So I'm thinking about getting a ub-compact 9mm for concealed/BUG. I'm leaning towards a Sig 250 or maybe a Springfield XD. Anyone have any insight regarding these two guns, or other appropriate auto? Maybe a Taurus PT or a Beretta ? Something around the $400 range? I'm not interested in a glock at this point. Sorry if this has been beat to death already.
Sub Compact 9mm
- Thread starter sigpro
- Start date
- Status
The sig and xd's are great shooters. I think they are great for beginning shooter because the trigger is smoother then some other poly frame pistols out there. I've shot both but own a Glock.
They both have noticeably taller slides then that of a Glock. Let me rephrase, the slides sit higher up then that of a Glock.
I've only handled the sub-c px4. It's feels really fat up top for me to consider. Kind of like Glock calling the g30 a sub-c. Too big for my taste.
They both have noticeably taller slides then that of a Glock. Let me rephrase, the slides sit higher up then that of a Glock.
I've only handled the sub-c px4. It's feels really fat up top for me to consider. Kind of like Glock calling the g30 a sub-c. Too big for my taste.
momano
Member
Have you considered the Ruger SR9c? I'm really happy with mine; it's in the $400 price range. I've rented the Ruger LC9 and I'm thinking that's going to be my next purchase- I like the single stack for easier concealment. Good luck!
needmorecowbell
Member
My favorite is the SR9c. That's why I bought one.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,313
sigpro
To me a SIG P250 or SA XD Compact is just that; basically a compact pistol. Essentially they are shorter more abbreviated versions of a larger full size gun. A Ruger SR9c, Glock Model 19, CZ P-01, or a S&W M&P Model 9c are slightly shorter grip frame and shorter slide versions with a few less rounds in magazine capacity to their full size counterparts.
A sub-compact 9mm. would be more like a Ruger LC9, KelTec PF-9 or P-11, Kimber Solo, Glock 26, XD Sub-Compact, Beretta PX-4, or a SIG P290. Some of these guns are single stack designs while others use double stack magazines for greater capacity with a slightly wider grip frame. All of them are very well suited for CCW.
For an interesting size comparison go to mouseguns.com for a pocket auto comparison display that will show you the smallest guns in calibers from .32ACP to .45ACP.
To me a SIG P250 or SA XD Compact is just that; basically a compact pistol. Essentially they are shorter more abbreviated versions of a larger full size gun. A Ruger SR9c, Glock Model 19, CZ P-01, or a S&W M&P Model 9c are slightly shorter grip frame and shorter slide versions with a few less rounds in magazine capacity to their full size counterparts.
A sub-compact 9mm. would be more like a Ruger LC9, KelTec PF-9 or P-11, Kimber Solo, Glock 26, XD Sub-Compact, Beretta PX-4, or a SIG P290. Some of these guns are single stack designs while others use double stack magazines for greater capacity with a slightly wider grip frame. All of them are very well suited for CCW.
For an interesting size comparison go to mouseguns.com for a pocket auto comparison display that will show you the smallest guns in calibers from .32ACP to .45ACP.
I had a subcompact XD40 as my primary CCW gun for a while, excellent gun. Never skipped a beat, though it had a bit of a kick to it. The 9mm shouldn't be bad at all. Not the thinnest gun in the world, that might be something to consider.
SigMic
Member
I own a p250 and it has been a great gun for me. Several LE agencies have dropped the P250s due to reliability issues, but I have not experienced the same.
I shot my buddies XDm9 last week - nice shooter.
I think you'd be fine with either of these. Go put your hands on them and see how they feel. Rent or borrow one of each and shoot a few mags through them. Whichever one you like, go with it. I'd stay away from Taurus - but others will tell you they are great.
Once you get whatever gun you get, put it through some reliability testing before you carry it and trust your life to it. My recommendation:
- Fire 200 FMJ rounds through it to break it in.
- If any issues during this time period, fire another 200 rounds of FMJ. Once you have reliably completed this, run 200 rounds of duty ammo through it. If no issues with these, consider the gun carry-ready.
**For those curious, the purpose of the 200 FMJ is just to make sure the gun gets 400 rounds through it without the full cost of duty ammo for all 400.
I shot my buddies XDm9 last week - nice shooter.
