Posted on 01/22/2011 5:20:17 PM PST by skimask
My son has asked me for input/advice as to which compact or sub compact semi auto hand gun to buy in either a 9mm or 40 SW. I am partial to the H & K in a 40 SW configuration with a laser sight. I also like the Sig 226 in a 9mm. What do yall think?
When you mentioned his wife’s use , the additional attention and training for a double action semi auto came to mind. Two very different trigger pulls. Not to say bad, just the first shot is very different from the rest. I’m sure you will see to training and practice. Remind them - glasses and ear protection . safety safety .Good luck, God bless.
Input from my firearms enthusiast son. He’s young but he knows his stuff.
Since he has handgun experience and his wife will be using it also, I would recommend any of these.
Sig p229 9mm/40 S&W
Glock 19 9mm
Glock 23 40 S&W
Ruger SR9C 9mm
Beretta Px4 compact 9mm
Springfield XD compact 9mm/40 S&W
And mandatory for any home defense firearm, it has to have a flashlight mounted (Streamlight TlR-3 is the best option) because identifying your target is the most important thing.
Easy answer: Buy the firearm that he can consistantly and reliably shoot with accuracy, and is confortable in his hand.
Long answer: Read the whole thread.
Still like my 1911s better, but that's a lot of iron to strap on every day, for most people.
Glock 17 9mm. In 9mm round is ubiquitous.
I have to agree, 1911, is the way to, sheer stopping power, ease of shooting and like Kbennkc wrote, it’s a slim gun, fits nice. Springfield and Kimber both make very excellent .45s in a variety of models.
with a single stack mag, a .45 will fit a woman’s hand too. I can only speak for kimber on this part, but recoil is very manageable as the weight of the gun takes some out of it too. I have no trouble popping off multiple fast shots.
Agreed.....nothing I’ve shot to date compares to my Kimber 1911.
Well....maybe the Wilson Combat CQB but it’s a bit rich for me right now.:)
What do you want this firearm for?
Concealed carry, home defense, car/truck gun, range gun?
Who will be using this firearm?
Are they small or large statured?
Do they have prior experience with firearms?
.40 cal is recommended. I carry concealed everyday and I love my Sig. I would suggest you go with what feels best in your hands. I also love H&K for its reliability. You can’t go wrong with either brand
Thank you...he’s leaning toward the Springfield XD in 40 SW. Good idea about the flashlight too.
Skimask, it looks like my son’s account was activated/verified so my original post to you looks a LOT like the one he made. :)
Welcome to FR, son. Say hello to all the nice folks who are trying desperately to save our country!
If his hand size is similar ro mine, go with the Glock 19. Great gun for under 500 bucks.
I believe the .40 model can be switched to .357 Sig with just a barrel and magazine swap. That's normally not a big deal but with the recent scarcity of ammo, it might be nice to have that flexibility.
After talking with my friend and shooting his, I would definitely buy one if I decide to swap from my (boat anchor) 1911 :-)
Springfield XD-9mm Subcompact with the extended clip is the must comfortable gun I’ve had in my hand in years. Small and light enough for CC.
I used to think like you about laser sights, but my thinking turned around 180 degrees when I actually started using them. I think they are particularly helpful for the older person whose reaction time and vision isn’t like that of a 20 year old.
Well, here is my 2 pennies..
I bought a small frame .38 as my first carry gun. The accuracy is awful over 15 ft. After a year or so decided it was time to upgrade. I went to the range with friends and trued out a few different guns, 9mms mostly.
Came away buying a Kimber 1911 .45 with a 3” barrel. Bought a good holster from “High Noon” and find it only a little harder to conceal than the .38 and the weight is no issue, can carry it all day.
Decided no to buy a 9mm for a few reasons.
Smaller light 9’s kick almost as bad at the .45 and are not near as fun to shoot. The .45 has more of a mellow thump of a kick IMO.. 9mm also has more of a chance of going through and through and injuring folks you do not want to hit and the .45 has much more stopping power.
I can not see many situations where you would need more than 7 rounds of .45 if your a decent shot. Most likely the punk who is robbing you will have a 9mm and I would think if you can’t drop em in first 2 shots your in trouble. 12 or 17 rounds are good for the range but who wants to lug it around all day.
The best thing about the .45 is confidence, it is a firearm that will do the job, even if the other guy is hopped up on crack.. A 9mm, well.....
Get a laser if its in the budget. If nothing else as a training aid to see how your shooting. It also allows you to get the muzzle on target before you get a proper sight picture, important in an emergency.
My first pistol was a Sig 226, then a 229, then a Dan Wesson CBOB 1911, then a Baretta 92FS and just yesterday an XDm 3.8. Any of these are fine pistols and I like shooting them all. Each has it’s own personality.
Don’t bother with the laser sights, just get one and practice, practice practice.
Ruger, Baretta, Springfield XD, Glock, H&K, Sig Sauer, all have excellent subcompact guns in 9 mm or .40 that would probably suit your needs. But the one that I like or your friend likes or your most respected expert likes best will only be the best choice for you if it fits your hand well and is comfortable for you to shoot.
Since most gun stores won’t let you take a test shoot, the next best thing is to simply check out each one in your hand. See how it fits your hand, see if the weight balance is to your liking, and see how easy it is for you to put the sight on the target with it. Whichever one FEELS BEST in your hand is probably the one you should choose.
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