Newbie sub compact advice needed

[Anthony S]

Hi guys, Looking to be buying a new firearm in the next month or so. I`ve only had 1 other gun, Sig S2022 9mm, and it was a great gun but had to sell it. Been a couple years since and I`m wanting to get another gun. Looking for a sub compact in the 3-3.5" range for future CCW. I`ve looked at the usual MP Shield and XD9 but not very familiar with guns and not sure what else is out there. Would like it keep it at $600 max. I do plan to go to a range that rents guns to help me choose which is best for me but also just looking for input. Im not married to any brand or if its DA or DA/SA.

[E Michael]

[9Cal_OC]

Hi guys, Looking to be buying a new firearm in the next month or so. I`ve only had 1 other gun, Sig S2022 9mm, and it was a great gun but had to sell it. Been a couple years since and I`m wanting to get another gun. Looking for a sub compact in the 3-3.5" range for future CCW. I`ve looked at the usual MP Shield and XD9 but not very familiar with guns and not sure what else is out there. Would like it keep it at $600 max. I do plan to go to a range that rents guns to help me choose which is best for me but also just looking for input. Im not married to any brand or if its DA or DA/SA.

Try Glock 26, M&P Shield, Ruger LC models at the range.

[Title1guy]

9mm......Gen 3 Glock 26, Ruger LC9s (off roster), Kahr PM9 (used), XD9sc.
.380......Ruger LCP (off roster), Sig P238 (single action), Kahr P380.
Revolver....Ruger LCR, S&W 442 and 642.

Make sure your future Issuing Agency is ok with off roster models, which you can buy from a private party; but usually at a premium. Good luck!

[JonChimpo]

Shields are great, especially with an apex trigger.

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[jstert]

[G_FNH57]

Cz pcr

[omega]

the G26 is the best sub compact on the CA Roster

the SA XD9 sub compact is heavier but also a good choice

the Glock makes a better carry gun if thats what your going to mostly use it for

[rodralig]

Glock 26 - GTG out of the box... (well, except for the sights, that is)
Simple - no magazine disconnect problem.
Clean - the "Loaded Chamber Indicator" doesn't get in the way
Reliable - it's a Glock


_

[9Cal_OC]

Glock 26 - GTG out of the box... (well, except for the sights, that is)
Simple - no magazine disconnect problem.
Clean - the "Loaded Chamber Indicator" doesn't get in the way
Reliable - it's a Glock


_

And easy to maintain and upgrade/repair. Mags are interchangeable with other 9mm platforms.

[rodralig]

And easy to maintain and upgrade/repair. Mags are interchangeable with other 9mm platforms.

Especially if you have Freedom Mags with an X-Grip.



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[plumbum]

Love my G26 - baby Glock = best Glock!
Shield is great for carry, but less fun in extended range trips.
The XD subcompact is just too big in all the wrong directions - honestly how can a small gun be so big? (Great grip though)

Especially if you have Freedom Mags with an X-Grip.

Even without standard cap mags, having so many options is nice: flush fit, pinky extension, +2 extensions, G19/17 mags with sleeves, super happy 33 rd fun sticks!

[IVC]

I'll start a slight thread-drift...

If you haven't shot in a few years AND you are not familiar with guns AND you only had one full size pistol AND you are thinking "future CCW"...

...then another full size gun might be a good consideration as it would allow you to re-familiarize yourself with the guns, get some good trigger time at the range and get more comfortable shooting.

Most of the guns suggested above have a full size counterpart that can be a great option to learn the platform before getting into subcompacts, or you can get just one gun, a compact, that will work well as both a range gun and a CCW gun.

I have seen enough people get a subcompact and then not shoot it because it's not fun to shoot and it's hard(er) to shoot accurately at any decent distance. The lack of practice is particularly problematic (dangerous) if you are thinking about carrying a gun you're not proficient with.

Just my 2c...

[IVC]

To answer the question, as much as it pains me, I would agree with a Glock as the first/only gun of all the options on the CA roster (there are many better alternatives, but not on the roster).

G19 (compact) if you want a universal gun that you'll shoot at the range and is suitable for CCW, G26 (subcompact) if you really just want a subcompact.

[krb]

Hi. Obviously as you mentioned the first answer is go to the gun shop and rent a bunch or find friends and shoot theirs. Next question is what is the purpose of the gun. As I think IVC said if you are not immediately planning on carrying and it's been a while since you shot you might consider a full size to get back into things.

Finally assuming it is for carry - I JUST went through the same thing. I looked at a ton. Nearly everyone who has a G26 loves it. I found it uncomfortable, playing with it at the store. I just couldn't hold it well. I shot an M&P Shield and it felt good but I didn't really care for it. I held a CZ RAMI in my hands and it felt great. Well balanced. Fit my hand well. Heavy enough to absorb recoil. I was worried a subcompact would be so small that the recoil would be painful. I don't have that worry with the RAMI. I bought it and my ten day period expired yesterday. Hopefully picking it up today.

Finally - having read a ton online - everyone with a Sig P365 says it's the greatest carry gun. Don't want to start a flame war with an inflammatory term but people who have them love them. Looks like there were catastrophic problems with the first few months' productions - broken firing pin and broken trigger. I've heard no such reports since the issues appear to be fixed first half of 2018.

I don't know why anyone wouldn't like a Glock. They perform excellently, are completely reliable (as reliable as any gun can be), are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and there is a huge variety of aftermarket alterations available. The trigger stinks though. I have a G34 and it's great though I always enjoy a 1911 to the Glock.