this is the sub-compact - which is smaller than the compact. I think my full-size barrel is 4"?...not sure what the compact is. but this woudl give you an idea on size. The compact would be slightly larger than this.
I also like my XD-9 because of the safety features. Trigger safety, grip safety; cocking pin indicator on the back of the slide, and loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide. My wife can look at the gun, and determine it's 'hot'. (although she always considers it hot, until she drops the magazine and locks the slide open).
