Sub-compact 9mm

I've owned the lc9 and now have the Shield. The lc9 isn't bad, but I couldn't get past the long da pull. The trigger breaks really far back for me also. I finally sold it and purchased the Shield. The Shield shoots like a larger gun Imo. I like the trigger WAY better also. The Shield doesn't have the dreaded magazine disconnect either.

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I haven't handled the 938. That said, I've got large hands and have had problems with manipulating the safety on the 238 (otherwise, I'm a 1911 shooter, so it's not that I'm not used to having a safety in the same location). Other than that they shoot nice for such a little pistol. As far as the other two, I'd wait until SA released the 9mm version of the XDs, last I heard it's not too far away. Not that I think it will be better or not, just a third option that seems like it will be pretty similar for you to consider.

drmajor said:

Looking at pocket 9mm.

First, I like the Sig P938- I think. What issues if any are there with what is called the 1922 manual??? and the single action?

Second- how about the S&W Shield vs the LC9?

All are about the same size.

I really like Springfield's XD Sub-compact, but it is bigger and heavier..?
I want to pocket carry, especially in summer. Price is important, and thus the Sig is probably out. The LC9 and M&P Shield are priced about right..

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You're thinking of the 1911 style manual of arms. All that means, is the gun is traditionally carried "cocked and locked" with the hammer back and the safety on. The only real issue is training to flick the safety off, not a big deal, I don't care what anyone tells you.

I've got the P238, very similar to the P938 except in .380. It's an awesome gun and I expect the P938 to be great too when it's been on the market for a little while, because I've heard of P938s having issues. They're brand new, so I'd give them a little while to work out any bugs before I bought one.

Had a XD subcompact, it is indeed a little big and heavy for pocket carry.

No experience with the Shield or the LC9.

I don't like the trigger of the LC9 either. I carry an SR9c for EDC and my LCP when smaller carry is necessary.


Dfsixstring
SR9c
LCP
RST4S

Don't forget about the Beretta Nano. it is about half an inch shorter than the shield and they are similar in length and weight.

Kahr PM/CM9.

Stay away from Diamondback. They are so vulnerable to limp writing as to be unshootable. Love my Kahr CW9, but a bit larger for packet carry. Try the one step smaller Kahr.

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Love the Sig P290. It is about as small as you would want a 9mm (IMHO) but heavy enough to control recoil (reviews indicate). but it is in no way too heavy in my opinion. Feels very good in hand. Also comes with a night sights, a (removable) laser and an extra 8rd mag all for under $500

Here is some comparision pics against a LCR and a small pocket 380, the Taurus TCP so you can get a idea of the size









This one is interesting to me. The TCP is on top of the P290

I pocket carry the Glock 26 some times. It's really not that bad. I'll bet it's about the same size as that XD you like. Pocket carry does require the correct sized pockets. Carrying a larger or smaller gun doesn't really change the pocket size. You still need to get your hand in and out without restriction. A good belt and a pocket holster are a must. Don't skip the holster! You don't want to be capping a round off in the family jewels! I use a desantis pocket holster and it works great.

I tend to stay away from single action pistols as most self defense instructors recommend DAO, whether striker fired or not. I like my striker fired Beretta Nano. I have had many different DAO pistols and love them for their ease of use and no manual safety. Just drop it in your favorite pocket holster and you're all set.

Since you put no limit to price I feel compelled to add the Rohrbaugh and the Boberg. Both are high $900 range.

http://www.bobergarms.com/

Kahr CM9

The interwebz gun experts are giving the initial 938s unfavorable reviews.

Not to hijack this thread but i have not personally seen a shield but am thinking about one in the future. Is it really as small as an LCR??

I have a lc9 and it is reliable,the trigger is long. I'm on a waiting list to see a shield.We'll see...

michael85 said:

Don't forget about the Beretta Nano. it is about half an inch shorter than the shield and they are similar in length and weight.

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9lb trigger pull is a turn off to me on the Nano.

... just say'n

drmajor said:

FYI- I have size 12+ hands.
Cannot fire the LCP w/o having to think about where my finger is. In "normal" operation, I cannot fire it.

The P938 felt pretty good. I like a safety, which the M&P also has. Haven't seen a Shield.

Price of the Sig is high...$700+. The Shield and LC9 are good pricing. A used one would be considered too.

Presently carry S&W 642- 38+P with laser. It's just bulky. However, it always fires.

The goal of 9mm pocket is to pocket carry, especially in summer heat... hard to hide the 642.

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Out of my collection, see sig below, PF-9 is the best pocket carry. My Shield .40S&W (little heavier than the 9mm) is a great IWB carry but a little too heavy for pocket carry.

I tried the LC9 when they first came out, and just didn't care for the trigger. I opted for the LCP which still has a long pull, but it's MUCH more pocket friendly. The LCP is what carry when I can't carry a pistol.

I don't find anything larger than a .380 comfortable (for me) to pocket carry. I can pocket carry my G26, but really, anything that weighs more than a .380 throws my balance off enough that I just don't like it. I much prefer OWB with an untucked shirt or an over shirt. In today's gadgeted world, a sub compact 9mm just looks like a phone holster with the right holster. IWB is also what I prefer when I know I need to take the gun off and on. Even the chunky G26 rides just fine in my jeans, and the only dressing around I have to is to loosen my belt one notch.

Fiv3r said:

The LCP is what carry when I can't carry a pistol.

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What a curious statement to make. May I ask for a clarification?

Do you mean "when my wardrobe choice precludes concealing anything larger"?

Do you mean "when it's illegal and I really don't want anyone to know I'm breaking the law"?

Or do you just not know that an LCP is a pistol?

One more to consider: Walther PPS.

It's a little long for pocket carry, so you'd have to try it out first to make sure that it fits into your particular style of pants. I've been really happy with mine. It's slim and light enough to be easily carried IWB, yet it's solid enough to be a great shooter. The trigger is a bit heavy, but very easy to control. The PPS feels like a slimmer version of my Glock 19.

The prices on the PPS have also come down from the mid 600's to the mid 500's around here (Seattle area.) They're also a lot easier to come by than the Shield; one local gun shop had a 40 person waiting list for the 9mm Shield.

TMann

The interwebz gun experts are giving the initial 938s unfavorable reviews.

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Hickock45 is one of the best known Youtube firearm reviewers. Here is his review of the 938.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Js4acN46k

michael85 said:

Don't forget about the Beretta Nano. it is about half an inch shorter than the shield and they are similar in length and weight.

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Just me, but I don't want a gun without a slide lock.

Gonna go check out the Shield for myself. Seems the best price/features/size.

Love my Kahr PM9. One of the absolute best in 9mm IMHO.