If I were picking out a plincker for someHome Defense I'd go with the 9mm no doubt . If I were buying Home Defense to shoot some time I'd buy the 45 . Your are more likley to shoot it more if it's more comfortable to shoot the 9mm is much more pleasent in a lighter gun than the 45 . I have not shot the xd I did shoota competinggun and did not like it in 9mm as a carry piece it would be ok . As a plincker after a box I was done . I've been known to burn 2-3 boxes of ammo at a setting in my 357 45 colts and 9mm HP clone. Just me and an adiction to steel I suspect.