I'm carrying a similar gun right now. No issues, but for EDC I couldn't pull it off. A bit too large for that.
Did I get the wrong gun?
Okay, so I tried out many different handguns before I actually committed to buying. I ended up getting a Springfield XD45 with a 5" barrell, the one that comes with a 10rd and 13 rd mag. I'm also days away from sending in my CCW app. I know I have a long wait, but that doesn't mean I can't shop for a good holster. Well, I bought a couple of el cheapo holsters just to get the feel of the weight, etc. I'm now discovering that the XD is heavy and the 5" barrell tends to dig. Now I love my XD. I've put about 1000 rds through it and it shoots like a dream, and it feels great. I'm worried though, that it may not be the best choice for every day carry. So, is it possible to have my cake and eat it to? Suggestions? Comments? Any advice or opinions are welcomed. Thanks.:drinks
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
sometimes the right holster helps. May I suggest you check out one of the site sponsors LITTLE BEAR HOLSTERS. He is a honest guy and will do you right.
Personal comfort in a carry handgun is a very subjective thing. And it is entirely up to the individual. Some people are very sensitive to carry weight. While others adjust to it rather easily. Barrel length is another matter and is dependent upon your body type and dimensions. A tall, slender individual can usually carry a longer barreled pistol comfortably where a shorter stockier individual would find the same weapon uncomfortable. OWB holsters are often more comfortable than IWB holsters, though you sometimes sacrifice concealment to some degree. Position in your belt and angle of carry can also make for a more comfortable carry.
From your description, I think you have the XD-45 compact tactical. My EDC is the same weapon, only with a 4" bbl [the XD-45 Compact]. I carry it IWB, OWB and even on ankle with no problems. Of course, I have been carrying daily for a number of years and am used to the weight and bulk.
Now "heavy" is a subjective term. Your weapon weighs in at 31 ozs w/ 10 rnd magazine. The same weapon w/ the 4" bbl weighs 29ozs similarly loaded. A GLOCK 30, another compact 45, weighs in at 33.86 ozs w/ a 10 round mag. A Colt LW Commander weighs in at 31 ozs empty. So the weight of your current weapon is pretty much in line with similar models, or maybe a little lighter. As to the muzzle digging into your hip, there are several fixes for that, starting with a holster that causes the weapon to ride higher or even replacing the barrel and slide with a 4" model. Take a trip to a friendly gun shop and try out a few different holsters and, if possible, the same weapon with a 4"bbl. If it is still uncomfortable, another make and model of firearm may be in order.
Just remember that wearing a firearm takes both practice and adjustment. It is rare to hang a pistol onto your belt and carry it for 8 hours and not feel it.
Good luck.
From your description, I think you have the XD-45 compact tactical. My EDC is the same weapon, only with a 4" bbl [the XD-45 Compact]. I carry it IWB, OWB and even on ankle with no problems. Of course, I have been carrying daily for a number of years and am used to the weight and bulk.
Now "heavy" is a subjective term. Your weapon weighs in at 31 ozs w/ 10 rnd magazine. The same weapon w/ the 4" bbl weighs 29ozs similarly loaded. A GLOCK 30, another compact 45, weighs in at 33.86 ozs w/ a 10 round mag. A Colt LW Commander weighs in at 31 ozs empty. So the weight of your current weapon is pretty much in line with similar models, or maybe a little lighter. As to the muzzle digging into your hip, there are several fixes for that, starting with a holster that causes the weapon to ride higher or even replacing the barrel and slide with a 4" model. Take a trip to a friendly gun shop and try out a few different holsters and, if possible, the same weapon with a 4"bbl. If it is still uncomfortable, another make and model of firearm may be in order.
Just remember that wearing a firearm takes both practice and adjustment. It is rare to hang a pistol onto your belt and carry it for 8 hours and not feel it.
Good luck.
wow you put a lot of thought in that MAC45. Good post :thumsup
Well said, Mac45! The only thing that I would add is selecting a good belt. The belt makes a BIG difference in "perceived" carry weight. I have found that trying to carry with my belt lower than my hip bones makes the same weapon "feel" significantly heavier and uncomfortable. A sturdier belt and a little higher ride make a big difference. Even though I am 6 feet tall, I'm of fairly slight build. Not every handgun fits every body. So if holster/belt combo's don't do the job you're looking for, you might want to consider changing weapons. Good luck with your search, Ninja.
Beers y'all,
Ken
Beers y'all,
Ken
Wow, that was a lot of good information. Thanks for all your posts. I really don't have the coin to drop on another gun. If I had to, I may get a sub compact in 45acp. I really don't want to give up my XD. I love it. Maybe I should try out a few more holsters. I was looking at the little bear or crossbreed ones. Maybe I should start mowing lawns to get more money. Or sell plasma.Personal comfort in a carry handgun is a very subjective thing. And it is entirely up to the individual. Some people are very sensitive to carry weight. While others adjust to it rather easily. Barrel length is another matter and is dependent upon your body type and dimensions. A tall, slender individual can usually carry a longer barreled pistol comfortably where a shorter stockier individual would find the same weapon uncomfortable. OWB holsters are often more comfortable than IWB holsters, though you sometimes sacrifice concealment to some degree. Position in your belt and angle of carry can also make for a more comfortable carry.
