Good Midsize Carry

[Soccerdad1995]

Get a Commander sized 1911 with a bobbed mainspring. Great combination of grip size and concealment.

If you don't want to go that route, you could also try out a 1911 with an Officers size frame. I have pretty big hands, but can still get my whole hand on that grip. You can get this gun with a 3 inch, 3.5 inch, or 4.25 inch barrel.

I'd also second the recommendation for a Glock 19. It's a great gun.

[n5wmk]

You could also try the Springfield XD series. I like the grip angle much better than the glock.

Agree. My EDC is an XDs in 45. I also have a XD Tactical full size in 45 that I carry sometimes, depending on the location I will be going to.

[Abraham]

Glock 19 with a fully loaded spare magazine.

[Scott Farkus]

Lots of options in this category. I won't repeat what others have said, but fwiw, if you've never shot a Glock, try to shoot one before making up your mind. I resisted for a long time because every time I thought I was ready to buy one, I'd hold it and just couldn't get past the blocky feel. But I finally did break down and buy a Glock 19 and it took me about two shots to realize what all the fuss was about. I don't know how to describe it, but for me anyway, when I actually shot it as opposed to just holding it, the ergonomics suddenly clicked. I've since bought a Glock 20 and I liked it so much it displaced a Dan Wesson .357 as my woods gun. I foresee one of the Glock .45 chamberings in the future. There's a reason they have such a following.

Other considerations that haven't been mentioned are the various CZ options - P01 or 75 Compact if you want a metal frame, or a P07 if you want polymer. For something a little slimmer (albeit less capacity) I'm also a big fan of Kahr's. An H&K P30 or VP9, or a Walther PPQ would also be high on my list for what you're looking for.

As I said, lots of options and almost none of them are bad.

[TexasSully]

You could also try the Springfield XD series. I like the grip angle much better than the glock.

I have the Shield and XDm in my carry rotation.

[longhorn86]

Springfield XDm 3.8 Compact in .45 or 9mm. Either a good choice, I own both, excellent firearms!

[iom]

I carry my Shield with the 8 round magazine. That solves the problem, for me, of having a full grip and no pinky fall off.

I also swapped out the magazine springs with the magguts setup. Giving me 9 rounds plus 1 in the chamber. I've put several hundred rounds through this new mag spring setup and have not have any problems.

[rwponline]

...But I finally did break down and buy a Glock 19 and it took me about two shots to realize what all the fuss was about. I don't know how to describe it, but for me anyway, when I actually shot it as opposed to just holding it, the ergonomics suddenly clicked...

...Other considerations that haven't been mentioned are the various CZ options...

As I said, lots of options and almost none of them are bad.

Couldn't agree more. You can't go wrong with a G19, and they really do come alive with use. Of course you really are spoiled for choices in the 'bigger than a shield, smaller than a full sized' category. Pretty much any double stack 'Compact' or 'sub-compact' from a major manufacturer will serve you well.

I carry a CZ 2075BD most days, but I'm really warming up to my XD subcompact Mod2 in 9mm because it gives me 13+1 without being much bigger.

[suthdj]

G30, an dont worry about it looking blocky or square the BG's are not going to judge you, at least not while its pointed at them.

[LosAlce]

Smith and Wesson M&Ps are solid guns. For a midsize you can go with the M&P9c (for 9mm). A little bit smaller than a G19. I own the full size and I love it. Ive considered picking a 9c up but I'm trying to excercise restraint since we've already purchased 5 or 6 other guns this year. I can't even keep track

People also seem to really be into the beretta px4 Storm compact. It isn't striker fired like almost all the other suggestions but may be worth a look if you like DA/SA

[Liberty]

People also seem to really be into the beretta px4 Storm compact. It isn't striker fired like almost all the other suggestions but may be worth a look if you like DA/SA

I never liked the idea of a Striker fired weapon for a new carrier.

I really like the grips on the Storm models and have the rounded edges for concealed carry. Beretta makes a very reliable handgun, and has always meant high quality

[LosAlce]

I never liked the idea of a Striker fired weapon for a new carrier.

I don't necessarily have an aversion to striker fired weapons, I just tend to prefer hammer fired ones. I've also been considering a mid size carry piece so I'll be interested to see everyone's suggestions as well.

[mikebass78]

MP9c
SR9c
XDm 3.8 Compact ( number 1 on my list )
FNS9c
Mod2 9mm
Storm PX4

and soooo many more choices

[MechAg94]

IMO, the Glock 19 is as small as you can get and still have a full grip while being light weight with capacity. The XD Mod 2 is close in size. The CZ 75 P01 is similar in size, but made of metal so it is heavier. Lots of other choices in that size range. Probably most of those choices would be good guns.

I think I would be happy starting with a Glock 19.

That said, my current carry gun is an XD Mod 2 in 45 ACP. 9+1 capacity with the compact magazines. 13+1 with the full size.

[der Teufel]

Not a big fan of Glocks but I plan on lookin at a few before I decide. I'll keep them in mind.

then you must be a sig fan, take a look at P320C. Or if you want to stay with ruger, SR9C will be your gun of choice. again, you can thank me later...

I can't speak for Glocks, never even held one. I went in one day determined to buy a Sig P229 and walked out with a used SP2022 for 1/3 the price of a new P229. It just had a good feel. It shoots well for me.

Basically, it's a gun in which I have confidence regarding accuracy and reliability. It holds 16 rounds, so I don't feel a need for an extra magazine.