Several months ago I bought my first gun, a Springfield XD45 compact. I have about 550 rounds through it, feeling pretty darn comfortable with it. I want to get my CCW license, and try carrying it (I know it's a bit large, but many folks have done it). I actually would have it already, but I was out of town last time the gun show came through town; it's much cheaper at the gun show than through the Sheriff's course.

I also plan to start commuting on a bicycle to work, as early as next week.

However, company policy is against guns in the workplace. I don't want to get robbed on my way to work (there's a bum camp less than a mile from my house, and panhandlers always on the corners), but I also don't want to get fired if perhaps someone finds me out.

Any advice from experienced folks?

Florida just passed a law that you can have a weapon in your vehicle on the jobsite even if the company has a policy against it. Problem with you is you are gonna have a bicycle and wont have anywhere to keep it without running the chance of it getting stolen. I would just carry myself and make DAMN sure that noone ever had the chance to see it on you while at work. Life is too crazy these days.

Yeah, and I work for an insurance company that has the potential to piss a lot of people off.

How do you like the XD45? I was looking at one at the last gunshow but didnt pick it up.

Like I said, it's my first gun, so I don't have a ton of experience with all kinds. That said, I really like it! Last time I went shooting I also shot a .40 baby glock, not sure what type, and I could really tell how the weight of the XD was affecting my accuracy, but that's at about 10 yards, and talking a matter of inches. I also shot it back to back with a Sigma 9mm, and couldn't tell any difference in recoil. I tend to shoot a column of holes at the center, trying to dial that it. Some high, some low, but at least on target.

It's very comfortable in my hand (it's what made me choose it over a glock, which felt to square-ish). I had to buy it without shooting it first, there's no place here that will let you shoot before buying. The only range is the public range, way out in the woods. I did a tone of research and read a lot of reviews, though. I also don't know anybody that has more than one gun, or would let me shoot theirs.

I've got nothing but compliments from other shooters, when I let them shoot my gun. One guy guessed that I paid $900 for it, I laughed (more like $550, for the bi-tone w/ ss slide). He let me shoot his Ruger 1911 and an M4 Carbine, both awesome, but gave me a real appreciation for the XD as well (as opposed to hating it after trying something nicer). The same guy was really impressed with it when he shot it.

do these bumbs sprint the 100meter, or something? You're on a bike, and they're malnourished. Suck it up.

Like I said, it's my first gun, so I don't have a ton of experience with all kinds. That said, I really like it! Last time I went shooting I also shot a .40 baby glock, not sure what type, and I could really tell how the weight of the XD was affecting my accuracy, but that's at about 10 yards, and talking a matter of inches. I also shot it back to back with a Sigma 9mm, and couldn't tell any difference in recoil. I tend to shoot a column of holes at the center, trying to dial that it. Some high, some low, but at least on target.

It's very comfortable in my hand (it's what made me choose it over a glock, which felt to square-ish). I had to buy it without shooting it first, there's no place here that will let you shoot before buying. The only range is the public range, way out in the woods. I did a tone of research and read a lot of reviews, though. I also don't know anybody that has more than one gun, or would let me shoot theirs.

I've got nothing but compliments from other shooters, when I let them shoot my gun. One guy guessed that I paid $900 for it, I laughed (more like $550, for the bi-tone w/ ss slide). He let me shoot his Ruger 1911 and an M4 Carbine, both awesome, but gave me a real appreciation for the XD as well (as opposed to hating it after trying something nicer). The same guy was really impressed with it when he shot it.

Yah quite a few of my Combat Handgun magazines have had write ups on it and I still havent shot one yet. I want a subcompact pistol. Ive been carrying my old CZ-52 and all though its a nasty motherfucker, its a little heavy and overpenetrates. I feel the same way about Glocks as you do, I'll have to check it out soon.

The XD has gotten amazing reviews from everyone I've talked to about it. . . . somewhat too good, I wonder if Springfield paid off all my friends and local gun store owners . . .

http://journal.drfaulken.com/smartcarry-concealed-holster-review/

BTW, I forgot to add, this is all hypothetical. I don't own a gun, a bike, or have a job. In fact, I'm hijacking this account just to ask this question.

Of course!