Pistol choices

[Saltwater60]

so I am having a really hard time settling on a new ccw pistol. My choices are the
mp compact. Not crazy about the tabbed trigger other than that I really like the gun

Glock 26 I like the glock trigger is not bad and has a lot of accessories. Price is a bit high for what it is.

Springfield xd mod 2. I really like the gun and the feel. I like the trigger. I do not like the xds trigger. I like that it has the grip safety because there is no thumb safety, but that's the point. What I don't like is the 3" barrel. I also like the price of 499.

So I guess my question is do you think the 3" barrel compared to the 3.5" barrel of the glock or mp is a big deal.

I also like the fns subcompact but I can hit the mag release and I like the sig p320 subcompact, but I can't find it and the trigger is a bit touchy to not have a safety.
I know my finger is the best safety, but in used to a kimber solo. That has a heavy and long trigger pull with a 2.7" barrel. Thanks guys as always your the best.

 

[Phazer]

XDS trigger improves with Powder River Spring kit: http://shop.powderriverprecision.net/product.sc?productId=87. It lightens trigger and makes it feel smoother. XDS is a bit heavy. But, still thin and 7+1 with flush mag.

Glock 43 with +1 Pearce extension is thin, light, and easily concealed.

Check our Ruger LC9S. Thin, light, good trigger. But, factory sights not great.

 

[kgun12]

I'm a Glock guy, nothing against the other gun, I've shot many different guns, just like the Glock.

As far as the 3 or 3 1/2 in barrel, if you using it as a CCW then if something acutally went down, it would normally be in close quarters where distance accuracy probably won't matter as much.

 

[Deplorable Me]

My camper-hiker ccw is a Glock 30 in a kydex holster. Side pocket or pouch. Not an IWB carry but it could be.

 

[Cureforcancer]

Had both a mod 2 and g26...kept the g26 for carry. Imo go with a glock price difference is not much between the 2.

 

[Livefree]

Hmmmm if I had to pick one pistol for EDC it would be my Glock 23 40 cal. All around good fighting gun, super reliable , accurate and no safety to fumble with.
Carried in a cross breed super tuck it disappears nicely.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Glock 26. Jack of all trades. Shoots like full-size yet just as concealable as a single stack. Takes 17 and 19 magazines. Magazines work with Glock compatible carbines.

There are tons of aftermarket parts available both online and in the store.

You can keep the grip short or extend it to get the full size feel with 19 magazine and X Grip Sleeve. It'll also accept a Glock 19 barrel.

 

[Criticalt]

Like kgun said, in a self defense situation the 1/2 inch barrel difference will not matter.
Even when im shooting at 10 yards, my Shield with a 3.1 inch barrel and G20 with 4.6 inch barrel, accuracy is the same.

 

[Saltwater60]

Thanks guys. Still a tough choice. I have determined I don't think the grip safety is any benefit. Since if I'm gripping the gun the grip safety will be depressed and if I pull the trigger on either case the gun will go off. I think I will go with the g26. Not 100% sure. I like the g26 because it comes with 3 useable mags. The Springfield only comes with one usable mag in my opinion. The extended mag is no benefit since we can't have the capacity. So that's pretty much the price difference right there. I like the sprenfields feel a bit better, but I can play with the grips on the g26. I'm sure with the next size up the g26 will feel just as good. I have small hands so the grip without the extender is perfect for me. 75% of my pinky hangs on it. Also lots of crap out there for the glock and its like 5 ounces lighter.

 

[Marine Cpl]

So I guess my question is do you think the 3" barrel compared to the 3.5" barrel of the glock or mp is a big deal.

It's not a big deal at self defense ranges however the ammo you shoot through matters. Many a hollow point round works flawlessly in a longer barrel yet fails to expand in the shorter barrel.

Check out Ammoquest 9mm on YouTube. The guy tests ammo from a 3 inch barrel and some rounds are flawless in any sized pistol barrel while others are not.

 

[VietnamEraVet]

Just upgraded from my Shield 9 to the Shield 45, and put the 9 into rotation in the safe.

Either one would get my vote over the Glocks,- they are just not comfortable grip wise to me.

 

[Saltwater60]

Shield grips are too small for me. I don't like the palm placement for my weak hand.

 

[VietnamEraVet]

Shield grips are too small for me. I don't like the palm placement for my weak hand.

You're right, - the Shield grip is definitely smaller and very different than many other guns. I still find it much more comfortable than the grips on Glocks.

I have adapted to shooting it, and am able to shoot it accurately. I really also love how thin it is. It also feels very well balanced to me. It is so comfortable to carry, that I find myself checking occasionally that it is on me!

 

[NYGuns]

My G26 was my EDC up until I got my G43 a month or so ago. I do still carry the G26 (carried it today while ATV'ing) but if I could only have one of them, I would probably say the G43 w/ the Magguts or the Pearce +1 grip extension (both which I have). The reason is because it's much thinner than the G26.

 

[Mk44]

I was considering the M&P compact vs the G26 a while back. I went with the G26 (subcompact) because it's a little smaller than the M&P compact. I also prefer the Glock trigger over the M&P(I would get an Apex trigger kit if I went w/ the M&P compact).
I've handled & would consider getting the M&P shield, if I decide to get a single stack one day.

