Buy Compact not for carrying?

[Sutcliffe]

Why not?

Many compact guns shoot as well as service length weapons.

If you are into competition then a full sized weapon makes some sense.

[ARDude]

My HD/range Glock, is a G26. Sold the 17, 23 and 19.

[timbo399]

I own many compact 9mm's and .45 even though live in LA County where know I will not be able to CCW-- I love my HK USP9c's especially -- shoot them as well as larger handguns I own.

I also own some sub compact type guns-- Ruger LCR, Kimber K6s, S&W Shield, Sig P239-- and I have IWB holsters to go with all of them-- Guess it's dreaming on my end thinking I may someday get a CCW.

But also I enjoy just being able to slip, say my Ruger LCR, in my pocket when I go out at night to walk around our property.

Variety is always fun.

[Garv]

I like my G19, but rented a G43 twice and did not like it as a range toy.

I could control it well enough, but not "fun" to shoot.

[XDJYo]

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

I am giving serious consideration to CZ.

Your 'firearm journey' will take a long time. Enjoy it. Rent different guns from time to time. Shoot with buddies and get their input/experience with each. Search YT (Hickok45 is a fantastic resource!), take your time shopping.

Your Beretta is a great gun. Yes, its large. Too large for me, so it was never a consideration. Some smaller guns do shoot very well. The Shield is one example. However, it was so small, that the grip had a tendency to shift in my hand causing me to shoot left. It was a GREAT CCW gun. Small, light and reliable. The XD line of guns is also great. It points much nicer than other pistols, is fantastically reliable and in my hands, accurate. My favorite however, is the 1911. If you're searching for strictly a range gun, a 1911 is one of the kings.

Regarding CCW, don't discount carrying. You may move one day. Also, if you're not carrying while at home, you're leaving yourself open. I carry at home all the time.

Happy hunting and be safe!

[Sure Shot 45]

I would recommend that you buy them all while you still can. Full size, compact, and sub-compact. Shoot them all at the range and get proficient with each weapon. You never know you may end up being in situation in a different place where you can and will opt to legally carry.

[GlockN'Roll]

Many compact guns shoot as well as service length weapons.

If you are into competition then a full sized weapon makes some sense.

I actually shoot my Glock G26 and G30 better than their big brothers (G21 and G17).


With smaller and smaller options being offered, the definition of compact seems to be a moving target.


When you get to the G43 or a Shield hand size and strength can relegate these pistols to a carry role for many. I find magazine finger extensions can often address these issues.


While I carry both of these and shoot them regularly, as you should with your CCW weapons, I don't find them as accurate or easy to shoot as their slightly large siblings.


Try any and all pistols you can to determine what you next acquisition should be...


It is the fun kind of research.

[CoopsDad]

I got an AMT Backup .45 because it's a compact in .45, DA only, and simple. It's an ugly gun to shoot, though. I much prefer my Glock 26 to any other of my compact/subcompact handguns.

[Barang]

Sig P239 is the smallest we have and probably won't buy anything smaller than that.

[Barbarosa]

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

I am giving serious consideration to CZ.

P-01 or PCR would be good choices. They are considered compacts but are very shootable guns.

[elSquid]

CCW is a no go in my county, but I bought a S&W Shield anyways.

It's fun to take it to the range and blast away; it's a good little gun.

Small guns are fun and challenging to shoot.

-- Michael

[Creampuff]

CCW is a no go in my county, but I bought a S&W Shield anyways.

It's fun to take it to the range and blast away; it's a good little gun.

Small guns are fun and challenging to shoot.

-- Michael

Ditto. Alameda county resident here. I have as much chance of getting a CCW as there is a chance Kamala will vote for Trump. I have subcompacts for the challenge at the range. Also I like to start the range session with subcompacts, because everything after that feels like I am shooting a 22.

[omega]

sub compacts are a lot of fun even as range toys , I enjoy shooting compacts

they also stow easily in hidden compartments, like those boxes that look like old books, you could keep one inside with a spare magazine for quick, easy access around the house or in the book shelf.

[BigPimping]

If I can get a carry permit, the first thing I would do is seek out a Beretta Nano.

Besides that I have no use for a subcompact firearm.

[200Apples]

Don't overlook, OP, the Smith & Wesson J-frames. There are light weight .38s and even a 10.8 oz (unloaded) S&W Model 351PD, an alloy 7-shot .22 Magnum which is a wicked little backup gun.

But for range use look at the J-Magnum-framed, 3" barrel Model 60. Adjustable rear sight, five round cylinder, capable of .357 Magnum. .38 Special +P is a near-perfect cartridge for it and you can shoot .38 Specials from it all day long.