I was initially going with the 40, but decided i wanted a pistol i can take to the range and be cheaper to shoot. At first i was looking into the .40 to 9 conversion. I still might do that when the time (hopefully next month) comes to purchasing the pistol.

I have held a couple different caliber XDs and i have ruled the grip safety to be a "no issue" (with the help of everyone here and friends).