I will be taking the class here in the next week to get a chl. I have a xdm .40 full size and love it. Infact I just got a owb crossbreed holster for it and will probably use it for the class. So my question is I want a compact to carry with after I get my license.

I started looking at the xdm and m&p and glocks. I also then looked at cz's. my question is would I go wrong with any of these? I know I still need to get to a store and put them in my hand but thought I would ask about y'all's experience.

out of what you listed, I have a cz75 and love it. Easy to carry and stacks a lot in mag

In winter I carry my full sized Glock 21 in .45ACP because I can wear a jacket to conceal it. In summer, when I typically wear a pull over, t=shirt or light button down, I carry a Glock 26 9mm (sub-compact).

I carry the G21 daily as my duty weapon and the G26 as a backup.

Since you already have the xd, checkout the XDS, 45. I love mine. Shoots great, carries well and is 45!

You cant go wrong with any of the guns you listed, all are great reliable choices. I would stick with a striker fired pistol for now since you are already acustomed to one.

All of the guns listed will be fine, but don't overlook the comfort factor. If the gun is too heavy, fat, long, rough, sharp, etc., you'll find yourself not wanting to carry it. I'm actually in the market for a new one myself because with my back problems, my all-steel Bersa 9mm is just too heavy and thick for IWB carry, which is my preferred method.

XDS or M&P Shield

Have they come out with the xds .40 yet. I want to stay with the .40 since my other pistol is one. I can't wait to get to the store and get a feel for them

Not yet but its in the works.

That sounds neat!

Check out Sig Sauer's offerings also if you haven't already. The P239 looks to be a nice one!

Yep, 2x good choices

When I called CS at Springfield, I asked the same question for a 9mm XDs.
The answer was before the end of first quarter 2013 for both.

I have found that as important as the gun is holster availability. I don't think that finding the right holster can be emphasized enough. If you find a holster that's comfortable buy it then get a gun to fit. When I carried every day it was a Kahr K9 in a Milt Sparks Heritage.

I carry full size, summer / winter. Like "nsmike" stated its all about ur holster and what clothing you are wearing. I make my own holsters,and I use "IWB" style . I carry full size 1911, glock 22, glock20.

I just bought the SIG P938 to carry but haven't actually carried it yet. Shot it yesterday at the gun range and love how it shoots. They are hard to find though.

I'd be sure and stick with something in the DAO category. The XD is IMO the best of the lot. Interestingly enough, it is not technically a DA but it operates like one. The beauty of the DAO and the guns that handle like DAO is that minimal training is required. You point and pull the trigger. Any action with extra levers or buttons requires more practice if you're going to trust your life to it. That's why the 1911 is not the best choice for those of us who don't train intensively. I am no novice as a pistol shooter, been shooting them for over 30 (including 1911s) years but I recognize my own limitations. I could train myself to carry 1911 and be proficient and instinctive with it, but I have other things to do. The XD is my choice.

I agree that a quality, comfortable holster is just as important. Buy the best gun belt you can find. I settled on a Milt Sparks. Had I bought it in the first place I could have saved some money trying to go cheap. It's the foundation your holster sits on.

Don't know how it would fit with you but Taurus is making a 5 shot 2" barrel in 40 cal. It uses Stellar clips. Clips make for fast reloads. I shoot one at the club the other day. In the $450 range. I going to get one the first time I find one.

Rusty

The xdm lineup is super sweet! Dont buy an XDs until they release the lighter caliber. The .45 is a cool little gun but if youre new to .45 it will be a little too much for you. I would suggest the xdm 3.8compact. They have it in 9mm .40 and .45 and the frame size is perfect for iwb or owb and a hell of a shooter.

I personally carry a sub compact 1911 IWB and keep it cocked locked and ready to roll!

XDs. finally a gun that is comfortable enough to carry all the time. Meaning it is carried all the time. I also shoot it a lot and I'm impressed with it's accuracy and reliability. Didn't need a "break in" to be reliable. (I hate that excuse.) A lot of ranges have them for rent so it's worth a try. Only down side would be mag capacity (5) but I subscribe to better having 5(+1) with you than 16 rounds left at home because it wasn't convenient or comfortable. They do have 7 round extended mags which I carry as my second in a pocket.

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Makes good sense.

Good info...

I carry my Glock 26 and love it. 11 rounds and an extra mag in my pocket just in case. I can't agree more with the guys about holsters. I bought one from Jason Christianson at Conceslment Solutions and its been life changing. He offers money back guarantee too so pick your gun and get one from him. You can't go wrong.

Me personally I chose Glock because I don't like safeties on my guns. Being in the medical field and understanding how you lose fine motor schools during fight or flight situations turning off a safety becomes difficult. But that's me. My opinion is if its in the holster it can't go bang and if I pull it out then its to make it go bang so why do I need an extra step?

Also XDs have a grip safety which is again one extra step I have to take to make my gun go bang to save my life.

So ultimately they're all great guns. If your comfortable without a safety then go rent a Glock and M&P and see what you like. If you like the peace of mind of having a safety go XD

I have a p220 sig 45 and love it , but it your choice i would look at sig to.

I have owned Glocks and M&P's in sub-compact and really like them. They are surprisingly accurate and controllable. Haven;t had any experience with sub-compact XD's, though. I have now moved away from striker-fired guns as I prefer hammer-fired since moving to appendix carry.