Which compact pistol??

Guns from my own inventory that I feel have some "style" (a quality the OP feels is lacking in the modern, "Glock-class") that I would consider for this purpose include:

Bulgarian PM

CZ-70 (.32ACP)

Bersa Thunder 380 or BT22 (these have that "PPK-look" without the weight or price.)

Interarms-imported (means all-steel) FEG AP22 Mk-II

Radom P64 (definitely not a first choice.)

Of those I do not currently own, I'd consider a Smith and Wesson Model 39, Star BM (I do own a Super B, but it might be too big for the OP's intent), or a Beretta Model 70 or 71.

Oh, hey, what about a Beretta 51? I think those were just recently selling..

I agree with the SR9C suggestions.
I cant say enough good things about this pistol. It's about ideal for me.
Here's mine pulling nightstand and ccw duty while I'm on the road.

P5 Guy said:

Glock 26

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Plus a bunch..I have one with a G19 15R magazine with a sleeve..GREAT handgun.

Never much cared for compact pistols, but I do have a Bulgarian Mak and a Mauser Hsc ..380 that I like. If I were to buy a compact for regular carry, it would probably be a Glock 43X.

The Ruger EC9s (lower left) cost $175.00 (no box, 1 mag) at a pawn shop across the street from a casino, and the pawn shop gave me a box of Blazer Brass 115 grain FMJ. I got the Hogue Handall inexpensively and three more magazines (a 7-round with finger rest & two 9-round extended mags) on line. I carry it in an IWB Kydex holster with the two 9 round magazines in my left front pocket.

The SD9 w/Hi-Viz sights was $329.00 at Academy with two mags, lock, box, & paperwork. I also got a Phalanx Defense Systems full-size Stealth Operator (Hey! I don't name them.) holster at the same store. I got a 10% discount (retired military). Picked up a third magazine for $30.00 at a different Academy.

Current issues in the world have made pickings pretty slim, but I've seen Taurus G2Cs and SCCYs in pretty reasonable availability. Check your local mom&pop shops because Academy's shelves are almost bare as are most of the big sporting goods stores.

Armored farmer said:

I agree with the SR9C suggestions.
I cant say enough good things about this pistol. It's about ideal for me.
Here's mine pulling nightstand and ccw duty while I'm on the road.

View attachment 936050

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Thought I recognized that light with the outlet on the base. The husband of one of my nieces (nephew-in-law?) carries an SR40C.

I have the original Shield in 9mm and it’s a great gun. Accurate and comfortable to carry.
I also have a CZ-82 in 9 x 18 Makarov but as others have stated the Makarov round is a little snappy due to the blowback style pistol. It does hold 12 rounds but personally I prefer the Shield. The Shield holds 8 + 1 in the chamber and you get a little more power with the 9mm round.

Been pretty happy with my XD9 sub.

Sneakshot92 said:

Hey all. I'm looking at picking up a compact-ish pistol for a little plinking and concealed carry in the small pack on my bicycle. My first thought as a milsurp fan was to seek out a Makarov variant of some sort. Any suggestions milsurp or otherwise?? I'd like to keep it to sane times pricing please so hopefully under $450. Under $350 would be better.

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A Ruger LCP 22LR sounds like a fun small plinking gun

Lots of good choices already recommended.

As far as Glocks go. I do suggest checking out their slim line of pistols: G43, G43x, and G48. The slimline pistols do have a different feel to them when held versus a G19 or G26. I find my G43 comfortable in my hand and pretty easy to shoot for a small pistol. My other small single stack 9mm pistols are a Kel-Tec PF9 and a Sig P938.

The Star Bm is a good suggestion too. I have it's younger brother the Star FIrestar M43 in 9mm.

The milsurps chambered in 9x18 or even 380 with have snappy recoil due being blowback. I have a FEG PA-63 in 9x18 with an aluminum frame and talk about snappy.

A Mak wouldn't be my first choice, but if you are tight one funds or just want Mil-surp it wouldn't be a bad choice.

An East German (Thaelman) Makarov in excellent condition would probably price out higher than a lot of NIB Compacts.

Thought about getting one of these for a review: Ruger EC9S, not too shabby for $290
https://hoffgun.com/shop/ruger-204/

Beretta 81. 12+1 of .32 acp, and a ridiculous amount of sexiness!

Ruger LC9