Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

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Morne
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Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Morne »

So...I finally decided that I am going to part ways with my Walther CCP. Just didn't do it for me. I would like to replace it with something else in the roughly 3.5" barrel single-stack niche. My contenders thus far:

S&W M&P 9 Shield EZ (3.7")
Sig P365 SAS (3.1") or XL (3.7")
CZ P-10 (3.5")
Ruger Security 9 (3.4")
Springfield Hellcat (3")

I already own a Sig P320C and a Kel-Tec PF-9. So I don't need a double-stack with a 4+" barrel, nor do I need to fill the tiny 3.1" niche. I'm looking for the in-between.

Or should I just get a Sig P320SC (3.6") and be done with it? At least that will have magazine commonality with my other P320C. Heck, half of the time I just use a SC grip module on my Compact slide anyway.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Mr. Glock »

The increased ammo capacity with minuscule dimension/weight differences of the 365/365xl and Hellcat are game changers as compared to a single stock 9mm. And you get about double-ish the ammo capacity of the single stacks. And they are both noticeably smaller than full sized guns cut down to compact size.

Plus the XL and Hellcat are optics-ready if you decide to go that way later. The XL is available from the factory with the Romeo Zero red dot too.

I think you really need to think hard about going to a single stock 9mm these days, with the 365 twins and Hellcat in the market.

My choice? 365XL with Romeo Red Dot
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Believe That »

There are so many good options out there - I typically would carry a G19 or G43 and recently purchased an FN 509 Compact. Couldn’t be happier. I was trying to find a pistol small enough to conceal easily and large enough to not sacrifice a good grip and shootability of a mid/full size. For me (I carry aiwb) I can conceal it as well as the G43, gives me a better grip with ammo capacity between the two other pistols, much better shooting then the G43 (for me), and one of the biggest reasons for the 509 is their rds mounting system. I’ve got four other pistols with red dots mounted and pretty much want everything I may carry to have one now. Their mounting system is fantastic. And regarding the shootability, part of my personal standards is for my carry gun to allow me to make a head shot at 25 yds and an IPSC target at 50 with time standards. This can get challenging for me with sub compact single stack guns - especially with iron sights. I like the 509 so much i’ve since purchased a 509 Tactical as a trainer and for classes. Everything with concealed carry seems to be a balancing of compromises so the formula is almost always different for each individual depending on how they rank importance of the many factors.

FWIW, I was recently at a gun store handling a Canik TP Sub Compact Elite and was really impressed with it, especially for the price. One of the best production striker triggers I’ve felt, great ergos and already milled for a red dot. I think for $365? Have never owned one but that seems like a great price for what seems to be a solid brand.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by jeep45238 »

Shield EZ all day, twice on Sunday, thrice on Monday.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Delta-3 »

I'll second the shield EZ. That being said, it's more of a "medium" sized handgun (albeit a damn nice one!) I'm not sure how small-ish you want to go but the choices are almost endless. I'd recommend the regular Shield 9mm (not the EZ. Prices are very reasonable on these), Sig compact, or the FN 509 compact. In the similar sized gun you can double stack with a M&P 2.0 compact w/3.5" barrel.
Of course the Glocks, SA, or any of the 1911 style micro 9's might suit your needs.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Morne »

Hadn't considered the FN509. But since it has a 4" barrel, nice though it might be, no reason to pursue it further.

For the record, I don't do optics mounting on carry pistols. The only handgun red dot I have is on a hunting revolver.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by carmen fovozzo »

NO brainer Shield...unless you can fined a Kimber Solo..
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by screwman »

I bought a p365, put 12rd mags in it and carry it every day. Seriously thinking about offin' my g26's it works so well.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Brian D. »

I went with the P365 (not XL) so that front pocket carry would be an option. Ended up with two of them, both low miles used. Trigger reminds me of the P320 series, not by accident I'm sure.

Not a fan of the SAS version P365, because of the sighting system. Past about ten yards it became very difficult for me to make "head" shots with confidence even slowing down.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Bruenor »

Carrying the P365. Wife has a shield. Both are nice, no wrong answers there. Sig came with Night sights, has higher capacity and shoots really well. Was surprised how well it worked for me as a small gun on the dueling tree.
No experience with the others mentioned.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Morne »

Bruenor wrote:Carrying the P365. Wife has a shield. Both are nice, no wrong answers there. Sig came with Night sights, has higher capacity and shoots really well. Was surprised how well it worked for me as a small gun on the dueling tree.
No experience with the others mentioned.
Which is thinner?
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Javelin Man »

Is the Kahr line of pistols in contention? CW9 gives you a 3.6" barrel with 7+1 capacity. CM and CT give you less and more size and capacities.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by FormerNavy »

I bought a Sig P365 SAS not too long ago and I'm pretty pleased with it.
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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by SMMAssociates »

Morne:

I've got a 9mm C(ompact), (MP9C) and MP9S(ubcompaCt). Both are quite good, but the XT folks sear kit /u/really/b/ is worth the few bucks, and I had very little trouble installing the kits. One step up is the M&P9, which is just a tad bigger than the M&P9 and M&P9CT.

(I have an M&P9 Full Size. 'Bout the same size as the .38Spl revolvers - you and I could get away with one - or at least I could, but I've lost a lot, too. Good shoulder-holster or waistband if you can stand the size. I could....)

Normally, these days, it's an Officer's sized 1911. Roughly the same gun as a Commander, but with a shorter barrel (about 3") with a shorter frame. Kinda heavy but big as I am (and you were) the size - about 4", six rounds - while somewhat large/heavy - it's very adequate :) ....

Just between us ( :) ), I think I'd run with the Shield .40 if you can stand shooting it, and don't mind it being somewhat small. The 9mm S&W would, I think, be as good choice. (IMHO, the newer Light-Mainspring 9mm or .40 might be a better choice, but might be too big. If I was doing it again....)

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Re: Need a new small-ish 9mm, which one?

Post by Bruenor »

Morne wrote:
Bruenor wrote:Carrying the P365. Wife has a shield. Both are nice, no wrong answers there. Sig came with Night sights, has higher capacity and shoots really well. Was surprised how well it worked for me as a small gun on the dueling tree.
No experience with the others mentioned.
Which is thinner?
Shield is .05" thinner than the p365, not sure if you would even notice that 1 mm difference when carrying.
the p365 is shorter in all other dimension and higher capacity than the shield.

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/sig ... 2-0-shield" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/sig ... p-9-shield" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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