I always thought that if I had the opportunity to carry, I would use my Glock 19. But Anthony at GFH pointed out that it would be tough to conceal a G19 on my small frame, so he suggested a smaller, "pocket pistol" instead. It looks like I've become infatuated with the Springfield XD9 subcompact after reading a lot favorable reviews about them. I had the opportunity to hold one today, and it seemed quite comfortable (and concealable), although I did not get a chance to fire it. I would appreciate any input from those familiar with the XD9 sub or similar handguns.

J frame S&W

My pocket gun is a S&W BG380 for when I am outside the PR of NJ. Also this month I can't remember which mag, maybe Shooting, I think I saw on the cover a match up of multiple small carry guns.

I always thought that if I had the opportunity to carry, I would use my Glock 19. But Anthony at GFH pointed out that it would be tough to conceal a G19 on my small frame, so he suggested a smaller, "pocket pistol" instead. It looks like I've become infatuated with the Springfield XD9 subcompact after reading a lot favorable reviews about them. I had the opportunity to hold one today, and it seemed quite comfortable (and concealable), although I did not get a chance to fire it. I would appreciate any input from those familiar with the XD9 sub or similar handguns.

 

I was also considering the Glock 19 and the Walther PPQ. They will be a bit bulky for you. The Springfield XDM is going to be no better as it is double stack and fairly wife.

 

Instead why not check out the Walther PPS, Springfield EMP etc. These are single stack and much narrower. The PPS typically has some good reviews and Hicock45 (YouTube) reviewed one and was positive.

 

If my 1911 Commander ends up being too large for carry then I will be looking at the Walther PPS or a small Sig.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

I guess I'd need to see where someone could comfortably carry a Commander-size 1911 concealed.

Maybe I'm looking at this with tunnel vision, but I usually don't wear a jacket unless it's cool out, and then it's not very easy to get underneath unless it's open all the time. Summer-wear is a polo and shorts or pants. Winter, of course, is different, but would you carry a handgun in the outer pocket of a winter coat? Maybe I'm over thinking (or under thinking). I'm getting ready to apply for my Florida CCW and will likely take a class, so that should clear up most of my questions.

Like they say, the best gun is the one you have with you.

I was also considering the Glock 19 and the Walther PPQ. They will be a bit bulky for you. The Springfield XDM is going to be no better as it is double stack and fairly wife.

 

Instead why not check out the Walther PPS, Springfield EMP etc. These are single stack and much narrower. The PPS typically has some good reviews and Hicock45 (YouTube) reviewed one and was positive.

 

If my 1911 Commander ends up being too large for carry then I will be looking at the Walther PPS or a small Sig.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

 

Saying a double stack pistol is going to be "no better" for a carry option is quite ignorant. I am not sure where you got the idea a double stack pistol isn't good for carrying. That is ridiculous. The grip and slide length are more of a factor than width. I would never suggest someone not use a certain firearm because of this.

Ruger LCR

Smith J frame

Walther PPS 9mm

I own an xd9 sub compact, I like it alot, but it's not really pocketable... great grip, very short, tall slide, shoots nicely but a little snappy...but this might help you...

 

check this site good info...

http://mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

I was doing some research on this one pretty nice it's the second gen version, they fixed problems of the first gen. plus she has 10 rounds of 9mm that's more than the keltec pf 9, and ruger lc9, about the same size, priced really good too!

http://www.sccy.com/cpx2black.html

Sig P238 - I promise you wont find a better pocket gun

I successfully carry a G19 and don't print. I own a G26 as well and the G19 is not that much bigger. I'm 5'11" and 165 and IWB works for me w/ the G19.

 

But then again my wife tells me my shirts are too big. Be careful of old guys with floppy shirts. Never know what's under there.

I was going to suggest the g26 also. It's the same manual of arms that your probably used to.

I ended up going with a Kahr CM9

Wanted an M&Pc (have a full size) but i am rather thin and it felt too wide for me. That is why I ended up going with a single stack...

 

It was either a PPS or the Kahr and I decided on the Kahr mostly b.c I didnt like the mag release on the PPS...

