9mm 4 inch barrel experience

[Crazy Horse]

All,

I just received a XDM MOD2 in 9mm. I took all my 4 inch 9mm's to the range to fire.

1. S&W M&P Compact 2.0
2. SA XDM MOD2
3. Ruger Security
4. Taurus G3

I love the way my S&W Compact 9 feels, but I shot the XDM more accurately. I took shots alternating to see the difference. The weight from the M&P feels lower while the XDM feels slightly more top heavy. The only negative for the M&P is the grip. It is very aggressive. It doesn't hurt, but It's definitely more noticeable than on the Shield 2.0 models

I also shot my Ruger Security 9 and Taurus G3. The G3 is the the better of the two when compared to the Ruger Security 9. I have realized that the Security 9 being hammer fired has a little take up before dropping the hammer while the Taurus G3 is striker fired. The other issue for me is that the Security 9 feels like it sits on top of my hand while the G3 feels balanced in my hand. I shoot the Security 9 well, but I think I'll be trading the Security 9. The slight takeup just doesn't work for me.

Overall, 4 inch barrels are definitely my preference. They are slightly longer, but feel more comfortable when shooting over smaller barrel guns such as the Shield series or XDS models. I know the smaller guns are more for CCW, but recoil seems more pronounce with shorter barrels affecting accuracy the farther the target.

Variety is nice.

 

[Bama59]

I'm more accurate with small M&P Shield than M&P 9 and heavy 5906 is very easy shooting

 

[TonyAngel]

I always prefer a longer barrel to a shorter one, until I sit.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I'm more accurate with small M&P Shield than M&P 9 and heavy 5906 is very easy shooting

Yeah, I have a 1911 Commander, super easy. The shield is accurate, but I find that it's harder to stay accurate at longer distances with the 3.3 barrel vs the 4 inch barrel.

 

[Caplock]

I have a G3 on its way to my FFL. Have had two Taurus revolvers have timing problems.
Sure hope the G3 doesn't prove me to be a slow learner.
Hoping for better results from a striker fired Simi auto. For 230.00 dollars I couldn't help myself.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I was looking to finally replace my full-size 1911 carry gun with either my High Power or CZ-75 and then I backed into a Kimber version of a Colt Commander.

Slim, 1911 trigger, supremely accurate, low recoil, light and 10 rounds of any dmm I care to load.

So late in life I too came to really appreciate a 4 inch 9mm.

Todd.

 

[needmorecowbell]

I have also found the 4” barrels to be my sweet spot. XD 4” are great. Also love the G19, G45 and CZ compacts.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I have a G3 on its way to my FFL. Have had two Taurus revolvers have timing problems.
Sure hope the G3 doesn't prove me to be a slow learner.
Hoping for better results from a striker fired Semi auto. For 230.00 dollars I couldn't help myself.

I have the Taurus Tracker in 44 Magnum, The Taurus 509 in 9mm, and an older Taurus 85 38 special. I have yet to have issues with the new Taurus revolver line. The older Taurus 85 is excellent as well. A tad light and gets snappy with 158 grain loads, but it's accurate and easy to conceal.

I don't think the G3 will dissapoint. I replace the sights with Lakeline Fiber optic sights. The are easy to install and are an excellent upgrade at less than 35.00 shipped.

 

[sparkyv]

Variety is nice.

Indeed, USA, USA, USA!

 

[Plan2Live]

I prefer 3.5" barrels on semi autos and 3" barrels on revolvers. Both give great performance along with concealability. Didn't mention brand or model because I didn't think it added to my comment.

 

[C0untZer0]

.
The 9" barrel is the true sweet spot for semi-autos.
.

 

[bannockburn]

In a 9mm. I pretty much prefer barrel lengths to be somewhere in the 3.5" to 4" range. I like the overall balance and handling of the shorter barrel and slide; sort of like having a Colt Commander versus a Colt Government.

 

[bannockburn]

C0untZer0

Oh my...that barrel is in another ZIP Code!

 

[Reinz]

I shoot shorter barrels better than longer ones. I even sold a customized 6 inch 1911 because I shot it worse than shorter 1911s. It was a rack driver for everyone but me.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I have a number of 1911's. It seems more difficult to get a 1911 in 4", but the Commander is 4.25, which is pretty good. As Bannockburn stated, 4" barrels are easier to handle and do feel more balanced. In terms of barrels shorter than 4", I only have one 1911, which is the ATI Titan. It however is a 45 acp. No issues shooting it, and with adjustable sights, it's always on the mark.

Still, to me, the balance of a Commander just feels better. Keep in mind though, that much like in Vegas, I'm a low roller. That means that I stay in the <500.00 range when looking for firearms. Especially for 9mm. I haven't regretted any purchase as of yet (initially started to regret my ATI Commander in 9mm until I changed out the recoil spring). It just surprised me that the M&P just felt the best in terms of balance. On the Taurus, the surprise was in cost. It may be low in Cost, but there's a reason it made Honest Outlaw's top 5. M&P did get honorable mention in Honest Outlaw's channel as well as in TFBTV. The Last surprise is how Springfield Armory's 4" 9mm MOD 2.0 hasn't received any reviews in my top three YouTube channels (Hickock45, Honest Outlaw, and TFBTV).

The only exception for not "low rolling" is the wheel gun category, those typically command prices greater than 500.00. Except for Charter Arms. Not a bad gun, but you have to keep the 44 special in the 180-200 grain range. Anything greater and the hand starts to hurt after 12 rounds. But I digress as this topic relates to 9mm's of the 4 inch variety.

 

[Zendude]

Would like to see more 4 inch versions of the single stack 9s.