Subcompact Size Comparison (Pics)

[SloChicken]

Just a couple of pics so people can appreciate the size difference between a few of the popular subcompacts out there.

So far, my Kahr has been my go-to, but recently picked up the Nano used on a deal and my mom was good enough to gift me the sig. Good to have sympathetic hunting/pro 2-A parents come to visit from out of state.
My dad is ex-mil, and pretty fed up with our government down here and convinced my mom to bring me and my brothers a little hook-up when they came to visit.

Pics now. Range report later.

Clockwise from top left: Kahr PM9, Beretta Nano, Ruger SP101 357 3" barrel, Sig 938 Scorpion.


View from the backstrap. L-R: Beretta Nano, Kahr PM9, Sig 938.


Overall, the Kahr has the slimmest and shortest profile, closely followed by the Sig, then the Beretta.
The Ruger is a belt holster only pistol IMO and not a pocket gun but is still quite concealable (if Kamala and Sheriff Gore would finally get out of the way of the constitution ...).


Feel free to comment below and add to the discussion.

[sealocan]

In my opinion the Sig 938 is the best looking gun.

but I guess my question to you is can you order / number them from 1 to 4 and how will they shoot for you?
& have any been unreliable in any way?

(thanks for the photos and the size comparison SloChicken.)

[SloChicken]

surprisingly, the least kick/most manageable/quickest back on target is the 357 with 158gr rounds. Next is the nano and the kahr and sig are about the same. A little snappy, but entirely manageable.

As far as triggers,
the shortest throw trigger goes to the Ruger in single action, followed by the sig, then the beretta, with the longest trigger being the kahr.
That said, the Kahr has the smoothest double action uptake/travel of any in double action. The Beretta feels like most any other polymer DA pistol. not my favorite by any means.
Best sights are at tie between the Beretta and the Sig, both are night sights but the slight edge would have to go to the beretta (trijicon sights).
The dot on post of the Kahr is quicker though IMO.

All the pistols IMO are just fine and do the trick well. The Kahr probably my favorite for deep conceal/pocket carry.
I only carry the sig and Ruger in belt or concealed holsters.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Nice little families you got there. The biological and the carryable.

[stormvet]

My BUG is a PM-9 and has been since 2008, have not found anything small enough or reliable enough in a caliber I trust(9mm or higher)to replace it with yet.
Have a Shield, good gun but to big. Don't like manual safety guns with SA on my bug, I support pocket carry.
So until Glock makes a 9mm in the same size as the PM-9, really doubt it will be replaced any time soon.

[SloChicken]

Nice little families you got there. The biological and the carryable.

Thanks, but not really understanding the "biological" part of the comment.

(Edit) haha! you meant my mom! Yes, she is great! She has had here CCW since she retired from medicine and started working with social services where she lives (child advocate/difficult family situations). Have a pretty epic pic of her shouldering a MP5 at her CCW training.
She is more of a rifle shooter it seems.
Her choice is a 38 and didn't like this one so much ...

And a range shot of the Sig group today. 5 shot, 15yds slow fire unsupported. Best group once I got the windage set. about 2 inches. The single action
really makes grouping shots better than either the Nano or the Kahr's double action - at least for me.


and just for fun, after we were done with some drills, a fun little mag dump.
Click link below.

http://vid101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/Slom3chicken/Jodie%20mag%20dump_zpsgzydm6ae.mp4

[Oldmandan]

my mom was good enough to gift me the sig. Good to have sympathetic hunting/pro 2-A parents come to visit from out of state.
My dad is ex-mil, and pretty fed up with our government down here and convinced my mom to bring me and my brothers a little hook-up when they came to visit.

Totally illegal.... ask mods to delete this thread before DOJ knocks on your door.

[SloChicken]

Totally illegal.... ask mods to delete this thread before DOJ knocks on your door.

yeah, um not illegal.
My mom had a pistol, she has too weak hands to work the slide, so instead of just shelving it, my parents gave it to me.

Check the laws dude. I did, just to make sure.
I even personally got a call back from CA DOJ in this regard with this specific recommendation.

Thanks for the try though.

Read here.

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transferring_Firearms_Among_Some_Family_Members

27875. Section 27545 does not apply to the transfer of a handgun,
and commencing January 1, 2014, any firearm, by gift, bequest,
intestate succession, or other means from one individual to another,
if all of the following requirements are met:
(a) The transfer is infrequent, as defined in Section 16730.
(b) The transfer is between members of the same immediate family.
(c) Within 30 days of taking possession of the firearm, the person
to whom it is transferred shall forward by prepaid mail, or deliver
in person to the Department of Justice, a report that includes
information concerning the individual taking possession of the
firearm, how title was obtained and from whom, and a description of
the firearm in question. The report forms that individuals complete
pursuant to this section shall be provided to them by the Department
of Justice.
(d) The person taking title to the firearm shall first obtain a
handgun safety certificate, if the firearm is a handgun.
(e) The person receiving the firearm is 18 years of age or older.

[Quiet]

As long as the the gifts were done through a CA FFL dealer, then it is legal.

If the gifts were not done through a CA FFL dealer, then both his mom and him have committed multiple Federal felonies. [18 USC 922 (a)(3)&(5)]

CA DOJ only cares about compliance with CA laws.
Anything they advise will only be in compliance with CA laws.

Since, parties from different State are involved, any transfer must comply with Federal laws and CA laws.
So, no CA FFL dealer involvement + form mailed to CA DOJ equates to documenting violations of Federal laws, which makes prosecution easier for BATFE.

[Creampuff]

Wow a trip through memory lane. I remember when the SP101 was considered small. It looks like a giant compared to the rest now.

[SloChicken]

As long as the the gifts were done through a CA FFL dealer, then it is legal.

If the gifts were not done through a CA FFL dealer, then both his mom and him have committed multiple Federal felonies. [18 USC 922 (a)(3)&(5)]

CA DOJ only cares about compliance with CA laws.
Anything they advise will only be in compliance with CA laws.

Since, parties from different State are involved, any transfer must comply with Federal laws and CA laws.
So, no CA FFL dealer involvement + form mailed to CA DOJ equates to documenting violations of Federal laws, which makes prosecution easier for BATFE.

This,
If she were a CA resident, I would only need to fill out the form, but transfer from non-CA resident immediate family members need to go through a FFL and DROS per federal guidelines.
It was a little complicated and a FFL we first went to sent us away with the form only - but that is wrong. It needs to go to a FFL and sit ...
Stupid, but law.

Back to the happy place, it is a great little pistol!

[deadcoyote]

In defense of the sp101, I know a lot of folks think its massive but 27 oz for an all stainless .357 is pretty amazing.

[liberty47]

The Sig is the best! Only my opinion, but it's comfortable to shoot, built solid, it's accurate and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Genitron.Com is a great place for handgun comparisons too.