Compact 9mm decision

[PabloJ]

I am hoping for some suggestions on a new addition. I am looking for a 9mm compact for a general purpose handgun to carry in the truck on road trips, CCW, and range.

I have the full size niche filled with a P89 and GP100. I like the GP100 for its great trigger and ability to shoot light SWC through fire breathing magnums, but as a all around handgun I prefer the capacity of a semi and 9mm is a good balance of power vs. recoil for me. I really like the P89 and it has been my "go to" for a long time, but it is on the large end of full size. I have found myself wishing I could carry sometimes, and I don't feel I can conceal the P89 reliably. I would also like something a little more "refined".

Some considerations:
- double stack magazine
- good aftermarket support (grips, sights, holsters, magazines, etc.)
- compact size that is concealable, but not a huge compromise in med-large hands at the range
- prefer hammer fired decocker because that is what I am used to, but open to suggestions
- bonus points if a quality 22 conversion kit is available

I am going to try to handle a few this afternoon at the shops to try to narrow the list a little. I really want to look at a CZ75 compact, and will also take a look at a sig 226 and glock 19. I would greatly appreciate any other suggestions and comments on things that I should consider in my attempt to find a handgun to be my new "go to".

I would look at size and weight of gun plus compatibility of longer magazines for range use. The G26 comes to mind. Companies like Walther, H&K, FN,....offer similar size offerings. The H&K, FN can be found with hammer firing system. Not sure if you have to settle for used gun or they still make that configuration. The SiGSaur 365 is small and light but it didn't strike me as good range toy. I would not want metal-framed "anchor" as CCW gun.

 

[Pukindog12]

You might want to consider a Bersa Thunder UC9 Pro. Seems to check off everything you want minus the .22 conversion. I have two and both have been superb.

Although all the CZs mentioned are great options and I'd love to own a PCR or P-01 (I already own a P-07.) some day there is no way I'd give up my UC9s for one of them, even on an even up trade. That is how highly I think of the UC9.

 

[Danoobie]

Take a look at the 9mm S&W M6906, there's usually several on Gunbroker. It's slightly smaller than the S&W M915 someone else mentioned. It's DA/SA, hammer fired, 12 round mags........meets ALL your criteria except for the "bonus points" .22 conversion kit availability. I started carrying S&W 9mm DA/SA guns like the Model 39 and Model 59 over 35 years ago, and eventually ended up carrying the "3rd Generation" M6906. It's been my primary CCW gun for over 20 years now. (I'm not a fan of striker fired guns either.) I bet if you tried the M6906, you'd like it.

More like "if you can find one". I see an awful lot of plastic out there at the stores and pawn shops. Maybe you'll luck out on gunbroker. They have 5
right now.

 

[nettlle]

Picked up my CZ 75D PCR Compact from my FFL this morning and ran 100 rounds through it this afternoon. Fit and finish was nicer than expected. Trigger one of the best DA I have tried. I do like the decoker on it.

 

[GoPappy]

"You might want to consider a Bersa Thunder UC9 Pro. Seems to check off everything you want minus the .22 conversion. I have two and both have been superb.

Although all the CZs mentioned are great options and I'd love to own a PCR or P-01 (I already own a P-07.) some day there is no way I'd give up my UC9s for one of them, even on an even up trade. That is how highly I think of the UC9."

I have a Bersa Thunder UC Pro 9mm. I like it and it is a nice gun that I enjoy shooting. It's a good size with the right amount of heft, and feels great in the hand. It's especially nice for a lefty (like me) since it is completely ambidextrous.

But I also have a CZ SP-01 Tactical and a RAMI BD. I'd take either CZ all day long every day over the Bersa.

 

[high country]

Finally managed to shoot a CZ75b (not D, and not a compact). Definitely a nice gun, and a super soft shooter, although I would guess that gets progressively less true as it gets lighter. But even a PCR is no ultralight. Two things bugged me though. One is the lack of a good surface for racking the slide. With dry warm hands at the range, it was OK, but with cold or wet hands, or gloves, I could see that being a a real fumbling point.

The second issue was the bigger one, and that is I shot the full size 75 against the compact Glock 19 that I liked before, and shot better with the Glock. The Glock feels better in my hand, and I actually like the pull of the Glock trigger for a "all purpose" handgun that may be used under less ideal conditions. I went into this really wanting to love the CZ75 compact, and I came out really liking the Glock 19. Didn't see that coming, but that I why I went through this exercise.

Thanks all for for all the valuable insights, happy shooting!

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I have been on the search of a new sub-compact 9mm to replace my LC9S as a CCW. After owning the Pico, decided I wanted the same quality and will so be ordering a Nano in the next month or two. It fits my personal preferences to a Tee.

 

[armoredman]

Just sayin'.

 

[Ignition Override]

Armored farmer:
When we are invaded again by the "Body Snatchers" (about 1983, starring Donald Sutherland), I will use whatever ammo allowed you to terminate those two green "alien pods" in your photo.

That was post #32. Was the ammo a very common brand of jhp?