View Full Version : Advice on pistol combo
Hello everyone. I am paralyzed with analyze.
I'm looking to do a bit of gun trading (not here...FNG and all...just in general--gun shop or whatever).
I'm looking for advice on a pistol combo. One full-sized backup to the AR-15 (Glock 17 just to give a general idea) and one small pocket pistol. I'd like both to be chambered in 9mm for ease of ammo buying/storage. I currently own a Glock 23 that I carried concealed for five years and a Ruger LCP that I've carried for the past three. These will be traded up to the aforementioned 9mms.
Some things I'm considering:
Reliability, first and foremost above all else. This should go without saying, but I just said it.
I'd like to avoid external safeties. I don't have anything specific against them, I just learned on the Glock platform and that setup is where I'm most comfy.
Cost is an issue, but not too much of one. I don't want to drop 1k on a single pistol. Maybe $700 absolute max for the larger framed and $500 absolute max for the pocket pistol, though I figure I can do better.
I'd like decent triggers. After years with the Glock stock trigger and the LCP, I'm ready for something a bit...um...better.
Given these parameters, what would you guys recommend? I do like Glock simplicity but I'm not a huge fan of some of their recent development decisions, particularly when I look at their competition.
Thank you in advance for any advice, and please let me know if I can provide additional info that will make said advising easier.
I say Glock 19 since you're familiar with the 23. But, if you're straying from Glock for whatever reason, I'd say check out the S&W M&P or maybe something like an HK VP9 or Walther PPQ.
I'm not going to have any advice on the pocket pistol. I will mention that I did pocket carry my Glock 43 this past weekend.
wctriumph
08-24-2015, 05:41
[Pop][Coffee]
BPTactical
08-24-2015, 05:53
^^^ yup!
Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?
Get what fits YOUR hand and works for YOU.
Singlestack
08-24-2015, 06:20
IMHO real pocket 9's are pretty uncommon, especially in the pants that I wear. My CCW is a S&W shield, but it is too big for pocket carry. Same with the G43. One of the few that may be barely manageable for me is the Kahr CM9. It also has a somewhat decent trigger - much better than the alternatives I have tried like the LC9 or Kel Tec PF9.
I tend to like Kahr's medium-full size pistols as well, so you might want to look at a TP9 or something similar. Happy hunting!
Are you opposed to upgrading factory triggers?
Great-Kazoo
08-25-2015, 00:10
If cost is an issue, buy a 9mm bbl for the fortay, do a trigger upgrade. 1 & done. OR save your pennies for a sig 320.
As said above, your best bet is going to be hitting a shop or show and feeling what fits best in your hand, and you'll have to decide how bad you really want to have a true pocket pistol.
Two of the most popular options are probably going to be:
Glock 17/19 + 43
S&W M&P fullsize + shield
but as mentioned above the 43 and shield are on the borderline for what makes sense for a "pocket" pistol. You should check out the Ruger and the Kahr too.
Make sure to let us know what you find...
If you can own only one handgun that must do range duty as well as CCW the G19 is my personal favorite single handgun. If you have the ability to own a specific handgun for each task I'd say G17 & G43 for CCW. If you decide on a Kahr CM9 send me a private message as I've got one that I'd be interested in selling that I haven't yet posted.
Snowman78
08-25-2015, 09:30
I have been very happy with my S&W M&P fullsize 9mm + shield 9mm.
I picked up an FNS-9 and like it a lot. I like it more than my G19. :shrugs:
I have a PM9 for CCW and really enjoy that one too. I haven't shot a G43 or even handled one but Kahr has been making compact single stacks for a long time and know what they're doing, IMO.
M&p c with a sheild or kahr would be my advice
Fentonite
08-25-2015, 11:07
Here's all you need to know. Pistol evaluation, demonstration of proper shooting technique, and he really nails the caliber comparison.
http://youtu.be/e5lJXlNtpdo
[LOL]
DonnyCommo
08-25-2015, 11:11
Conversion barrel for the 23, add new trigger, done.
Or, full size M&P, and then a shield. If you want a decent trigger, check out the sig 938.
Sent by a hollowed out coconut using morse code
BPTactical
08-25-2015, 20:37
Here's all you need to know. Pistol evaluation, demonstration of proper shooting technique, and he really nails the caliber comparison.
http://youtu.be/e5lJXlNtpdo
[LOL]
Tier One operator stuff yo..
Is that guy homeless? I work on a crew of industrial mechanics and haven't seen hands that dirty in a while.
I have a G19 and it really doesn't work well for me. I get a slide rub across the web of my thumb. The gun I love to shoot that's about the same size is the Walther PPQ 9mm and the 15 round mags are still legal to buy in this state. The G36 also fits my hand well, but it's 6+1 of .45 ACP, so not such a direct comparison to the G19.
I'm still on the lookout for a pocket sized gun in 9mm that I like. I like the idea of the little Sigs, but their heavy single action triggers are not my favorite and the price tags are pretty steep. I was really hopeful that the Walther CCP would fill the bill, but the problems seen in early samples and the thumb safety and long resetting trigger have changed my mind. I have a KelTec P3AT in .380 that serves that role until I can find something I like better.
...If you want a decent trigger, check out the sig 938.
Sent by a hollowed out coconut using morse code
IMHO, worst SAO 1911 "style" trigger, and the ribs on the plastic trigger bite after longer sessions. IMHO, it's not even decent stock. Don't get me wrong, it's my summer/pocket carry, and they're great shooters, and I absolutely love love love the gun, but it needs a trigger upgrade and work to be a "good" trigger. Perhaps I got a bad one, but the 938 trigger was horrid compared to the 238. They both got upgrades and replacement hammer springs. http://gallowayprecision.com/sig-sauer/p938-p238/rtk-classic-for-sig-p938-p238/
Fentonite
08-25-2015, 22:30
Tier One operator stuff yo..
