Whittling down my CC choices

[WVneighbor]

I finally got a chance to do some research on my choice of CC gun. Here were my requirements:

9mm
Minimum 10rnd capacity
Prefer not to have a manual safety
Reliable manufacturer for warranty/recall issues
Compact (not sub-compact) frame - I'm a fairly big guy and I don't think the sub-compact frames would sit comfortably in my paws.
Prefer DAO/SAO
Its got to go BANG every time I pull the trigger
Has to double as a OC gun, 'cuz let's face it a sub-compact pistol being OC'd by a 250lb+ guy would look kinda goofy.

I had narrowed my choices down to 3, but decided to toss in the Bersa Thunder compact just for shits & grins. I was looking for the smallest, lightest, highest capacity gun I could find.

I chose the Sig 250, the S&W M&P Compact 9, the Glock 19 and the Bersa Thunder compact.

Here is a small spreadsheet I made comparing the 4 contenders.



I used the information directly from the manufacturer/importers website when I could find it. I had a bit of a hard time with Bersa, one place said 10rnd capacity, another said 13, while yet another said 13 for the 9mm and 10 for the .40.

All 4 are in the same ballpark in terms of weight, height, length, width and magazine capacity. It appears however, that Glock came in the clear winner, taking 3 of the 6 categories. It is about 3/4 in taller than the S&W, a bit longer than the Bersa and the S&W, has 1 less capacity than the Sig, and is about $120 more than the Bersa.

I liked the Sig because of the modular design. You can take the fire control group and mate it with different frame/slide combos ranging from full frame to subcompact. Up until I did the side by side comparison I pretty much had my mind made up on this one. They were the highest price of the four, but, its a Sig, so that was expected.

I'm not real crazy about a Glock. I'd have to see how it felt in my hand. They look so ... utilitarian to me. Not that being utilitarian is a bad thing, but a handgun is something I'm probably going to have for a long time. It'd be nice if in addition to being reliable and rugged it was also purty. On the upside, there are a bazillion of them around and chances of picking up a good used one at a lower price are good. And after reading a bit, I'm finding myself liking the safety systems Glock has.

The S&W and Bersa were last second ideas. I couldn't have a viable comparison with just 2 contenders. I looked at Springfield, Kimber, Kahr, Ruger and Taurus, but didn't see anything that fit my requirements.

Of course I do have a couple questions, hopefully y'all can shed some light.

Are there any manufacturers/models I'm overlooking?
Are these compact frame pistols suitable for concealment?
I'm 5"11' and "around" 250, so I think I take up enough space to conceal a compact frame pistol.
Does anyone use a Glock 19 for concealed carry?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Edit: Clarified the DA/SA and DAO/SAO requirement. I knew what I wanted, just used the wrong terms to express it. Thanks for the clarification guys.

[Exbiker]

To me capacity is no big deal. In a pistol for me 7 is enough and in a revolver I can live with 5. When I look at your list for me there is just 2 choices and that is the Sig #1 and the Block #2 although I`d want a SA/DA like the 239.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by WVneighbor

Prefer DA/SA

I'm assuming you mean you prefer NOT to have DA/SA, but rather DAO/SAO? I say this, looking at your list.

It'd be nice if in addition to being reliable and rugged it was also purty.

In the long run, I predict shootability and realiability are going to matter more to you.

Are there any manufacturers/models I'm overlooking?

Springfield XD series would fit your requirements (the grip safety is unobtrusive).

Are these compact frame pistols suitable for concealment?

Easily.

You really need to rent them all and see for yourself.

ETA: I personally would feel leery buying a gun which is a brand new design and hasn't had time to work out the bugs yet. Sig 250 is new. S&W MP is relatively new. Glock is 100% vetted, and Springfield XD is getting there.

[Dredly]

You left XD off the list, Its basically a glock without that stupid grip angle.

Glocks for 450? you sure about that? Buying used? New stock (non-night sight) they retail for 480+ normally, sometimes you can find them on sale for 475.

You could also add the Taurus line to the list

[LesPaul7]

You should have no problem concealing the Glock. I carry a 23 (same gun in .40) and have no problems. I am 6' and 175lbs. I also agree about going with one of the older Sig models. I just picked up a P229 and still have yet to shoot it. Depending on how accurate I am, it might be my new carry pistol. Can't go wrong with either a Glock or Sig if you ask me.

[vic2367]

id go with the glock ,,

according to your spread sheet it has 50 % of your needs,,

[Jay5oh]

I'm a fan of Glocks but my suggestion is to go to a shop/range/group shoot and try as many as you can get your hands on.

[ojcwn]

Not to confuse the issue have you considered a Glock 23. It is the same size as the G19 and packs more of a punch. CDNN Sports Inc has used ones in their latest catalog G23 G to VG condition for $ 340 and you can chose night or fixed sights and for $370 they have from E to LN. You may want to give them a call and se if they have any used 19. I have a Glock 27 and love it. Out of your choices I would chose the Glock. Just remember what works for me may not for you. On a side note I have dealt with CDNN and they are good company

www.cdnnsports.com
Phone 800 588-9500

[WVneighbor]

Originally Posted by Exbiker

To me capacity is no big deal. In a pistol for me 7 is enough and in a revolver I can live with 5. When I look at your list for me there is just 2 choices and that is the Sig #1 and the Block #2 although I`d want a SA/DA like the 239.

I put the capacity requirement in there with the thought "its better to have too many than not enough".

7 might do it, but I'd rather not have to reload unless I have to.

[Frenchy]

Might like the CZ 75 Compact, 16 +1 Rd,



They have a US website, hard to remember the name tho.... www.CZUSA.com