Single stack 9mm?

[mk2dave]

I got a buddy who is looking to get his first pistol. He's shot a variety of my firearms in an effort to find out what works for him and what doesn't. It looks like we are looking for a single stack 9mm in a full size or compact frame. Could be metal or poly frame. This would be for range and home defense, and carry is not a concern at the moment. I searched, and found the following list as a start:

Full size guns:
- 1911 9mm with slim grips
- Sig 239 (not quite full size, but metal frame)
- CZ 75 or P-01 with thin grips
- Beretta 92fs with slim grips and short reach trigger

The Beretta in stock form was too thick for him.

What other on roster options are there? Off roster may work, but for his first piece, we need to keep costs reasonable and off roster premiums may be a tough putt.

Is the Shield offered in a non-subcompact? Trigger leaves a bit to be desired, but otherwise that could fit. How about the Springfield XD?

Are there other options I'm not thinking of?

[saber]

I have smallish size hands and have found the following about grip size for me:

1. The 1911 9mm feels the best. The issue will that is there are only 2 on-roster (Springfield Armory and Kimber) and both are at the mid-level of the price scale. Expect to spend at least $1K to $1.2K for one of these if you can find them.

2. The Beretta 92 and the CZ75 feel really bulky to me and aren't that comfortable to shoot. I know some people swap out the grips with the thin ons but that really didn't make much of a difference to me.

3. I handled a Sig P239 and found it really comfortable in my hand.

4. Glocks feel a little blocky to me but I can make it work

5. Springfield XD's actually feel more comfortable to me but not as nice as the 1911.

6. Have you also tried the Beretta PX4? I've found that not as bulky as the Beretta 92.

[SkyHawk]

It looks like we are looking for a single stack 9mm in a full size or compact frame. ...
I searched, and found the following list as a start:

Full size guns:
- 1911 9mm with slim grips
- Sig 239 (not quite full size, but metal frame)
- CZ 75 or P-01 with thin grips
- Beretta 92fs with slim grips and short reach trigger

The Beretta in stock form was too thick for him.

What other on roster options are there? Off roster may work, but for his first piece, we need to keep costs reasonable and off roster premiums may be a tough putt.

Is the Shield offered in a non-subcompact? Trigger leaves a bit to be desired, but otherwise that could fit. How about the Springfield XD?

Are there other options I'm not thinking of?

Cz 75 and Beretta 92 are double stack

XD is double stack.

Shield is not sub compact no matter what they call it, it is just compact.

Ruger LC380 is on roster and they sell a 9mm upper kit for it.

Also look at Kahr, plenty of single stack 9mm on roster from them

If price is an issue just look at the Shield or the lower priced Kahrs. By the time you have money to look at a P239 you may as well be looking at a G43X or G48

If he likes the P239 but wants a larger format, look at a Sig P6 - it is single stack and the size of a P229 and on roster, and can be found around $650

[Barang]

sig p225.

[SkyHawk]

sig p225.

But it is off roster.

So P6 which is the LE/Mil version of P225 and is on roster

[Ora Serrata]

You can sometimes find a Sig P6 police trade in for a reasonable price.

I have a P239 and really like the feel. It’s in .40 so I’m sure the 9mm is even smoother.

It wouldn’t be my first choice for self Defense but a Walther P1 (P38) is also a single stack 9. It’s C&R so roster doesn’t matter.

[naz]

Sound like OP is not looking for “single stack” but is actually looking for “thin grips”

Cz75 could be a solid choice, since there are so many grip profiles and thickness available from places like lok grips.

My vote would be sp-01 for the rail to give an option for mounting a light since the use case is HD. I think the added weight is nice vs the p01 if it’s not being carried

[static2126]

Sig p365xl.

The new sig p365x macro is coming out and it looks incredible (saying this as a glock guy)

[angry]

sp-01

[stormvet]

sp-01

[jimmykan]

Browning Hi-Power

[plumbum]

You know there was an aftermarket 4” upper for the Shield for a bit - not sure if that helps any.

[Barang]

But it is off roster.

So P6 which is the LE/Mil version of P225 and is on roster

ooopsie! overlooked the on roster part but it's still doable and will not break the bank if found in marketplace ... i hope.

[RandyD]

I bought two P239 Sigs for my wife and daughter. They like them and so do I. I am dyed in the wool .45 fan but I really like the P239.

[mk2dave]

Are larger Kahrs good? I have a PM40 for carry, but have yet to manage 2 magazines worth of reliable fire. It is currently at the factory. Again. While this isn't a huge deal for me, I could see this as incredibly frustrating for a new owner. My PM40 has yet to prove itself reliable for more than a paperweight.

I was looking at the SA 1911, but the cost and single action for a newer shooter are concerns. Although this would be high on my list of options.

I've heard good things about the CZ and I know they have different grips, and at least want him to put hands on one. Sounds like XD and PX4 may be in the same situation. Double stack, but may work. He liked the way the Beretta 92 and Ruger P95 (for sale) shot, just too thick to manipulate.

The Shield I've seen is significantly smaller than my USP C, although the latter isn't a small compact. A larger frame would be better, but it's hard to discount the pro's.

The P6 could be a winner, and the cost is appropriate. P239 also worth a look.

LC380 is a bit small, but a contender. He shot larger frames better.

Isn't the P365XL a double stack? Hopefully a thin one?

A BHP is on MY "to buy" list. Again, the cost and SAO for a new shooter are concerns, but it does check all the other boxes.

I am not a Glock guy, but thats personal preference. What are their options? G43x, G 48, anything else?