I have recently decided to enter the market for a handgun to carry with me. Im looking for a 9mm-45acp range, preferably something that is tuned to someone with smaller hands. Doesn't necessarily have to have a hi capacity maybe 5-9 rounds. Also just to tickle my fancy, does anyone know if there are any pistols made for conceal and carry that have both small 5-9 round mags to have in while carrying, and also have the option for an"extreme"extended mag available (15-20+ range) perhaps for an extra clip, but most likely just for target practice? I have shot quite a few sig and xd 9s and xd 45s, and like them both, but have no experience with compact and sub compact handguns.
On the market for a conceal and carry handgun
- Thread starter Lazy1
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Dlowe167
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Have u looked up Sig Sauer P250. There small 1911,nightmare series is good too,with custom option standard,also bigger mags available
Doc3402
Member
If it was me, I would go with the Glock 33. I have a G27 in .40 S&W that is super easy to carry, easy to shoot, and easy to clean. My next gun will be the G33 in .357 Sig. It's basically the same gun as the G27, but the .357 Sig does a little bit better on penetration.
I understand you wanting a larger capacity mag for the range, but my advice is don't do it. The greater weight of the larger magazine will mess with your muscle memory. You should give strong consideration to only shooting what you will carry in the configuration you will carry it in. In a self defense situation you will need to depend on muscle memory since the adrenalin rush is going to kill your fine motor skills.
I understand you wanting a larger capacity mag for the range, but my advice is don't do it. The greater weight of the larger magazine will mess with your muscle memory. You should give strong consideration to only shooting what you will carry in the configuration you will carry it in. In a self defense situation you will need to depend on muscle memory since the adrenalin rush is going to kill your fine motor skills.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
A SIG P226 in 9mm is a very nice handgun but it's not all that small. There are currently 18 variations of the P226 so I'm sure you will find something you really like.
As for a 45, there are many but I would focus on 1911 style pistols in .45 Auto. Of course there is the original, Colt and they are again in the civilian market. Lets hope they don't abandon us again. I would take a look at the Colt Defender or New Agent which are compact and light alloy 1911's in .45 Auto. (only ~24oz) BTW, the New Agent is also available in 9mm.
Welcome to the forum...
As for a 45, there are many but I would focus on 1911 style pistols in .45 Auto. Of course there is the original, Colt and they are again in the civilian market. Lets hope they don't abandon us again. I would take a look at the Colt Defender or New Agent which are compact and light alloy 1911's in .45 Auto. (only ~24oz) BTW, the New Agent is also available in 9mm.
Welcome to the forum...
MedWheeler
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You might like the SiG 2022 in 9mm, though there is only one standard magazine for it. Another one near that size is the Ruger SR9c.
Hunter125
Member
Browse this forum for a while and you will find lots of people who carry full size guns. It can be done. I carry an XDsc .40 and really like it.
It sounds like you ought to be headed for a subcompact, though, with the ability to take mags from a bigger brother. Glock, XD, SR series will all do that. I assume M&P will too, but not sure. One of those would be my suggestion. SR grips feel slimmer to me, might fit smaller hands better.
I bought an XDm 3.8 in .40 as my first pistol before the XDm sc came out. Always wish I had gotten it instead.
As far as caliber, I really like .40, but always feel like maybe I should have gone with 9mm instead for carry. I won't get rid of my .40, maybe just buy a 9 soon.
It sounds like you ought to be headed for a subcompact, though, with the ability to take mags from a bigger brother. Glock, XD, SR series will all do that. I assume M&P will too, but not sure. One of those would be my suggestion. SR grips feel slimmer to me, might fit smaller hands better.
I bought an XDm 3.8 in .40 as my first pistol before the XDm sc came out. Always wish I had gotten it instead.
As far as caliber, I really like .40, but always feel like maybe I should have gone with 9mm instead for carry. I won't get rid of my .40, maybe just buy a 9 soon.
Sounds like a subcompact glock with an extended magazinea. For example: Glock 26 10+1 9mm with the flush fitting magazine, and it accepts 15rd G19 mags, 17rd G17mags and 33rd hi-cap mags. And you can do the same thing in .40S&Q, .357Sig, 45Gap, .45ACP or 10mm
TAKtical
Member
I agree 100% with FMF Doc. Do you have any experience with holsters or carrying? I can conceal a full size 1911 or a glock 17 no problem. I make holsters specifically for this purpose.
mdauben
Member
You might want to look at the Kahr single-stack offerings in both 9mm and 45mm. The Kahr P9 (7+1) or P45 (6+1) seem ideally suited to your specifications. Some people don't care for Kahrs, but it seems to me to mainly be based on older products. The current product range seems to have QC comparable to Smith, Ruger or other good companies.
Glock, S&W, and Springfield all have magazine compatibility for their smaller pistols to use the magazines of larger pistols (at least, as long as they're in the same line). You can also get what are known as magazine sleeves or grip extensions, which go on the magazine and mimic the full-size grip. Go to the-m-factor.com and look at the compacts, and you'll see what I mean.
