Subcompact as first pistol

[Drinkthekoolaid]

What are your thoughts on a single stack subcompact as someone's first pistol. (G43, pps, xd-s, shield etc..

Is the extra ease in concealment worth the cost of possibly increased recoil and less control?

Are single stack subcompacts better suited to more experienced operators?

 

[Calculon]

Everything depends on your intended use. If concealed carry/self defense is your primary objective than a sub is perfect. The G43/G42, Shield etc are great in that role. Recoil is not something you’ll be concerned with if your life is being threatened. Take whatever you get to range or a self defense range class and become proficient. Keep in mind they are made for close combat. If you want a target shooter you would have to move up in size.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Why not a G26 (size)?

Issues for carrying.... weight. --- fix. ---- actual holster and gun belt (there are plenty of covert non tactcoool leather gun belts for daily wear)

Grip length.. well the 26 isn't much longer than the 43.

Width to a degree, generally much more than 1 inch can be seen as wide but again in an actual good holster and belt it's really a non issue.

So the question becomes why in a state that already limits you for ammo limit yourself even more? And in the end a lot of people end up putting on a mag extension to make up for the lack of ammo which then negates the "advantage" of shorter grip.

 

[Depick]

The G43 can be a little snappy but with a quality grip extension it is very manageable and quite fun to shoot. If your intended use is CC the G43 would be a good option.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Oh and at 5'5" 125lbs (at time of photo) I had no issues carrying a G17, and that shirt was borderline to small even for my size and still no issue

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Why not a G26 (size)?

Issues for carrying.... weight. --- fix. ---- actual holster and gun belt (there are plenty of covert non tactcoool leather gun belts for daily wear)

Grip length.. well the 26 isn't much longer than the 43.

Width to a degree, generally much more than 1 inch can be seen as wide but again in an actual good holster and belt it's really a non issue.

So the question becomes why in a state that already limits you for ammo limit yourself even more? And in the end a lot of people end up putting on a mag extension to make up for the lack of ammo which then negates the "advantage" of shorter grip.

I was thinking that if I go the double stack route I would be more interested in a compact (not subconpact) something like a "g19 size"

I guess i never really thought much about a double stack subcompact.

I definitely like the idea of getting all 3 fingers on the grip if possible.

And I don't think I'm going to carry appendix (at least not right away, maybe in the future some time)

 

[Edwardteach72]

I was thinking that if I go the double stack route I would be more interested in a compact (not subconpact) something like a "g19 size"

I guess i never really thought much about a double stack subcompact.

I definitely like the idea of getting all 3 fingers on the grip if possible.

And I don't think I'm going to carry appendix (at least not right away, maybe in the future some time)

I'm deff moving back to the G19 with an RMR (I love the 17 for the better sight radius but with an RMR that is a moot point) not to mention my hand size the 19 is perfect so going to a 17 here in NY which holds the same amount of ammo with the extra size isn't really worth it

 

[Jaywmustang]

I am having a hard time shooting consistently with my wife’s g43. The grip is too small for me. Maybe look at the g19x.

 

[NY Leatherneck]

PPS M2 with 7rd mag will feel nice. They also make an 8rd and a 6rd flush mag.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I am having a hard time shooting consistently with my wife’s g43. The grip is too small for me. Maybe look at the g19x.

You mean a g19 with a 17 mag?

 

[Jaywmustang]

The g19x is a 19 slide on a g17 frame.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Glock 19X | G19X | 9x19mm | GLOCK USA

 

[Marine Cpl]

Glock 26. 2 finger grip or 3.

Flush Mag.


Finger Extension.


Finger Extension.


It's the best of both worlds. It's the only pistol I own. When I need more concealablity, I use the flush mag. Oh. And it shoots like a full sized pistol as far as recoil goes.

I used to have a single stack. (XDS same size as a Glock 43) In an IWB holster, the extra 1/4 inch of thickness with the double stack didn't make one lick of difference as far as concealing goes.

 

[Marine Cpl]

 

[Depick]

I am having a hard time shooting consistently with my wife’s g43. The grip is too small for me. Maybe look at the g19x.

I had a similar issue so I picked up a few of these. They worked well for me.

Pearce Grips

 

[Phazer]

The G43 can be a little snappy but with a quality grip extension it is very manageable and quite fun to shoot. If your intended use is CC the G43 would be a good option.

I have found the G43 to be very shootable and fun to use. I've used it at several courses. It is fine at the range. Compared to some other compact pistols, I don't find it to be as snappy. Perhaps the grip just fits well. With some rubber-texture grip tape (or a Talon grip tape), it feels even better.

The Pearce +1 magazine extensions are usually a good deal (around $10). When concealed for course work, I found the flush mags easier to deal with. But, that's personal preference.

Here are my Glock comparison pictures:

 

[Justincase]

I have the 43 and it was my first purchase. I don't think it's snappy at all. I was amazed at how flat it shot when I saw a video of me firing it quickly. Almost no muzzle rise at all. My VP9 on the other hand seems to recoil much more. Not sure why, could just be my biomechanics with that gun. The 43 is what I carry due to its diminutive size, so it conceals well on me.

