So I went to a couple gun stores looking for my latest goal: a sub-compact polymer semi-auto pistol. Something larger than my J-frame to carry when possible.
Strangely after handling an SR9c, M&P9c, Sig 239, Glock 26, XDM compact in 9mm (forgot the official model name) - none of these seemed really to scream "oh teacher pick me!" The closest one was the XDM subcompact. I now suspect being sub-compacts none will feel perfect.
Did I miss any others in the light-weight sub-compact polymer genre? I wanted more capacity than the Kahrs by the way.
it's tricky because if I were to put Hogue/pachmayr/limbsaver - each gun would feel completely different in the hand. So how much does the "it felt like it fit my hand" requirement hold true?
I'm going to go back and handle them again. There's a range that has just a couple of those for rental but not all unfortunately.
My thoughts on:
SR9c - This was the one I'd done the most research on and looked forward to the most. The frontstrap was sharply rectangular and uncomfortable. I felt like my hand was slipping off the backstrap. Maybe that's because the lady that handed me the gun said she just put lots of hand cream on
You know, maybe that's why I felt like I couldn't really get a grip on most of these guns since this was the first I handled. Backstrap was set to be flat. Price was the lowest of all these but still $480 seemed like quite a markup. Nearby range doesn't have these for rental.
M&P9c - I really liked the oval front-strap which fit my fingers well. The backstrap seemed a little short though - and not "grippy" at all. Again, might have been residual goop from the lady mentioned above. I suppose I could always modify the grip myself. Store wanted $599 for it. Another store nearby wanted $520. Having to move that little piece inside for every field strip might be a bummer. This was originally my second choice but if I go back find that the SR9c really doesn't fit this would be the new first place.
XDM - I liked the aggressive polymer texturing. My pinky fit snuggly if I had a little time to adjust - not sure I could pull that off in an emergency. Texturing made the grip feel secure on the front and back. The extra little doo-dads in the case wouldn't help much. I think they wanted $689 for it.
Glock 26 - sort of wished it had a rail on it but that's not a big deal. I really don't remember what the frame felt like in my hand. I've shot a 23 with a Hogue grip on it and that felt fine. Hope it's similar. I Don't remember the price.
Sig 239 - the grip felt good - reminiscent of a revolver grip being less boxy in nature. Was a bit heavier than what I'm looking for and was $800-something. That was a pretty big deterrent.
I was hoping the choice would be easy. This is more of a venting post than anything but if anything comes to mind feel free to comment.
Strangely after handling an SR9c, M&P9c, Sig 239, Glock 26, XDM compact in 9mm (forgot the official model name) - none of these seemed really to scream "oh teacher pick me!" The closest one was the XDM subcompact. I now suspect being sub-compacts none will feel perfect.
Did I miss any others in the light-weight sub-compact polymer genre? I wanted more capacity than the Kahrs by the way.
it's tricky because if I were to put Hogue/pachmayr/limbsaver - each gun would feel completely different in the hand. So how much does the "it felt like it fit my hand" requirement hold true?
I'm going to go back and handle them again. There's a range that has just a couple of those for rental but not all unfortunately.
My thoughts on:
SR9c - This was the one I'd done the most research on and looked forward to the most. The frontstrap was sharply rectangular and uncomfortable. I felt like my hand was slipping off the backstrap. Maybe that's because the lady that handed me the gun said she just put lots of hand cream on
You know, maybe that's why I felt like I couldn't really get a grip on most of these guns since this was the first I handled. Backstrap was set to be flat. Price was the lowest of all these but still $480 seemed like quite a markup. Nearby range doesn't have these for rental. M&P9c - I really liked the oval front-strap which fit my fingers well. The backstrap seemed a little short though - and not "grippy" at all. Again, might have been residual goop from the lady mentioned above. I suppose I could always modify the grip myself. Store wanted $599 for it. Another store nearby wanted $520. Having to move that little piece inside for every field strip might be a bummer. This was originally my second choice but if I go back find that the SR9c really doesn't fit this would be the new first place.
XDM - I liked the aggressive polymer texturing. My pinky fit snuggly if I had a little time to adjust - not sure I could pull that off in an emergency. Texturing made the grip feel secure on the front and back. The extra little doo-dads in the case wouldn't help much. I think they wanted $689 for it.
Glock 26 - sort of wished it had a rail on it but that's not a big deal. I really don't remember what the frame felt like in my hand. I've shot a 23 with a Hogue grip on it and that felt fine. Hope it's similar. I Don't remember the price.
Sig 239 - the grip felt good - reminiscent of a revolver grip being less boxy in nature. Was a bit heavier than what I'm looking for and was $800-something. That was a pretty big deterrent.
I was hoping the choice would be easy. This is more of a venting post than anything but if anything comes to mind feel free to comment.
