XDm 4.5 or M&P too big to conceal?

[chlag01]

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?

[paulhailes]

The grip on the full size XDm is longer than the grip on the full size M&P, I had an XDm its a great gun but I traded it for a full size M&P and never looked back. The grip on the M&P is easy to conceal, I have both the M&P full size and compact, I mainly carry the compact but I do carry the full size now and again (once a week) and have no problems concealing it I am 6'2" and 210ish. They are both great gun, I would go the a gun store and hold them side by side pay attention to the grips and the triggers, see how they feel, whats more comfortable?

[speedsix]

...no...and no...welcome...glad you're with us...

[Texas Dan Mosby]

My understanding is that the gun height (grip+slide height) is the most important dimension for concealment.

The most important dimensions for concealment have little to do with the firearm, and pretty much everything to do with your attire.

Carry choice is based on the compromises each individual is willing to make, and any of the firearms you list can be easily carried concealed, IF the CHL is willing to make the necessary compromises.

I carry a full size arm (1911) and accommodate my wardrobe accordingly. Using a functional IWB holster, and clothes that are a little larger than normal, there isn't a defensive handgun on the market that can't be effectively concealed.

[chlag01]

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.

[mrvmax]

Choose what you like and dress around the gun.

[speedsix]

...a lighter button-up shirt with tails will be more likely to slip up or ride up and expose than an even-bottomed one or a Polo or T...I need a XL...wear a 2XL or 3XL and am much more comfortable while working, bottom of the shirt comes safely lower, and still comes up with ease drawing one-handed...I wear solid blue but some of the guys say prints break up the outline better...my belly keeps that from being a problem
...with the guns you're considering...covering the trigger and having some rigidity in the top of the holster for re-holstering is VERY important...don't want shirt or holster to get in the trigger guard at all...

[Estand]

I carry m&p compact in 40s&w, and I have some xgrip adaptors (http://x-grips.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) to be able to use the full size mags when I want to. Then you have a full size grip of course.

my $0.02

[speedsix]

...carrying it as a compact, with the shorter mags, can you get all 4 fingers on it???


...seeing your P40 reminds me of my favorite fiction book as a child...A Yankee Flier in the Far East...about our pilots who went over and flew combat and other missions before WWII actually blew up...musta read that book 20 times...the P40 was a part of it...

[G.A. Heath]

I own, and sometimes carry, my two XDm 4.5 pistols in a Comptac MTAC holster. One is a .40S&W the other is a .45ACP, no issues carrying either of them. I also own, and sometimes carry, a full size Smith and Wesson M&P in a Comptac MTAC as well. I have no issues carrying it either. To me when talking about IWB carry grip length is the hardest to conceal while barrel length is, for all intents and purposes, a non issue. I have yet to find a handgun (that was designed as such) that I can not carry concealed, although that Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag with a 7.5 inch barrel came close.

[rqFLSTFB]

i would say, pick something that you "are" going to carry.

The reason i say that is because i own both a full size M&P and a compact, however, i find myself carrying my p238 most often than not because i can't always "wear a 2XL shirt and look like an idiot". (direct quote from wife :D) .

If i can wear a short sleve shirt that looks decent for a night out i carry my M&P compact, however, if i'm wearing a t-shirt or a polo for a quick drive to the shops, i have my sig with me.

just my .2

i know a couple of people that bought a big gun because of the caliber and then end up leaving it at home because its "not practical" to carry it.

now go buy a pocket .380, an M&Pc and an M&P full and you'll be set! :D

[A-R]

All the guns you mentioned are close enough to same size as to be a moot point for comparison. All will conceal easily IWB with untucked shirt, and even tucked shirt with right holster.

I carry M&P full size in Comp Tac no problem with just a t-shirt covering it. Also carry Glocks in same manner.

Shoot all three guns and decide which fits your hands best and which you like best overall and go with that.

Of course, for ultimate flexibility for a single gun you could go with a subcompact - Glock 26/27/33, XD subcompact, M&Pc, or Ruger SR9c and then add some full size mags with grip spacers. Gives you smaller gun (borderline pocketable) when needed but equivalent of full size grip when you can conceal it.

[chlag01]

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.

[G.A. Heath]

I agree with the concept of something is better than nothing at all, but where do you draw the line between something and nothing?

We will all a agree a .380 is better than nothing. I think many people will agree that a knife is better than nothing, as is a pocket knife. In fact we can take this on down to a spork is better than nothing which will logically lead to a spoon is better than nothing. Personally I will continue to carry a full size 1911 as my primary 90% of the time, with other guns rotating into play on occasion, My Sig P238 will remain in its place as a BUG 90% of the time, with other guns like my LCP, LCR, and S&W 442 occasionally taking its place.

Carrying concealed changes your lifestyle: You start wearing something that weights a little more, You remain more alert than before, You consider your options more carefully than before, and you stop going places because they might not be safe. Carrying a concealed handgun is not supposed to be a fashion statement, nor is it supposed to be comfortable. It's meant to be comforting. IF you can carry comfortably then your better off, and with modern holsters you have a much better chance of doing so. Dress around the what you carry, don't carry around what you wear.

[chlag01]

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.

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.