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.