subcompact pistol performance?

[Hornet_RN]

all the handguns that i own are all full-size models, and are quite accurate, but one day i'd like to own something that is capable of being more concealed.

i was looking into one day purchasing a subcompact pistol, perhaps a 9mm with a 3 inch barrel. I was looking into Springfield Subcompact XD-9 or the Glock 26.

however, in general how do subcompact pistols perform?
how accurate can they be at 7, 15, 25 yds?
are they just as stable firing compared to their full size models?
what are the BEST subcompact pistols out in the market right now?

thanks for answering this noob question!

-hornet_rn

[Greg-Dawg]

My Glock 27 is super accurate and easy recoil with the help of the double recoil spring set up. I only use the standard magazine, non-extended magazine baseplate; pinky rests right under it. I've shot at a steel plate at a 100 yards with it. It's all about the shooter.

[Bill92869]

Shorter sighting plane of a sub-compact will make it harder to maintain accuracy at longer ranges. But realistically a handgun is a defense weapon and statistics show that most encounters happen within 9 feet.

I just acquired an XD9sc and it is extremely accurate, reliable and just plain fun to shoot. You'll find more info on it at xdtalk.com

[Dangerous1]

You're gonna get a wide array of opinions as to which is the "BEST".

I too own an HK USP 9 Fullsize and I thought that the Kahr PM9 would be too small but I found it very comfortable, slim, and light for concealed carry. This gun makes a compact Glock feel large. Yet it's not so small that it's awkward to hold, like a Ruger LCP, which I was fortunate enough to try.

Accuracy wise, with it's buttery smooth trigger, is spectacular. I can pretty much shoot through the same hole at 11 yards with that tiny gun.

[Hornet_RN]

My Glock 27 is super accurate and easy recoil with the help of the double recoil spring set up. I only use the standard magazine, non-extended magazine baseplate; pinky rests right under it. I've shot at a steel plate at a 100 yards with it. It's all about the shooter.

hey greg-dawg, i know this is totally off topic, but your avatar is hilarious...

thanks for everyone's responses. i always learn a lot here.

[Miltiades]

Subcompacts are more difficult to shoot well.

However, in general how do subcompact pistols perform?
How accurate can they be at 7, 15, 25 yds?
Are they just as stable firing compared to their full size models?
What are the BEST subcompact pistols out in the market right now?

I also have full size pistols and a couple of subcompacts. I've always found the full size to be easier to shoot accurately, probably because of longer sight radius, heavier weight and a grip that fills your hand. But you can certainly fire a subcompact accurately enough to defend yourself at close range.

One subcompact that seems especially accurate is the Kahr MK9, the all steel 9mm with 3 inch barrel that weighs about 24 ounces. I think the combination of a very smooth DAO trigger with the extra weight of the steel gun makes this one easier to shoot well. Very lightweight guns are hard to hold steady, in my opinion.

I have a S&W 642, a 15 ounce revolver with 2 inch barrel, and it is very demanding to shoot well at any distance.

[den888]

I have a Colt Officer's ACP (3.5 inch .45 ACP) and it shoots poorly (accuracy wise) compared to my Gold Cup or even my Combat Commander. It handles pretty well though, because of it's weight (steel frame).

[GoodEyeSniper]

all the handguns that i own are all full-size models, and are quite accurate, but one day i'd like to own something that is capable of being more concealed.

i was looking into one day purchasing a subcompact pistol, perhaps a 9mm with a 3 inch barrel. I was looking into Springfield Subcompact XD-9 or the Glock 26.

however, in general how do subcompact pistols perform?
how accurate can they be at 7, 15, 25 yds?
are they just as stable firing compared to their full size models?
what are the BEST subcompact pistols out in the market right now?

thanks for answering this noob question!

-hornet_rn

well, here's a guy shooting his factory stock glock 27... at 230 yards. I love this guy.

[unusedusername]

Looks like the link is missing... I went and found it:

[sholling]

I own compacts and subcompacts and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the two big disadvantages.

1. Reliability: A shorter barreled pistol is going to be inherently more finicky than a full sized pistol. That doesn't necessarily mean unreliable - just a bit higher odds that you'll have issues. This is where 12 people jump in and say their Snizzlefritz 9000 has never had a malfunction - I'm happy for you but I never said every 3" semiauto will have issues, just that the odds were higher that they may have a issue.
2. Ballistics: 45ACP was designed to give optimum performance from a 5" barrel, and both the 9mm and 40S&W were optimized for a 4" barrel. To achieve anything like full performance you need 3.5 inches of barrel with 9mm or 40S&W and 4" with a 45acp.

Of course the single advantage is size. But there are good compromises. I have a Kahr PM40 but would much rather have a discontinued Kahr K40 Covert with a 3.5" barrel. I bought S&W M&P9c and 40c compacts with 3.5" barrels, my latest 45acp is a Compact with a 4" barrel instead of a micro with a 3" barrel. Unless you really need a dinky pistol and can live with compromised ballistics then a Compact is the way to go.

[GoodEyeSniper]

Looks like the link is missing... I went and found it:

ROFL thanks, I copied the link but neglected to past it...

[PutTogether]

A smaller gun isn't inherently any less accurate than a longer one, it is just harder to shoot as well, that's all.

[martialcomp]

I love short barreled firearms.

I have 2 Smith and Wesson Performance Center Shorty 40's that are very accurate.

I have never understood why people think they need 5" inches or longer for self defense.

[Hawkstp]

I love the Kahr's, they are so slim and have a smooth trigger. I have 2 of them, and decided I only need one. I have some other things I would like to buy. I am going to keep the PM9 and am going to sell the P40. Although I am starting to have second thoughts on selling it.

Anyway, if you are in No. Cal and interested in a Kahr.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=214956

[ChrisDM]

First off, accuracy in a subcompact/backup style gun is overrated, when you think of the scenarios in which this weapon will typically be deployed: In VERY short range distances on human targets. Literally every subcompact on the market is "accurate enough", unless of course you're getting into some IDPA backup gun competitions, which do exist.

But what is crucial for practical purposes is reliability. For my two subcompacts I chose a CZ RAMI 40 cal and a Colt Pocketlite 380... The RAMI had to be sent back to CZ but was replaced with a new one and is simply awesome. But it is a little fat for light carry, so for those days I chose a slick Pocketlite. It is 100% reliable but shooting it lefty I sometimes unintentionally would engage the safety which obviously interfered with followup shots. I had a gunsmith work some magic on the safety lever, trimming and firming it, now my pocket gun is simply the best there is. A 1911 for my pocket! The new Sig 238 is based on this gun, if you can find one. Both are hard to come by.

Chris