For ~$500, recommend to me your "best" compact/subcompact 9mm?

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Posted: 7/24/2014 7:38:38 AM EDT

Hey guys,

I've got around $500-600 budgeted in the next month and I'm considering 9mm handguns. I'm looking for something small enough for EDC, yet not so small that it discourages use for home defense and range fun. Something like the M&P9c or Glock 26 (I like the ergonomics of the M&P over the glock). I've really liked the FNX9, too. I don't think I'd want something larger than the glock 19 / FNX9 size.

What do you guys like/use in these roles?

Posted: 7/24/2014 7:50:09 AM EDT

[#1]

Everyone should own a Glock 19 at some point

Posted: 7/24/2014 7:51:26 AM EDT

[#2]

I am looking for the same type of weapon. I've decided to rule out the .380 (although I like the size) and stick with 9mm. Been looking, reading and holding variations at gun shops.
I keep coming back to the sig 290rs because of it's size. Not too impressed with the weight. AND this is the only weapon I have not been able to hold.

OP, how will you be carrying it? Hip, pocket or both? The more I think too much about this the extra .5-1 inch in length probably won't be noticeable on the hip. Have owned pistols for years but never carried.

Posted: 7/24/2014 7:56:35 AM EDT

[#3]

Probably IWB ~5 o'clock.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:03:57 AM EDT

[#4]

A good friend of ours passed away from cancer recently and he wanted me to have a few of his guns. One of them was a Bersa Thunder-9 Ultra Compact. It's still new in the box but the paperworks and the key are lost (ok since it's unlocked). Anyway, I haven't fired it yet, and not sure I want to spoil its newness, but I have to say from a build quality standpoint, I have to wonder why they aren't the talk of the town. This thing feels great in my hand and the initial DA pull is smooth and clean, the SA is crisp and light.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:20:26 AM EDT

[#5]

S&W Shield. I love mine. I did put an Apex trigger kit on it, because frankly the trigger sucked. Also put an XS sight system on mine. It shoots to the point of aim with 147 grain bullets, slightly low with 124s.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:26:04 AM EDT

[#6]

I really like my M&P 9c. Add a full size 17rd mag with an xgrip and it'll make a good HD & range gun.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:35:26 AM EDT

[#7]

CZ 75 P-01 by far the best compact I own. If you like a polymer frame to save some weight check out the P07.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:52:22 AM EDT

[#8]

If you don't mind the weight, there's the CZ75 Compact. If you want something a little lighter, try the CZ75 PCR or CZ P01. All three options are towards the upper end of your budget range.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:53:42 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
CZ 75 P-01 by far the best compact I own. If you like a polymer frame to save some weight check out the P07.

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Or the PCR. It's basically the P-01 without the rail and thus weighs a few ounces less.

Posted: 7/24/2014 9:18:34 AM EDT

[#10]

P-01

Posted: 7/24/2014 9:33:22 AM EDT

[#11]

For $500, I got a used Kahr P9 with night sights.
Good deal. Great carry gun.

Posted: 7/24/2014 10:30:19 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
P-0102

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FIFY.

Posted: 7/24/2014 10:42:46 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

FIFY.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
P-0102

FIFY.

I like the P-02s as well since it has the omega trigger in it but they seem really hard to find right now. I have been looking for one for a while to complement my P-01 and my 75 compact.

Posted: 7/24/2014 10:51:04 AM EDT

[#14]

Glock 19 is the perfect handgun.

Posted: 7/24/2014 10:54:05 AM EDT

[#15]

Go withe the Shield.

Posted: 7/24/2014 11:04:09 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
For $500 $300, I got a used Kahr P9 with night sights.
Good deal. Great carry gun.

View Quote

Posted: 7/24/2014 11:08:08 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
I really like my M&P 9c. Add a full size 17rd mag with an xgrip and it'll make a good HD & range gun.

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I carry an M&P40c in a Comp-Tac "Minotaur" holster almost every day. Worn at 3:30 it is comfortable even riding in a Jeep Wrangler. With the M&P9 you will gain 2 rounds I believe to (12rounds) over the (.40) with (10 rounds). Mine is just as accurate as my M&P40(mid-size), and almost as comfortable to shoot. These pistols made me hate my G27, so I sold it... If I ever go Glock again it will be the G20sf... I wish S&W would chamber a 10mm in the M&P.

Posted: 7/24/2014 3:12:30 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

For $500, I got a used Kahr P9 with night sights.

Good deal. Great carry gun.

View Quote

Posted: 7/24/2014 3:14:56 PM EDT

[#19]

You are looking for a Glock 19.

