Do it all 9mm

[Skribs]

Most slim guns don't have light rails. Springfield should be coming out with the XDs in 9mm in fall or winter; it would be outside your price range but you could save up a little bit until then. Bit heavier than your average pocket pistol, but it's one of the few. The "true pocket" pistols don't have a light rail because they're simply too thin.

I CCW in cargo shorts all the time, I just have an instructor belt and a IWB holster. Once you get used to it (takes maybe a few days to a week of every day carry) you barely notice that it's there.

 

[9thchild]

The XD seems like a G26 w/ a rail. That just might be perfect. I have actually handled a service sized XD several times and love the way it feels.

I do not plan to solely pocket carry. I wear suits a lot and will IWB for that as well as the few months a year I wear jeans. I simply want the gun to be able to go along with me when I leave the house wearing something that is not supported by a belt.

 

[TarDevil]

I simply want the gun to be able to go along with me when I leave the house wearing something that is not supported by a belt.

I can't even carry a spare mag in belt-less shorts without dragging them down.

If you are going to carry, you'll have to change the way you dress... period.

 

[Centurian22]

I vote Springfield XD9 full size or sub compact.

 

[9thchild]

Perhaps I should just buy a more moderately priced full size pistol first and get a pocket .380 or 9mm down the road.

 

[Teachu2]

I recently got a Sig 2022 in 9mm. It's worth a look!

 

[minutemen1776]

Perhaps I should just buy a more moderately priced full size pistol first and get a pocket .380 or 9mm down the road.

Excellent idea. Having a do-it-all handgun is an exercise in compromise, which means that whatever you choose will likely not be optimal for any particular role. I think the Glock 19 serves this purpose about as well as anything, and other posters have probably exhausted the remaining top candidates in this area. Even still, these suggestions will not make the best pocket-carry gun, nor will they make the best house gun. Either you have one gun and live with the inherent compromise, or you opt for multiple handguns that are better suited to more specific tasks.

 

[Certaindeaf]

"Do it all 9mm".. get a Browning Hi-Power.. they weigh around three pounds loaded, thankfully.
Some men have to carry around eighty pounds with every step, all day long, up a mountain.
What's a couple pounds?

 

[Skribs]

A lot of people (myself included) would advocate that if you get a pocket .380/9 (or even .40/.45 if you decide to), that you carry both when you can, and only the .380 when you can't.

A lot of people recommend carrying a spare magazine for IF the one in your gun fails for some reason, but a BUG (back-up gun) can resolve other problems...including if you carry it weak-side, that lets you draw it if your strong arm is injured or otherwise engaged.

For IWB carry, I would still personally recommend starting out with a compact (not necessarily sub-compact) over a full size, although that depends on the size of your hands. The XDm compact just barely fits my full pinky on the grip (with the mag inserted) and conceals very easily. I'm sure something like a G19 or similar size would be perfect.

 

[Fiv3r]

When I hear "do it all 9mm" I think of the G19.

 

[sarge48]

G-19 or SR9c. The G19 is 20.99 oz unloaded the Sr9c is 23.40 unloaded. I own both. My wife loves the ruger the grip fits her better.

 

[C0untZer0]

Caracal C

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/05/ralph/9mm-faceoff-glock-19-vs-caracal-c/

$399 at Centerfire Systems

http://centerfiresystems.com/caracal-cs.aspx

 

[9thchild]

Went to the LGS today to hold some of the suggestions in this thread. They had the XD subcompact 9 for $300! It felt really great in my hand. I did not feel like I was holding a tiny pistol at all. The owner said he carried one regularly and saw no reason why I couldn't learn to shoot on it.

For $300 (or even the non-sale price of $350) I don't see how I can go wrong with the XD subcompact. I might be returning soon to put it on layaway.

 

[rem44m]

My vote is for the XD 9 subcompact given your criteria. I own and have owned quite a few pistols mentioned and can confidently say you will not be disappointed.

