Best Subcompact Choice 9mm for about 500

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BBDartCA

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Look for a very light, easy to cary 9mm. What choice from the below would be good or good to avoid?

Springfield Armory XD
Kel-Tec PF-9 (only 12.7oz!)
Ruger LC9
Glock 26
Beretta PX4

Walther, Sig and Kahrs models not listed as they are way >$500 new. IMI Jehrico / Baby Eagle not shown as I already have a couple.
 
I own 2 XD models 1 XD9 and 1 XD40sc both trouble free and great shooters also they
have promo get 3 free mags and a pouch mail in rebate they are tough guns
 
I'm quite pleased with my CW9 and my PF9. Either one you will not be disappointed.
 
I also depends on what you want single stack or double stack mags. do you want thin or
thicker with a higher capacity
 
If you want one you can pocket, the LC9 or PF-9. But they might hurt your hand and I'm not sold on durability, yet, with hotter loads. I had a P3AT and with +P is was painful after a few shots and started having problems after a few years with those loads (not a lot of them). I also don't like the looooong trigger pulls on those two pistols - way too long IMHO. Capacity goes to the G26, but it's too big to pocket in anything but cargo pants. XD is fine, too, similar to the G26 in my opinion... I think. Can't recall on size. I know nothing of the PX4.

That said, I choked and spent the extra $100 on a Walther PPS and I can't believe how well I shoot it. Not quite as pocketable as the Keltec or Ruger, but damn close. It's my new love.

Have you considered the M&P9c? You can get it in different configurations (external safety or not, etc). I really liked the one I handled before I broke for the PPS.

Hope that helps (my first THR post).
 
It is slightly larger than most of the guns on your list, putting it more into the compact (no prefix) size category, but the S&W M&P9 compact is an outstanding little pistol and is right around $500. The Kahr CW9 is actually well under $500, but only comes with one magazine.
 
I got a barely used Glock 26, with extra mags with Pearce +1 round extensions already installed, for $475 otd.
 
Glock 26. More rounds than the Ruger or Kel-Tec and it is smaller and lighter than the Beretta or the Springfield. I carry a Glock 27 whenever I leave the house. During the work week I am carrying it for at least 10 hrs. a day and have never had an issue with it.
 
BBDartCA said:
Look for a very light, easy to cary 9mm. What choice from the below would be good or good to avoid?

Springfield Armory XD
Kel-Tec PF-9 (only 12.7oz!)
Ruger LC9
Glock 26
Beretta PX4

Walther, Sig and Kahrs models not listed as they are way >$500 new. IMI Jehrico / Baby Eagle not shown as I already have a couple.
Click to expand...
The kel-tek is tough to beat as a cheap good carry gun in 9mm ... but it's not a gun you take to the range to shoot for "fun".

The Glock is a great choice on reliability factor, but that "brick" isn't nearly as easy to CC as the Kel-Tek. You =can= take it to the range and shoot it all afternoon though. (I own a G26)
 
I have ventured into the territory of the pocket sized 9mm pistols before and always came home to the Glock 26.

I can't find a pistol that beats it yet. Some of the single stacks are lighter and thinner, but they are not as reliable and suck to shoot. This is strictly opinion, but the G26 is the smallest pistol I have found that I still feel like I am carrying a real gun. The M&P9c comes in a close second for me. They are slightly longer in the grip, and I truly hate everything about the trigger. Either one is a fine gun. If the Glock does not suit you, the next stop is the M&P9c.

My G26 has yet to this day to have a failure of any kind. It has eaten a crap load of cheap berdan primed-steel cased Russian ammo too.
 
The Kahr CW9 is actually well under $500, but only comes with one magazine.
Click to expand...
If you buy before November 30, you can get a second (extended 7-round) mag free from Kahr. After weighing all the options for a reliable, accurate, pocketable 9mm, I've decided that I'll be getting a CM9 later this month.
 
I had a G-26 and sold it. After looking around and studying what small 9mm is on the market I will be buying a new G-26 tomorrow. It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. If not I can fix it myself. Going for a gen 3 though. Proven quallity. I don't care for the texture on the gen 4.
 
I actually prefer the trigger on the XD's over the glock. Just my opinion though, it feels cleaner at the break point. If you purchase now they send you 3 free mags.
 
Glock 26

Although I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Walther PPS.

(Yes, I'm clear it wasn't in the OP's list.)

I always thought it "LOOKED" interesting.

Very thin and handy, but lower round count.

Maybe it's ridiculously expensive, though.
 
Glock 26 is what I carry. Its in the perfect size, big enough to fight with and small enough to carry. Reliable as a sunrise and fun to shoot as well.
 
I love my M&P9c. Reliable, accurate, and backed by the best customer service in the industry.
 
Thanks guys.

I'm looking for skinny and light, so I'm leaning towards single stack.
 
I'm looking for skinny and light, so I'm leaning towards single stack.
Click to expand...

On that note, take a look at the Walther PPS 9mm.

Finding them online for around $550 or so.

Worth a look if you're particular about skinny, light and single stack.

No experience with one, but I've always thought it appeared to be a very comfortable carry piece.
 
I think the best light thin carry 9 is the Kahr CM9, or its more expensive version PM9. Mine is excellent, and is easy to shoot well. The trigger is very smooth. Even though it is very light and small, it is not painful to shoot. My M&P 9c is more fun to shoot at the range, and might be the best gun made. I love it. But some have rough triggers, so you might need to add an Apex trigger kit to make it a great gun. (My 9c stock trigger was just fine, but the stock trigger on my M&P 40 was terrible.) My Glock shoots very well, but I just don't like the way it feels. Personal preferences. The M&P and Glock are double-stack, wider, heavier than the Kahr, and just don't match the conceal-ability of the Kahr when carrying in hot weather clothing.
 
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