The XDm is just an upgraded version. It's got a match grade barrel, front slide serrations, better grips, 2nd rail slot, fiber optic front sight, and interchangeable back straps. The back straps are the biggest advantage in my opinion. I do love my XDm and might just have to buy my wife a pistol of her own like the M&P .380 EZ. She can grip the XDm well with the smallest back strap, but I think the double stack can be a little much for her, but I sure do love having 13+1 with a full size 19 round back up magazine with me at all times.

EDIT: You also get a lot more with the purchase of an XDm. It comes with:
- 13 round flush magazine
- 19 round extended magazine
- 3 interchangeable back straps
- Paddle OWB holster
- 2 magazine belt holster
- Speed loader (huge bonus)
- Hard locking case
- Cable lock

The Defender just comes in a cardboard box with the XD9, a trigger lock, and a magazine. IMHO XDm is a better value.


And remember folks, this is not a debate between concealed and open carry. I applaud anyone who chooses to exercise their second amendment right, but just like choosing which gun to carry, there is not 1 right answer. You have to do what you feel is best and right for you.

 

Also, do some checking around. Some dealers still have them in stock. It rained all day on Saturday so I did a 2 hour round trip to a Cabella's and they had the XDm 3.8 Compact still in stock. I was very tempted to buy it, but I think my wife was rolling her eyes enough at me for buying $100 in ammo.

 

So when you get back to the vehicle say "aww crap i forgot to get something, wait here i'll be back in a few" then just tell her you couldn't find what you needed when you come back empty handed with new pistol in a iwb holster lol.

 

LMAO. I'd be sleeping on the couch as soon as she figured it out. But I do have a comfortable couch.....

And she doesn't know I have a new range bag, 2 more 19 round magazines and a ton of cleaning goodies being delivered tomorrow!

 

One of these from Bulldog Vaults. Screw the frame to the floor under the back seat.

https://www.bulldogcases.com/product...nting-bracket/

 

I'm with you, @Wanna Ride. If anyone is going to find out I'm carrying, I want it to be at the moment that their world goes dark. Discretion is a very important part of defensive carry. You aren't making yourself safer by advertising your gun to any potential bad guys. They will either look to eliminate you first to get rid of the threat or attempt to steal your firearm, both bad outcomes.

 

I looked at a lot of options. I ended up buying the E&G "half" console vault that rbird2 posted. It should be here by the end of the week and hopefully I can get it installed this weekend and then start figuring out how to mount the guns in the console. I might just end up making a custom insert out of wood to hold the guns in a position that's easy to grip and draw. Thanks for all the suggestions! Would love to see if anyone is using that gun magnets and what they think of them.

 

Just bought this one for my new truck. Very well made. I'll let you know how the install goes later today

 

I see you already bought a solution, but for the other folks reading out there- I put in the Tuffy center console and upgraded to the 3 digit combo lock so I don't have to shut off the truck and fiddle with a key to open it. My favorite part is that it sits low enough that the Ford tray still fits on top for all my little items. Works perfect to ditch the pistol while visiting a no carry area.


As for Mr. Arkansas open carry person- not every state is an open carry. Florida for example is not, you'll get arrested.

 

Patiently waiting for pics. I am leaning towards the half vault so "we" don't loose all the wife's storage space. LOL