Not seeing it

[BodyShieldGuard9MM380ACP]

SA is a great brand and nothing against anyone who owns one.

However, I can't see why SA came out with a XDs 9MM 4.0 to justify going from the 3.3. Why? It added nearly 3/4" to the overall length of this 9MM making it along the lines of compact gun rather than a conceal carry. Aesthetically, it looks funny to me. Single stack, short grip, long frame/slide.

I can however justify the XDs .45 4.0 since it's a much bigger caliber pistol. I'm sure it really helped on the recoil compared to the 3.3 and probably has a better balance. I like the XDs .45 3.3 and strongly considered one before going with the Glock 27 (I went with the double stack)

Thoughts on this from you guys and gals? Has anyone shot a 4.0 XDs 9MM or .45? Like to hear someone with some personal experience and or maybe a comparison between the 3.3 and the 4.0.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Different strokes for different folks I guess. Be thankful we live in a country where we get to choose.

 

[GKC]

Maybe they sell better that way in Transylvania...or wherever it is they are made.

 

[LVSteve]

From my very limited carry experience, hiding the butt is the hard part, not the odd 0.75 inch of barrel.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Can't speak to the 3.3, but I borrowed my nephews 4.0 9mm. Well made and performed flawlessly through 200 rounds. I like the grips but I'd have to be hypnotized to love them. It is a good value but remember, when you buy a Smith the money stays here. When you buy an XD, a chunk of the money goes to Croatia. Just sayin'!

 

[WC145]

It's the CCO version of the XDs, like a CCO style 1911 - short grip, medium barrel length. The grip is the hard part of an auto to hide, not the slide/barrel. Adding that little extra gives you a longer sight radius, a slight velocity advantage, and, in the case of 1911s, a more reliable (according to many folks) 4"-4.25" gun when compared to shorter 3"-3.5" compacts.

 

[RobzGuns]

XD Fans have been wanting a Single-Stack 'XD Service' (4" XD) for years. The XD-S4 gives them that.
As mentioned, it's the Grip of CC pistols that people seem to have difficulty concealing, not the barrel.

I've shot both the 3.3 and the 4.0 and to me, the 4.0 shoots a lot smoother. Having written this, I still don't 'love' any version of the XD-S better than my 2Y/O Shield.

Bottom line is... If someone hasn't tried (actually shot) them, side-by-side, it's difficult to make an educated judgement.

 

[VictorLouis]

Service length guns are more reliable, all else being equal. Longer sight radius, perhaps better practical accuracy. More velocity, etc.

MY complaint with that model IS the dang'd grip. Should've made it a solid, full-lenth service grip with an 8-9rd mag if they couldn't stuff-in ten. .