Thinking of getting a .40 xd for my birthday! Hope this is a good concealed carry choice! I was wondering if anyone else carries one and what holster they like!

I have an XD 40 tactical and its a sweet shooter. I put a Don's Guide Rod and a 22# spring as well as a set of Trijicons for low light. For a concealed holster I have a cheap Uncle Mikes, and for an open carry type holster I have a Bianchi.

I have the XD40 subcompact and carry it daily. I generally use a Fobus paddle holster canted foward. I have been semi satisfied with it.

The thing I don't like about it is that it tends to push the handle away from your body at an angle. In other words the muzzle sits nice and tight against your hip but the grip is pushed away from the body, kind of like it is falling to the side even though it is tight on the belt. This causes the handle to print through your clothing. It's fine if you are wearing a jacket but not so great if you aren't.

I think I am going to buy a Hume "open top" or "agent" holster and see how I like them.

I would contact the folks at http://www.pistol-gear.com and ask their opinion. They have more XD gear and accessories than any othr place I have seen.

I own the xd-9 sub compact and I carry it all the time with a Don Hume leather holster. It is a paddle holster with a open top. I have ran with it on me and it did not move at all but it is easy to draw out of. The holster took a couple coates or Draw ease to get the pistol sliding freely but I love the pistol and holster. Probably one of my favorites so far!

I was thinking of getting the 4" service model. Is the sub-compact a better choice?

For me it is because I have a skinny build so concealing pistols is a bit harder for me. I have owned them all... Rossi, glock, s&w, Ruger, taurus, and whatever else and I find that the xd compact hides well. It's all personal choice but I am very happy with mine so far. put it this way, on many of days I have had my G/F wrap her arms around me and try to wrestle me and whatever and then when I take my gun off at the end of the day she says, " You were wearing that?" I don't think my G/F will try that with you (maybe for the right price!)<----kidding but I like the compact...

Do you think the sub would be just as accurate etc? Same price? Although I kinda like the v-10 ported barrel, only available in 4"

You are wanting a gun that is small and light enough to carry concealed but then you say you like the full size ported gun. You gotta make up your mind what you want.

A gun that you carry concealed does not have to be a highly accurate gun. You will be calling on this gun to defend you life probably at distances of only a few feet. Although the XD sub compact is plenty enough accurate on the range. Mine will get about 4" groups at 25 yards with most ammo which is way more than accurate enough for its intended purpose.

A ported barrel on a life defending gun is a huge no no. The ports only direct burning gun powder straight up and between you and your attacker. That's just what you need when you are defending you life with a firearm at night... a bright flash from a ported gun to temporarily blind you.

In my opinion, and its just my opinion I am no expert, the compact and the 4 inch are gonna be pretty much the same as far as accuracy, remember these guns are really designed for carry and defense. I don't think the are really target guns. and big bulls is right about the porting of the barrel. I have heard and also know alot of cops and homicide detectives that most shootings happen within 24 feet. Like Home invasions and robberies. Get what you really want, it is your money but if you can try to go to an indoor range that allows you to rent guns and try one out. I love mine but you might have diffrent wants and expectations.
P.S. I put a glock .357sig on hold and then shot one that night and HATED it. so I went back and got my money back!

On the XD forum I visit, there are many cases where the 4" service model outshoots the 5" tactical version.