Re: XDM sub compact pistol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They wanted to maintain large capacity magazine, but in my opinion the grip is too long to conceal well. I wish they would have kept the barrel length longer, but shorted and made the grip thinner. But to each their own.</div></div> Exactly. With that grip I don't consider it to be a subcompact, no matter what length barrel they put on it. I've never had a problem concealing a long barrel but a long grip is a different story.
My wife carries a standard XD SC in 9mm, and it's an outstanding pistol for what it is. Running a flush fitting 13 round magazine with a stubby grip is ideal, and you always have the 16 round extended if you want that extra grip surface. I'd rather have the capability of going shorter than have a long grip and a shorty barrel.
As for a "match" barrel on a 3" pistol, what's the point? Seems like throwing in a selling feature on something that it is useless on just to try and justify the additional price. I can hammer pair an IPSC at 15yds with the basic model just fine and so can she, and controlled shots at 25 are no problem at all. I'm actually quite pleased with the accuracy of the pistol when taking into consideration the very short barrel and sight radius.
My suggestion OP is check out the base model if you haven't already, it might just be what you're actually looking for. Otherwise, try calling SA and maybe they'll tell you what's going on with the release of the SC XDm.