Posted: 7/24/2014 5:20:47 PM EDT

[#20]

G26 is a good un imho

Posted: 7/24/2014 5:49:15 PM EDT

[#21]

G26, M&P9C, Shield--all pretty good guns. If I could only choose one of those, it would be the G26 for its size and capacity.

Posted: 7/24/2014 6:36:09 PM EDT

[#22]

In that price range you should look at: Glock 19, Glock 26, M&P 9c, M&P Shield. Those are in order of my preference.

For a little more money, I would add the Walther PPQ and PPS.

Posted: 7/24/2014 7:33:12 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
Probably IWB ~5 o'clock.

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M&P Shield then.

Posted: 7/24/2014 8:10:49 PM EDT

[#24]

Glock 19 or 26.

Posted: 7/24/2014 11:44:38 PM EDT

[#25]

Glock 19

Sig p6

Posted: 7/25/2014 12:03:00 AM EDT

[#26]

M&P 9c.

Posted: 7/25/2014 12:28:06 AM EDT

[#27]

Just to be different

XDM-9c or XDM-40c it is the same size as a Glock 19.

But it is not a Glock.

If you are looking for lite gun, the M&P Shield is a nice gun at 19oz.

Posted: 7/25/2014 12:37:43 AM EDT

[#28]

Glock 19

Easy to work on
Cheap, readily available mags
Cheap, readily available parts

Posted: 7/25/2014 1:48:50 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

I like the P-02s as well since it has the omega trigger in it but they seem really hard to find right now. I have been looking for one for a while to complement my P-01 and my 75 compact.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
P-0102

FIFY.

I like the P-02s as well since it has the omega trigger in it but they seem really hard to find right now. I have been looking for one for a while to complement my P-01 and my 75 compact.

Scored mine via GB. I wanted it more for the safety option than the omega trigger. Decockers and I don't get along... 25 years of single action safety equipped pistols is a hard habit to break, unsure if I even want to try.

The P-02 is a great gun, much lighter than a CZ75b thanks to the alloy frame, but it recoils even softer. Superb design.

Posted: 7/25/2014 3:59:44 AM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
You are looking for a Glock 19.

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Posted: 7/25/2014 4:49:21 AM EDT

[#31]

If mostly for carry? GLOCK 26.

If mostly for home defense? GLOCK 19.

If you have the money? Get both.

If you can only get one? GLOCK 26.

Posted: 7/25/2014 4:50:59 AM EDT

[#32]

Glock 19. Look no further.

Posted: 7/25/2014 4:56:29 AM EDT

[#33]

Used 1990`s P229

used 2010 G26/G19

used if possible HK P2000SK

I would save up 200 for a HK VP9

Posted: 7/25/2014 5:07:01 AM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
CZ 75 P-01 by far the best compact I own. If you like a polymer frame to save some weight check out the P07.

View Quote

Hands down on the CZ P-01. It fits my hand perfectly, the size is just right for a compact, its accurate, has a decent magazine capacity and is damn sexy.

I got mine used for $450 and have been happy as a clam.

Posted: 7/25/2014 5:21:52 AM EDT

[#35]

I've tried many pistols over the years (Glocks, Berettas, Smiths, etc) looking for my "perfect" compact CCW. Sadly, it appears the laws of physics preclude such an animal.
With that being said, I'm surprised I now carry a Beretta PX4 compact for CCW. Why am I surprised? I mostly carry AIWB and with the muzzle pointing at my femoral artery I want either a DA/SA trigger or manual safety. A DA/SA trigger obviates the need for a manual safety so that's one less thing to remember/do under stress.
Now, the PX4 has a slick grip, barely adequate trigger and a slide-mounted safety (which I don't care for). It's also double-stack and therefore not as slim as some other offerings.
However, whether it's due to the rotating bbl action or voodoo magic, it has very little muzzle rise and I shoot it faster and more accurately than any other pistol (YMMV). *That* is why I carry it.
I can live w/the slide-mounted safety (especially since I had it easily converted to the G-style decocker-only) and may replace it w/Beretta's "stealth" levers. Talon Grips was an easy & inexpensive solution to the too-slick grip.
My PX4 compacts (I own 2; one for nightstand/CCW and the other for training/backup, I rotate them every few months) have been 100% and would recommend it to anyone *if* they can live w/its out-of-the-box shortcomings.
Tomac

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:21:01 AM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
I really like my M&P 9c. Add a full size 17rd mag with an xgrip and it'll make a good HD & range gun.

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+ another one.

Posted: 7/25/2014 11:33:42 AM EDT

[#37]

Compact - Glock 19

Subcompact - Walther PPS or S&W Shield.

