WHY CARRY A SUBCOMPACT WHEN A COMPACT IS WAY BETTER?

[marathonrunner]

Hey Guys, I always get good feedback here but I was looking at my Walther PPQ 9mm which is same size as a Glock 19 and I appendix carry that just fine. It doesn't print, comfortable to wear, and you get 15 rounds of 9mm.

I just learned PPQ is coming out with a PPQ Subcompact and after comparing the dimensions, the length of the full size PPQ is just a smudge longer than PPQSC which is not a problem and the handle of the full size PPQ is just a smudge longer.

The deal breaker for the Subcompact 9mm for CCW is you get 10 rounds of 9mm. My Glock 30S is very shootable and 10 rounds of .45ACP vs 10 rounds of 9mm I am going with 10 rounds of .45ACP. The one exception is the Springfield MOD2 has 13+1 which to me would be an equal tradeoff. Anyway what do you all think? It just sounds like I am trying to keep up with the latest and greatest but the G30S and/or the Springfield MOD2 seems to be a great all around gun for self defense etc

 

[blues7]

I normally carry a Glock 19 AIWB when I leave home to head to town or further afield.

I'll switch to a Glock 26 if my apparel of the day doesn't properly conceal the slightly larger 19, (in which case I normally carry the G26 with a 12 round mag),...or...when traveling to NYC where 10 round mags are the order of the day, even for retired LEOs (who did not retire from an agency physically located in NY at the time they departed service).

So, I agree with you that the compact is the superior choice when circumstances allow it to be properly carried and concealed.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking, but the most likely reason one would choose a subcompact over a compact is concealment. If a compact meets your needs, and you don't anticipate needing the smaller gun for deeper/more discreet carry, then stick with the compact.

 

[marathonrunner]

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking, but the most likely reason one would choose a subcompact over a compact is concealment. If a compact meets your needs, and you don't anticipate needing the smaller gun for deeper/more discreet carry, then stick with the compact.

someone brought up a very good point. If you already have a compact, probably no need to go with a subcompact unless this was possibly your first of this kind. So for example, if I didn't own any PPQ's then perhaps the SC might be more versatile than the PPQ full size.

 

[ColbyBruce]

There is hardly a thumb’s width difference in height and length between a Glock 19 & 26. The loss of five rounds is significant considering the size. I own both, but use +2 extensions on my Glock 26 mags making it even closer to compact size.

Recently I have become fond of the Sig P250 c and S.C. models. Look at the photo to see how close they are in size. The 9mm P250sc hold 12rounds, the c holds 15.

 

[marathonrunner]

There is hardly a thumb’s width difference in height and length between a Glock 19 & 26. The loss of five rounds is significant considering the size. I own both, but use +2 extensions on my Glock 26 mags making it even closer to compact size.

Recently I have become fond of the Sig P250 c and S.C. models. Look at the photo to see how close they are in size. The 9mm P250sc hold 12rounds, the c holds 15.

I have the Sig p320 9MM Subcompact and it is too flippy. The Sig P320 compact is better but not as good as the Walther PPQ or CZ P10C.

How is the recoil on the G26?

 

[nachogrande]

"THE COMPACT IS WAY BETTER"

Then carry it! Stop over thinking. NEWER/BETTER isn't gonna stop any time soon. JMO but if you own it & plan on it being in the edc rotation, you should be proficient with it at CLOSE range. Sub comps/edc's shouldn't be expected to shoot at ranges much beyond 15 +/- yards. A good S/D defense legal case gets harder with range.

 

[ColbyBruce]

All of my P250 pistols were used. My 250sc 9mm only had 100 rounds through it. The trigger is stiff on that gun. I shoot the other three better. I bought a sc grip module in medium width with the rail. It helps some. I replaced the guide rod and recoil spring on my c 9mm and it made a big difference.

With the +2 extension on the mags my Glock 26 handles about like a Glock 19.

 

[Arik]

Your G30 may hold 10 but it's bigger and heavier then the 26, which also holds 10 but more compact. Having said that all handguns are compromises. Carry what you can shoot accurate and fast. I dislike little guns because of their small grips I have a hard time getting a good grip and preventing it from moving around in my hand and having to readjust. This includes pocket guns and sub compacts like G26 or HK P30sk I carry them only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise my smallest gun is a G19 or G19 like.

I don't look at caliber vs caliber. I can shoot 10 9mm accurately and FASTER than 10 45acp. Since both are good self defense rounds I choose the one I'm faster with. Of course I can practice more with 45 but that's a lot more money, along with an overall smaller size of the gun it offers more overall options. Not better in any one thing but a bit of everything
.

 

[marathonrunner]

Your G30 may hold 10 but it's bigger and heavier then the 26, which also holds 10 but more compact. Having said that all handguns are compromises. Carry what you can shoot accurate and fast. I dislike little guns because of their small grips I have a hard time getting a good grip and preventing it from moving around in my hand and having to readjust. This includes pocket guns and sub compacts like G26 or HK P30sk I carry them only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise my smallest gun is a G19 or G19 like.

