Yesterday I said I don't really feel the desire to have the latest and greatest carry piece, well that is pretty much true however this one is fairly new, I have not carried it much but I like it's design and it fits well with my 'Carry Philosophy' in that it is compact, something that can be carried all the time without feeling the need to have 13 rounds in the magazine and will work as intended (or at least so far as I have tested it)
This is the Springfield XDS it has a 3.3" barrel, is chambered for the 45ACP it is lightweight and very thin due to a single stack magazine. It carries 6 rounds (one in chamber and 5 in magazine) and unless you are a bleeding heart liberal what's not to love about the 45 ACP. There are many good pocket size guns among which are 22, 32, 380 and even a few 9mm's but a 45 got my attention and I wanted to try it. You will not find a more compact semi auto 45 in fact you will have to look hard to find a 9mm this small. Springfield does make a 9mm this exact size now and a 40 cal is coming as well and they will carry a couple more rounds.I like that it does not have a manual safety as such (one less function to worry with) there is a grip safety which means you have to be holding the gun to fire much like a 1911 and the trigger is like a Glock which is pre-set striker-fired which allows for good control of shots when practice shooting. I have only fired about 50 or 60 rounds through it but it functioned flawless with everything from FMJ to hollow points and defense loads and even some reloads and cast bullets.
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| XDS with extended mag. |
Being 3 dot the sights are easy to acquire for target practice and recoil did not seem too harsh to me and is a blast to shoot. Springfield does make an extended mag (shown at right) which I think holds 2 more rounds but I don't care for it and probably won't buy one as it takes away from its concealability which is my focus here.
Overall it seems a fine carry gun.
The 9mm version holds 7+1 rounds which I think would make it a good option as well with a little less recoil and a little cheaper to shoot if that was a concern.
Concealed Carry Philosophy, Part I here
Concealed Carry Philosophy, Part II here
Concealed Carry Philosophy, Part III here
Yep - .45ACP. What's not to like?
ReplyDeleteRev Paul, My thoughts exactly.
DeleteI carry one every moment of every day that I put my pants on. Carry it in a high ride leather holster that I made myself. On the left side I carry a mag holder with a 7 round mag, because as back-up mag, length doesn't matter. I also made the holder myself. Never notice the gun or mag weight or bulk,, conceals well under a t-shirt, and I always know where it is. Mine is 45, with close to 400 rounds through it, and I can think of no other firearm that could have replaced my beloved 1911's on my belt.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I love my 1911's but this does have a lot of advantages. I do not have a 7 round mag but like you say as a backup I guess it is not big issue to conceal. Thanks.
DeleteGood point on the conceal-ability vs. # of rounds... I usually carry a Kahr P-9 during the summer with the standard mag vs. the extended mag (but I have that extended mag as the 'spare'...
ReplyDeleteOld NFO, In summer you have to be more creative to conceal, in the winter anybody can carry a large handgun in a coat pocket.
DeleteI agree with your philosophy. I use the following as carry guns, just because I have them. My favorite is the Walther P-38, though I know it isn't "the best" from a technology standpoint. But it's very light and I have an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster for it that weighs almost nothing. I use a Kimber Custom II with a Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig. That one I got when I worked in a gun store part time and took my pay in goods. I have a Browning High Power with a Jackass leather company shoulder rig. Another gun I got at the gun store is the Beretta 92 Onyx, and I bought another Galco rig for that. Like you, I've been collecting for about thirty years. I haven't actually bought a hand gun in some time, though I do still pick up the odd military bolt gun when I find one in good shape.
ReplyDeleteHarry, I agree, usually what you already is fine. BTW I like the Browning Hi-Power, it's a fine gun. Thanks for checking in.
DeleteDuke. we don't have concealed, or open carry up here for normal civilians. but, if you are trying to teach people with these last four posts, give yourself a pat on the back. you have taught both me and jambaloney very much. thank you Dear Duke!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
Kymber, Thanks 'lil sis, glad you enjoyed.
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