i am looking to buy my first cc handgun. i have researched several and narrowed it down to a handful of sub-compacts. also i am looking to keep the price under 500 if possible. therefore my choices so far are the springfield xd9 sc, s&w m&p shield 9mm which seems to be almost impossible to find anywhere, sig sauer p250 sc 9mm and the taurus pt709 slim which my in-law recently purchased and loves. of the reviews i have seen on these guns, more than i can count, they have all performed well. havent seen much negative about any of them. my only problem with any handgun is the fact that i have smaller hands. i havent had the chance yet to even hold the xd or the shield so not sure of the fit. any insight to function or reacurring problems with any of these would be appreciated. or possibly any others that i havent mentioned that would work well.
what to buy?
- Thread starter lineman13
- Start date
trailboss
Gunsmith
For self-defense: .22 beats .45
IMHO
sigs are nice,
taurus makes great revovers, the autos are ok. a small 357 is a nice carry
good luck finding a shield.
Ruger LC9 is nice
if you are going to carry it, you need to practice with it at least once a week. that said, what ammo can you afford to buy that much of.
380
9mm
22lr
I carry a colt 1911 22lr and just about everyday I send 50+ rounds down range (living in the country makes it easy)
just my two cents
IMHO
sigs are nice,
taurus makes great revovers, the autos are ok. a small 357 is a nice carry
good luck finding a shield.
Ruger LC9 is nice
if you are going to carry it, you need to practice with it at least once a week. that said, what ammo can you afford to buy that much of.
380
9mm
22lr
I carry a colt 1911 22lr and just about everyday I send 50+ rounds down range (living in the country makes it easy)
just my two cents
I would highly recommend the Glock 19 Gen 4 9x19 as a CC gun. It is a bit over $500 but well worth the price. If the G19 is too big you could look at the G26 which is the Baby Glock. Beautiful guns and very easy to use, maintain, and very very accurate. I have the G19 G4 and it is simply the best.
I recently purchased a Ruger SR9c in the price range you mentioned. It came with two magazines, one that preserves its compact aspect (10 rounds), and one that lengthens the grip to the full size of the SR9 (17 rounds). Have been to the range several times, shot about 500 rounds, and am pretty happy with it so far.
I LOVE my new Springfield XD-S .45 ACP, so tiny, yet so accurate but only 7+1 with extended mag (just don't miss 
). What caliber(s)? I wouldn't carry anything smaller than a .40S&W but that's just me. I'll wear a shoulder holster with my P229 .40S&W if I'm on the road, but I'd never even try to conceal that thing unless weather permits so that's why I picked up the XD-S. Like fuhr52 said, go to the range and rent some guns to try out because everyone's different.
). What caliber(s)? I wouldn't carry anything smaller than a .40S&W but that's just me. I'll wear a shoulder holster with my P229 .40S&W if I'm on the road, but I'd never even try to conceal that thing unless weather permits so that's why I picked up the XD-S. Like fuhr52 said, go to the range and rent some guns to try out because everyone's different.
sig_man
New member
Reviews are nice and opinions are fine, but as you are going to carrying and using, as Fuhr52 said, go to an indoor range that lets you rent a variety of different guns. You may be surprised by the different feel, perceived recoil and other intangibles between the different guns. I fyou want to narrow your choice down, go to a local gun store and just test the feel in your hand to see which ones may feel the best before going to the range.
Problem I have is the trigger locks on every pistol at every FFL where I live. My FFL will remove trigger locks for me but good luck getting a place like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's to do that (they have no idea who you are and idiots dry fire guns right in the middle of a crowded store). Can't truly get a feel for the gun without having access to the trigger but good enough for a ballpark figure.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
I looked into the P250 series and I've been told to avoid at all costs. I love my "classic" Sigs (snagged my P229 LEO trade-in with Trijicon HDs for $700 on Gunbroker) but I've heard some BAD things about the P250 series...and most every other newer model guns they've been putting out (P224 that still hasn't hit thr market afaik) and even the "new" P229s with the longer extractor. If you're looking for a sub-$500 pistol then a Sig is not for you.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
shooterfan1974
New member
I carry a G26 and I have medium hands and arthritis. It works for me. It's a little thick but manages the 9mm recoil well. Take the advice to go to a rental range to find what you are comfortable with. That said, the Shield is very comfortable and slim enough. I've fired an LC9 and found it too skinny and light, it hurt me to shoot. I'd expect the XDs, also very skinny, to be a hand rocket since it's .45 ACP. Good luck.
