My local Bass Pro has the Springfield Armory XD Package (pistol, three clips, belt slide holster, lock) in 9mm or .40 cal on sale for $449.88 ($50 off their normal price at BP). This seems like a good price based upon what I've found on GunBroker.com(?).

How does that compare to new XD prices others are seeing?

Also, any thoughts on the XD itself? I'm considering it for both personal defense and a short range open sights critter gun.

Awesome pistol & good price

the xd has the best "feel" of almost any handgun out there and is stone-cold reliable. the only problem i have with them is the long, spongy, gritty trigger pull they have. but i guess you're not gonna get a match trigger on this type of gun anyway. good price, though.

Buy one. My friend and I just bought XD 9's,he bought a 4" and I bought the Tactical 5". You won't be disappointed in any way. Mine swallows anything I put in it, +P+ hps. or the cheap stuff, it doesn't matter. They'll shoot 1"-3"'s off hand @ 20yds depending on what it's fed. Great handling gun with good triggers. Mine is alittle better than my friends @ around 4-5lbs. I've owned 5 or 6 Glocks and the XD's have it all over them. IMHO.