"Better recognize!"
DonnyCommo
08-25-2015, 22:34
IMHO, worst SAO 1911 "style" trigger, and the ribs on the plastic trigger bite after longer sessions. IMHO, it's not even decent stock. Don't get me wrong, it's my summer/pocket carry, and they're great shooters, and I absolutely love love love the gun, but it needs a trigger upgrade and work to be a "good" trigger. Perhaps I got a bad one, but the 938 trigger was horrid compared to the 238. They both got upgrades and replacement hammer springs. http://gallowayprecision.com/sig-sauer/p938-p238/rtk-classic-for-sig-p938-p238/
Oh I'm with you. As soon as the money frees up I'm doing a trigger on it. I only have about 100 rounds down mine, so maybe I'm expecting a trigger like my 238.
Sent by a hollowed out coconut using morse code
Oh I'm with you. As soon as the money frees up I'm doing a trigger on it. I only have about 100 rounds down mine, so maybe I'm expecting a trigger like my 238.
Sent by a hollowed out coconut using morse code
It will never get better. I did the triggers myself, but it's a complete bitch to press/punch out that trigger pin. I bent one pin punch on the 938. If you're not super handy with that stuff, take it to a good smith. The main spring needs a little tweak, and the hammer and sear can use a buff. It can get way better with good and proper stone work, but I don't have the right gear for that DIY.
First off, thank you all for sober, thoughtful, incredibly sage advice. I truly appreciate your years of wisdom.
I conducted many expeditions to local gun shops but my efforts proved fruitless as I just wasn't getting the information I felt I really needed to come to a proper purchase decision. Then, at last in desperation, I came back here. And to my profound relief the answer was waiting here in the pages of this thread. It was like a beacon of sunshine piercing the clouds, warming my cold, ignorant bones with the scintillating glow of knowledge and thus, because of my new-found comprehension, I have decided to reco'nize and buy a Raven .25. I know it will come in handy, particularly in transition drills when I'm training to be an operator!
Really though. Decided on a Walther PPQ and PPS. Thanks again!
I'll throw another pistol in for consideration even though it seems you've made up your mind. CZ P07 compact or CZ P09 fully size. These are hammer fired DA/SA poly pistols. Lots of aftermarket DIY trigger parts, but the factory stuff is really good. The P07 can be bought in the low $400. 15rd factory 9mm mags, too. Next to my 2011 STI, it's my favorite pistol to shoot.
First off, thank you all for sober, thoughtful, incredibly sage advice. I truly appreciate your years of wisdom.
I conducted many expeditions to local gun shops but my efforts proved fruitless as I just wasn't getting the information I felt I really needed to come to a proper purchase decision. Then, at last in desperation, I came back here. And to my profound relief the answer was waiting here in the pages of this thread. It was like a beacon of sunshine piercing the clouds, warming my cold, ignorant bones with the scintillating glow of knowledge and thus, because of my new-found comprehension, I have decided to reco'nize and buy a Raven .25. I know it will come in handy, particularly in transition drills when I'm training to be an operator!
Really though. Decided on a Walther PPQ and PPS. Thanks again!
Sprite bottles quiver in fear of being marked up in our presence.
BPTactical
08-26-2015, 13:49
Sprite bottles quiver in fear of being marked up in our presence.
Cmon now, everbuddy knows you ain't nuttin till you drop Dr Pepper at 300 meters with your HiPoint 40.....
Decided on a Walther PPQ and PPS. Thanks again!
Good call. The PPQ is amazing. Learn to work that short reset and you'll be tearing up targets.
+1 on the PPQ. One of the most comfortable grips and best stock triggers I've experience.
I just listed mine for sale...but not because it isn't a quality firearm.
sportbikeco
10-09-2015, 22:12
M&P https://www.gunbuyer.com/p-61401-smith-and-wesson-mp9-full-size-9mm-425-171-no-mag-safety-melonite-finish.aspx $399
Shield https://www.gunbuyer.com/p-59953-smith-wesson-mp-shield-9mm-3-7181-3dot-no-safety-melonite-finish-single-stack-10035.aspx $340
Just FYI, I used to have an FFL way back when Ravens came out and bought a Raven 25 cal for $25 wholesale cost from Midway if I remember right. Pulled off the wood grips and stuck it in my pocket, would forget it was even there since it was only 3/8" thick on the back end and only a bit more on the barrel side.
ChadAmberg
12-25-2015, 09:15
The guns I regret are the ones I didn't "try on for size" first but bought anyway. Now, I really spend the time to figure out what fits my hands best, then from those options, do the research to find what is reliable and doesn't have any usability flaws. Then I'll try to find a place to rent/borrow my top choice and confirm. I remember another gun that fit me like a glove, but I couldn't shoot it to save my life. Just couldn't keep rounds on the target, went back to another one and was nailing bullseyes. Still never figured out what was going wrong.
So my personal combo that matches the original question is a 1911 and a Colt Gov't 380, as they have the same manual of arms. That and the safety goes in the right direction.
So back to McRib- If you want, Whistling Pines has a good amount of guns for rent, and I have plenty of guest passes. Let me know if you want to go try a few one day coming up here soon.
^^^ yup!
Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?
Get what fits YOUR hand and works for YOU.
Can't emphasize this enough.
Try 'em all, buy what fits you best. If you can shoot a variety of handguns over a period of time that's even better.
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