AHHH! (compact combat handguns)

[SpeedAKL]

Hey guys,

I've been poking around for a high-quality, high-capacity combat handgun for carry purposes, preferably in 9mm though I'll consider .40S&W as well (I already have a full-size gun in .45ACP). I'd prefer a DA/SA gun, as I can't stand DAO triggers. I would prefer a compact-size gun vs. a full-size gun, but do NOT want a subcompact as I don't like how they fit in my hand.

Biggest problem I've run into here? The sheer variety of good choices out there! I've fired the SIG-Sauer P229, Walther P99, Beretta PX4, and CZ 75, and liked them all. A couple people have highly recommended the Springfield XD and H&K USP Compact. Others out there? S&W M&P-series, SIG-Sauer P250, HK30, SIG Pro, Glock, EAA Witness, Ruger SR9, etc etc. Bottom line, there seem to be a ton of good options out there! I have a range locally where I can try some of them out, but I will likely be unable to shoot many of these. I have been to the gun show and checked all of them for ergonomics, I like the SIG-Sauer, H&K, Beretta, and Springfield the best.

What are your recommendations here? Again, compact-size gun, 9mm or .40S&W, willing to pay for high quality.

 

[burningsquirrels]

sounds like it's between the sig, HK, beretta, and springfield. they will all do the job. just try and see which one you can shoot the best.

 

[MS .45]

I can only reply on one of the pistols you mentioned. I own the Beretta PX4 in .40. It is a great gun. It shoots very softly and is as accurate as I can be on any given day. The break down of the gun is also very simple making cleaning a breeze. The different backstrap option make fitting it to your hand simple as well. I have had zero malfuntions in over 700 rounds. Hope this has helped you. Good luck with your decision.

 

[chuckusaret]

I tried and bought two CCW and the third was the perfect fit. I started out with a S&W 9mm compact, then the S&W 40 full size and then the Springfield 40 sub compact. All are very good but the best is the XD 40 sub compact.

 

[10-Ring]

Go with the one that fits you & your budget and one that will allow you to commit the time necessary to master it!
Me, I would go HK, Beretta, Glock -

 

[michiganfan]

I don't know if you consider the glock 19 a compact but I highly recommend it.

 

[Anna's Dad]

My favorites are the M&P and the USP.

Since the M&P didn't make your short list, the H&K would be my recommendation to you.

 

[Comedian]

I own an H&K USP compact in .40 and I'll say this, it's an excellent combat handgun. It's as reliable as any other pistol on the market (if not more so) and it's more accurate than I am. However, it's also overpriced, has a double action trigger that leaves something to be desired (though this doesn't matter to me, since I only shoot it in single action), and there isn't a whole lot of aftermarket support. In .40 caliber I found the recoil kind of awkward at first. The light weight combined with a high bore axis really makes the recoil noticeable. The thing that burned me in particular is that the light rail is proprietary, which means it will only fit like one or two weapon mounted light. Not really a big deal since I don't plan on carrying with a light on my gun, but I can see that as being a deal breaker for some people. However, in spite of all these things the gun still shines wear it counts in that it shoots well, so I love it.

I've also handled (but not fired) a PX4 and can say that I was pleasantly surprised. Good trigger pull, solid grip, well balanced, and from what I can tell reasonably priced. From what I can tell from the handful of reviews that I can find online, the rotating bolt really does reduce recoil quite a bit and that the gun is definitely worth a look (I might be picking one up in the future after I find a 1911 to suite my needs).

 

[.375]

cz p01

Cz p01

 

[SpeedAKL]

anna's dad:

The M&P seems quite nice, actually. I didn't like the feel in my hand as much as a few others, but that may have been due to the size of grips fitted.

 

[fridayxiii]

Before buying my first pistol I rented a Sig 225/P6, S&W M&P, and Glock 19. I shot the Sig slightly better than the M&P, and both better than the Glock. I ended up buying a Beretta Px4 w/o shooting it prior, and have zero regret. The Beretta fits my had best, and shoots better than all the aforementioned. To me the Beretta is the best of all worlds: looks, ergo's, accuracy, reliability.

 

[gglass]

M&P... Enough said.

 

[Michael_2112]

I see you like the P229... why not look at a P239? It certainly isn't subcompact, much more compact by today's standard. It's DA/SA with a great trigger in both modes, and a quality pistol. YMMV

Mike

 

[glocks rock]

I prefer the G19 but the Sig 229 is a close 2nd and it can be had DA/SA.

 

[AKElroy]

G19.

 

[greyling22]

baby eagle in semi-compact? all steel and heavy, but seems to fit the bill otherwise.

 

[basicblur]

but do NOT want a subcompact as I don't like how they fit in my hand.

Don't forget adding something like a Pearce Grip Extender for better hand fit on a subcompact.
My main CCW is an XD40SC-OEM didn't feel that good-added a Pearce Grip Extender and now it's like it was molded to ye olde hand!
http://www.pearcegrip.com/springxd.htm

 

[omegaman]

On advice of a (30 plus year) security professional I purchased a full size M&P .40.

No regrets.

I am a novice, he most certainly is not.

Hope that helps.

 

[JWJacobVT]

Please define "Compact". Would that be my Glock 29 or My SIG 229 or My S&W 1006? It's about an inch differance in lenght and about the same in height for all of them. I know my S&W 629 4 inch is not compact, but I still carry it at times.

 

[Iansstud]

baby eagle in semi-compact? all steel and heavy, but seems to fit the bill otherwise.

You should consider the baby eagle Semi-Compact I have one in 9mm... It is VERY ACCURATE!!!!!!!! mags are cheap next to HK, I have 3 10rd mags, 2 15rd mags, and 1 30rd mag for my BE 9mm semi-compact. The lower is the same as the full size and the only differance is the barrel is 3.93"-IIRC

I just got a USPc 45 and It is a Little smaller than the BE and I love them both...

 

[Kenpo]

I went through the same decision last year. Got a lot of good info from this and other forums. DA/SA was important to me too. I looked at most every gun you mentioned as well. I decided on the CZ P01. Never regretted it. It is the most naturally pointing handgun I own. Fits perfectly in my hand. I am a big fan of my M&P as well. Some family friends of ours shoot only Sigs and Ruger P series pistols. I like both of those as well. Fortunately for you, you aren't considering an "losers" so you can really buy any you decide on with confidence. But my input/opinion; try the CZ.

 

[gunflask]

glock 19

 

[armoredman]

 

[Zerodefect]

Another vote for Glock. Just the right size for compact/midsize.

G19
G23
G38

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I know you said you don't like DAO, but the S&W M&Ps and the Glocks are functionally closer to a single-action. The M&P compact model flirts with being subcompact, while the Glock 19 is the epitome of a "mid-size" handgun. Also similar in size, using DA/SA triggers with decockers, are the CZ P-01 and PCR.