Sub compact 9mm

[jdb]

Sometime after the 1st of the year I plan on buying some kind of sub compact 9mm. I'm currently leaning toward the smith and Wesson shield. Thoughts? Alternatives? I also like the kahr but they cost a bit more. My other thought is a sub compact 1911, thoughts?

[Solohunter84]

Had a full size smith and wesson. Loved it. Wanted to conceal. Got the shield. Just as sweet. No complaints

[Jim the Plumber]

Take a look at the Sig 290. Little more $ but comes with 6&8 round mags and night sights. As well as a holster.

[CAMPMEAT]

Glock 29

[jdb]

Glock 29

the glock dosent feel good in the hand

[CAMPMEAT]

Glock 29

the glock dosent feel good in the hand

Too bad. Very reliable gun. I have hams for hands though.

[Cap.Silver]

Springfield XDs is great IMHO

[rtspring]

I have both the XD and Kahr both in .40

The Kahr is a great concealed gun for a single stack, but the XD can put 17 in the hopper!

[lamrith]

Another vote for the shield.  Though, most important is to go out and hit a range and rent a few.  There is no substitute for shooting each one.  A gun can feel great holding at the counter and be terrible shooting.

I started M&P 9fs, then went to a shield.  After that I tried a G26, just not a glock fan and it did not conceal as well for me.  Went back to Shield.

[Bofire]

  I am a devoted 1911 fan and carrier. I will say this, the shorter the barrel on a 1911 the more the malfunctions go up, Or the better the gun must be built to avoid this. a 5 inch 1911 is as dependable as a gun gets, 4 inch is very dependable, 3 inch less so.
My advice is, if you need a gun that small, get a smaller caliber and less ammo in the mag. There are many good small 380/9mms. The Ruger looks really cool to me.
If you need a gun for a "fight" take a 5 inch 45, or a rifle/shotgun, or both!!! for light carry the light synthetic guns are hard to beat.
Carl

[buck man]

Sig p938. Can't go wrong with that!

[b23]

Bought a XD subcompact in .40 about 6 years ago and it's been a great little gun.  Can't say that I've put thousands of rounds thru it but I have put hundreds of rounds thru it.  It's all been a mix of different brands and it has never had a single hiccup yet.  They don't cost a great deal so it'll leave you with some money to buy ammo.  My P7M8 is still my all time favorite 9mm and I'd call them a subcompact, sorta. 

If this is going to be something you plan on having for awhile and a gun you will shoot lots and lots and lots.  I'd suggest doing a good amount of research and get the one that fits your budget and has the best reliability.

[MP123]

Another vote for the shield. Though, most important is to go out and hit a range and rent a few.  There is no substitute for shooting each one.  A gun can feel great holding at the counter and be terrible shooting.

I started M&P 9fs, then went to a shield.  After that I tried a G26, just not a glock fan and it did not conceal as well for me.  Went back to Shield.

Good advice.  Try to find a range that rents and try different ones out.

My experience has been that sub compact 9s conceal pretty well but are somewhat unpleasant to shoot (snappy recoil) and not very accurate either.   A duty size 9mm will shoot much better but concealment can be an issue.  I don't know the OPs level of experience or if he's got other guns to practice with so maybe he's got that all figured out already.

I also agree with 1911s running better in full size than 3".

For me nothing conceals better than a J frame .357 just to throw that into the mix...

[Heredoggydoggy]

If money is no object, look at the EMP 9mm.  It is made in 40 S&W too, but I liked the 9mm version better!

[CAMPMEAT]

Stay away from EAA WITNESS. Mine would jam, slide wouldn't go into battery. Sent it to the factory 2 times to fix it and it came back worse each time with no explanation of why it was worse. They lied about fixing it the whole time.