Looking for a smaller handgun

[Fjold]

So I want another smaller handgun for concealed carry.

I carried a S&W M&P 40C for years but hated the trigger so much I stopped carrying it. I went back to my Steyr M40A1 which is a great shooting gun but bulkier than I like.

I'm not sure that I want to go all the way down in size to a S&W Shield but thought that the new Glock 43 would be a good compromise but I'm not sure that I want to switch to 9mm. If they made the 43 single stack in 40 S&W I would probably get one to try.

So I'm looking for a smaller sized carry gun that's left handed friendly, (the slide lock doesn't matter) any suggestions?

[71MUSTY]

So I want another smaller handgun for concealed carry.

I carried a S&W M&P 40C for years but hated the trigger so much I stopped carrying it. I went back to my Steyr M40A1 which is a great shooting gun but bulkier than I like.

I'm not sure that I want to go all the way down in size to a S&W Shield but thought that the new Glock 43 would be a good compromise but I'm not sure that I want to switch to 9mm. If they made the 43 single stack in 40 S&W I would probably get one to try.

So I'm looking for a smaller sized carry gun that's left handed friendly, (the slide lock doesn't matter) any suggestions?

First off the shield is basically the same size as your M&Pc except it's a little thinner. Why not have an Apex defense carry trigger kit put into your M&Pc?

Personally I like my M&Pc's with the all the components of the Apex dcarry trigger kit except I prefer to keep the original sear. Just my preference.

Keeps you in a 40 cal dbstack with 10 round mags. Keeps you from having to buy new holsters, mags etc.

[Darto]

One popular gun with at least acceptable power is probably too small for your stated preference, the LCP.

But I love the Ruger LC9 and LC380. Both of these are larger than the LCP. That little bit makes them very very easy to handle and control compared to the tiny LCP. Both are on the Calif. list (the LC380 was off list for a year but is back on now).

With the LC380 there is almost no recoil. There is more in the LC9, but still much easier to control than the LCP, and you have a real good defense caliber.

Lack of gun reviews on Amazon is unfortunate, but all of these Rugers seem to get very positive videos all over youtube.

None of these guns have the class and pride of more expensive guns which are works of art instead of being clever inexpensive to make mass market products of Ruger pistols.

All are easy to disassemble and clean but use different procedures than most pistols so you have to be familiar with the correct method to get the job done (easy when you know how and youtube of course shows all).

The LC380 is, I believe, the best gun for small or gun shy persons. Which is not you. But it is truly a piece of cake to shoot, handle, operate, and disassemble for people who are.

The LC9 is one you might like, but none of these Rugers have classic looks or vanity appeal.

[CSACANNONEER]

I like my Shield in 9mm for carry but, I would never get a Shield in .40. Shoot both and you'll see why. The 40 is just too snappy for me. If you really want to downsize, find a sig 238 or 938.

[golfrj]

Shield 9mm with an Apex Sear...

[Ripon83]

Rami

[Title1guy]

How about an older SW99 compact in .40?

[Colt]

Have you looked at Colt Commanders? Combat Commander is all steel, Commander is alloy frame. Alloy frame models are quite light.

[Cool Custard]

Kahr cw40 or cm40? Or pm40?

[FUBAR]

The smallest gun I would carry is a M&P9C. Any smaller would compromise control.

[BoJackUSMC]

Hummm single stack 9mm..
Xds
Glock 43
LC9s
Shield

My top pick will be G43

[Maht_g]

I've seen some clued-in people, like Larry Vickers and Aaron Cowan say the 43 is too small, and the Shield is just right.

Bill Wilson, of Wilson Combat recently wrote on Pistol-Forum that he queried a number of his friends and business associates about their preferred round for self defense and self defense training. A number of them have extensive LE/Mil/SOF experience.

BJ Norris 9mm
Bill Rogers 9mm
Bill Wilson 9mm
David Bahde 9mm
Ernest Langdon 9mm
Frank Proctor 9mm
Ken Hackathorn 9mm
Larry Vickers 9mm
Mike Seeklander 9mm
Paul Markel 9mm
Paul Howe 9mm
Paul Buffoni 9mm
Rob Haught .45
Rob Leatham .40
Super Dave Harrington 9mm

Some people, myself included, just like to shoot .40... No matter what the experts say.

OP, I like kahrs line of firearms in .40, have a pm40 and a k40, both great shooters! Long trigger like a revolver but super smooth. Highly recommend!

[Fjold]

Thanks guys, I see that I'll have to try some out to see what I like. Maybe I'll give the APEX trigger a shot in my 40C first.

As far as people preferring 9mms, those people probably also like the 15 round magazines in their guns.

[Khromo]

The SIG P239 is a terrific compromise for a metal carry gun chambered in .40 S&W.

The single stack mag saves just enough in the width department. Not a whole lot, but those who carry them understand the difference.

I carried one for many years, inside my waist band. I also carried those guns in a Renegade on my ankle, but that is not for everyone!

The gun shoots like a dream and it is easy for most folks to carry. It is proven to be reliable, accurate, and easy to operate and maintain.

If it fit in my pocket it would be perfect.

[Fjold]

The problem with the SIG guns is that they are not left hand friendly.