I think you'd be fine with either of these. Go put your hands on them and see how they feel. Rent or borrow one of each and shoot a few mags through them. Whichever one you like, go with it. I'd stay away from Taurus - but others will tell you they are great.
Once you get whatever gun you get, put it through some reliability testing before you carry it and trust your life to it. My recommendation:
- Fire 200 FMJ rounds through it to break it in.
- If any issues during this time period, fire another 200 rounds of FMJ. Once you have reliably completed this, run 200 rounds of duty ammo through it. If no issues with these, consider the gun carry-ready.
**For those curious, the purpose of the 200 FMJ is just to make sure the gun gets 400 rounds through it without the full cost of duty ammo for all 400.
MICHAEL T
Member
Compact be Bersa 9mm compact relieable and accurate 14 shots
sub compact my KelTec PF-9
sub compact my KelTec PF-9
Bentley4700
Member
I carry an XD9SC. I love it. 100% reliable, accurate. Easy to carry. You can get the essentials kit for $399.
Bentley4700
Member
^^^^Thats a little out of his stated budget....
Thanks for all the replys.
I was really hoping to avoid the "what is a sub-compact" discussion, so I guess I should clarify what it is I'm looking for. I'm looking for a double stack 9mm, holster gun. Something smaller than a Sig 228, but bigger than a Kel-tec. I'm not particularly interested in pocket guns, .380s or micro-compacts. No Kel-tecs, Ruger LCPs or LC9s, no Kahrs. Don't get me wrong. All are great guns, just not what I'm looking for at the moment. In fact i have a Kahr E9, and it's a great weapon.
I'm big Sig fan , so that's how I'm leaning right now. i had initially heard a lot of bad stuff about the first batch of 250s, so i was a little hesitant at first. however it seems like they got the problem (whatever it was) fixed.I'm still not completely sold on the DAO trigger. I've done some work with revolvers, but don't have a lot of experience with DAO autos. I hear the pull is smooth, and light (5-6lbs), but long. the whole modular thing is neat, but not sure i'd ever use it.
I have never heard anything bad about the XD. Just don't know much about them, and I'm not crazy about their looks (shouldn't matter, but it does).
I hadn't thought about Ruger SR9, but it looks pretty cool, and guys who have them, seem to be pretty happy with them. always liked Rugers, even those clunky P series guns.
I was considering the Beretta PX4 Sub compact, but i think they are a little out of my price range. Same with the CZ Rami, and the M&P.
Didn't know Bersa made a 9mm, double stack, but I'll check them out. Always liked the Thunderer.
Suprised no one mentioned Taurus, or the Armalite (AR24?), or told me I was nuts for not getting a Glock.
I was really hoping to avoid the "what is a sub-compact" discussion, so I guess I should clarify what it is I'm looking for. I'm looking for a double stack 9mm, holster gun. Something smaller than a Sig 228, but bigger than a Kel-tec. I'm not particularly interested in pocket guns, .380s or micro-compacts. No Kel-tecs, Ruger LCPs or LC9s, no Kahrs. Don't get me wrong. All are great guns, just not what I'm looking for at the moment. In fact i have a Kahr E9, and it's a great weapon.
I'm big Sig fan , so that's how I'm leaning right now. i had initially heard a lot of bad stuff about the first batch of 250s, so i was a little hesitant at first. however it seems like they got the problem (whatever it was) fixed.I'm still not completely sold on the DAO trigger. I've done some work with revolvers, but don't have a lot of experience with DAO autos. I hear the pull is smooth, and light (5-6lbs), but long. the whole modular thing is neat, but not sure i'd ever use it.
I have never heard anything bad about the XD. Just don't know much about them, and I'm not crazy about their looks (shouldn't matter, but it does).
I hadn't thought about Ruger SR9, but it looks pretty cool, and guys who have them, seem to be pretty happy with them. always liked Rugers, even those clunky P series guns.
I was considering the Beretta PX4 Sub compact, but i think they are a little out of my price range. Same with the CZ Rami, and the M&P.
Didn't know Bersa made a 9mm, double stack, but I'll check them out. Always liked the Thunderer.
Suprised no one mentioned Taurus, or the Armalite (AR24?), or told me I was nuts for not getting a Glock.
Bentley4700
Member
What is your idea of an inexpensive? It seems there were a lot of good options stated. Just curious.