From your description, I think you have the XD-45 compact tactical. My EDC is the same weapon, only with a 4" bbl [the XD-45 Compact]. I carry it IWB, OWB and even on ankle with no problems. Of course, I have been carrying daily for a number of years and am used to the weight and bulk.
Now "heavy" is a subjective term. Your weapon weighs in at 31 ozs w/ 10 rnd magazine. The same weapon w/ the 4" bbl weighs 29ozs similarly loaded. A GLOCK 30, another compact 45, weighs in at 33.86 ozs w/ a 10 round mag. A Colt LW Commander weighs in at 31 ozs empty. So the weight of your current weapon is pretty much in line with similar models, or maybe a little lighter. As to the muzzle digging into your hip, there are several fixes for that, starting with a holster that causes the weapon to ride higher or even replacing the barrel and slide with a 4" model. Take a trip to a friendly gun shop and try out a few different holsters and, if possible, the same weapon with a 4"bbl. If it is still uncomfortable, another make and model of firearm may be in order.
Just remember that wearing a firearm takes both practice and adjustment. It is rare to hang a pistol onto your belt and carry it for 8 hours and not feel it.
Good luck.
Well said, Mac...one caveat, if I may....The Colt LW Commander XSE that I just dumped weighed 260z unloaded.
31ozs for a carry gun is not 'heavy', IMO.
I carried 5inch, 35oz+ guns many times before without issue, but I find the 4-4.5 inchers work better for me. My G23 is right at 4", my Smith PD is a 28oz 4.25" 1911, and my HiPowers come in at just over 4.5". All carry very well on my high/short waisted frame. Takes the right holsters, which for me are hard to come by....good thing Dave hasn't killed me yet!
)
31ozs for a carry gun is not 'heavy', IMO.
I carried 5inch, 35oz+ guns many times before without issue, but I find the 4-4.5 inchers work better for me. My G23 is right at 4", my Smith PD is a 28oz 4.25" 1911, and my HiPowers come in at just over 4.5". All carry very well on my high/short waisted frame. Takes the right holsters, which for me are hard to come by....good thing Dave hasn't killed me yet!
Donating sperm is much more fun! (bad RCR, BAD RCR!Maybe I should start mowing lawns to get more money. Or sell plasma.
)RCR,
I apologize for the error. 31 ozs is the weight of a loaded Colt LW Commander [series 70], not the unloaded weight. Thanks for correcting that. Even my S&W 6906 weighs approx. 32 ozs, loaded. I would not consider a weapon that weighs 2 lbs, loaded, a heavy weapon, either.
I apologize for the error. 31 ozs is the weight of a loaded Colt LW Commander [series 70], not the unloaded weight. Thanks for correcting that. Even my S&W 6906 weighs approx. 32 ozs, loaded. I would not consider a weapon that weighs 2 lbs, loaded, a heavy weapon, either.
Gotcha...yeah, those little .45 cinder blocks do add some weight! :thumsupRCR,
I apologize for the error. 31 ozs is the weight of a loaded Colt LW Commander [series 70], not the unloaded weight. Thanks for correcting that. Even my S&W 6906 weighs approx. 32 ozs, loaded. I would not consider a weapon that weighs 2 lbs, loaded, a heavy weapon, either.
I carried a 6904 for years and never considered it heavy.
+1 on the Crossbreed, in particular, the SuperTuck. I don't have my permit yet, so I've only worn it around the house, but I can put on my XDm, which is only 1/2" shorter than yours, and not know it's there. Had my wife check it out and she also thought it was invisible. At 6' I'm a little tall, but no one would call me slim.Wow, that was a lot of good information. Thanks for all your posts. I really don't have the coin to drop on another gun. If I had to, I may get a sub compact in 45acp. I really don't want to give up my XD. I love it. Maybe I should try out a few more holsters. I was looking at the little bear or crossbreed ones. Maybe I should start mowing lawns to get more money. Or sell plasma.
You might check out the XD forum for ideas, http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ but that's where I found everyone recommending the Crossbreeds. In fairness, I did not give Little Bear a chance.
BobL
Dave is making me a IWB/OWB for my XD45Tc along with matching belt:drinks
should have in about 2 weeks CANT WAITopcorn
with all I've heard should be very nice will post update with pics when I recieve it GO DAVE GO:drinks
should have in about 2 weeks CANT WAIT
opcornwith all I've heard should be very nice will post update with pics when I recieve it GO DAVE GO:drinks
I don't think they make the sub-compact in .45.Wow, that was a lot of good information. Thanks for all your posts. I really don't have the coin to drop on another gun. If I had to, I may get a sub compact in 45acp. I really don't want to give up my XD. I love it. Maybe I should try out a few more holsters. I was looking at the little bear or crossbreed ones. Maybe I should start mowing lawns to get more money. Or sell plasma.
