TexasCHLforum.com

just got my CHL in
i have been researching different choices. and think im going with the xd-s for primary IWB/OWB holster, and the .380 bodyguard in pocket as a backup.
few issues
first im a southpaw(left handed) finding holsters is a nightmare, if i get it found one for the XD-s.
second is finding a XD-S my normal gun shop says they can get one but i only meet them at gun shows, so wait might be a while.
third i have got the 1911bug i know there's no cure, but i could get a quick fix get the 3.5 inch as a primary.
question is has anyone shot and/or carried both XD-S and a 3.5-4 1911, any issues with either? what made you chose one over the other?
i like the ideal of a 45 single stack concealable,
right now Ive been pocketing a Taurus judge
i like the bodyguard because it can easly be drawn from my pocket.

i greatly appreciate any input or suggestions. thank you

For right now I would think the XD-S is still so new that there hasn't been a whole lot of folks able to do a comparison like that. There are reviews on youtube from some of the gun folks there that have shot it. And they seem to really like it. But to me, I would think that one would have to be able to carry it for a few months and shoot it for a few months to be able to say something like "Hey, this is an awesome gun to carry." Just my .02 worth. Good luck with your .45ACP bug...lol.

I just received my brand new LEFT-HANDED holster for a XD(m) 45 Compact from Hopp Custom Leather: http://www.facebook.com/HoppCustomLeathers. Pictures of mine can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57214" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

For the record, the XD(m)45 Compact 3.8 is also a newer model which is difficult to find holsters for, and even harder to find left handed holsters for. The combined cost of my holster plus the magazine carrier, both made from horsehide (superior for keeping sweat off your gun), plus the reinforced mouth, plus the full quill ostrich strip, shipped to my door was $135.00. You just can't beat that with a stick. My Hopp holster is the most comfortable of all my OWB holsters, but he also makes IWB rigs and "convertible" rigs which can be worn either way.

I have also had good luck buying left handed holsters for various guns from Galco, and Desantis.

Regarding pistol choices.... I love me some 1911, and for a long time my EDC was a 3" Kimber. However, even the alloy framed Kimber was heavier than I liked to carry after a while because of chronic severe back pain, and I've been carrying polymer framed guns since....primarily a Kahr CW45 or a Kahr PM9, but also my new XD(m) on occasion. Also, I pocket carry frequently, either the PM9 or a scandium framed .357 snubbie.

Mainly though, carry what you like and what you'll practice with. Having a $2500 race gun won't do you any good if you don't shoot it, and neither will a $250 Kel-Tec.

Recall, have you actually held the XD-S yet?
I thought I was going to like it, until I went to a gun shop and held one, it was too small (thin) and too long (mag well depth vs my normal 9mm) for my hands to feel comfortable
But I love the XD9sc and XDm (9mm) 4.5.
So be sure to actually hold the gun before you opt to place an order for one and decide you don't like it (of course if you do that, I am sure you could sell it on here (once you meet the minimum requirements to sell on this forum)

For the .380Bodyguard.
I have one for my BUG or just in the instances I am not dressed appropriately to put on my Crossbreed holster.
I like the .380 Bodyguard.
I thought I would like the laser feature, but it is not very user friendly to activate it, maybe in a gun fight (hopefully NEVER), I may find it useful, but don't buy it for that feature alone.
it is a good gun and shoots well.

holster looks great, no i haven't held the XD-s yet
Ive heard about the thin and long problem from a few people. and i have fairly large hands. will find out when i find one.
thank y'all for your input.