 

[Darth]

You missed a manufacturer that ticks all the boxes presented, and starts with a big "W".

 

[ECU Pirates]

Glock 26. Jack of all trades. Shoots like full-size yet just as concealable as a single stack. Takes 17 and 19 magazines. Magazines work with Glock compatible carbines.

There are tons of aftermarket parts available both online and in the store.

You can keep the grip short or extend it to get the full size feel with 19 magazine and X Grip Sleeve. It'll also accept a Glock 19 barrel.

View attachment 264

I would not say it's as concealable as a single stack. It's quite a bit more thick. Completely doable though of course. It also lacks the light rail of the M&P.

 

[ECU Pirates]

I'm a M&P guy. I would chose the compact because it has a rail and it's about the perfect size in my opinion. If someone wanted a carry gun to pull night stand duty that would be the ideal choice in my opinion.

 

[Saltwater60]

The single stacks are just too small of grips for me. I don't like how my palm hits them. I do like the fact the others have the rail for attachments.

The mp compact is nice, but I hate to spend the gun price plus $250-$300 to make it what I want. The other 2 I throw some night sights on and I'm good. The glock I'll get another trigger bar and polish it or throw and after market in it, but it's $30 instead of $100 for the apex. Also all other parts for the mp and Springfield are more expensive than the glock.

I really like the fns subcompact, but I can't drop the mag without changing my grip. To me that's important in a carry gun. Also mags are $50.00 for the fnsc. Flocks are $25. I will probably reveiw all 3 again.

 

[Darth]

In a real situation, changing a mag will cause you to break your grip. As it should, being all moving around and such.

Never understood that one.

 

[Celt]

26, i need a 26 myself.

 

[dsdmmat]

I have been looking for something to carry that fits in the pocket as well. I am not sure if I will go with a derringer or a small auto loader.

 

[kgun12]

Thanks guys. Still a tough choice. I have determined I don't think the grip safety is any benefit. Since if I'm gripping the gun the grip safety will be depressed and if I pull the trigger on either case the gun will go off. I think I will go with the g26. Not 100% sure. I like the g26 because it comes with 3 useable mags. The Springfield only comes with one usable mag in my opinion. The extended mag is no benefit since we can't have the capacity. So that's pretty much the price difference right there. I like the sprenfields feel a bit better, but I can play with the grips on the g26. I'm sure with the next size up the g26 will feel just as good. I have small hands so the grip without the extend is perfect for me. 75% of my pinky hangs on it. Also lots of crap out there for the glock and its like 5 ounces lighter.

After reading this, I think it's just going to have to come down to a gut feeling

 

[Saltwater60]

Son went today and looked at the glock and the Springfield again. I bought the Springfield xd 9 mm 3.0" barrel. I only was hesitant because the 3" barrel. It looked and it's not that big of a difference in velocity. So I bought it because it fits my hand better no grip extension needed, I like the trigger better, it has the grip safety makes me feel more comfortable getting away from the thumb safety, it was $90.00 cheaper than the glock and let's face it it's a better looking gun. Glocks are ugly. I just kept coming back to the Springfield and saying oh I like this. I just wanted a 3.5" barrel.

 

[Saltwater60]

Thanks for all your input it really helps

 

[Doc8404]

It's not a big deal at self defense ranges however the ammo you shoot through matters. Many a hollow point round works flawlessly in a longer barrel yet fails to expand in the shorter barrel.

Check out Ammoquest 9mm on YouTube. The guy tests ammo from a 3 inch barrel and some rounds are flawless in any sized pistol barrel while others are not.

Good call. Still one of my favorites
Remington 9mm Golden Saber +P 124 Grain Brass JHP GS9MMD Ammo

 

[Saltwater60]

Good thanks. I was going between that and Speer gold dot. Thanks for the recommendation on ammo. I know you have to be careful with short barreled guns due to low velocity.

 

[RandallOfLegend]

You're right, - the Shield grip is definitely smaller and very different than many other guns. I still find it much more comfortable than the grips on Glocks.

I have adapted to shooting it, and am able to shoot it accurately. I really also love how thin it is. It also feels very well balanced to me. It is so comfortable to carry, that I find myself checking occasionally that it is on me!

How's the grip feel to the palm? I handled an old Shield and a new 45 Shield. I really loved the feel of the 45's grip texture, it wouldn't need Talon Grip Tape. The size was nearly identical to the 9. My concern is the thickness. Most thin single stack 40s and 45s I have shot feel like a karate chop to the palm.

 

[NirvanaFan]

Good thanks. I was going between that and Speer gold dot. Thanks for the recommendation on ammo. I know you have to be careful with short barreled guns due to low velocity.

Make sure you check out the Federal HST rounds as well. You can usually find them locally. I carry the 124 gr ones in my M&P. They're used by plenty of police forces too because they perform pretty well when shooting through glass. Note that these are NOT the same thing as the outdated HydraShock bullets.

 

[VietnamEraVet]

How's the grip feel to the palm? I handled an old Shield and a new 45 Shield. I really loved the feel of the 45's grip texture, it wouldn't need Talon Grip Tape. The size was nearly identical to the 9. My concern is the thickness. Most thin single stack 40s and 45s I have shot feel like a karate chop to the palm.

It feels fine to me, - no issues whatsoever.