Not in my case at least. My hands are smaller than some womens' hands (and I'm 6'2" and 180lbs give or take). My right wrist is arthritic due to a ligament tear from heavy bag work. With all that I never had a problem with the XDs. The 7 rd extended mag with the grip "sleeve" thingy makes a world of difference though because my hand barely fits around the grip with a 5+1 mag. I never even noticed the kick until I saw some people complaining on xdtalk.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
lilmule
New member
You said small hands,so is the rest small as well if so large 9mm pistols or higher caliber wont hide well.And small light compact versions will be hard to control and shoot.Surplus com block guns like a makarov or pa63 shooting 9x18 are fairly concealable,and offer more than a 380,cost is 250-300.350 for one that looks like new.Fairly strong da pull,great sa there after can carry with safty off in detent(decocked),they have a sear block.Basically pp,ppk copies in a larger caliber.Basic 225-250 fpe,like a 380 on steroids and almost as much as most subcompact short barreled 9mm would put out.
Precisely. Another great feature about the XD line is the grip safety. With Glocks, your finger is the safety. For someone new to carrying, that may cause an issue since people have a natural tendency to put their finger on the trigger when they draw. That can get you a bullet in your leg if you carry on the hip or if you're wearing a shoulder holster, a bullet in the person behind you (or in your leg or somewhere worse if it's vertical). If the grip safety isn't fully depressed, it's not possible to pull the trigger.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
That's the thing, I'd expect that too but it's not the case as I have no issues with full-size pistols. Maybe it's got something to do with my hands. They're extremely strong since I've been playing guitar for over a decade and I use a an 11 lb tension Gripmaster every day to strengthen my fingers due to my arthritic wrist and whatnot. I have naturally strong hands but my upper body...pfft, that's a different story.
That being said, I would not advise carrying a .380 or 9mm...or anything less than a .40S&W but that's my personal opinion. I've heard too many stories about how someone carrying a 9mm or 380 exercises deadly force against a threat and it takes 2-3, maybe even 4 rounds to put down the threat...and this is assuming that the person is a good shot. If someone on PCP is charging you, you better have a big bore like a .45 ACP or even a 10mm because you'd have to empty a 15 round mag of 9mm and I wouldn't even be surprised if the person kept coming with 15 bullets inside them (assuming no vitals were hit).
As far as small hands go, I still do not have a problem with full-size duty weapons like a G22 or P226 or even my P229 which has pretty big grips. My P226 has E2 grips that fit like a glove (standard now but not when I bought it) and it's the second most accurate gun I own next to the XDs. My P229 has the standard run-of-the-mill Sig grips, no issues there, same with my G22. I wouldn't dare conceal a full-sized pistol...that's just stupid for a guy my size. I'm tall and my weight goes between 170 and 200, still skinny though. I can't even conceal my Glock 30SF in the summer and I bought the damn thing for that specific purpose
lilmule
New member
I dont have a problem shooting full size 45 acp or whatever,just in hiding them you did say cc,im 132 lbs sopping wet.
I dont feel undergunned with even a 32 acp or 9x18 as extremely accurate,at times in the 100+ heat of summer shorts and t shirt my 22 lr seems inadequate if surrounded by 300 lb slobs,im more worried about an obese person going wacko than a pcp freak.
So shot placement to me is of more importance ,kneecaps,family jewels,head.
Think a lot of caliber requirements would or could be effected upon locale of which one lives at,im rural,no gangbangers here,but a few druggies seems one cannot move far enough away to be rid of them as exist to one degree or another everywhere.
Under tn law it has to be life threatening but to me a large overly aggressive person is life threatening due to heart condition,while good ol bubba might be out for a fun time can also get more than he bargained for.
So Bubba with a few beers to many insistent on whipping my ass just because he can and wants to even though I do not and am walking away is more or as much danger as any I can get into.Naturally when driving same as everyone else,drive thru windows atm machines rest areas on interstate,but not gangs unless stop for gas in wrong location.Then being with truck would also be with multiple firearms including 45 acp my truck can hide them easily.
So a great deal is the need the individual feels and can conceal,not just carry.
I dont feel undergunned with even a 32 acp or 9x18 as extremely accurate,at times in the 100+ heat of summer shorts and t shirt my 22 lr seems inadequate if surrounded by 300 lb slobs,im more worried about an obese person going wacko than a pcp freak.
So shot placement to me is of more importance ,kneecaps,family jewels,head.
Think a lot of caliber requirements would or could be effected upon locale of which one lives at,im rural,no gangbangers here,but a few druggies seems one cannot move far enough away to be rid of them as exist to one degree or another everywhere.
Under tn law it has to be life threatening but to me a large overly aggressive person is life threatening due to heart condition,while good ol bubba might be out for a fun time can also get more than he bargained for.
So Bubba with a few beers to many insistent on whipping my ass just because he can and wants to even though I do not and am walking away is more or as much danger as any I can get into.Naturally when driving same as everyone else,drive thru windows atm machines rest areas on interstate,but not gangs unless stop for gas in wrong location.Then being with truck would also be with multiple firearms including 45 acp my truck can hide them easily.
