Posted: 10/2/2012 1:01:41 PM EDT
|
Well my birthday is coming up in 2 weeks, and I wanted to buy myself a new 9mm Subcompact for a summer carry option as a present to myself. I shot a Shield about a month ago, and was really impressed. Well after weeks of calling various shops and talking to my dad's friend who has an FFL. The consensus is these things are currently like a unicorn to obtain (which I already pretty much knew). Waiting lists for shops that are the closest to were I live are in the double figures, and selling for 450 + tax.
This has got me thinking about different options in the sub compact category. I looked at the PPS but cost and price of magazines turned me off fairly quickly. Havent shot any of Kahr's offerings but they just don't do anything for me. This brought me to the G26. Now I have shot a cop buddies 26 but that was quite awhile ago. From what I can remember is was a nice shooter. I would have to go to the range and refresh myself on it to see if i would still consider it a contender. So here is where I am at now. Since winter is coming up, I could just wait until the Shield is more available, and maybe under MSRP, while I continue to use my M&P 9 FS, or most likely end up with a G26 now, and at probably a pretty good price (through my Dad's Friend). I'm off tmw and Thursday and plan on calling every shop within an hours drive to see if any have Shields in stock. I would probably be willing to pay MSRP knowing I could have one in hand in 3 days (stupid Illinois laws). Also planning in the next week to go shoot a G26 to refresh my memory. Opinons? Other subcompact suggestions? |
|
XDm 3.8 compact. It has 13 rds +1 with a back-up mag of 19 rds and has the extension already on the mag. It's a real shooter too with a 3.8" barrel. Remember barrel length does not effect conceal carry like the grip length and thickness of the gun does.
The glock 26 doesn't hold as many rounds and even though you can use 19 mags you don't get a mag extension with it. It's also about a 1/4" thicker and that will make a difference. If I had my choice now I would probably choose the shield. IF your looking for a truely small carry that's it. The best all around choice. It's not much bigger than most .380's. I would hold out if I were you. Check on gunbroker.com. If springfield ever comes out with the xds 9mm that's what I'm going after. The xdm 3.8 I have is nice but a true summer carry as small as the xds would be nice. |
| I had to keep an eye on local gun shop inventory for a few months, and had to travel an hour, but finally was able to buy a Shield. I have carried over a dozen different pistols over the years, this is hands down the best one since I foolishly traded away my 3914 in the early 90's. Although I love my Glock 19, this just conceals much easier. After all those pistols, I believe I have finally found the one. |
, plus got a pretty good deal on a G26