Glock OR M&P OR XD

[Patronus]

Too bad you are way on t'other side of ATL, I'd let you test drive my Glock 27 , Glock 23 and Kahr PM40. I know you say you are are interested in 9MM but the feel's the same, maybe a tad more warmth but nothing noticeable. Couldn't help ya with the M&P or XD though.

 

[RamRoddoc]

I am considering getting a true compact pistol. Thinking about Glock 19 size but which of the "plastic" guns would fit a smallish hand best? I really haven't handled any of these before. I currently carry a full size 1911 but wanna try something lighter.

If you are not hung on capacity, Kahr makes a really thin single stack 9mm/.40 S&W CW series that fit the smallest of adult hands, are very thin and light weight. The CW series Kahr's can be had new for less than $400 if you look around. Carried inside the pants a concealed Kahr makes for a really stealthy comfortable carry gun, even in shorts and fitted t-shirt. Kahr offers night sights now for this series finally.

A Glock 19/23 is a great carry weapon. It's just more bulky but carry it with an original magazine for carry and a spare full size Glock 17/22magazine and you have a butt load of firepower.

The compact Smith M&P's are nice as well as the compact Springfield XD series pistols. If you have a buddy who can let you carry one, try it out. If you hate carrying it, it doesn't matter how good it feels or shoots. I carried a full size all steel 1911 and a Beretta M9 for a number of years. I switched to a Glock 36 slim line .45 and it does really well until I sit and drive and then presses on my left nad a bit forcefully. Around town trips 30-45 min. or less it's not a big deal but longer 2-3 hour+ drives and I was tossing it in the glove box and occasionally forgetting it in my wife's minivan.

I could and have sleep with my Kahr concealed in my waistband and I have much happier nads.

 

[scandmx5]

SR9C and fuhgettaboutit

 

[Barton72]

M&P 40c for me. I love it. I've shot and handled many Glocks. They aren't for me. Don't feel good in my hand and I've always thought they were butt ugly. Not that looks really matter over function, but honestly they aren't comfortable in my hand and that's the main thing.

Shot the full size XD40 and the sub-compact in 40. I did like the way they performed and felt in my hand, but in the end I chose the M&P. I have no complaints about my gun. I highly recommend the M&P. They carry well and like mentioned have 3 different backstraps to choose from.

 

[wozbean]

I'm betting you can trade your way through all 3 on the ODT. (or rent them and see at your local range)

 

[ASSAULTLIFE]

Glock 19 all the way.

I shot the XD9 and the 19 an the 19 just sits much better, looks better, and what i liked about it, much easier to field strip and clean (if ever needed)

 

[bassdaddy00]

I prefer .45acp. The Glock 36 is too big for my hand tho. I haven't been able to handle the M&P compact or XD compact in this caliber.

 

[sparked1]

I shoot all these handguns somewhat regularly at American Marksman in Norcross. $7.50 for gun rental and you can shoot as many different ones as your heart desires - WITH YOUR OWN AMMO! $16 gets you get a lane all day if you want. $12 if you get there between 11-2. Anyhow, I went up there multiple times before I bought a handgun and I felt that the XDs shot the best and had the least amount of recoil. Of course, that's probably because they are larger and heavier than the rest. I felt the M&P 9c and Glock 26 was the best to conceal, but I wasn't crazy about the feel and triggers. The Glock 19 was great but not as easy to conceal, although many people carry it. The main reason I didnt buy an XD was because it was too large for my purposes AND they are way overpriced. I tried a Ruger SR9 and really liked the grip and the trigger but wanted something smaller. I ended up buying an SR9c, and I have no regrets. I have went back and shot them all again and I think the SR9c has the best trigger out of the box of any of those guns, plus minimal recoil. It also conceals really well even though its just a tad smaller than a Glock 19. I recently shot Gen4 Glocks and am waiting on a model 23. That 2mm reduction in the grip make a surprisingly big difference and the recoil on the .40 Gen4 was just a tad more than my Ruger. I think they got the Gen4 right. Get to a range and decide for yourself. Thats the best way to do it.

 

[Patronus]

I prefer .45acp. The Glock 36 is too big for my hand tho. I haven't been able to handle the M&P compact or XD compact in this caliber.

Once again Kahr to the rescue. I had a CW45, but found it to be a bit finicky about the hollow points you fed it. The chamber was too tight for the 230 grain JHPs. I called Kahr and they were aware but not very helpful. I have not tried the PM45 yet but really want to. Even though the Kahrs are smaller and MUCH lighter, the recoil is little if ANY worse than the same caliber Glock or other. I have shot the G27 and PM40 side by side and NO difference in recoil(Sovietak474u has shot them and may chime in with HIS perspective). Kahr has redesigned the feed ramp to offset it slightly, lowering the barrel into the frame and closer to the hand. This causes the recoil to be more straight back and causes less flip. Yada, yada, yada...It WORKS. Felt recoil in a Kahr is </= the recoil in guns MUCH heavier in the same caliber. Kahr has also come out with an external safety model. I just saw that when preparing to post about them.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9-w-Night-Sights-External-Safety-and-LCI.asp

Again, Taurus offers 45 ACP's with smaller grips. The PT145 is a sweet shooter with a bit smaller grip and 10+1 round capacity. Then there is the PT745 which has a 6+1 round capacity and is just a hair smaller still. Both the Taurus's have external safeties.

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=283&category=Pistol&breadcrumbseries=&search=745

All are smaller than the Glock 36, but very reliable and great shooters.

 

[sovietak474u]

Once again Kahr to the rescue. I had a CW45, but found it to be a bit finicky about the hollow points you fed it. The chamber was too tight for the 230 grain JHPs. I called Kahr and they were aware but not very helpful. I have not tried the PM45 yet but really want to. Even though the Kahrs are smaller and MUCH lighter, the recoil is little if ANY worse than the same caliber Glock or other. I have shot the G27 and PM40 side by side and NO difference in recoil(Sovietak474u has shot them and may chime in with HIS perspective). Kahr has redesigned the feed ramp to offset it slightly, lowering the barrel into the frame and closer to the hand. This causes the recoil to be more straight back and causes less flip. Yada, yada, yada...It WORKS. Felt recoil in a Kahr is </= the recoil in guns MUCH heavier in the same caliber. Kahr has also come out with an external safety model. I just saw that when preparing to post about them.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9-w-Night-Sights-External-Safety-and-LCI.asp

Again, Taurus offers 45 ACP's with smaller grips. The PT145 is a sweet shooter with a bit smaller grip and 10+1 round capacity. Then there is the PT745 which has a 6+1 round capacity and is just a hair smaller still. Both the Taurus's have external safeties.

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=283&category=Pistol&breadcrumbseries=&search=745

All are smaller than the Glock 36, but very reliable and great shooters.

That kahr you have rocks! Loved it. Very small but packs a wicked punch. Gotta get me one of those. I had 2 glock 30s... they are good but a little on the fat side. I never could warm up to a glock 36.