9mm subcompact suggestions

[TWS]

Try the xds if you can find one, the recoil isnt really hard felt.

 

[XDLover]

The XD is a great gun and if price is a big deal you can find them for $400 range now.
Also, the "S" series is nice and thin.
LC9 Ruger is good too.
To me the Nano was a tad too small, odd since I have a LCP, the Nano just felt odd (and I really wanted it)

 

[Ahgo]

I like the LC9. It's not going to be for long range so 5 to 10 yards it is pretty accurate. I also put a laser on it from optics planet for about $80. It seems to keep you where you want to be.

 

[WestSider]

M&P Shield

 

[Captain Morgan]

I really like my LC9. It's a DAO gun and it took a little time to get accustomed to the LONG trigger pull. However, it's great when you want to carry concealed and after time, I've actually grown to like the long trigger pull.

 

[prostate]

Before you dump on the 45, try a USP. They recoil less than the 1911. Also, I don't know how worth it, it is to you, but you could do some heavy customization to your gun (slide lightening, and matching recoil springs). If the USP is too much for you, ya, you might want to step down. Of course, at that point I would say to try out a USP in 9mm. You are already used to a full size 1911, a full size USP isn't any bigger.

slide lightening? where can I have those kinds of custom work done?

 

[KJW]

Kahr PM9

+1 for Kahr. Can't disagree with the Block, I mean Glock, boys, but to each his own.

 

[SigTom]

Better try one before you buy if recoil is an issue. Light weight amplifies
felt recoil on these little guns.

I agree. My sig p229 would be perfect for you. My friends' Walthers, XDs, and Glocks have more muzzle flip personally. But I also have large hands and arms and I have a more solid feel with my metal sig over the polymer handguns. I give too much hand/arm play with polymers cause I don't expect much recoil. Of course within a few shots I adjust and I'm fine but when you're in a life or death situation I don't think you have time to adjust your shot

 

[fastwally]

I've had the PF9, PM9, Nano, and Shield. I'm sticking with the Nano.

 

[WestSider]

I've had the PF9, PM9, Nano, and Shield. I'm sticking with the Nano.

Have not tried the Nano, what about it do you prefer over the Shield? Just curious.

 

[Squib]

For a reasonably priced pistol it is hard to find anything smaller than the Kahr PM/CM 9. But feel and comfort are everything and I got that in the CM9, and $400 out the door with a second magazine felt pretty good, too.

 

[Excalibur]

I always advocate getting a handgun that you can work with when you whip it out. There is such a thing as too small. My XDM 3.8 compact is excellent in conceal carry role without sacrificing much in its size

 

[Shoots4Fun]

I love my Nano. Carries well and you can shoot it all day at the range very comfortably. Soon there'll be an 8 round magazine out too for even more options.

Even though it's just a bit thinner than my G27, I think it makes a big difference for comfort in carrying.

 

[BowhuntnHoosier]

I recently bought a S&W Shield in 9mm. I could not be happier with my deep conceal weapon. I normally carry my G19 but wanted something a little smaller. If you can get over to Seelyville I can take you out to the range here and give it a try. Just PM me if interested.

 

[steveIU]

Buy the Beretta. You wont be disappointed.

 

[woody24]

Went to a gun show this weekend with the intention that I would buy the Nano. And I would have, if it had another safety other than the one thats on the trigger. And it really wasn't as small as I thought it was going to be.

So I looked around, and without doing any bit of research beforehand, I picked up the Ruger LC9. I liked the feel of it. And it has the thumb safety. And you can better see if the hammers been cocked and ready to fire.

Took it to the Range Sunday, and it shoots pretty well. Like others have said, the trigger has an extremely long pull. And my first 3 shots were in about a 5inch group at about 7 yards. I didn't think that was bad at all.

 

[Hornett]

I would like to suggest something a little bit less... little.
Instead of the CM9 or PM9, be sure to take a look at the Kahr CW9.
It's the same gun as a CM with a little bit longer barrel and one round longer grip.
The CM9/PM9 and the CW9 even use the same holster.
Being able to get all your fingers on the grip is pretty cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0GAkChNe0

 

[Captain Morgan]

I recently bought a S&W Shield in 9mm. I could not be happier with my deep conceal weapon. I normally carry my G19 but wanted something a little smaller. If you can get over to Seelyville I can take you out to the range here and give it a try. Just PM me if interested.

And if the timing is right, I'll meet both of you there and also let you try my Ruger LC9.

 

[Compuvette]

For the super-small, I've had a Kahr, PF9, and now a Solo. The PF9 worked fine, just felt cheap. The Kahr just didn't fit me. After finding ammo it likes, the Solo works pretty well for me.

Try a bunch and you will find one you like.

 

[joshualee49]

http://gallowayprecision.com/ruger-performance/lc9-performance-parts/

Since we have been talking about the LC9 I wanted to add something else. As others have said, it really IS a good little gun. Galloway Precision was selling a trigger mod kit that reduces the pull and the reset pretty substantially. They have been out of stock for a while, but you can send them your hammer and trigger bar and they will mod it for you. This might be a good option for someone considering the LC9 for carry.

As stated before, it IS possible to get accurate groups with this pistol, it just takes a little more focus on the fundamentals. From reviews I have read on the trigger job, it still leaves the pistol with a decent amount of pull for a DAO "pocket" gun.