Compact
Tactical
and Service
My sigma weighs 24 oz empty and has a 4" barrel. With the CB super tuck I hardly notice it's there. The clothing you wear makes a big difference as well. Try several different outfits - jeans, shorts of different brands, over shirts, etc. until you find your comfort zone.
Your choice of holster and a proper gun belt will have a major say in how comfortable you are carrying a firearm.
I carry a full size 1911
I carry a full size 1911
These day's, Research the cost & availabilty of Ammo to determine the weapon you need
The question was- Did I choose the wrong weapon????? Six month's ago, I would have said that it was a personal preference. However, today with the cost and unavailabilty of ammo, I would chosoe a weapon that you can afford in reference to the weapon AND the AMMO plus the availability of it.
It is my belief, that just like cigarette's, they ARE NOT going to outlaw weapon's, they are going to make guns/ammo to expensive and unavailable to buy.
The unavailability of ammo concern's me. I am starting to wonder if the companies producing the ammo are not in CAHOOT"S w/ the federal gov't somehow. I say this ONLY b/c 1 year ago we had more then enough ammo at any one store, even at Walmart. However, today, Gun Store's are even having problem's getting ammo and NOT receiving a legit response from the ammo maker's. The last excuse I heard was that we are shipping most of ot to China, which I think is horse crap.
So, IF WE HAVE A SHORTAGE and the ammo companies will not explain it to the Store owner's/us, what are we supposed to believe from them?
Good Luck
The question was- Did I choose the wrong weapon????? Six month's ago, I would have said that it was a personal preference. However, today with the cost and unavailabilty of ammo, I would chosoe a weapon that you can afford in reference to the weapon AND the AMMO plus the availability of it.
It is my belief, that just like cigarette's, they ARE NOT going to outlaw weapon's, they are going to make guns/ammo to expensive and unavailable to buy.
The unavailability of ammo concern's me. I am starting to wonder if the companies producing the ammo are not in CAHOOT"S w/ the federal gov't somehow. I say this ONLY b/c 1 year ago we had more then enough ammo at any one store, even at Walmart. However, today, Gun Store's are even having problem's getting ammo and NOT receiving a legit response from the ammo maker's. The last excuse I heard was that we are shipping most of ot to China, which I think is horse crap.
So, IF WE HAVE A SHORTAGE and the ammo companies will not explain it to the Store owner's/us, what are we supposed to believe from them?
Good Luck
:thumsup +1 on a quality holster with more width like a Crossbreed SuperTuck or a Little Bear IWB. I'm not just trying to do a sales pitch for the board's sponsors but this is the style of holster I feel works best with larger pistols. My EDC is the XD 45 service model so I know how you are feeling, I was thinking about trading mine for a Glock 27 or something.
My advice is order a SuperTuck, don't get a cheaper copy either unless you want to squeak as you walk. It will disperse the weight so well you'll be checking to make sure the gun isn't falling out and it will hold the grip tight against your body so you don't have the major "grip printing" issues that go along with carrying 14 rounds of .45 on your side.
If God forbid the : censored ever hits the fan and blows your way, you'll be glad you bought that cannon.istols
My advice is order a SuperTuck, don't get a cheaper copy either unless you want to squeak as you walk. It will disperse the weight so well you'll be checking to make sure the gun isn't falling out and it will hold the grip tight against your body so you don't have the major "grip printing" issues that go along with carrying 14 rounds of .45 on your side.
If God forbid the : censored ever hits the fan and blows your way, you'll be glad you bought that cannon.
istols
Well said, manfellow. Though I'm not a fan of the supertuck's design, or the hardware used, the theme of your post is spot on. :thumsup.
Well as an update, I've decided to keep and carry the 5" XD45. I borrowed a friend of mine's OWB Dillon holster, made for his HK. I put it on and wore it for a few hours and fell in love with it. That being said, I'm now talking to Dave at Little Bear, finalizing the particulars of the holster he's going to make for me. He's been great so far, and I think he does quality work. I'm not getting anything too fancy this first time. I just want one that's comfortable and durable. Thanks to all for your comments and advice!! :drinks
a 5in double stacked .45 is a bit large to conceal
i can conceal my glock22 but my glock27 fits in my pocket
and who needs 15rds i can carry an extra mag
weight is my biggest issue at just under 20 ozs unloaded my G27 is the heavist gun id want to carry and sometimes i wish it was slimmer than 1.18in wide
a kahr p40 covert might be nice 9rds vs 5rds
i carry my tiny keltec sometimes it weights nothing
id get a US made M&P before id get a croatian made XD and its 4oz lighter with .25in longer barrel
a metal sig229 .40 weights less than a plastic 4in XD40
i can conceal my glock22 but my glock27 fits in my pocket
and who needs 15rds i can carry an extra mag
weight is my biggest issue at just under 20 ozs unloaded my G27 is the heavist gun id want to carry and sometimes i wish it was slimmer than 1.18in wide
a kahr p40 covert might be nice 9rds vs 5rds
i carry my tiny keltec sometimes it weights nothing
id get a US made M&P before id get a croatian made XD and its 4oz lighter with .25in longer barrel
a metal sig229 .40 weights less than a plastic 4in XD40
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
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