCP Et al, are the J-frame sized alloy framed revolvers. There are a number of fine examples by various manufacturers, including the Ruger LCR. .38 Special +P is a better choice for self defense than .380. Personally, I pocket carry a scandium framed S&W .357 magnum. Lots of horsepower in a very light and easily concealable package.

Very good advice here. Pick up a quality IWB holster for your XD and carry it.

If you still want/need a pocket gun, then an LCP or P3AT would work. So would a snub-nose revolver like Ruger LCR or Smith J-frame.

But as has already been said, try before you buy if at all possible. Let us know where you're located and someone here on the forum is likely in your area and willing to let you put some rounds down range from one of the many choices available here.

And just remember, pocket carry of a small, lightly powered gun is for convenience and when nothing else will work. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need this deep concealment more often than others. If you do, then be certain that you PRACTICE with your pocket gun just as much as your XD. Practice drawing and dryfiring in front of a mirror at home (with an UNLOADED gun of course - all ammo locked up in another room). Find a shooting competition that allows small guns (like an IDPA "BUG" match") and see how well you can really shoot your pocket gun under more stressful conditions than merely standing flat-footed and shooting at a non-moving target.

I'm confidant in my LCP and Smith J-frame. But I'm much MORE confident in my mid-size and full-size guns, thus I try to carry them every chance I get.

And for what it's worth, I know someone close to your size who carries a full-size 9mm XD in a Comp-Tac Minotaur on a daily basis. Had no clue he had it on him under a normal fitting T-shirt until he told me.

jafreaka wrote:I'm sure there have been previous threads on this subject but what gun does any of you recommend carrying.

I've been told the Ruger LCP is a good gun and Taurus has an equivalent thats good.
Both of the two that I'm speaking of are 380 caliber.

Should I be looking for something a little bigger?

What are you thoughts and suggestions? I do prefer something small and light.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum. Many here - myself included - would be happy to chat with you about your question and offer suggestions, but it would be most helpful to include more information. Choosing a firearm is a very personal decision involving a lot of important variables, not the least of which is your own person skill and experience; but also how/when you plan to carry, your own size/age/strength/hand size/hip size etc. Financial considerations not only of the gun itself, but holster(s) - yes plural - extra magazines/speedloaders, ammo (both for self defense and practice).

I own a Ruger LCP and it is a fine weapon for its intended use - deep deep deep concealment and/or backup gun use. Very rarely do I carry it as my primary weapon, and when I do it is only because I "have to" based on the type of clothing I must wear for a particular event. I probably only carry the gun 10 days a year or less. But when I need it, it is a great option to have.

But I'm not you. Depending on your own personal situation a Ruger LCP could be your EDC (every day carry).

Rugers in general and the LCP in particular are well-designed and reliable firearms. They are not the "best" guns available, IMHO. But they are very good and I don't hesitate to use/carry the Rugers I own.

But that's about as much info as I can share until we know more about you and your situation. Perhaps start with why you are considering an LCP (or similar) and not some other weapon?