Sub-Compact Pistol Decisions

[bld0121]

I am currently considering purchasing a sub-compact pistol for IWB carry, primarily, but would consider something smaller for pocket/ankle carry. Without going into details, I have a way of getting a hold of non-roster handguns.

My background:
My only pistol is an XD-40 tactical, and I shoot it quite well despite shooting pistols primarily left handed while being right eye dominant. I am VERY comfortable with this pistol. I've fired the XD-40sc, and shot it nearly as well as my 5 incher.

My current top contenders:
SX-40sc (for continuity of platform and caliber),

Bersa Thunder UC Pro in 40s&w (3.5 inch barrel and weighs 3oz. lighter than the XDsc and has 100% ambidextrous controls, including the slide release and manual safety), and

Kel-tec PF9 (for carry in hot weather clothing IWB/pocket carry/ankle carry and for the wife to have in SHTF situations)

My Requirements:
I am looking to keep the out-the-door total price to be at or below $500. If it has a safety it must work for a lefty. I don't want a Glock (grip angle does not work for me and the SC grip shape did not feel good either). Preferably, caliber needs to be 40s&w with 9mm only for the "pocket sized" guns like the PF-9.

My questions are:
Does anyone here have practical experience with the Bersa or Kel-tec listed above both good and bad?
Are there any other options for something the size of the XDsc or smaller/lighter in the given price range in 40s&w or 9mm that I should also consider?

Thanks in advance for the input!

[mugiwara]

pocket pistol and ambi safety kinda dont mix,the whole point of those guns is to be as small as possible

[IrishPirate]

bersa rocks, but if you want really small and light then look at kel-tec and kahr. also, if you can do off roster, then look at the walther pk380.....very nice gun!!!

edit: just found this too. Diamondback DB9. looks like it goes for under $400.

[wellfedirishman]

Consider a surplus CZ-82 or a CZ-83. Small compact pistol in 9x18 Makarov or 380 respectively, can take hi-cap mags if you own them, great trigger in SA/DA, and is fully ambidexterous.

The CZ-82 is C&R so can be shipped to your FFL, and is cheap. JG has them for about $250. For folks who are stuck with the roster, this is a decent option.

[carnelianbay]

[bld0121]

Thanks for the responses, the DB9 sounds interesting, as does the CZ-82.

pocket pistol and ambi safety kinda dont mix,the whole point of those guns is to be as small as possible

I'm kinda torn between a compact IWB like the XD40 or the Bersa or a pocket pistol like the PF9. I agree, any pocket carry would be w/ a DA pistol w/ no external-safety in a pocket holster.

[InGrAM]

Is a pf9 california legal?

Yes, but not on the DOJ list.

[vintagearms]

Maybe the Kahr CW9? Out the door is about $575 though.

[InGrAM]

The pf-9 is a good gun. My father's came with a trigger bar that was out of spec. It was a cheap fix. It will not shoot lawman and only likes the cheap 115g silverbear and tulammo for some reason. We are trying heavier bullets soon. It has been ammo sensitive, but it will shoot what it likes all day long.

Here is a good gun I will check out soon. Like you I am roster exempt. It is above $700, though

http://www.kimberamerica.com/solo

Kimber solo two tone:

[Spirit 1]

Please forgive my lack of full knowledge on the subject here. That said, I wanted much the same type gun & couldn't seem to find it. Really don't understand why manufacturer's don't put an ear to the ground on this, because so many want just that: a sub-compact that has some real firepower!

I finally got as close as I could via CZ arms, direct from CZ USA. You may find just what you want, plus they're very good quality at some of the lowest prices going. I see the P06 & P07 as possible maybes for you, plus others like the CZ RAMI 2075 in .40 ...

http://czcustom.com/CZ-UB-USA-Factory-Pistols.aspx

[ojisan]

Dare I say "Taurus"?
Their "Slim" and "Millenium" line of pistols may be what you are looking for.

http://www.taurususa.com/pistols.cfm

Walther and a couple other companies have thin models now.

[mrkam]

Check out the Ruger SR9c or SR40c, your choice in caliber and slide color. Very slim and they have an ambi mag release and an ambi 1911-style (down to fire) safety. I got my SR9c for around $500 out the door, but you could get it for a bit less if a like new one pops up on the marketplace. I love mine.

[dougtoni]

Stay away from the kel tec pf9. Its a POS!!! Very ammo picky. Grip way to small to hold onto shoot properly. If you carry in the iwb, the gun rusts alot. One day of summer carry and it will start to pit with rust. Stay with a s&w 3913 in 9mm or a j frame stainless or airweight in 38spl. Best bet for the money.

[Briancnelson]

I like the XD40SC.

Of all the subcompact guns I've shot, that and the XD9SC shot best for me, and I mostly shoot .40 these days so I'd want to just use the same ammo I have in stock and reload for.

[wash]

If I had to do it over again, I would get a Glock 19 with the grip cut down to 26 size.

Not exactly a sub compact but more sight radius and velocity with a less stressed recoil system than a 26 sounds like a good idea to me.

I know you don't want a Glock but they do have their advantages.