People can carry a full-size pistol, but for the best comfort without changing your wardrobe too much, I'd recommend a compact or a sub-compact. My EDC setup right now is a XDm compact in .40 carried IWB, and as long as I have +1 size shirts on, it just disappears. On my weak side I pocket carry a M&P 9 compact. Trying to decide if I want to replace the XDm with a M&P 9 Full or Compact...
Anyway...there are a LOT of handguns that meet your description. My personal preference is for the Glock-style, although not specifically Glock. For starter CCW, I'd strongly recommend a G26 or G27, simply because it has significantly greater aftermarket support and virtually every local shop's gunsmith knows Glocks better than anything else, and there are more magazine sizes available (and with sleeves, grip sizes) for you to choose from if you feel you want a couple extra rounds.
People can carry a full-size pistol, but for the best comfort without changing your wardrobe too much, I'd recommend a compact or a sub-compact. My EDC setup right now is a XDm compact in .40 carried IWB, and as long as I have +1 size shirts on, it just disappears. On my weak side I pocket carry a M&P 9 compact. Trying to decide if I want to replace the XDm with a M&P 9 Full or Compact...
Anyway...there are a LOT of handguns that meet your description. My personal preference is for the Glock-style, although not specifically Glock. For starter CCW, I'd strongly recommend a G26 or G27, simply because it has significantly greater aftermarket support and virtually every local shop's gunsmith knows Glocks better than anything else, and there are more magazine sizes available (and with sleeves, grip sizes) for you to choose from if you feel you want a couple extra rounds.
chris in va
Member
I'll second the Kahr suggestion. K9/P9/CW9 etc. Single stack, excellent trigger, great ergonomics, not too small or thin. Skip the 40 and 45 versions, not as reliable.
Also look at the CZ P01. All controls are small hand friendly, and if you just have to get a higher cap mag, the larger ones from the 75 series fit. I bought a 33rd mag at a gun show but it doesn't work that well.
Also look at the CZ P01. All controls are small hand friendly, and if you just have to get a higher cap mag, the larger ones from the 75 series fit. I bought a 33rd mag at a gun show but it doesn't work that well.
WVleo
Member
Kahr PM9 has become the latest in My evolution of CCW weapons. After starting out years ago ( I would say decades, but that ages Me LOL ) with a snubby Ruger Security Six .357, then a Ruger P-89 stuffed with the infamous Black Talon in a aftermarket 19 rd. magazine, then the rotating CZ RAMI 9mm IWB or Pocket Colt DSII .38 . All worked fine for the place and time in My life. The weapons that work for one person might not fit for another so try a few if You have a range that rents guns near You and whichever You choose, practice, practice, practice. Most important part of a CCW system unless You are pocket carrying is the holster followed closely by a quality belt. If You go cheap in those 2 areas a $1,500 carry weapon won't do You any good if it's home in the safe and not at Your side.....WVleo
CFletch08
Member
I've got small hands and I carry a Beretta 90-two. It's got a bigger grip than my hands like, but carrying it isn't a problem (investing in a good belt and holster payed off) and I'm comfortable shooting it. If I had it to do over I think I would try a cz-75 series gun. Similar idea but slimmer design and more comfortable to my smallish hands.
Lazy1,
I carried a Glock-36 for several years (7 rounds of 45 ACP) in a conceable package. Cjujurently there are also offerings in the Springfield XDM series and the Kahr pistols. I currently carry a Kahr PM-9 in a pocket holster - 7 rounds of 9mm in a very small package. Kahr also make the CM-9 which is equally concealable.
I carried a Glock-36 for several years (7 rounds of 45 ACP) in a conceable package. Cjujurently there are also offerings in the Springfield XDM series and the Kahr pistols. I currently carry a Kahr PM-9 in a pocket holster - 7 rounds of 9mm in a very small package. Kahr also make the CM-9 which is equally concealable.
TrueTexan
Member
Try the Sig P220 compact carry smaller than the P 220.
coolluke01
Member
Gotta 2nd the Glock suggestions. I carry the G26 Gen 4. I have large hands so I use the largest backstrap. Take the backstraps off and you then have a gun for smaller hands.
I love bringing my G26 to the range for a steel match and then pull out the 33 round mag. I've shot a few subcompacts. Nothing is closer to the feel and shoot ability of the full size counterparts than the G26.
Many times when you opt for a subcompact you sacrifice shoot ability, accuracy or capacity, or all 3. I think you have a good representation of those factors in the 26,27, etc.
I love bringing my G26 to the range for a steel match and then pull out the 33 round mag. I've shot a few subcompacts. Nothing is closer to the feel and shoot ability of the full size counterparts than the G26.
Many times when you opt for a subcompact you sacrifice shoot ability, accuracy or capacity, or all 3. I think you have a good representation of those factors in the 26,27, etc.
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