- Rail for light or laser
- Small enough to conceal
- Large enough to shoot comfortably and well
- Standard 31 round mag with ability to use 17 round mag.
- Reliable and proven track record
- Easy to field strip for cleaning and maintainence
- Lots of holsters and aftermarket accessories
- Should be able to find it for around $450-$500

If you are able to get into the 600 dollar range I would say look at the XDM 9 compact.

If you drop the light rail criteria the G26 is hard to beat.

Also just for the record the XD9 Subcompact for me is the easiest to pick up without having shot in a while and still be accurate with.

 

[Skribs]

Went to the LGS today to hold some of the suggestions in this thread. They had the XD subcompact 9 for $300! It felt really great in my hand. I did not feel like I was holding a tiny pistol at all. The owner said he carried one regularly and saw no reason why I couldn't learn to shoot on it.

For $300 (or even the non-sale price of $350) I don't see how I can go wrong with the XD subcompact. I might be returning soon to put it on layaway.

That extra $150-200 can go into ammo!

 

[WinThePennant]

The G19 is the quintessential "do it all 9mm." There is none better.

 

[Inebriated]

Glock 26. It is small enough for very comfortable carry, but accepts 19 and 17 magazines with the corresponding grip adapter, so you get a full-sized feel and capacity, while using a gun that can fit in pockets, if it has to.

 

[T. Bracker]

If you are going to concealed carry, I would suggest a good holster and appropriate belt. If you are going to pocket carry, then there are holsters for that, but you will need a smaller/lighter weapon for that.

 

[mgmorden]

I can't even carry a spare mag in belt-less shorts without dragging them down.

If you are going to carry, you'll have to change the way you dress... period.

I'll agree with this. I understand the convenience/comfort of gym shorts and I'll OCCASIONALLY wear them, but carrying with them is pretty much a no go. I can't even carry my LCP in those types of pants and its less than 10oz unloaded.

Even if you pocket carry, you're pretty much going to have to wear a belt. Alternatively, you could carry in a fanny pack or something, but it ain't going in a pocket without dragging the pants down.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Look at a Glock 19 or a S&W M&9 (or a M&P9c if you want it smaller). Neither is big, and either could be carried. Depending on your manner of dress, a good holster can make fairly sizeable guns concealable.

I own both the Glock 19 and the M&P9 FS. They are both good at filling the home defense and CCW roles (provided you will wear a good belt). The Glock is a tad smaller, but either would be a great choice.

I can't even carry a spare mag in belt-less shorts without dragging them down.

If you are going to carry, you'll have to change the way you dress... period.

For the most part this is true, but there is a CCW holster called the bellyband holster that some people have used and liked that is not attached to a belt at all. I have never tried one so I can't speak to its usefulness, but it is an option.

Here is a link.

 

[clang]

As already said - Glock 19 is a great all around 9 mm. It may not be the best at any one thing, but it is an excellent compromise to cover most occasions.

If you can do without the rail, don't mind used and want a metal gun, I suggest you look at a good used S&W 6906 or 3913. The 6906 is double stack, 3913 single stack. Pick whichever fits your hands better.

 

[TarDevil]

For the most part this is true, but there is a CCW holster called the bellyband holster that some people have used and liked that is not attached to a belt at all. I have never tried one so I can't speak to its usefulness, but it is an option.

Here is a link.

I guess that would work, but doesn't look terribly secure to me. Besides, by the time one goes to all the trouble of strapping that on, might as well pull on a pair of cargo shorts.

 

[Centurian22]

Where are you able to buy an XD9 sub compact for 300-350?!?!?! And is that new or used? I would jump on that in a heartbeat!!!

 

[TAKtical]

I carry a glock 17 every day. Maybe your build or style of clothes wont allow for a full size glock but I have no problem. I carry in one of the IWB hybrid holsters that I make.

 

[toivo]

IMO, there's no such thing as a "do-all" pistol that you can carry in your pocket. Pocket pistols sacrifice a lot to achieve their pocketability. I'm voting Glock 19 too. You can conceal it without too much trouble -- just not in a pocket, unless you mean a big coat pocket.

That said, I sold my G19 to get a SIG P239. Weighs more, holds fewer rounds, but I fell in love. What can I say?