Looking for a 9mm range/CCW

[Zen Ape]

Hello all. I got a nice tax return this year and was thinking about getting my first 9mm. I'm looking for a compact model, around a 3.5" barrel area, feels solid and can be a go to gun at the range for me (large guy), and the girlfriend (tiny). And while I don't have the ability to conceal just yet, it's something I'm seriously considering and would love to get the gun now. I'd prefer something that was DA/SA, that had a decocker.

The guns that have grabbed my eye thus far are:
H&K P2000
CZ 75 Compact
Sig P239

I haven't actually held any of them, so all I can go on right now are reviews on the internet, and hopefully some insightful direction here. Also, I'm in the West LA area and would like to know where I could go locally that has a large selection where I might be able to check out these and other models. The only place I'm familiar with is the Target Range up in Van Nuys, but just in case they don't have what I'm looking for, I'd love other options if I could be pointed in the right direction. The more shopping around I can do the better. Thanks in advance!

[ElDub1950]

As others will say, search for rental ranges and try out as many as you can. Not always easy to rent compact versions suitable for ccw BUT you can often find a larger model in the same family / same manual of arms and get a decent idea.

Large guy / tiny girlfriend and always going to be very very difficult to find a sub-compact gun that fits both and is fun to spend a range day or training day with. However, finding a mid-sized gun that both enjoy might be pretty easy.

You don't mention what your experience level is, but my concern with people starting with a good ccw sized gun is they get frustrated with their ability to handle/shoot it well .. especially smaller ladies.

You can usually google 'shooting range' rental near (zip code). Then check their web sites, they usually list what rentals they have.

[NickZag]

Glock 19 or Springfield EMP 9mm. That's what's my wife uses a 239 is great also but a little on the heavy side.

[Sharp Shooter]

+1 on renting and trying them out. I would recommend a Glock 26, M&P Shield or a Sig P 938.

[echo6cavedog]

Compact: Glock 19 or 23
Sub-compact: Glock 26 or 27

/thread

[mag360]

Yuppp, glock 26 19 or an xds 9mm. No sense wasting money on rentals, honestly they all work the same at the glock, sig, hk level. Except glock and sig arent anti civilian douchebags like hk is.

[Rastoff]

I'm more of a .45ACP fan, but I have a couple 9mm guns. I just got an H&K USP Compact in 9mm. I have to say, it's one great gun. I like it much better than any Glock I've owned. Of course, it costs more too.

Still, my vote is for the H&K.

[DSB]

Insight Range in Artesia has a CZ 75B for rent. While it's not the compact you're looking for, it will give you an idea if you like the platform.

I have a CZ P-01, and love it. It's a little larger than I would like for concealed carry, though (but a lot of people use this gun for their CCW without any issue).

Insight will rent you all of their guns for a single $10 fee, so it's a great place to try all of their pistols.

[rob145]

Glock 26

[nitroxdiver]

The 239 has a slimmer grip and slimmer profile than the p2000 and will most likely carry iwb easier for you.
You'll also most likely have slide lock back failures on the last round, at least for a while as you get use to it, because of the slide release location. The p2000 is more of a mid duty sized pistol, fatter grip, thicker profile, better for me decocker, slide release, and mag release controls. Too big for me to carry regularly personally. 10+1 rds in p2000 Ca model, 8+1 rds in 239.

Both totally solid dependable well made guns. Rent and or fondle if possible. No experience here with the CZ.


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[pterrell]

I'm in the same exact boat. I'm leaning towards the p226 myself

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[softmentor]

+1 for the H&K P2000. The best name for reliable and great feel. You want the v3 (variant 3) for the DA/SA setup. (v2 is DA only) They fall off the CADOJ roster on 5/10 so don't wait to long. You would need to start your DROS paperwork before they expire and it will take time or order and get one in the shop you choose to handle the sale.
Don't be to quick to go small for the GF just because she is small. Very small handguns are actually harder to handle in several ways. Be sure to let her shoot too and see what works for her.
and totally agree on rent and try or go out with friends and try. See what you shoot best, like the feel of. Try a small one (like the P2000sk, smaller than the P2000) or a small revolver and you will quickly see that small is harder to handle. The P2000 or the USP compact are a good "mid size" smaller but not too small choice for a lot of people. H&K is always a good choice.

[MrElectric03]

I'd suggest the p239. I just jailed mine today

[Arkangel]

Why not a P30?

Better ergos and trigger (IMO) than a P2000 (I have both).

I should be in the LA area towards the end of the month, if you want to try both out, let me know.

[Zen Ape]

Why not a P30?

Better ergos and trigger (IMO) than a P2000 (I have both).

I should be in the LA area towards the end of the month, if you want to try both out, let me know.

I thought the P30 was on the much longer no no list for this state?