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Sub Compact Question
SeekingFreedom
Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
My wife and I recently began shooting at a local range as something to do as a couple. After taking the Concealed Carry class here in Utah we decided that our Glock 22 and Springfield XD might be a little big for carry's. What would you recommend as a smaller semi-auto to carry concealed. Preferably a .40 as well but any recommendations\warnings would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Comments
Well I was forced to fondle [:D] a S&W M&P compact the other day. I since had to fondle it again. I called the dealer today and had him hold it for me till I can make it to him in a few days. These guns are a great size and feel awsome.
Glock has been cranking out the Model 27, a subcompact .40 for about 10 years now. Reliable and highly thought of, but heavy and quite expensive. You probably could buy two 9mm KelTec's, for the same price as the Model 27.
I don't know anything about the XD, but I've been a Glock fan for 13 + years. The Glock is tried and true, tested and abused and has a dependable rep....
Depending on how you plan on carrying you may look a the compacts (models 19/23)instead of going down to the 26/27.
If your going to drop to a 9mm then I agree with r-s...the Kel Tec PF-9 is the way to go. Its the smallest(thinnest) 9mm on the market...its has a good price point, and Kel Tec's seem to be good quality for the money.
My wife and I recently began shooting at a local range as something to do as a couple. After taking the Concealed Carry class here in Utah we decided that our Glock 22 and Springfield XD might be a little big for carry's. What would you recommend as a smaller semi-auto to carry concealed. Preferably a .40 as well but any recommendations\warnings would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
First of all, .40 is a pretty hot cartridge to shoot from most of those subcompact type guns, so recoil can be somewhat harsh, especially to new shooters and women. If you can get a chance to try shooting the gun before you buy it, do so.
Also, like all the small autos, the subcompact .40s usually have pretty hard springs. . .racking the slide on these guns can be physically difficult, again especially for women.
If you can't rack the slide easily, then you probably shouldn't carry the gun. If/when the gun malfunctions, how are you going to clear it under stress?
Lastly, in general the subcompact guns are less reliable than their larger counterparts.
There are a number of small .40 guns available to choose from: Walther PPS, Kahr arms, SW99 and M&P compacts, Glock 27, etc. As mentioned, Kel-Tec put out a version of its compact double-stack gun in .40SW a few years back, but I'd say away as these are fairly rare, and kick like mules.
I'd suggest not overlooking compact 9mms. Despite its somewhat checkered reputation, 9mm is a plenty good round for personal defense at close range, with ammo being cheaper leading to more practice.
Lastly, since you said you'd take any recommendations, I recommend seriously considering a .38 snubnose revolver instead of a small high-powered auto pistol.
The snubnoses are more reliable, generally lighter (if you pick an alloy framed gun), offer good power/weight ratio in .38+P, are simpler to use and maintain.