Subcompact 9mm/.380 Semi-auto

[thomascrowe]

Hi All,

I'm planning to go to TMW and shoot as many subcompacts as I can get my hands on. Here's my criteria and list, what am I missing that I should try?

What I want:
$600 or less
9mm or .380
Smaller then a SR9c, I love my SR9c but I want to "test out" something even smaller for better carry.
Semi-auto ( recommend a small revolver if you want though)
I actually don't mind dealing with SA, DA, or Striker fire. I seem to shoot comfortably with my SR9c and my P345.
Honestly, its the trigger for me. I haven't really felt a grip I didn't become comfortable with.

What I'm going to try/tried:
Ruger LC9
Glock 26
Kahr in .380(I was at the range and a fellow shooter let me shoot his, it wasn't bad at all, only held 4 or 5 rounds and I got some bad bite on my web because there was no protection, which gun is this???)

What I think I should try but I'm not sfamiliar with:
Walther (which ones are subcompact?)
Beretta (Which ones?!)

[kf6tac]

I'm guessing the Kahr was a Kahr P380, but that's just a guess - don't know a whole lot about Kahr's offerings.

[Legasat]

For me, it's the M&P 9 Shield. For a little more money than you asked for, maybe a Sig P938.

[evidens83]

I've been eyeing the Sig 238. Reviews have been positive.

[thomascrowe]

Thanks guys.

[Fixmy59bug]

Try out the Springfield XD9 subcompact.

[RedFord150]

If you like the Walther PPK/s .380acp, take a look at a Bersa Thunder. They feel similar, the Bersa has a better trigger and less problems for half the cost.
Most people on CG will tell you to pick the 9mm over .380 if at all possible, based on superior ballistics.
I picked the Bersa because I like the feel of it and the way it shoots and it is very reliable and feeds almost any cartridge you load in it. All this for under $300. After several years of ownership and several hundred rounds, I am still impressed.

[AaronT]

Walther P99 or PPS. Both around the same size as a G26

[Fherot]

Bersa Thunder is a great pistol. Never had a hiccup with mine maybe some cheap ammo at first but accurate and solid.

Sold it to thin out the variety of calibers I own only...

[dpop24]

I love my P238. They are hard to find, but if you can get one you will be impressed by the quality and feel over the other pocket guns. I do want to try and find a 9mm of similar size, but desire DA/SA and all that's out there are DAO and the Sig SAO.

[m98]

Avoid the 380 if all possible mainly bcuz ammo price is horrendous. my vote goes to a subcomp 9mm in the flavor of xd/mp/glock. or spend a few bucks more for mp shield/sa xds

[brianm767]

My choices, guns I own or have owned

PM9 great gun but pricy, great deal on a two tone night site version in the classifieds right now.

PF9 extremely light and thin, I love it and inexpensive to buy.


Ruger LCP, love it!!!!!! I carry it more than anything else.

Kahr P380, loved it too, but preferred the LCP, IMOP the P380 is not worth the extra cost over the LCP. I traded off the Kahr and kept the LCP.

Guns I've tried
I highly recommend, Kahr CW9 just slightly bigger than pm model.
Ruger LC9 not bad but I much prefer the Kahrs or Keltec

Yes. 380 ammo is a bit more than 9mm but big deal, a .380 is not a range gun,you'll need to get proficient with it but you won't be shooting it like a 9mm range gun.

[pch1911]

Avoid the 380 if all possible mainly bcuz ammo price is horrendous.

+1 on the .380 ammo. I've got a Beretta 85BB .380 that is a lot of fun to shoot, but the ammo is harder to find and expensive for a small caliber, so I end up shooting the Beretta 92fs 9mm a lot more.

I've only been able to find Factory .380 for about $37 - $48 for 100 rounds vs 9mm at $24 - $28 for 100 rounds.

I've tried a full size Beretta PX4 and really like it - don't know how the compact version is, but if you can find one that might be worth checking out.

[TacticalSenior]

You might want to try the XD 3" subcompact. I shot 50 rounds 9mm through one today at Reed's. Easy to put and hold on target. Felt good in my medium size hand. I like the trigger and the grip safety. I beat back the urge to buy it on the spot. I will try some other subcompacts before I make the purchase in January 2013 but I have a feeling it will be the XD 9mm subcompact.

[MossbergMan]

I'll jump on the 9mm sub-compact bandwagon. For the difference in ammunition performance, overall price point and ammuniton availablity why mess with a .380?
If ultra-concealment is required and you just haveta have a .380....the Diamond Back is a great DAO 6 +1 pistol. But really, a 9mm makes so much more sense for very little compromise in size and you get more capacity.
I own/carry/compete with an XD sub-compact 9mm it's is about the same size as a Glock 26/27 ( the 27 is also a daily carry gun for me). I no longer carry a .380 it's just not an advantage anymore now that service caliber guns are getting so small.
On the high side....over the stated budget restraints is the Springfield Armory EMP 9mm.
When I need a slim 10 shot 9mm....it's the EMP