 

Here is a little chart I created to help me out (yes i know mouseguns has one too...)

https://docs.google....&hl=en_US#gid=0

Kahr PM9

Walther PPS

HK P2000SK

 

The possibilities are endless. Pick one that you like and make it work.

That new Beretta Nano is worth a look. It's like the single stack 9mm Glock that Glock never made.

Yes...... I wont mislead..... I am a bigger guy .... but...

 

It has more to do with the correct holster and placement on your frame, and the clothes you wear..... then the size of the pistol....

 

I have no issue wearing my M&P compact under a t-shirt.....

Saying a double stack pistol is going to be "no better" for a carry option is quite ignorant. I am not sure where you got the idea a double stack pistol isn't good for carrying. That is ridiculous. The grip and slide length are more of a factor than width. I would never suggest someone not use a certain firearm because of this.

 

Sorry to be pedantic... I said the Springfield XD will be no better that the G19 or PPQ - they are all double stack and similar widths. I've met OGG and he is very skinny! If looking at the 3" sub-compact type size then I'd assume the Glock 26 is also an option?

 

The G19 is 1.18" wide and 5" high, I don't have the XD widths to hand however when I was researching last month the specs I saw had them as wider than the G19. The PPS has a slightly longer barrel than the XD9 sub-compact and is 1.04" wide and 4.4" high. It is considered a good carry option on the CCW forums.

 

My (albeit limited) experience of carry firearms is that grip length and width are the two critical dimensions, hence many people are able to carry 1911s as they are comparatively narrow. This is more applicable to slimmer people although also depends on what you are wearing.

 

Anyway - it's just my viewpoint, right or wrong

 

hth

 

TheWombat

Fatter the guy smaller the gun! My every day carry is a Ruger lcd with two 6 round Bianchi speed strips in my left pocket. Gun is carried in a custom Mitch Rosen ostrich OWB on my left hip or so. Many of you have seen me at classes, etc. Did you ever see it printing on me? If I cannot do the job with 17 rounds then I go to the knifes, one in each front pocket, one in my left shoe laces and one around my neck. For extra security I have a Fenix 150 lumen light in my left pocket also. I own many handguns and I have worn and tried almost everything and I have always reverted back to a 5 shot wheel gun. I love all of my S&W and Colt revolvers so I carry the Ruger like a consumable item. It is light and has an alb. non stacking trigger. I can and have shot a 4" did group at 10' with my eyes closed many, many times. Just Sayin.

Sorry to be pedantic... I said the Springfield XD will be no better that the G19 or PPQ - they are all double stack and similar widths. I've met OGG and he is very skinny! If looking at the 3" sub-compact type size then I'd assume the Glock 26 is also an option?

 

 

My (albeit limited) experience of carry firearms is that grip length and width are the two critical dimensions, hence many people are able to carry 1911s as they are comparatively narrow. This is more applicable to slimmer people although also depends on what you are wearing.

 

 

 

 

As I understand he was talking about the sub-compact. I am about as skinny as they come, and conceal a m&p compact IWB or OWB without much issue, so the XDm subcomact would be similar I assume. Certainly a slimmer pistol (ie. single stack) will be easier, but that isn't to say a double stack would be an issue. That is all I was trying to get at. Sorry if it sounded argumentative, wasn't my intention!

 

What caliber do you want? 9mm, .38 SPL, .380 ACP, .32 ACP, .25 ACP?

6ft 3in

195-205lbs

 

I carry OWB Glock 23 with a light in a raven holster.. not noticeable with a slightly over sized shirt..

when I am going somewhere I need to be more discrete I carry a Glock 27 IWB on Thies holster.. http://www.facebook....Holsters?ref=ts

 

I have had zero issues with either setup.. and for what its worth.. I carry a gun pretty frequently..

 

what gun you carry has to do with a few things.. there is not just one answer... what gun you can operate well and manipulate well being number one imo.. if you can't work the gun well.. you might as well not have it.. and then how you intend to carry it.. some people just can't use an IWB rig.. they can't draw from it.. it is just a miserable awkward experience.. some people prefer a small pocket gun.. your style of dress is even important.. what works for me may or may not work for you... and unfortunately.. a holster is something you might buy and replace several times before you get it right..

