Help me chose my EDC - final sense check

[Wanderling]

This is funny!

Yes, this thread is full of helpful advices but frighteningly bad in reading comprehension...

 

[PabloJ]

So, before I pull the plug on my EDC purchase, I want to get a 2nd (umpteenth) opinion.

I currently have a G17 which I like a lot, it's not difficult to carry, but a bit large. I wouldn't want to carry it every day.

I want to stick with 9mm Para, mainly so that I didn't have to worry about different ammo calibers.

I also want a gun that's light, has some kind of external safety (I outfitted my G17 with a Siderlock and plan to do the same with G26), is highly reliable, accurate, and not too expensive.

So, here's are the guns I've considered, in the order of preference. Please don't suggest any more, I am confused enough as it is

#1 Glock 26. First on my list. I rented one and it was very accurate and rather fun to shoot. Plus, the same exact gun, for all intends and purposes, as my G17 so no learning new things, can share some accessories. Cons: more expensive than some other guns on my list, kind of chubby, a bit boring (as I would like something different even though it's not the major consideration)

#2 M&P Shield 9mm. Cheaper, slimmer, has glowing reviews, even smaller than G26, but AFAIK has no external safety , high axis bore, fewer rounds.

#2a Ruger SR9c. I was almost set on it - it's only slightly larger than G26, cheaper, has good reviews, Ruger's CS is supposed to be very good. But then I read about barrel peening issues.

#4 CZ75 Compact, probably one with an alloy frame. Slightly cheaper than G26, a classic gun I've always wanted to try (although I am absolutely not interested in their polymer framed offerings), accurate, but heavy for it's size, and very hard to find in stock; not sure about their CS.

So, out of these guns (don't suggest any more, please ! ) which one should I be getting ?

The G26 will accept all G17 magazines for reloads. The choice is very obvious. There is nothing wrong with the Shield or SR9c. Choosing small CZ75 makes not sense because fire controls are different from G17.

 

[strambo]

My only remorse is that I didn't even try G26 when I bought my first gun four years ago because it looked "uncomfortable".

As much as I like G17 I find myself shooting G26 more at the range. At typical pistol range distances (10 or 25 yards) I'm equally accurate (or equally inaccurate) with both yet somehow G26 seems more fun to shoot.. go figure. I'd trade my 17 for a second 26 without hesitation even though it's a fine gun.

I'm the same way, never tried a gun with a small frame because I don't like the idea of my pinky not being on the grip. That said, I have yet to read a report of a G26 being anything other than an excellent shooter so I wouldn't hesitate to get one these days.

 

[Bama Drifter]

Yes, this thread is full of helpful advices but frighteningly bad in reading comprehension...

At the risk of "horse meet stick", congrats to OP! Glad you went w/ the most logical solution. I was reading a while back in Mas Ayoob's blog that he won a Stock Service class IPSC match using his G26 but feeding it w/ G17 mags. Something about the way a G26 nestled into the palm helped him control recoil better, IIRC. Anyway now you IPSC guys can flame my improper use of terms

BTW, plz include following before adding to this nearly deceased thread!
OP IS HAPPY W/ G26 PURCHASED LAST NOVEMBER!

 

[PJSprog]

Rented a Shield 9mm over this last weekend. The wife and I both liked it. I'm not a Glock fan, and she already has a M&P9c, but is looking for something thinner for light-dress days. I thought it was a good shooter, and found it quite comfortable in the hand. She'll probably buy one with no external safety, same as her compact.

Glad the OP is still happy with the G26. It really did make the most sense.

 

[psyopspec]

I don't think you have a bad one in the bunch. I carry a G26; if I felt the need for a manual safety, the M&P might get the first nod.

 

[Wanderling]

One of the main reasons I went with G26 was that M&P Shield's safety, when I handled it, seemed like the worst design ever.

Look at the location of the safety (right under the wavy pattern on the slide). In most safety equipped pistols, you can flip the safety to fire position while pointing the gun. In Shield, it's impossible unless you have tentacles instead of fingers. The safety is too far back and too small and it goes up and down in a slot instead of pivoting like in other guns. As the guy at LGS told me, "you're supposed to take safety off while pulling the gun from the holster". Yeah, and if you remember a second too late, you're dead meat. Unless you can hold the gun in your right hand and turn the safety off with your left - not the best setup.



I am completely puzzled as to why the company with so much experience designing pistols had to come up with such a terrible idea.

 

[eddd7]

I hope you're not gonna be this analytical and indecisive if you ever have to use your carry gun. That said..........

It's been said that the best carry gun is the one you won't leave at home because..............pick your reason....heavy, bulky, makes my butt look big, belt doesn't match my holster......whatever.

This is why I carry my slightly modified and very light Ruger LCP everywhere I go. It's light and small............no excuses.

 

[PJSprog]

I agree that the external safety on the Shield is not the best design in the world. That's at least one reason I would opt for the no-safety version. I know that wasn't an option for you in your original criteria, though. Did you modify the trigger on your G26 the same as your G17?