Are single stack sub compacts worth it?

[hurley842002]

With the introduction of the new XD-S 9, and the M&P Shield which has been out for awhile now, I've started to consider cashing in the Ol' G26 in favor of one of these thinner more comfortable carry pieces. After lots of comparing, and watching/reading reviews, I'm starting to wonder if single stacks are really worth the trade off. Below are the specs of the XDS9, Shield 9, and G26.

Weight: (unloaded)

XDS 22.4 oz
Shield 19 oz
G26 20 oz

Winner the shield, but not by much, obviously the mag capacity will have an impact tho.

Barrel length:

XDS 3.3
Shield 3.1
G26 3.5

We all know barrel length is king for velocity, G26 wins.

Height:

XDS 4.4
Shield 4.6
G26 4.2

Again the G26 wins (albeit not by a lot), and grip length is one of the biggest factors of concealment.

Overall length:

XDS 6.3
Shield 6.1
G26 6.3

Tie, even tho I rounded up on a couple of the Glock numbers since they use c%nt hairs in their measurements.

Width:

XDS 1.0
Shield .95
G26 1.18

Winner the shield. This is the most significant difference between the Glock and the other two, this will ultimately make your decision for you IMO.

Capacity:

XDS 7+1
Shield 7+1 (in compared config)
G26 10+1

Winner Glock.

Some may say this comparison is apples to oranges and it may be, however it is a legitimate comparison I made, and figure others may be thinking about it as well, so I thought I'd write about it. In the end, I don't believe the tradeoff in width is worth it to me, and I'll just stick to my capacity.

[anomad]

Anything smaller than a G26 I go with a Ruger lcp or j frame.

[hurley842002]

Anything smaller than a G26 I go with a Ruger lcp or j frame.

I miss my airweight! I will surely own another one in the future (newborn depletes funds rather quickly lol).

[fitz19d]

Have you handled a shield? Numbers say one thing, but actually trying carrying sometimes makes those minute differences seem huge. I like my shield because a lot of the time, I can slip it no holster in jeans and it doesn't even print or at least avoids looking pistol shaped. A proper thin pocket holster and it looks like a wallet. (That .25 of an inch on width seems to be pretty critical besides actual grip contour. Give me deposit/something of sufficient value and I could let you try a shield for a week or two. (Before July.)

[van7559]

I have g27 that I bought before I had my permit. It is hard for me to conceal because I am not a very big guy, pretty soon I want to purchase a Smith and Wesson body gaurd or lcp or something along this lines. I had lcps in the past and they are very concealable, but lack the firepower I want

[ARgal]

For myself I really like the single stacks. After I got my permit I was trying to carry a xdm 3.8 compact. I basically never carried it because I am just too thin to carry that size of a firearm without it printing, particularly in summer. With a jacket on I could. Last fall I bought a Beretta Nano figuring I would carry it until I could find a Shield. The Nano was very comfortable to carry - very light and didn't notice it digging into my ribs. I never could get used to the trigger on that gun though! About 3 months ago I picked up a Shield and then started carrying it. The Shield is not as comfortable to carry as the Nano. It is a little thicker I believe and longer grip and barrel. But I do like the way the Shield shoots much better than the Nano. I'd rather give up a little comfort to carry a gun that shoots better for me.

[Irving]

How does the M&P 9c fit into that chart? Probably bigger than all the others.

ETA: +1 on the feel being different than the dimensions on paper. My Kel-tec P11 doesn't look that much smaller than my M&P40c, but it sure feels a lot smaller in hand and carrying.

[sellersm]

How does the M&P 9c fit into that chart? Probably bigger than all the others.

I don't recall the details but the 9c isn't far off from the shield in size. A little googling will get the specs, & there are YouTube vids showing them side by side. I'm not convinced that I want to give up so many rounds as compared to the G26 or the 9c.YMMV.


Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk

[hurley842002]

How does the M&P 9c fit into that chart? Probably bigger than all the others.

ETA: +1 on the feel being different than the dimensions on paper. My Kel-tec P11 doesn't look that much smaller than my M&P40c, but it sure feels a lot smaller in hand and carrying.

I've owned the 40c and the 357c, and my biggest issue with them compared to the G26 was the grip length. Not a whole lot longer, but enough to keep me running back to Glocks. Otherwise the M&Pc's are fine fine pistols. I believe the slide is a bit thicker on the M&P as well, but S&W doesn't list it on their main site.

[hurley842002]

I'd rather give up a little comfort to carry a gun that shoots better for me.

That is a true statement! Likely one of the reasons I haven't pulled the trigger on something else (no pun intended), me and that Glock trigger reset have a real nice bond.

[Tinelement]

I'll give opinion 2 fold.....

Single stack: carry a 1911 daily and love the sheet out of it!!!
Sub Compact: tried them and don't like them.

If I had to go back to polymer for carry, I would do Glock 19. Always carried it more than my LCP or Khar PM9.