 

I would pick the gun YOU can operate best.. and then try a few guys holsters out on you.. even if they are with different guns.. the holster will wear in a similar way.. once you figure out the kind you might want.. take the plunge and order it.. and then see how it goes.. worst case scenario.. sell it..

 

but I really think you should try some other guys stuff on to get an idea before you start ruling things out...

I don't see any real advantage to going to a subcompact (G26 size) pistol over a G19. You are talking at most an inch or so difference. The agency I worked for (plainclothes not uniform) issued G19s as their primary duty weapon and no one seemed to have concealability problems. That included a lot of smaller people down to a 4'-9" 85 lb woman. Use a good holster like a DeSantis Speed Scabbard or a good IWB holster and I can't think of any adult having issues concealing a G19.

 

I'm bigger and carried a G17. There is really no difference concealing a G19 vs a G26 or a G19 vs G17. There is a difference bewteen the G26 and G17. The only difference AFAIC is if you are trying to fit a gun in a specific size box. I speak from nearly 40 years of carrying on a daily basis. Too many people get way overwrapped in the size issue when choosing a carry gun.

 

If you like the G19 carry it.

If you like the G19 carry it.

 

+1..

 

if you got a gun.. you can use well.. get a carry system around it.. there are several VERY reputable companies out there...

I used to not care.. leather or kydex... but I ultimately decided on only using holsters that utilize a kydex shell.

I know this may be isolated.. but I read of stories of unintentional discharge when re-holstering on worn leather.. so on a gun where the safety IS the trigger.. I am going to stick with something that utilizes a rigid shell..

Gotta love the Ruger LCR!

Like Anthony (GFH) said, its a great wheel gun!

Mine is in .357/.38!

I have an XD sub compact in 9mm. 13 rounds +1 in the chamber. Personally I'd like to try an XDm compact. It's basically the same as the XD subcompact, but has a 3.8" barrel. The XD SC only has a 3" barrel. great gun though. I have a Cross Breed super tuck for it. Very comfortable and not noticeable when worn in the 5:00 position. I did put on a grip extension so my pinky has somewhere to go.

Ruger sp101 357-5 shot. Or 1911 commander. I am a little bigger 6'2" 290. Can hide them a little easier.

Re: Holsters. I'm trying a few different holsters and so far my two favorite are MiltSparks VM2 and the Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC (similar to Crossbreed SuperTuck and others).

 

Having a Kydex shell on the leather backing is surprisingly comfortable and does make holstering/unholstering that little bit cleaner. The MiltSparks is also an excellent holster. I am still using both at present while I'm determining which will become my standard IWB holster when out of state.

 

When standing and moving around I find these holsters are good. When sitting (e.g. in office, waiting room etc, or in car) I find access to the firearm is much more restrictive and if leaning back (e.g. when driving) then I can feel the firearm.

 

Someone at GFH said the following a few weeks back (I assume it is taken from somewhere else?). "Carrying a firearm is meant to be comforting not comfortable". I thought it was very appropriate.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

Re: Holsters. I'm trying a few different holsters and so far my two favorite are MiltSparks VM2 and the Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC (similar to Crossbreed SuperTuck and others).

 

Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch said that.

 

Having a Kydex shell on the leather backing is surprisingly comfortable and does make holstering/unholstering that little bit cleaner. The MiltSparks is also an excellent holster. I am still using both at present while I'm determining which will become my standard IWB holster when out of state.

 

When standing and moving around I find these holsters are good. When sitting (e.g. in office, waiting room etc, or in car) I find access to the firearm is much more restrictive and if leaning back (e.g. when driving) then I can feel the firearm.

 

Someone at GFH said the following a few weeks back (I assume it is taken from somewhere else?). "Carrying a firearm is meant to be comforting not comfortable". I thought it was very appropriate.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

The PPS has a slightly longer barrel than the XD9 sub-compact and is 1.04" wide and 4.4" high. It is considered a good carry option on the CCW forums.

 

I have a Walther PPS and it's a great carry piece. It's very accurate and I've had no problems with it. The back straps can also be changed to fit your hand.

for IWB, I like my Comp-Tac MTAC. My HK P30 hides nicely in there.

I really like the Ruger LC9 or the Ruger SR9C and an Ruger SP101 would also be nice. The CZ Rami might also fit the ticket.