You're nuts for not getting a Glock, lol.
Seriously, go shoot a G26, a G19, a G27 and a G23. All of them. You may hate them. But I have found that I really like to shoot a gun or one like it before laying down the cash. If you join Glock Sport Shooting Foundation, you can get one each year for the LEO price, about $100 off. GSSF membership is $35 the first year and $25 after that. Mep tritium night sights ran me another $65 installed for my last GSSF gun at my local cop shop. A G23 (40 S&W) with three mags. I also ordered a couple of LWD stainless barrels for about $110 each in 9mm and 357 Sig. These drop into a 40 or 357 Sig caliber Glock with no other mods other than 9mm mags for the 40-9 conversion. I had to shoot 124g 9mm until the recoil spring got broken in. A case of 40 later, it shoots WWB 115g 9mm just fine now.
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
Good luck with your quest.
Seriously, go shoot a G26, a G19, a G27 and a G23. All of them. You may hate them. But I have found that I really like to shoot a gun or one like it before laying down the cash. If you join Glock Sport Shooting Foundation, you can get one each year for the LEO price, about $100 off. GSSF membership is $35 the first year and $25 after that. Mep tritium night sights ran me another $65 installed for my last GSSF gun at my local cop shop. A G23 (40 S&W) with three mags. I also ordered a couple of LWD stainless barrels for about $110 each in 9mm and 357 Sig. These drop into a 40 or 357 Sig caliber Glock with no other mods other than 9mm mags for the 40-9 conversion. I had to shoot 124g 9mm until the recoil spring got broken in. A case of 40 later, it shoots WWB 115g 9mm just fine now.
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
Good luck with your quest.
ABQ87120- I got nothing against Glocks. I've been carrying one at work for 10+ years. first a m21, now a m37. they are truly excellent weapons, and i shoot them pretty well (at least by agency standards). i could probably get a new one for $450ish with the LE discount. If I was smart (something I've never been accused of) I'd get a sub compact Glock in 45GAP, i could use my duty mags in a pinch, and I'd be able to get ammo pretty cheaply through my dept. However, Glocks have never fit my hand very well. And, more importantly, I'm just plain bored with them. I don't expect everyone to understand my reasoning, but there it is.
I have a primary 9mm that I carry above the waist and I have a 380 that I carry on an ankle holster. I also carry a knife. Everyone makes some pretty-good shooters and knives nowdays.
Pick out a platform and practice like you were in the military. If something goes wrong know how to clear your piece in a few steps and keep on fighting.
Any weapon can fail even though many people here will tell you their weapon never fails.
It is all about practice. IGNORE THIS, but if you believe in it it might save your life.
Pick out a platform and practice like you were in the military. If something goes wrong know how to clear your piece in a few steps and keep on fighting.
Any weapon can fail even though many people here will tell you their weapon never fails.
It is all about practice. IGNORE THIS, but if you believe in it it might save your life.
First thing is, particulary for sub compacts, go to a good sized gun store and hold 'em in your hand first.
You want (and need) something that feels comfortable, natural and points, for you, well and what is good for someone else may not be good for you.
For example a friend of mine extolls the Glocks 26 and I HATE it. It feels just wrong in my hand, doesn't point naturally and I just plain feel uncomfortable.
My sub is a CZ Rami 2075 polymer and I love it, 9mm or .40, 10 or 14 round in 9mm, 1.25" wide, SA/DA, accurate and for me, a very natural pointer.....YMMV...
You want (and need) something that feels comfortable, natural and points, for you, well and what is good for someone else may not be good for you.
For example a friend of mine extolls the Glocks 26 and I HATE it. It feels just wrong in my hand, doesn't point naturally and I just plain feel uncomfortable.
My sub is a CZ Rami 2075 polymer and I love it, 9mm or .40, 10 or 14 round in 9mm, 1.25" wide, SA/DA, accurate and for me, a very natural pointer.....YMMV...
dallascj
Member
I would suggest the SR9C. I have the full-size and really like it. I have a Sig 250, and traded it quickly. The trigger pull is very long and stiff, and mine exhibited a common problem of shooting low at any distance. I have read many who say that Sig is installing the wrongs ight combo on these and that is causing this problem. I'm no Ruger nut, but the SR guns are really great shooters with good ergonomics, and a great trigger.
- Status
Similar threads