[cofi]

i carry a glock 30sf(one of the bigger sub compacts out there) every time i just chuck my wifes bodyguard in my pocket it makes me wanna just get a sig p238 and be done with the glock

[hurley842002]

i carry a glock 30sf(one of the bigger sub compacts out there) every time i just chuck my wifes bodyguard in my pocket it makes me wanna just get a sig p238 and be done with the glock

I'm looking very closely at the p238 for my wife, however she seems to be in love with the Ruger SR9c (just from handling different pistols.

[davsel]

Glock 36 is my usual carry piece. Kimber Ultra for BBQs

Yes, they're worth it.

[hurley842002]

Glock 36 is my usual carry piece. Kimber Ultra for BBQs

Yes, they're worth it.

I've owned a 36, fine weapon indeed, however it's not much thinner than the 26. 1.10 for the 36 vs 1.18 for the 26. Good choice on the BBQ carry piece. Springfield Ltwt champion operator for me.

[davsel]

I've owned a 36, fine weapon indeed, however it's not much thinner than the 26. 1.10 for the 36 vs 1.18 for the 26. Good choice on the BBQ carry piece. Springfield Ltwt champion operator for me.


.45 G36 vs 9mm G26?
Come now, we all know 9mm bounces off denim. [Beer]

[hurley842002]

.45 G36 vs 9mm G26?
Come now, we all know 9mm bounces off denim. [Beer]

Lol, I carry my 9mm when I only wish to provide warning shots, for everything else the Springfield comes along.

[sellersm]

M&P Shield vs M&P 9c


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTJbbBTQv6g

[Snowman78]

I really like my Ruger LC9

[hurley842002]

Bumping this thread up, with a new perspective on things. Recently picked up an M&P shield 9mm, and all I can say is wow! Carrying this thing is amazing, and I believe this will serve my carry needs 95% of the time.

For those of you that said I'd notice the difference in width while carrying, you are absolutely correct.

Now to find another mag or two, some night sights, and a decent holster.

[brutal]

I'm thrilled to finally get my hands on a P938 for summer carry. And the timing was good as Midway has the 7rd mags available. I just wish I had it sooner as before long it will be time to switch back to the P229 :D when I can conceal with bulkier clothing - heavier shirts and light jackets.

[battle_sight_zero]

I'm thrilled to finally get my hands on a P938 for summer carry. And the timing was good as Midway has the 7rd mags available. I just wish I had it sooner as before long it will be time to switch back to the P229 :D when I can conceal with bulkier clothing - heavier shirts and light jackets.

I have to agree on the p938, I have many conceal carry options in my collection but really enjoy this config. This pistol is perfect for pocket carry and quality. I have the stainless and equinox. Even thinking of getting the nightmare. Like this way better than my shields, like it over my xds. What a quality firearm, pure elegance and a great shooter and for 9mm pocket carry it cant be beat. However if I go out into the hood I will carry a Glock 29 or Cz 75 compact.

[brutal]

I have to agree on the p938, I have many conceal carry options in my collection but really enjoy this config. This pistol is perfect for pocket carry and quality. I have the stainless and equinox. Even thinking of getting the nightmare. Like this way better than my shields, like it over my xds. What a quality firearm, pure elegance and a great shooter and for 9mm pocket carry it cant be beat. However if I go out into the hood I will carry a Glock 29 or Cz 75 compact.

The trigger absolutely chugs Goat caulk.

After I ensure it otherwise functions properly, it will be getting some parts and trigger work ASAP.

[condoor]

I see you already got the M&P, but for others with same question - the Kahr single stacks are worth considering. I have a CM9 that I've been very happy with, and I had a P9 for a while that I was happy with. (M&P singles weren't avail when I bought it)

[hurley842002]

Finally got outside to run, carried my shield in a belly band, and it was perfect! Now I guess we will see how it holds up to sweat lol.

[spongejosh]

I see you already got the M&P, but for others with same question - the Kahr single stacks are worth considering. I have a CM9 that I've been very happy with, and I had a P9 for a while that I was happy with. (M&P singles weren't avail when I bought it)

I was considering switching to an XDs from my Kahr PM9 since they looked pretty close on paper. Once I compared them side by side the XDs seemed huge. I've considered the P238 but haven't had a chance to shoot one and compare it yet.

[brutal]

I was considering switching to an XDs from my Kahr PM9 since they looked pretty close on paper. Once I compared them side by side the XDs seemed huge. I've considered the P238 but haven't had a chance to shoot one and compare it yet.

Shooting a P238 is a slippery slope into a $$$ sub compact.

I have never heard anyone say anything in that category shoots better. I'm not syaing it's going to work for everyone, but IMHO it is still the best shooter of the bunch.

I haven't had a chance to shoot my P938 but already know the trigger and hammer spring will get replaced with a stainless trigger and wolf or mustang spring after the first check because it is the worst SAO trigger I've ever pulled. The P238, even in stock form is soo much better out of the box.