What compact to get?

[troglodyte]

My wife had a PT111. It worked fine but she had a hard time with the trigger pull and length.

I picked up an XD9SC last summer for under $500 NIB.

One thing to consider is capacity. How many rounds do you want available? I used to carry 7+1 in my Defender plus a reload (15 rounds total). While I still carry my Defender and really like it I moved to the XD with 13+1 and two 16 round reloads for certain places that I frequent. Not that I'm in the bad part of town or attending questionable events, I'm just in places that might attract unwanted attention, church being one of them.

If bad things happen I don't want to be wishing for more capacity...and the more I have on board means I have longer to first reload.

[Teamless]

Well, I am looking at the MTAC Minotaur holster for my Sigma 9mm, I like that I can get a different hydex (sp) if I do get a 2nd weapon, or even try to carry my wifes G19.
The Crossbreed looks good, but does not look like they have interchangeable hydex (sp).

With that, my wife, very nicely so gave me a couple hundred to add to my thoughts of about $300- or so, so I can get a Glock 26 or similar.
There is a gun show at either GRB or Reliant Park next weekend, and I think I will go over there and see what cash deals I can make on the 26 or similar pistol and really decide if the 26 is that much of a difference in size compared to the Sigma that I really need a smaller size for concealment.

I wanted to thank everyone who has replied, to help me think this through, with as much knowledge as possible. for that, I do like that this Forum has been created, it has been an extreme wealth of information!

[Scott in Houston]

G192627,
thanks for the insights.
I do agree with you that I do not want to sacrifice safety for the price. Which is why I asked for those with pros/cons, in the hopes that people would recommend those that they have and have used.

I do need to find a good rig, I agree with you there, but other than ordering online, would think a good rig or even a starter rig, is more of a personal item, that you really want to "try on", so where (in Houston) would someone go to try them out? Or is finding one online, that is specifically made for your pistol the best route?

No. I thought so too originally, but you can't really find them to try on. I ended up ordering, and then now understand why EVERYONE who has one raves about it. Order the holster first, and then the belt later. You can go to stores like Collector's Firearms and try on belts with your new holster, then order the belt online because it's cheaper online.

Order a holster from the link above. It will be custom for your gun. They are awesome. You can replace the kydex piece for another gun later if you want for $40.
You won't regret it.

[Scott in Houston]

Well, I am looking at the MTAC Minotaur holster for my Sigma 9mm, I like that I can get a different hydex (sp) if I do get a 2nd weapon, or even try to carry my wifes G19.
The Crossbreed looks good, but does not look like they have interchangeable hydex (sp).

With that, my wife, very nicely so gave me a couple hundred to add to my thoughts of about $300- or so, so I can get a Glock 26 or similar.
There is a gun show at either GRB or Reliant Park next weekend, and I think I will go over there and see what cash deals I can make on the 26 or similar pistol and really decide if the 26 is that much of a difference in size compared to the Sigma that I really need a smaller size for concealment.

I wanted to thank everyone who has replied, to help me think this through, with as much knowledge as possible. for that, I do like that this Forum has been created, it has been an extreme wealth of information!

It's at GRB. Get there early and cash in hand. You can get a G26 for $448 + tax, guaranteed. It's the best place to buy Glocks. I've purchased 4 there.
You can get it with night sites, for another $45 or so also. I like the night sites, but it may not be worth it considering we're counting every dollar here, and you'll still need a good holster. Take your Sigma with you and compare them back to back. Just make sure its unloaded and have the cops at the entrance put a zip-tie through it for safety, but then you can put up next to the G26 and decide if it's worth it for the upgrade in size. Keep in mind, I think you'll also enjoy the Glock over the Sigma regardless just because it's a much easier gun to shoot (the trigger is far superior to the Sigma's IMO).

Another gun to consider is the Karh PM9. It's about the same price as the G26, but is much slimmer because it's a single stack 9. It's close to Glock quality and reliability too. I'd still go Glock, but the Karh is definitely worth a look.

Good luck with it. It's a fun problem to have... deciding what gun to get, etc.

[mr surveyor]

Kahr CW9!

pros: very good quality, 7+1, super thin for IWB CC needs (0.9"), extremely reliable, handles +p well, accurate, very easy to field strip/clean, manufactured entirely North of the Equator, Trijicon Tritium sights available, can be easily had for under $450, lots of holsters available (most generic compact 1911 holsters work perfectly).........

cons: can't think of any

surv

[KahrGuy]

Having both the Glock 19 and Glock 26, I can say that they're a great complement to each other... I originally had plans for my wife having the G19 and I having the G26, but the G19 has really just became a home defense weapon that stays in Gun Vault for months at a time... Works great having 15 round G19 magazines for backup. Of course, while I don't have one (yet), even the 33 round magazine would be nice for home defense ! Keep it loaded with self defense ammo and available in break-glass container! Whoever gets to it first (wife G19 or you G26) can pop it in and give the BG's a really bad day! Wonder how long that spring would last with 30+ rounds loaded months at a time?!

All the magazines for the G19 work well for the G26 - and there are quite a few accessories (example CT Laser Guard, M-Tac Holster w/Slider, etc.) that fit both. You may find having a set like that (G19+G26) would be a strong fit to your Gun Library!

I am more accurate @ 12 yards in with the G26 and just can't explain why!! I've had several others try side by side and they almost always come up with same, surprised results!

I would also look closely at the Kahr PM9 at show. After recently looking for smaller carries, I did find there to be quite a difference in size of Kahr. If width isn't an issue then I would certainly rate G26 as top value & performer.

