Multi-purpose 9mm

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Vicious-Peanut

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So I have some cash and figured it might be a good time to pick up a 9mm for range/conceal carry use. I don't have the cash for two, so it needs to be big enough so recoil doesn't get too annoying, but also easy enough to conceal in hot Texas weather. I don't know if such a gun exists, but I figured you guys would.

I like the Bersa Thunder 9 UC, but they are wide and hard to find.

The subcompact XD seems nice, but is it too small to shoot comfortably?

Ideally the perfect gun for me would have a 3.5" barrel a width of under 1.3" and cost under $500.

Any help is much appreciated.
 
Since you mentioned the XD, I believe Springfield offers a grip-spacer kind of device for the subcompact XD so that you get a full sized grip when you use a full sized magazine.
 
new%20glock%2019-3.jpg

Glock 19

CALIBER
9x19
SYSTEM
Safe Action
WEIGHT
595 g / 20.99 oz.
LOADED (~)
850 g / 29.98 oz.

LENGTH
174 mm / 6.85 in.
HEIGHT
127 mm / 5.00 in.
MAG. CAPACITY
Standard: 15
OPTIONAL
17 / 19 / 33

WIDTH
30 mm / 1.18 in.
BARREL HEIGHT
32 mm / 1.26 in.
TRIGGER PULL
2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs.
TRIGGER TRAVEL
12.5 mm / 0.5 in.

LINE OF SIGHT
153 mm / 6.02 in.
BARREL LENGTH
102 mm / 4.02 in.
BARREL RIFLING
right hand, hexagonal
LENGTH OF TWIST
250 mm / 9.84 in.
 
I like the SR9c, but it seems like the Glock has it beat in width and it gets a longer barrel with an identical overal length. I guess I'll check one out tomorrow.
 
Sounds like a Glock 26 to me. I love my 27, it's a fantastic pistoland shouldn't be difficult for you to conceal even considering Texas extreme flashing laws and hot hot heat.

FNP-9 or FNP-9M (if you can find one) would be excellent too.
 
SPringfield Armory XD9 in subcompact is a great gun. I have one and its not too small to shoot. you have the option of the concealed mag or the extended grip mag. very good gun. I cant say enough good about it. I highly recommend it. its reliable, affordable, and just an all around great gun. you can also get one in a 4" with full size grip if you like better than the sub compact version. look into them. you wont be dissappointed in the XD.
 
I would choose a Glock 26 or the slightly larger 19. I just picked up a super clean "like new" used 19 for $400 to round out my collection. I have a 17, 19, and 26 and all fit different needs. The 19 is comfortable and a lot of firepower in a decent size package. If packing is the main concern maybe think about the 26.
 
S+W single-stacks carry and shoot nicely. My 3" 1911 is actually slightly easier to carry but I shoot these more so it's usually one of these on my belt. Here's a bad pic of a few good guns; 3913 and two 3953's:
 

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I purchased my Bersa UC9 Pro for $325 off Gunbroker in November. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to find another at the price if you have the patience. I have absolutely no complaints with mine and only praise.
My G19 never quite fit me well, though I had a 2nd generation model without the finger grooves (which might make a difference). Other than the ergonomic, which as I'm sure you know is completely subjective, I had no complaints against the G19; it was an excellent pistol.

If you're on a strict budget, the UC9 is a great choice (as it is for those not on a budget as well). There's a plethora of used 9mm handguns out there that would fit the bill quite nicely. SOG was offering used 5906 Smith & Wessons in "very good" to "excellent" condition for quite an attractive price not too long ago. It wouldn't hurt to look into police trade-ins if you have no qualms with used handguns. Some of the best deals are found along that route.
 
I'm a big fan of subcompacts that take larger mags from their bigger siblings (especially if there are grip extensions to fill the gap between the butt of the frame and the mag floorplate), so a Glock 26, S&W M&P9c, SA XD9sc and a few others would be my choice. Even a CZ 2075 RAMI would work, since it has its own high capacity mags. You can CCW with the small mag, and use the larger mags for the range or carry them as your extra mag(s). You just have to handle and shoot each one to see what you like.

Disclaimer: the author of this post didn't follow his own advice. :D I wound up with three different 9mm pistols, each has its own function...
 
i have two...
Steyr M9-A1 and a CZ P07.. I like them both and recommend both.. the cz will be cheaper and easier to locate.
 
The CZ-75D PCR is a great choice. Its the lightweight alloy, compact version of the CZ-75. Its accurate, concealable and carries 14 + 1.

It can double as a range gun and for me is as accurate as my fullsize 75B.
 
In my opinion these are the best options for the criteria you desire:

Glock 19
S&W 3913
CZ-75 PCR
Kel Tec PF9
Taurus PT109
 
I really like my CZ P-01

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I went to check out some at the local Bass Pro (only place that was open). I walked in looked at the prices and walked out. They and Gander Mountain are incredible, asking 20% more for the same guns..

I do like the 3913 a lot, but i haven't seen one around here.
 
I went to check out some at the local Bass Pro (only place that was open). I walked in looked at the prices and walked out. They and Gander Mountain are incredible, asking 20% more for the same guns..
Click to expand...

Yea, what's with those guys, especially Bass. And to top it off, they NEVER have any ammo. The only reason I go in is because I drive by it all the time and they're never busy. I can stand there all afternoon and handle guns I'm thinking of buying at Bud's. Cabela's can be 6 deep at the counter and crickets are chirping over at Bass.
 
Sounds like folks recommend about 10 different guns. That must mean that different guns suit different people differently. I'd say you should go handle a few, since we can't come to a consensus for you. :D

If I had to pick a handful of small 9mm's to carry/shoot, I'd say you might want to look at a:
Sig P225
Springfield XD9C
Glock G19
S&W M&P

MY preference would be Sig, M&P, XD and Glock, in that order. I'd gladly carry any of them. :)
 
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