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Interested in a Sub-Compact/Pocket, but how can I get a feel for these before purchasing?

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Let me preface this by saying that if I didn't have to deal with the permits, I'd just buy multiple and sell/return the ones I didn't want. However, all of us here are stuck with that reality.

 

My shortlist on paper is/was: Ruger LC9, Beretta Nano, M&P Shield 9, M&P9c, Glock 26 and Springfield XDS. I believe I've scratched the last two as I do not like the feel of any Glock I've ever held/shot, and I don't want a small 45. The Nano is last of the remaining four on paper, because of the lack of a slide release.

 

On some of these, it's not even purchasing, but more like getting on a wait list. With that in mind, I have 4 months left on my permits if I include the extension.

 

I want to hold these because I'm concerned that the LC9, Nano, and Shield may be too small for my hands. I don't have large palms, but I have long (piano) fingers. I find a 92FS and a 1911 comfortable. I like the feel of the full size M&P also, and the compact is the same width. I'm also concerned I may end up liking how one feels significantly more than the others.

 

Does anyone know of a shop that stands any chance of having 3/4 of these, even if I have to get on a wait list to purchase the one I want?

 

Thanks for the help guys.

dont forget the kahr pm/cm 9, very nice pocket pistol...

Don't discount the tiny 45.... I enjoyed shooting that far more than the LC9.

  • Author

dont forget the kahr pm/cm 9, very nice pocket pistol...

 

I'm more than willing to entertain swapping this in instead of the LC9 or Nano.

 

Don't discount the tiny 45.... I enjoyed shooting that far more than the LC9.

 

Oh I'm not discounting it because I don't think I'll like it, I'm discounting it due to ammo cost and the fact that I already have a nice quantity of 9mm rounds stocked up. If the extra case of ammo I received for Christmas was 45, maybe I'd have a different outlook.

Ah! Okay. Having shot the LC9, Nano, M&P9c, and XDS, my favorite was the 9c(though not a pocket gun at all), followed by the XDS(still too big for the pocket), then Nano, and finally LC9. The LC9 recoil was beyond violent, and just really uncomfortable to shoot. I think if you intend to put the gun in a pocket holster, you should stick with the Nano or PM9/CM9. If you intend to wear it IWB, go for the Shield.

  • Author

That helps me rule out the LC9 at least, which I greatly appreciate. The only minus on paper I have for the Nano is no slide stop.

 

Do you think the 9c could be comfortable IWB, or is this a Shield or go home situation? Any chance the Shield could be entirely too small? I like the shape and texture of the M&Ps for certain.

 

Wow, the PM9 and CM9 are very small and light. I'm guessing the overall width is 0.95 like the Shield or 1.0 like the XDs considering the slide is 0.9.

With the proper holster, the 9c would be plenty comfy IWB.

  • Author

Thanks. Now I just need to be on the hunt to get my hands on these, or just concede to the 9c which I'm sure I'll like.

I own the G26 and just sent you PM on a review I did on it a little while ago.

It's not for everyone as Glocks certainly have a distinct grip/feel to them.

It's a very accurate subcompact. It surprises me how easy it is to shoot

accurately. I used it for several USPSA and static steel matches and it

held it's own against its full size counterparts. Highly recommended.

I'll be at Bobs at 10am tomorrow. Pm if you want to meet up, will have my 26 with me.

Too bad you aren't closer. You could shoot my cm9. Most guys I let try it at work have switched to one if they were in the market for a new off duty. Small, light good ergos, accurate and looks good too

  • Author

I own the G26 and just sent you PM on a review I did on it a little while ago.

It's not for everyone as Glocks certainly have a distinct grip/feel to them.

It's a very accurate subcompact. It surprises me how easy it is to shoot

accurately. I used it for several USPSA and static steel matches and it

held it's own against its full size counterparts. Highly recommended.

Thanks, your review was good, but having shot a G19 and a G22 and not liking the grip, I doubt a G26 would change my mind.

 

Too bad you aren't closer. You could shoot my cm9. Most guys I let try it at work have switched to one if they were in the market for a new off duty. Small, light good ergos, accurate and looks good too

Thanks for the offer though. I see a couple of stores with this so I think I can get to hold it without much issue.

I'll be shooting the kahr PM9 at cherry ridge Sunday or Monday if you'd like to check it out

I tried the LC9, Nano, PM9, and Walther PPS. The PPS was the most comfortable to hold and shoot. Not really a pocket gun but, disappears in an IWB holster.

  • Author

I reached out to a few places, and got my hands on the CM9, Nano, and Glock 26 in one place.

 

Unfortunately, the CM9 and Nano are too narrow for my long fingers, so now I am glad I did not buy any of these sight unseen. I imagine this eliminates the Shield which is only 0.05" thicker, so apparently I solved this problem easier than I thought. Thanks for the posts guys.

 

The Glock is an adequate size, but I prefer the angle/shape of the M&P.

I have/carry a xds .40 and I love it!!!! I have very big hands and the lc9 and a lot of others were not only too small lenth wise for me, but also they were so thin it didnt sit in my hand right. the glock was a ok fit but just didnt like the lightness and balance of it. I went with the xds and Im just so happy with it. Recoil is great, I like having the double safety cause i carry concealed and makes it a little harder to have the gun go off accidentally on my waist. As accurate as you can shoot it. I got mine with two clips, holsters,and extras(kit) for $365 at buds about 6 months ago.

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