Which gun as my next CCW

[kd7nqb]

Ok so long story short I am in the market for a new pistol, and have decided that this one is going to be smaller than my current carry gun which is a full size M&P in .40s&w

I have also decided that this one is going to be in 9mm, as far as I am concerned both 9mm and 40s&w are good defensive rounds and 9mm is cheaper (yet still expensive) for practice.

So here are the options I have been looking over so far and why I have looked at them.

1. Beretta PX4 Sub-compact- this one seems like a nice gun, I handled one in my local shop and really like the feel of it, seems like a good gun with a good company behind it, but I have never shot one.

2. Springfield XD sub-compact, I have shot the full size XD a lot and actually almost bought one before I bought my M&P the features I liked were transferred and it seems like again an all around good gun.

3. Smith and Wesson M&P Compact, alright I already have a full size M&P and actually thats whats pushing me away from getting the compact, I love my M&P to death but if I am going to spend the money maybe I want a little more diversity

4. Glock 26 (although I have looked at the 19 as well) Glocks are glocks, they go bang every time but dont seem to have the little extras that the other guns have

5. Another option that I have looked at is several gunsmiths offer a service where they take a full size glock (such as the 17) and chop the grip to the length of a 19 or 26 thus allowing you to keep the barrel length with the short grip.

I am not particularly drawn to any one of these guns over the others. Basically I can conceal my full size M&P but it does generally require that I either wear a little longer t-shirt or a cover garment. So with a slightly smaller frame I hope to be able to wear a regular t-shirt. It does not seem that the difference between a compact and a sub-compact will be a huge deal since I am not wanting to pocket or ankle carry anyway. So feel free to suggest one of all of these guns as good choices.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I rather like the idea of the M&P compact as an identically operating companion to the full-size.

5. Another option that I have looked at is several gunsmiths offer a service where they take a full size glock (such as the 17) and chop the grip to the length of a 19 or 26 thus allowing you to keep the barrel length with the short grip.

That seems rather pointless, IMO.

 

[chuckusaret]

Get a Springfield XD40 sub compact. I love mine, best gun I have ever owned

 

[benderx4]

I've got a SA XDsc in 9mm and love mine! Highly recommended although it is a big "thick" for CCW.

I like your choice of the Beretta too, great gun, probably a bit more concealable than the XDsc.

As you said, the Glock 26 is the Toyota Camry of the gun industry. Extremely reliable but BORING.

A couple guns I'd throw into the mix would be the HK P2000SK and the HK P7. Got em both, carry em both, and LOVE them both!

Since I got the HKs, my XD has been moved down the ladder to official "car" gun.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Kind of Blued]

You might be suprised how small the G19 is. It's about as small as possible without sacrificing the ability to get a good grip on the gun. It seems like a lot of guys that carry G26s stay with the extended mags, making the grip G19-length, sacrificing capacity and velocity. Lose all around.

If you'd consider .45 ACP, you could satisfy #5 from the factory. Springfield Armory makes a 5" Compact with a short grip and extended mags if you want the full grip, or to keep in your pocket as a reload. I REALLY wish they'd use the same concept on their 9mm XDs.

That seems rather pointless, IMO.

Short and concealable grip which doesn't protrude or print when you bend over, and can use G26, G19, G17, or G18 mags depending on how much concealability you need.

Long barrel to get the most velocity out of the cartridge. If carrying IWB the barrel is stuck in your pants and doesn't affect concealability whatsoever.

Sounds like the best of both worlds to me. They'll end up looking weird, but I wish more people made 'em like that.

 

[LiveFree7]

I'd stay with .40. . . . saves you having to buy, practice, and stock up on 2 different calibers. I'd check out the Kahr P40 or CW40

 

[bluehandgun]

i vote glock 26.

the little "extras" you get with glock is in the way of aftermarket product and upgrades, of which glock has more than any other pistol on your list. for instance, any 9mm magazine will work in your 26 giving it as much capacity you will ever need, at the range in a defensive situation, etc.

 

[Rinspeed]

Here's my favorite. Out of the ones you have listed I would chose the XD but I don't have any experience with the M&P which seems to get very good reviews.

 

[tblt]

G26
Have you looked at the CZ RAMI?

 

[chuckusaret]

The SA XD40 SC is rather wide but I carry in a shoulder holster or the under arm t-shirt holster.

 

[Girodin]

I have been mulling over the exact same question for a while now with many of the pistol choices being examined but a few others as well. I am leaning towards the sub compact XD. I think that is what santa will end up leaving me under the tree.

I considered the glock 26 and am tempted because i have a G19 and a supply of mags. Taking each pistol for what it is I think I like the XD more.

 

[DawgFvr]

G26 and MTAC holster = CCW

 

[IdahoLT1]

I like the PX4 but for a true, reliable, easily concealable firearm, id go with a Kahr. I have the CW9(their least expensive model) and its been an awesome firearm. Its light enough to not bother me, but heavy enough to get some good range time with it. I have put ~800rds through it w/out a hiccup. I tried the CW40 but it had a bit too much recoil for me. The 9mm works well with these firearms.

 

[Jbabbler]

I love the XD sub compacts but they aren't really a good CCW choice in my opinion. They are way to thick and top heavy. I have an XD-40sc and I have yet to find a comfortable carry option for it.

 

[Jason_G]

For me, it'd be between the Beretta and the S&W. Both of those feel much better in my hands than the XD's or Glocks.

Jason

 

[skwab]

I had the same issue a few months ago. Have a M&P full size in .40 and wanted a sub-compact for CCW. didn't want the M&P C because I like variety - went to a gun show and handled all different types - really wanted to like the XD sub comp but I didn't like the way it felt in my hand - just didn't feel as balanced as the M&PC, kept coming back to the M&PC in 9mm and went with that - love it - more accurate out of the box than i expected