[marksiwel]

I'm liking my Glock 26 alot.
Simple, easy to clean, lots of shiny things to put on/in it

[RPB]

My take on my Glock 19 vs my Glock 26 .... since I often carry both at the same time.

The grip length on the 19 isn't real difficult to conceal, but the 26's shorter slide length is slightly better when sitting.
If I can only carry one ...
The 26 can use any 9MM mag, and since the 19's grip length isn't hard to conceal, I carry the 26 with a 19 mag and spacer for that extra finger grip. If I'm kayaking in cargo shorts or in a swimsuit and need less weight, I can still use the 10 or 12 capacity lighter weight mag. At home, I use a 17+2 mag. My extra carry mag is 17+2 in case I run through the 15 round 19 mag. ... Extra 33 rounders in the house and car, just in case. (Since 30 years ago I was off on the side of the road and 150 Bikers thundered by once, but they were freindly enough.)

I had night sights since 1989 ... took them all off and installed Advantage Tactical Sights ..... much better IMHO, and easy to install yourself, much much much faster sight picture.


Sure, I have a Taurus PT709, a Keltec PF9, HAD a Kahr CW40 .... they make nice Backup Guns .... if it takes 4 shots each to stop the 3 carjackers, and I only have 8 ... My 8 shot pistols are in pocket holsters when i carry them as backup guns .... but my Glocks just work without malfunctions. Plus, none of the 8 shot guns had sights that were of any use, all are sloped the wrong way so you can't rack the slde to clear a jam easily using your belt/shoe etc. The new Bersa BP9CC is supposed to have Standard replaceable sight dovetails, should be inexpensive, but it isn't on the market yet..... plus, you only get 8 shots.

A freind of mine, Officer Jeffery Dean Ginn Killed in the line of duty on July 10, 1991 and the guy who killed him were only about 6 feet from each other, both fired all shots in their pistols, no one was hit ... The guy who killed him ran to the garage grabbed a Carbine and killed Jeff while Jeff was reloading.

Shortly after that, I bought Glocks for several of my officer freinds and retired their .357 revolvers, a good move since one best freind (who was VERY resistant to not having his .357 revolver instead of a plastic toy automatic gun) is alive now because of that.

[A-R]

I strongly agree with G192627's statements above and I'll even take it a step further. If you already own a Sigma and you're considering buying a smaller Taurus for about $350, why not sell the Sigma and buy a Glock 26 plus a good holster and belt? You could easily get $300 for your used Sigma on TexasGunTrader.com, then take the other $350 you were going to spend you have $650 for a Glock 26, Supertuck style holster, and a quality gun belt. That way you and your wife both have quality 9mm Glocks that can share magazines and spare parts, will shoot the same, can share holsters etc. As G192627 said, nothing against Taurus, but I think most would agree Taurus doesn't reach the same level of overall reliability as a Glock. There's a reason police forces around the country use Glocks instead of Taurus. And as a Glock 23 & 27 owner, trust me that being able to share mags and holsters (not to mention ammo) between two guns is very nice.

[A-R]

I am more accurate @ 12 yards in with the G26 and just can't explain why!! I've had several others try side by side and they almost always come up with same, surprised results!

I've had very similar experience with my G27 vs. G23. The shorter-barreled G27 is just a bit more accurate it seems. Only possible reason I can find is the baby Glocks' grips have a slightly more pronounced "hump" on the lower half of the back strap that just fits right into the sweet spot of my palm and gives me a great grip on the weapon.

I've heard many others, including a few cops, say they're more accurate with their G27s than their G22s.

EDITED to add: Someone also mentioned to me that this phenomenon could be more pronounced because I wear glasses for near-sightedness, and counter-intuitively, the shorter sight radius of the G27 vs G23 is actually beneficial to me.

[gigag04]

One that fits your hands, your budget, and you can shoot well. Any offering from a major mfg that meets these three things will serve you fine.

[RPB]

I didn't even mention accuracy lol

I had about 5 Glock 17s, and 2 17Ls ... sold them as my 19 was more accurate.... as is my 26 with the 12 round or 19 Magazine with spacer.

[threoh8]

I'm waiting for more field reports on it, but the Ruger SR9C is looking good to me. In photos, that is. I haven't seen one in person yet.

[RPB]

I looked at the Ruger SR9C; didn't buy one because of the sights.
1) Couldn't find replacement tactical (carry) sights to fit that odd sized wide dovetail
2) Factory "snagless" sights are sloped the wrong way so they may snag on a shirt while drawing, BUT they don't allow racking the slide one-handed on a belt/shoe/corner etc; but good news is after unhanging it from your shirt or whatever in an emergency ... they won't snag on anything after the action is all over and you are reholstering
(Basically the same reason I'll be sellling a PF9 and a PT709 soon.)
Wrong way to slope rear sights:


Correct way to slope rear sights:

[PeteCamp]

I have owned a Ruger SR9C since they first came out. No malfunctions of any kind - 100% reliable. In reference to the comments above, I regularly carry mine and have never had a problem of any kind drawing. Works as well as anything else. I have almost every Glock made, several high dollar 1911's, a PF9, and Ruger LCR and LCP. The SR9C is as good as any of them. But as always, you should select a weapon based on what you shoot best. You may eventually see the need for other kinds of guns for concealed carry.

Forgot to mention: If you're looking at a baby Glock (26,27,33) you might consider a 27 in .40 or a 33 in .357 Sig. You can get an aftermarket barrel that allows shooting it in 9mm for practice. You cannot take a 26 UP in caliber to a .40 or .357 but you can take the larger caliber guns DOWN in caliber with appropriate barrels and a magazine.