Which Subcompact, if at all?

by **lumbering.buffalo** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 6:32 pm

My go-to carry gun is the 642. I cut my teeth on revolvers and though I have a number of full-size semiautomatics from 9's to 45's I keep pulling out the 642 when I carry. A long time ago I had a SS Speed Six which I sold away (one of many regretful decisions). I am toying with finding another one of those instead of a 5-shot 357. On a different day I think about going for a subcompact. Probably a 9. I've looked at the R51, Shield, XD-S and the LC9. Have not seen the Sig (whose model escapes me).

After holding one R51 I wasn't all that impressed so that leaves the other three. I will rent all three at some point which will help in the decision making process, but I'm looking for feedback from those who have one and why you chose the one you did.

I am looking for something smaller that I can just throw on (or drop into the pocket) and not have to dress around.

Maybe some are wondering why I would change platforms. That's a great question and one I haven't fully answered myself.

So let me know what you've learned, what you've leaned to or introduce to something I haven't considered.

Thanks.

View · by **jshuberg** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 6:37 pm

Sig P938.

Slightly larger than other subcompacts, but chambered in 9mm, has real sights, the slide locks back on the last round, and you can put a few hundred rounds through it without your hands ringing afterward.

If your actually looking for a compact rather than subcompact, check out the Sig P239. It's my EDC piece, and one of the best pistols I own. I can easily hold a 4" group at 25 yards with it, which is pretty damn good for a compact.

View · by **BBeckwith** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 7:14 pm

I'm particular to the Kahr PM9.

View · by **gun_fan111** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 7:16 pm

My current favorite is Kahr CW9. Everybody says the pull is just like a DA S&W revolver

View · by **Scratch** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:11 pm

I like the Kahr CM9 pretty much the same thing, little more stripped down version of the PM9.

I was wanting no safety, which left out the LC9 and the 938, but wanted thinner than the G26.

It shoots very well, the LC9 hurt my girlie hands for some reason.

View · by **bstrawse** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:18 pm

I like the Ruger LCP or Glock 26 for pocket carry - though I've mostly switched to the G26 for pocket carry.

I have a 642 and like it a lot as well.

I'd say - carry what you're comfortable with and that suits your needs and carry style.

B

View · by **old guy** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:28 pm

I find my Boberg gets the subcompact job most of the time, it's the size of a p3at .380 but is a 9mil with a 3.3 inch barell and 1/2 the felt recoil of a PF9 Kel-Tec.

John

View · by **Hmac** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:28 pm

I have an Airweight. Last time I got it out, it made me realize what a great, flexible gun it is to carry. When I actually shot it, it reminded me what a vastly superior firearm my Walther PPS is. The 642 went back in the safe.

View · by **hunterfreakhd** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:47 pm

bstrawse wrote:I like the Ruger LCP or Glock 26 for pocket carry - though I've mostly switched to the G26 for pocket carry.

I have a 642 and like it a lot as well.

I'd say - carry what you're comfortable with and that suits your needs and carry style.

B

G26 pocket carry? Them some deep pockets

I'm an lcp fan.

View · by **Mn01r6** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:13 pm

Hmac wrote:I have an Airweight. Last time I got it out, it made me realize what a great, flexible gun it is to carry. When I actually shot it, it reminded me what a vastly superior firearm my Walther PPS is. The 642 went back in the safe.

I need a PPS...and a G26. Mostly a G26 because I *want to be* a single platform guy.

View · by **bstrawse** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:16 pm

hunterfreakhd wrote:
bstrawse wrote:I like the Ruger LCP or Glock 26 for pocket carry - though I've mostly switched to the G26 for pocket carry.

I have a 642 and like it a lot as well.

I'd say - carry what you're comfortable with and that suits your needs and carry style.

B

G26 pocket carry? Them some deep pockets I'm an lcp fan.

I'm a big guy - I come with big shorts ;-)

I haven't found the G26 to be too comfy for pocket carry - I'm more likely to throw the 642 in my pocket - or just put on the IWB holster with the Glock 19...

b

View · by **gunsmith** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:13 pm

The Glock single stack 9mm will be available for Christmas Delivery

View · by **gman1868** on Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:04 pm

It seems everyone has a favorite. I presume that they like how it shoots and have found it reliable. Have you considered going to the range and trying them before you buy?

View · by **Hmac** on Wed Jul 09, 2014 4:17 am

Mn01r6 wrote:
I need a PPS...and a G26. Mostly a G26 because I *want to be* a single platform guy.

I've never seen the utility of that, personally, but is understand the theoretical advantages.

Anyway, I'm pretty much a single platform guy too...the platform being 9mm.

View · by **Mn01r6** on Wed Jul 09, 2014 6:35 am

Hmac wrote:
Mn01r6 wrote:
I need a PPS...and a G26. Mostly a G26 because I *want to be* a single platform guy.

I've never seen the utility of that, personally, but is understand the theoretical advantages.

Anyway, I'm pretty much a single platform guy too...the platform being 9mm.

Remembering to sweep off the safety on a shield in a high stress tenth of a second is something I don't want to have to think about or remember, since it is completely different from the way I draw for competition (g34 ) or for winter carry (g19). I think any striker fired pistol with no manual safety would be 99.99% as good as "same platform" but the shield with the safety doesn't meet that criteria. same platform has the added benefit of using interchangeable magazines and holsters but that's just a convenience/cost factor.

I do carry with the manual safety off on the shield, but I still have to train to sweep it off just to be sure.

I am also a 9mm platform guy