Posted: 7/25/2014 12:08:59 PM EDT

[#38]

Glock 19

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:15:52 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
If mostly for carry? GLOCK 26.

If mostly for home defense? GLOCK 19.

If you have the money? Get both.

If you can only get one? GLOCK 19.

View Quote

Fixed.

Also works with the M&Ps.

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:39:24 PM EDT

[#40]

Sub $500.... Glock 19

Posted: 7/25/2014 7:46:25 PM EDT

[#41]

After trying glock 19, Kahr pm9 and cw9, I ended up loving the walther pps. It shoots like a glock and carries like a Kahr. Best of both worlds.

Posted: 7/25/2014 8:02:28 PM EDT

[#42]

I'll be different and say a beretta nano. Mine is pretty cool. But I like the Glock 19 for a double stack. Or a walther ppq for a little more and you get a much better trigger and better ergonomics but that part is debatable. The pps is cool but I didn't like the trigger. I'll have to handle one again.

Next on my list is a g19 or ppq and an lcp. The lcp will be for Pocket carry. The nano is for iwb when size and comfort are important. The g19/ppq will be for iwb occasionally and home defense.

Posted: 7/26/2014 4:16:07 AM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:

Hands down on the CZ P-01. It fits my hand perfectly, the size is just right for a compact, its accurate, has a decent magazine capacity and is damn sexy.

I got mine used for $450 and have been happy as a clam.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
CZ 75 P-01 by far the best compact I own. If you like a polymer frame to save some weight check out the P07.

Hands down on the CZ P-01. It fits my hand perfectly, the size is just right for a compact, its accurate, has a decent magazine capacity and is damn sexy.

I got mine used for $450 and have been happy as a clam.

You should be ashamed of yourself......unless that gun is beat to shit, you stole it.

Posted: 7/26/2014 4:39:13 AM EDT

[#44]

Walther PPS

Posted: 7/26/2014 7:05:09 AM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
A good friend of ours passed away from cancer recently and he wanted me to have a few of his guns. One of them was a Bersa Thunder-9 Ultra Compact. It's still new in the box but the paperworks and the key are lost (ok since it's unlocked). Anyway, I haven't fired it yet, and not sure I want to spoil its newness, but I have to say from a build quality standpoint, I have to wonder why they aren't the talk of the town. This thing feels great in my hand and the initial DA pull is smooth and clean, the SA is crisp and light.

http://www.bersa.com/skin/frontend/blank/theme063/images/guns/Thunder-Pro-UC-9-mat-L-prev.jpg

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I used to hang with a buddy who ran a small gunshop.
He found the Bersa's ran hot and cold.
Folks liked them because they were relatively cheap and came in many interesting sizes .
Some folks loved them but many of the guns were problems and spent lots of time going back for warrantee service.
To be fair most of them were eventually fixed but it seems like about 30% of the guns sold had to go back for repair.

When you realize many folks buy a gun and only shoot a partial box of ammo and then pack it away I am thinking something like 50% of the Bersas would have been problems if all of them had been used .

My advise to the Bersa owner is to shoot the heck out of it and enjoy it , there isn't much of a resale value so keeping it "new" has no point unless you just want a momento to your lost friend.

To the OP- your best percentage move is to go buy a new or used Glock 19 . Most folks who don't have a anti Glock predisposition find them to be a near perfect gun and if it doesn't work for you it can be sold off with very little loss

The 26 is a bit easier to pack but the 19 is much easier to shoot for most folks.
I own both but honestly about the only time the 26 gets shot is to demonenstrate how difficult it is to shoot the small guns

Posted: 7/29/2014 6:58:28 PM EDT

[#46]

A Glock 26 is not a "shoot all day on the range" gun. An M&Pc or Glock 19 would be a good choice. The CZ P01 is the same size as the G19 and would be a great gun as well if you like DA/SA.

Decide if you want DA/SA or striker fired, then decide if you want a single stack or a double stack, and that will narrow down the field quite a bit.

Posted: 7/30/2014 7:40:01 AM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:

You should be ashamed of yourself......unless that gun is beat to shit, you stole it.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
CZ 75 P-01 by far the best compact I own. If you like a polymer frame to save some weight check out the P07.

Hands down on the CZ P-01. It fits my hand perfectly, the size is just right for a compact, its accurate, has a decent magazine capacity and is damn sexy.

I got mine used for $450 and have been happy as a clam.

You should be ashamed of yourself......unless that gun is beat to shit, you stole it.

95% condition with three mags and the box. Was on consignment at the local shop. Walked in, saw the price and told them I'd take it before they even took it out of the case.