The XD-9 Subcompact was the first XD I ever purchased. I own several 9mm handguns, and after comparing and shooting the glock 26 and the XD-9 SC, I purchased the XD.

Performance was great, the weapon is very reliable and accurate for its compact size. Without a doubt it does compare with other subcompact 9mm like Glock, Walther and S&W MP. One complaint is the slide is really high, kind of like a hi-point. it has a lot of muzzle flip, so the only way to shoot this gun accurately during rapid fire is to shoot isosceles and not weaver or one handed.

The features are the reason why I traded this handgun after 6 months of ownership. The grip safety may seem like a good idea, but really it is not. At least two novice shooters (my wife was one of them) were unable to fire the weapon because they were not holding down the grip safety properly. A simple test I did was I laid the XD on a table, unloaded (double check) and quickley grabbed it, aim, and try to dry fire it. At least 1 in 10 times I did not have the proper grip and needed to readjust to fire the weapon. That is not good for a defensive handgun, and I traded the XD for another handgun.

The mags also had a tendency to rattle and needed a stiff smack after loading. The finsh also rubbed off easily on wear areas, and I had the newer melonite finish.

Other than that the mags and the gun itself was well made. I liked the fact that they offered a free holster, and extra hi-capacity mag and mag holder. The Springfield armory logo on the slide was also a nice touch.