Ultra Reliable Sub-Compact 9mm

[otis24]

I’m looking for my next EDC concealed carry pistol. I have a Glock 42 for pocket carry. I’m no “fan boy” of any particular brand. I’ve owned Glocks, Rugers, Sigs and S&Ws; with a preference for the latter.

I’m looking for a sub-compact 9mm that will be ultra reliable. I am considering the S&W Shield Plus (top choice right now) and the Glock 48. Are these two pistols pretty reliable out of the box? Anything else I should consider?

Trying to stay away from single action pistols.

 

[bobsguns]

Sig P-938 is about as sub-compact as guns get. Mine is accurate way beyond its size. I use the pinky rest mags so I can get all my fingers on the frame grip.

The P-938 is such a perfect sub gun, I've never bought anything for it to compete with. I would quickly buy it again, which is the highest compliment I can bestow upon a gun.

My .o2

 

[6GUNSONLY]

My wife's Shield 9mm (1st gen) has been 100% reliable through about 500 rounds, as has been my CSX with about that same round count. Zero failures of any kind.

 

[bobsguns]

My wife's Shield 9mm (1st gen) has been 100% reliable through about 500 rounds, as has been my CSX with about that same round count. Zero failures of any kind.

But would either of those be considered a "sub" compact? I would think not, IMO.

There're only a few guns made these days that might be considered a "sub" compact, IMO. Most would be called a "pocket rocket" due to their size. I would suggest an example would be the Colt Mustangs of years gone by, perhaps some of the Ruger LCP offerings (not that I recommend the LCP).

My .o2

 

[URIT]

Walther PPS m1 in 9mm or .40 S&W. This pistol was designed for undercover and off-duty police officers. I own both versions, and they are reliable and tack drivers.

 

[mscampbell2734]

If you already have a G42 I'd say go with the next size up, the Glock 43. When I tried one I was pleasantly surprised in how easy to shoot and controllable it was for such a tiny 9

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Tarus G3c

 

[Imissedagain]

Compare the size of the G43 with a Sig P239.
Same with G43 and Sig365.
My small 9mm, is the P239.
Often called a combat reliable pistol.
Accurate and fun to shoot.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Kahr PM9 is my smallest 9mm. Small and Reliable. Trigger is like Revolver Double Action for us Old Revolver Guys.
When I bought an Sig, bought the P365X to get a longer grip and more capacity.
Also have an Sig P365 X Macro and a Glock 43x.
If I decide to double back, walk backwards in my tracks, create as much confusion as I can-
Might just get a P365.
I am liking these SIGs!

 

[dben002]

Sold my Sig P938 and got the CSX E series....one of my more intelligent choices in handguns....Yes the CSX is SA but it is more accurate than my Shield Plus and just as reliable. CSX E Series trigger is heads above the Sheild....Easy to conceal, light enough to carry all day and night if need be......

 

[dsf]

Kahr PM9 is my smallest 9mm. Small and Reliable. Trigger is like Revolver Double Action for us Old Revolver Guys.
When I bought an Sig, bought the P365X to get a longer grip and more capacity.
Also have an Sig P365 X Macro and a Glock 43x.
If I decide to double back, walk backwards in my tracks, create as much confusion as I can-
Might just get a P365.
I am liking these SIGs!

Beat me to it. Great choice and has that "DA revolver" pull to it, except shorter and smoother, easier. I like that the FP spring is nearly fully at rest too. Very compact, but can be had with slightly extended mags. Capacity with flush fit is a tad light though.

I've had the Sig 938. Great pistol, but I like the Kahr better.

 

[otis24]

I’ve always liked the Kahr K9. They have a trigger akin to a S&W J frame. Very smooth! I don’t have any experience with Kahr polymer pistols.

My next CCW weapon may have been decided. It’s probably not a subcompact. My brother-in-law has a Springfield Hellcat Pro with holster and several Mcarbo upgrades. I have something that he wants. He’s short on cash and so am I. A barter is in the works. I just need to get my hands on a Hellcat Pro and check it out to see if it is to my liking.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Smith has had quality issues across the board unfortunately.

I have a Glock 19, 43, and 48. Some may not care for Glock but they always work. Much easier to find parts and accessories for too.

Go to a range and test drive some guns.

 

[fatcat3]

can't get much better "subcompact" than this.

 

[otis24]

I would agree. However, I’ve found that my hands can’t handle the recoil of even .38 Special in a heavy revolver like a Ruger Speed Six or Colt Trooper. Time and health circumstances have forced me to admit that I just need to stick to 9mm or .380.

 

[HARLEY0]

But would either of those be considered a "sub" compact? I would think not, IMO.

There're only a few guns made these days that might be considered a "sub" compact, IMO. Most would be called a "pocket rocket" due to their size. I would suggest an example would be the Colt Mustangs of years gone by, perhaps some of the Ruger LCP offerings (not that I recommend the LCP).

My .o2

Buy a Glock! (S & W sucks!) MHO

 

[ameridaddy]

Sig P-938 is about as sub-compact as guns get. Mine is accurate way beyond its size. I use the pinky rest mags so I can get all my fingers on the frame grip.

The P-938 is such a perfect sub gun, I've never bought anything for it to compete with. I would quickly buy it again, which is the highest compliment I can bestow upon a gun.

My .o2

Mine too. My 938 has been wonderful - accurate, reliable, and very comfortable to shoot. I carry cocked and locked, and I especially like that I can rack the slide to unload it with the safety ON.
I was wondering - I have never had even one failure to function with any 115 gr ammo, yet I haven't been able to get it to reliably feed 124 gr. The 124gr HP or ball, makes it a jammomatic, and I've given up on that. Any thoughts or comments?

 

[DuckBeav]

I was wondering - I have never had even one failure to function with any 115 gr ammo, yet I haven't been able to get it to reliably feed 124 gr. The 124gr HP or ball, makes it a jammomatic, and I've given up on that. Any thoughts or comments?

That's very interesting to hear. I only feed mine 124gr ball and self defense ammo and have never had a failure/malfunction of any kind! I know some guns are just finicky but, that seems strange to me.

I am a huge fan of the P938 as it punches well above for its size. No brag but, I was busting clay pigeons fairly consistently around 20yds with mine. It is a very accurate little 9MM!

 

[Doriangray6]

When the grandson's custom Glock got too accessorized for comfortable concealed carry I picked up a very low round count OSP ready Springfield Armory Hellcat from a guy in Laramie.
He'd bought it for his wife but she didn't like it. Possibly because it was a early version and the trigger would sometimes lock up if pressure was applied to the side, an issue that Springfield has since addressed, but after a little trigger tuning it turned out to be an extremely reliable and quite accurate little pistol and the more we shot it the smoother it worked.
The grandson, currently stationed with the AF in Florida, will likely put an optic on it but I liked the big dot front sight and U notch rear sight.

 

[lightstar_actual]

My Glock LE G43x (Blue Label) is the best carry 9 out there, period.