Which subcompact should I purchase for carry?

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Joe Link

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I have a bit of a dilemma. I currently own three pistols I could use for concealed carry:

- Sig P220 (.45), with a Comp-Tac IWB holster (excellent holster by the way)
- Springfield Armory 1911 Loaded (.45), with Novak night sights and CT laser grips, no holster
- Keltec P3AT (.380), no holster

My problem is I don't really like carrying any of them, so they usually stay home.

I used to carry the P220 but it's just so big, thick, and heavy (I'm already packing something by that description, two is pushing it).

Obviously I can't carry the 1911 without a holster and I haven't invested in one because the sights on the gun are off. I haven't dialed in the sights because I'm not sure how (though I do know where to ask :neener:) and I'd need to find a place to do it. Eventually I am going to get a holster for this, I just have to do my homework and figure out which I'd like.

I bought the Keltec P3AT but I've failed to get a holster for that as well, and putting it in my pocket is stupid because I can't carry a round in the chamber, it gets loaded with lint, and it wears holes in my jeans. Besides that, I'm not very accurate with it and don't feel comfortable with the round.

My other issue is I'm not able to afford to shoot the .45's as much as I'd like to due to the price of ammo around here. Cheapest I could find it locally was $115 for 500 rounds, and that's a sizable investment for a college student.

Ok, now that you guys have the background info I'll proceed with the questions. I'm thinking I'd like a subcompact in a caliber of either 9mm or .40. I've been looking at both the Glock 26 and the Glock 27, but I've also been curious about offerings from Kahr and possibly other manufacturers. My only experience shooting a Glock was with a Glock 19 and I was more accurate with that gun the first time I shot it than I have been with any gun before or since. I'm hoping to have the same results with a G26 or G27. I *think* I'd feel a bit more comfortable carrying .40 but I'm curious how different the two guns are. I know in terms of size they're identical, with the G26 having a slight weight advantage. Ammo costs are a concern to me, so please keep that in mind. What would you guys recommend?

BTW, I'm 6'1 210lbs, muscular with a belly.
 
If you like the 1911, get an EMP.

There are a fair number of holsters fpr the Keltec, which seems like the most carryable of what you listed, at least pocket-carry...
 
Glock 26. You can load it with cheap WWB or Blazer for practice and use premium +P or +P+ hollowpoints for carry. As many caliber wars that go on here, I think it'd be hard to find someone who says Ranger T or Cor-bon DPX in 9mm are wuss ammo.

The G27 and G33 are also identical in size, but are .40 and .357, respectively. There's a huge aftermarket for them too. If you find the grip is too small, you can get an extended baseplate for the mag or use G19 mags with an adapter. Depending on how you dress, you could get a pocket holster for the G26. I carry mine in a DeSantis Mini-slide OWB (casual clothes) and a DeSantis Apache ankle holster (work clothes).

I'm in college (grad school) now so I know what the $$$ situation is like. Get the 9mm now and if you feel you need a bigger caliber, get one when you graduate or get your first big promotion.
 
Try before you buy

You must really try the baby Glocks before you buy them. Since you seem to have the experience to know what you like and what you can shoot you will find this extremely vakluable. One of my carry guns is a 27 and my shooting buddy has a 33. Both of us are less accurate with the baby glocks than with full size glocks. Both of us also shoot the Sig 229 much better than the full size Glocks.

I would not hesitate to recommend any baby Glock or Sig 229 or 239 in any caliber for carry use but you must try before you buy.

BTW. you might also fall in love with the LEM trigger on the HK p2000 or p2000SK. since you did not specify a price range I threw in the SIGs and the HKs. Their benefit is their ergonomics, the Glocks work just as well. I have 8 Glocks, 2 SIGs and 2 HKs just for reference.
 
Definetly either the Glock 19 or 26. Buy whichever you shoot better (if you can try both out).

WWB 9mm is cheap.

And you can buy Gold Dots to carry.

That's what I would do. Actually...that's what I did. :D Glock 26.
 
I would say get a Kahr, but they need to be broken in and I gather that you dont shoot a whole lot... So, a G26 would be a good bet, as would a J frame.
 
If you like the 1911, get an EMP.
Click to expand...

Yep!:)


I have a NAA .22 Mag revolver that I have carried a ton just because it is easy. It fits into my pocket without being noticeable, and shoots every time.
 
I have the the GLOCK 26 and it was the best move I have ever made for concealed carry. Here's what worked for me. Two extra mags with the plus 1 extensions and I kept one mag with the stock baseplate. A Bianchi strong side belt slide holster, a Done Hume pocket holster and I already had a fanny pack. All those carry options with one gun leaves no excuse not to be armed. If you decide to go with the GLOCK 27, then you can get a 357 Sig barrel and have two guns in one.
 
I really liked my Kimber Ultra Carry II. Never a failure of any kind with factory ammo, and accurate as any larger pistol I've shot. Sold it to get a 5" 1911, but I regret it to this day :(
 
My recommendation would be a Kimber Ultra Carry II. It's lots of firepower, small, relatively lightweight and can also be carried as a pocket pistol which I do about 50% of the time. You are already familiar with the 1911. Commonality in platforms is a definate plus in defensive carrying.
 
Dont buy a gun. Take that 5-600 dollars you would use to buy a carry setup and buy a holster and as much HP.45 ammo as you can. Get the sights on the 1911 fixed. Shoot it, carry it.

Just carry the 1911.
 
Why not just throw the Kel-Tec in your pocket and be done with it? Ummmm why can't you put a round in the chamber of the Kel-Tec? I certainly do....that is a pretty long DA pull if you are worried about an accident.
 
Thanks for all the advice and feedback guys.

Monkeybear, I'm going to shop for a 1911 holster right now.

My main problem I have is the hard plastic holster of the Sig is really uncomfortable against my skin and I don't always want to have to wear an undershirt. The second problem is when I'm driving with the gun anywhere between the 4:30 and 6 o'clock position it really gets to my back. What do you guys recommend to prevent these things?

I wish I could find someone around me that would be willing to let me shoot their G26, G27, and a Kahr or two so I could be sure.

HKGuns, I don't have a pocket holster and I really don't feel comfortable leaving the trigger exposed with a round in the chamber.
 
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Walther P99c/AS....


Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy
 
If you post where you are (modify your profile) I'll bet someone will offer to let you try their favorite.

If you are in the DFW area and want o try a Kahr PM9, pm me.
 
Sell what you don't need, and get a newer piece that'll fit your budget and conceal-ability issues.(I'd sell my nicest gun before i sell my most reliable gun but thats me) 40 cal is cheaper then 45 but 9mm beats them both considerably in the price department. For target use cheapo ammo for defense use the meanest hollow points on the market.

I like the new SpringFieldArmory XD sub-compacts they come with an extended magazine an a sleeve that goes around it.( i got big hands) Saw one in dark earth that was really cool.
 
Go with a Glock 19 with XS big dot sights. Unless you have TINY hands don't do what I did and buy a 26 and put the grip extender on the magazine (like everyone does) ....when you lay it on top of a 19 the grip is LONGER, slide length isn't an issue and you have 5 more rounds. Also find a used Gen 2 at a cheeper price because you won't be using the rail for carry and it has a smaller grip. If it doesn't work you can get all your money out of a used Glock most of the time. If you can't hide that in TX it is likely too hot, in most cases you will need something like a NAA mini in .22Mag.
 
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