I don't look at caliber vs caliber. I can shoot 10 9mm accurately and FASTER than 10 45acp. Since both are good self defense rounds I choose the one I'm faster with. Of course I can practice more with 45 but that's a lot more money, along with an overall smaller size of the gun it offers more overall options. Not better in any one thing but a bit of everything
.

Small guns with grip tape can make a difference. My G43 without grip tape squirms but with grip tape it is shootable

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have a Glock 29 and a 30sf frame with a AA .22 LR kit on it. Other than the width, there is less difference in size between those two and a Glock 19 than there is a 19 & 26.

 

[Arik]

Small guns with grip tape can make a difference. My G43 without grip tape squirms but with grip tape it is shootable

True but its not so much the "stickiness" of the grip its the overall size. There's almost none to grip. Despite not having large hands I can wrap my hand around the whole G43.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Wise_A]

Because I'm limited to 10 rounds anyway, and if I can't ruin your day with my 26, a 19 isn't going to make up for the fact that I suck?

 

[Whitwabit]

Beretta PX-4 Sub Compact 9mm/13+1 .. accurate, easy to conceal,

 

[Talldog]

I live in a mag limited state, so a G19 won't give me any more rounds than my G26, but it's more than 3/4" taller. That's a big deal as far as concealability.

 

[BC38]

Possibly because not everyone would agree with your statement about the compact as being "better". Better in what way? More ammo? Easier to shoot well? For you - or for everyone?

Better is very subjective. I like my LC9 subcompact. 7+1 onboard plus 7 more in a spare mag is more than enough rounds for my purposes, and I prefer the slimmer grip for better concealability over higher capacity. Plus it fits my hand well and as a result I shoot it pretty well.

Personally I won't carry AIWB - I don't like where the muzzle is pointing. So it's all a matter of what suits you. If a compact in the front of your pants suits you "better" then great, carry one that way. But remember that different strokes for different folks is the name of the game and others will choose what "better" suits them - and it may or may not be what suits you.

There is no real "better" or worse. There is only personal preference.

 

[dr. mordo]

I personally fell into the trap of carrying a smaller gun than I needed to.

I started with pocket carry, then when I moved to a waist band carry, I progressed thru single stack subcompact 9mm to double stack subcompact 9mm to a 1911 Commander and other compact sized guns. Then, after a change of heart, I now carry revolvers primarily, and much of the time a 4" M29. This is all while not changing my mode of dress - untucked button up shirts and cargo shorts when I'm not in uniform.

IMO a lot of folks carry a smaller gun because, like me, they don't realize they can just as easily carry a larger gun. That said, it's easier to conceal a gun in a military uniform than in business attire, so I very much understand that some people have to carry a smaller gun to match their dress.

 

[Neumann]

To me, "way better" means easier to carry. The Springfield XDm2 compact holds 9+1 rounds of .45 ACP, yet can be carried in a side pocket. That means I can carry it on the beach or at a wedding - virtually no clothing restrictions (other than European style pockets). It is 1/2" smaller in length and height than a Clock 36. The grip design and width (double stack) makes it surprisingly easy to shoot.

If I had my druthers, I'd carry a full sized pistol or revolver, but dress code often precludes a cover garment. Tuckable holsters just don't appeal to me.

 

[BC38]

I can only speak for myself of course, but I carry a smaller gun because I don't want to carry a larger one. Anything I can't get done with 8 SD rounds in the LC9 and 7 more in a second mag I'm not going to get done with any handgun. I have plenty of other options including double stack 9mm's, and compact and full-sized 45acp's. I choose to carry lighter and smaller.

 

[marathonrunner]

To me, "way better" means easier to carry. The Springfield XDm2 compact holds 9+1 rounds of .45 ACP, yet can be carried in a side pocket. That means I can carry it on the beach or at a wedding - virtually no clothing restrictions (other than European style pockets). It is 1/2" smaller in length and height than a Clock 36. The grip design and width (double stack) makes it surprisingly easy to shoot.

If I had my druthers, I'd carry a full sized pistol or revolver, but dress code often precludes a cover garment. Tuckable holsters just don't appeal to me.

Is the XDm2 same as MOD2 .45ACP? I do like the fact the MOD2 in 9mm and .45 are virtually the same with and size as my Glock 30S is a bit chunky but shoots very well and I don't mind carrying it.

As for others that chimed in, thanks for your input. So states that have mag limits, definitely sub compact seems overall the way to go. Also, if you are not appendix carrying then yes a Compact would be difficult.

Me personally larger guns are easier to shoot faster and more accurately because you have longer sight radius, more weight keeps recoil in check, and they also tend to be more reliable. I know some friends won't carry anything larger than a .380 because comfort is way more important than size and power.