So a great deal is the need the individual feels and can conceal,not just carry.
OlympicFox
New member
Frankly, a budget of $500 seriously limits the choices. One of the facts of life is that small guns are just as expensive to design and build than full-size guns, perhaps more so because the small size makes details more critical to reliable function.
Another critical factor is your definition of "sub-compact". For example, we have a Glock 27 that Glock calls a sub-compact. Yet, it's a tank compared to my Kahr PM40 - longer, taller, wider and heavier - and considerably more challenging to conceal. Although more pleasant to shoot. This certainly applies to the Sig P250 that you mentioned.
Keeping your budget in mind, I'd suggest three guns:
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9: Unfortunately, current demand grossly exceeds supply. FYI, my wife picked up her Shield 9 yesterday and after a long afternoon at the range where we compared it back-to-back with a half-dozen other small CCW guns, the Shield became an instant favorite.
2. Kahr CM9 or CW9 - possibly problematic for a woman or small man to rack the slide. Can be solved by putting grip tape on the slide.
3. Ruger LC9 - no personal experience, however I have heard of complaints RE the slim grips being too slim to be comfortable to shoot. FWIW, that could reflect on the expectations and inexperience of the LC9 buyer.
Other things to note:
The smaller & lighter the gun, the more comfortable it is to carry. While some folks will attempt to persuade you that size & weight don't matter. Don't buy it - they do.
The smaller and lighter the gun, the less comfortable it is to shoot. Fancy recoil systems and differences in grip can make minor contributions to shooting comfort, but nothing beats mass for damping recoil. If this is going to be your only gun, then I'd suggest selecting something that pushes the larger/heavier end of the sub-compact genre. Otherwise, you probably avoid practicing.
Thin guns conceal much easier than thick guns. My wife is not petit and wears loose clothing appropriate to her status as a senior citizen. She can wear her Shield, Sig P938, Kahr PM9, S&W 3913LS or 4.25" 1911 and you can't tell she's armed. Strap a Glock 27 on her and the bulge is noticeable.
Extended mag base plates that give a full three-finger grip can bounce and pinch the flesh of the pinkie finger. :shout: The Glock 27 & Kahr CM9/PM9/PM40 are guilty of biting at least one of us - especially the Pearce grip on the Kahrs. OTOH, the M&P Shield, M&P Compact, Sig P238/P938, and S&W 3913LS have never pinched either of us.
Another critical factor is your definition of "sub-compact". For example, we have a Glock 27 that Glock calls a sub-compact. Yet, it's a tank compared to my Kahr PM40 - longer, taller, wider and heavier - and considerably more challenging to conceal. Although more pleasant to shoot. This certainly applies to the Sig P250 that you mentioned.
Keeping your budget in mind, I'd suggest three guns:
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9: Unfortunately, current demand grossly exceeds supply. FYI, my wife picked up her Shield 9 yesterday and after a long afternoon at the range where we compared it back-to-back with a half-dozen other small CCW guns, the Shield became an instant favorite.
2. Kahr CM9 or CW9 - possibly problematic for a woman or small man to rack the slide. Can be solved by putting grip tape on the slide.
3. Ruger LC9 - no personal experience, however I have heard of complaints RE the slim grips being too slim to be comfortable to shoot. FWIW, that could reflect on the expectations and inexperience of the LC9 buyer.
Other things to note:
The smaller & lighter the gun, the more comfortable it is to carry. While some folks will attempt to persuade you that size & weight don't matter. Don't buy it - they do.
The smaller and lighter the gun, the less comfortable it is to shoot. Fancy recoil systems and differences in grip can make minor contributions to shooting comfort, but nothing beats mass for damping recoil. If this is going to be your only gun, then I'd suggest selecting something that pushes the larger/heavier end of the sub-compact genre. Otherwise, you probably avoid practicing.
Thin guns conceal much easier than thick guns. My wife is not petit and wears loose clothing appropriate to her status as a senior citizen. She can wear her Shield, Sig P938, Kahr PM9, S&W 3913LS or 4.25" 1911 and you can't tell she's armed. Strap a Glock 27 on her and the bulge is noticeable.
Extended mag base plates that give a full three-finger grip can bounce and pinch the flesh of the pinkie finger. :shout: The Glock 27 & Kahr CM9/PM9/PM40 are guilty of biting at least one of us - especially the Pearce grip on the Kahrs. OTOH, the M&P Shield, M&P Compact, Sig P238/P938, and S&W 3913LS have never pinched either of us.
OlympicFox
New member
Ditto. We own several Sigs, but the inexpensive ones are not known to be reliable or without issues.
New Threads
-
-
Mystic Seaport Museum, Shelburne Museum Vermont
- Started by Harry45255
- Replies: 0
-
-
Reloading Newbie Here—What’s the Real Cost Advantage?
- Started by michaelstrahan
- Replies: 4
-