I'd go to Wolcott and rent some to see what you like, or I would be willing to let you have at it with mine out in Alden at Allied some time if you wanted

 

[Depick]

I have found the G43 to be very shootable and fun to use. I've used it at several courses. It is fine at the range. Compared to some other compact pistols, I don't find it to be as snappy. Perhaps the grip just fits well. With some rubber-texture grip tape (or a Talon grip tape), it feels even better.

The Pearce +1 magazine extensions are usually a good deal (around $10). When concealed for course work, I found the flush mags easier to deal with. But, that's personal preference.

Here are my Glock comparison pictures:

View attachment 27998

View attachment 27999

I agree with the Talon grip tape. I have the gritty version on my G43 and love it.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Larger pistols are easier to become proficiant with.

I suggest people start with g19 sized gun and get used to/proficient shooting it. Most beginners do not do well learning to shoot well woth a subcompact. As a result they dont practice with it.

Starting with a larger pistol alleviates the above issues. After learning on a larger gun, shooting a subcompact well is fairly easy.

That being said. I always go with the smallest compact possible. (I run a colt mustang). I would take the 42 over the 43. Samller and less recoil.

Mustang in the summer
G19 for the rest of the time.

 

[Phazer]

I suggest people start with g19 sized gun and get used to/proficient shooting it. Most beginners do not do well learning to shoot well woth a subcompact. As a result they dont practice with it.

I did just that. I used my 19 at multiple courses. Later on, I wanted a more real-life simulation. So, I wore the 43 in an IWB holster and kept additional magazines in my off-hand front pocket. The later courses would have been easier if I continued to wear the 19 in an OWB holster with four magazines in OWB belt-mounted pouches. But, I'd never carry that way (if I could carry). So, I tried the latter setup.

BTW, I've got the 42 and P238 (as you know, Sig's clone of the Mustang) with Desantis holsters for pocket if-I-could-carry.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I have found the G43 to be very shootable and fun to use. I've used it at several courses. It is fine at the range. Compared to some other compact pistols, I don't find it to be as snappy. Perhaps the grip just fits well. With some rubber-texture grip tape (or a Talon grip tape), it feels even better.

The Pearce +1 magazine extensions are usually a good deal (around $10). When concealed for course work, I found the flush mags easier to deal with. But, that's personal preference.

Here are my Glock comparison pictures:

View attachment 27998

View attachment 27999

You are missing a 26 in there!

 

[togmaster]

Your first consideration should be how well you shoot it. A subcompact that is easy to conceal is nothing if you can't hit your target with it

 

[Marine Cpl]

I don't know. If it's all you know, it's all you know. My lady only knows my Glock 26 and she's shot it pretty well.

 

[Jaywmustang]

My wife shoots my g40 like a champ.

 

[Edwardteach72]

The g19x is a 19 slide on a g17 frame.

Exactly so a Glock 19 with a glock 17 magazine

 

[Cooolone]

Is a good question...

I suggest the person visit a rental range and fit/finsh/use the different style and size to see which is most comfortable and proficient. No sense buying something that doesn't "feel" right, or can't shoot well. Only in NY so they want you to have your license before you can "touch" legally, a handgun (illegal possession). Lol

To me, being able to hit what you shoot at is absolutely #1... You'll get used to carrying what ever it is you choose. Go through the same thing everyone else has when you do at first, ie, think consciously that "everyone" can see it, is looking at you, LMAO.

For any of the subcompacts, I suggest a non-polymer frame as it will reduce recoil felt whole shooting. You'll enjoy it more at the range. Something like the Sig's 9mm or .380, old Colt Mustang remakes.

Weird thing is I hated carrying my G26 as I always felt it was too fat (doubl stack), and still shoot it today very well. But it has fell out of favor to my Sig229 .357 which is ridiculous in size comparison to the G26, lol. Go figure? My point is you'll be fine with whatever you decide, it will just grow onto you. You adjust and become comfortable with it. So back to my original point that is to select whatever you can "shoot" best

Good luck!

 

[71velle]

What are your thoughts on a single stack subcompact as someone's first pistol. (G43, pps, xd-s, shield etc..

Is the extra ease in concealment worth the cost of possibly increased recoil and less control?

Are single stack subcompacts better suited to more experienced operators?

The best answer is to just buy 2 pistols. If you can only swing one for now start with something larger.

 

[NY Chamorro]

I put a bicycle inner tube over my G43 grip, a world of difference....not the most prettiest thing, but feels 100%
better

 

[Marine Cpl]

I put a bicycle inner tube over my G43 grip, a world of difference....not the most prettiest thing, but feels 100%
better

A 26 would have filled your hand. When I had my XDS, it felt a little too skinny in my hand and it would cause me to grip it tighter resulting in my shots going low and left.

I think there is such a thing as going too small.

 

[Darth]

Oh and at 5'5" 125lbs (at time of photo) I had no issues carrying a G17, and that shirt was borderline to small even for my size and still no issue

View attachment 27986

Didn't I see you in Magic Mike?



How was he?