Good small HD weapon recommends

[Capybara]

I have decided that having all of my guns in a safe and the ammo locked up elsewhere does me no good in the event of a robbery or home invasion. They are still rare in my area but they do happen and I have no doubt with the continued slow recovery of the economy, more people are going to turn to desperate measures.

I have found a pretty hidden and obscure, yet quick access spot to stash a handgun (in a slimline handgun safe) but I don't know what a good HD small pistol is, I looked at the Glock 26 a week ago and it seems nice, I like Glocks, but is there a better recommendation for something small, especially something railed that I could attach a small light to? I am pretty settled on 9mm, want 10 shot capacity so that rules out a revolver, will have a couple of spare mags available. I don't care as much about a laser as a flashlight and if it is small gun, obviously the light and or laser needs to be small.

I own five other handguns, have taken just basic handgun training, no defensive courses yet, I will also be going for my CCW soon but the primary reason for this gun is a stashed HD gun at home. All of my handguns are full sized (Ruger P95, CZ75 SP01, Springfield 1911-A1) and heavy, I don't know much about CCW-type small guns.

On the off chance that I can actually obtain a CCW (I live in Ventura County, they are pretty tough to get here, but people have told me that my GC sounds good), I would also carry this gun but assuming I won't get the CCW, want something for at home at least.

Thanks for any recommendations.

[ThatTallGuy]

You can't go wrong with a glock. It hits all the criteria that you're asking for. That being said look at the sub compact Springfield XD series or the Smith & Wesson M&P shield. Try them all out and see what fits you the best. Good luck on the hunt.

[JeremyS]

None of your existing guns fit in the "safe?" Do you have a link or dimensions for the safe?

I'd say:

• Shotgun
• Any reliable handgun

Maybe an M&P Compact. Or a Glock. Or anything reliable that fits in there haha. Or an H&K P7. or, or, or... way too many choices. Browse the used classifieds.

[Travis590A1]

Id rather have a full size, I'm in ventura county too

[XDJYo]

More important over size in a HD situation is the ability to shoot accurately. That is something only you can discover after time at the range. If it fits the size criteria, then great, but I wouldn't put that above the ability to shoot well and take multiple shots accurately.

The HD scenario is a huge responsibility.

[SA227driver]

You can't go wrong with a Glock. I swap between a G19, 26 for carry and home defense and a G30SF and G21SF for outdoors and home defense. The G30SF in .45 even has a small accessory rail, but I just leave a bright LED rear push button flashlight next to my HD handgun.

[den888]

A Glock is a great choice. I have a S&W 442 snubbie for HD and a Glock.

[Capybara]

I would like to just use my CZ75 SP-01 for this purpose but the area I am installing the safe is tight on room, I don't think a full size handgun safe will fit. I spent a couple of hours going over spots in the bedroom and there are very few places where a burglar wouldn't obviously see any kind of small safe.

I found one of those rare places where no normal person would ever look or think of stashing anything, it's almost in plain site but just a weird place to stash anything valuable.

My only experience with small guns is my Ruger SR22, which I know is no good for HD, but I like that size for HD and or CC.

[Capybara]

You can't go wrong with a glock. It hits all the criteria that you're asking for. That being said look at the sub compact Springfield XD series or the Smith & Wesson M&P shield. Try them all out and see what fits you the best. Good luck on the hunt.

My father in law has the small sized Springfield XD so I will be able to shoot that and compare it, but I am leaning toward the original Tupperware gun, the Glock. Have to see if a 19 would fit. 19 or 26, any opinions guys?

[drunktank]

Have you shot a 26? I can't reliably trust my life with one so went with a 19. Some people (me) can't do well at all with the short grip of a GLOCK 26.

[Oceanbob]

Get a dog, some outside lights, good locks, alarm system and a GLOCK 26.

[XDJYo]

If you have difficulty with the Glock, then the suggestions for an XD are spot on. No manual safety to speak of, very reliable, available in different configurations and calibers and they're an easy pistol to shoot and maintain. Plenty of aftermarket stuff available too. Plus it's a Springfield and their warranty and customer service are beyond reproach.

[ClarenceBoddicker]

Both the Glock G-19 & G-26 are awesome. Which ever one works best for you & fits should be fine. I've got both & couldn't imagine not having either.

[bsg]

G26 is gtg.

[Excommunicado]

Have you considered a Glock 27 ? Add a Pierce grip extension (+1) & you'll have a 10 rounder in 40.