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Stainless for a concealed carry weapon?

2880 Views 17 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Mazellan
Black or stainless for CC weapon?
Black926.47%
Stainless617.65%
The finish isn't relevant, just reliability.1955.88%
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I am hopefully going to be getting a new carry weapon in the coming week or two. I've got my eye set on the XD 45 4" Compact (if anyone has a good reason not to get this gun please chime in and save me from making a mistake), but I cannot decide on the finish of the gun.

I kind of like the stainless slide, but I worry that it would be too flashy for a CC weapon if my shirt comes up or something. What is everyone's opinion on black versus bi-tone (stainless) for CC?

Thanks!
As you probably know, the finish on the stainless slide is matte. It's not chromed out and super flashy - shouldn't be an issue. I would go with the one that you like the most and you think will wear the best (probably the stainless, I would think).

Ultimately it's semantics, both are very nice and equal as far as function goes. Let us know what you decide on.
heavykevy said:
I am hopefully going to be getting a new carry weapon in the coming week or two. I've got my eye set on the XD 45 4" Compact (if anyone has a good reason not to get this gun please chime in and save me from making a mistake), but I cannot decide on the finish of the gun.

I kind of like the stainless slide, but I worry that it would be too flashy for a CC weapon if my shirt comes up or something. What is everyone's opinion on black versus bi-tone (stainless) for CC?

Thanks!
That is a very nice gun, just might get one later on this year. My XD9SC is all black, I prefer this version, but to each his own.
I have both black and two-tone guns, both are nice, but I think I like the two-tone a little better. The two-tone XD's look pretty sweet. Here is my little friend:

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They poll should be reworded because most people will want to answer two options: black/stainless AND reliability. Obviously, reliability with any firearm is paramount. Certainly more important than its color. So that's not the question and shouldn't be an option.

The real question should be black, stainless, or doesn't matter. Throwing in reliability with the "doesn't matter" option clouds the issue.

Interesting poll otherwise.
Good point doconix - thanks!

After further research I am even more torn because I was leaning towards the bi-tone/stainless, but I like the idea of the factory Trijicon's that aren't available on the bi-tone. Sure I could buy some and them installed, but that is just more $$$ that would push me beyond my budget that I have for my new firearm or I'd have to hold off on getting a concealment holster.

Decisions, decisions... :ack:
If you want an XD45 compact in Bi-tone you will have to wait. That is the exact gun I wanted but they will not be available until summer sometime. (I called Springfield directly 6 weeks or so ago when I was shopping). When they come out I may sell my all black one and buy the bitone cause MAN IT LOOKS SWEET!
Personally, I go for the bi-tone stainless for a regular service pistol (my XD-9). I think they are quite pretty.

But for concealed carry, I have an all-black small 9mm. Black just makes sense when the idea is "concealed".
heavykevy said:
I like the idea of the factory Trijicon's
You should ask Sheepdog how he likes his. I think the rear sight seems to be elevated a bit too much with the factory Trijicons causing point of aim to be raised as well. It might be a better idea to get the factory iron sights and have some custom sights installed.
I have Trijicon's on mine and LOVE them. No point of aim problem for me...they were a MAJOR pain to move left-to-right though.
PW said:
I have Trijicon's on mine and LOVE them. No point of aim problem for me...they were a MAJOR pain to move left-to-right though.
PW - are yours factory installed? Did you have to adjust the sights because they came improperly lined up?

Thanks!
heavykevy said:
PW said:
I have Trijicon's on mine and LOVE them. No point of aim problem for me...they were a MAJOR pain to move left-to-right though.
PW - are yours factory installed? Did you have to adjust the sights because they came improperly lined up?

Thanks!
Yes factory installed. And yes, my gun shot right.
I have the XD 45 Compact with 4" barrel in all black and I love it. About 1500 rounds and no failures. My wife has the XD 40 Subcompact Bi-tone. Both are good looking. I went through the same thing when I was shopping for mine. When I bought mine they did not have a Bi-tone for sell, so my decision was made for me. Either way they look great. But you do have to ask yourself is it worth the extra $30.
:hijack: You know what they say, once you go black you never go back! :lolbang: :ROFL: :roll:
My revolver is blue. After shooting and using it for over 20 years, have complete faith in it as a carry gun. The 1911 is stainless. After putting over 1000 rounds through it I have the same faith in it. These are my carry guns and I put reliability first and foremost.
It's concealed so the "color" doesn't matter to me. The material does on the other hand. Stainless is less susceptible to rust, corrosion, body moisture, electrolysis between brass bullet and metal chamber. I have a few of both types and I like the look and classiness of the stainless.

Everyone's entitled to my opinion.
knayrb said:
snip...

Everyone's entitled to my opinion.
No thanks. I reserve the right to reject everyone else's opinion and substitute my own. :thumbsup:
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