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looking for compact that's not DAO

4K views 21 replies 19 participants last post by  ccw9mm 
#1 ·
I'm looking to buy another carry firearm, but Im sick of DAO guns. What's the best or personal favorite of a compact pistol with a hammer w/ or w/o a de-cocker?
 
#3 ·
You ready to be bombarded? Here come the opinions. There is a long list of viable candidates with no real winner. As often stated, it comes down to personal preference.

I like HK's. HK45c, USPc, P2000sk. Take your pick. I like a Springfield XD in any of the models I have tried. Not a fan of Glock even though I think they are good quality guns. Just a preference thing though. Good luck in your search.
 
#5 ·
I was thinking more along the lines of pf9 sized/weighted weapons, is that what your looking for?
 
#9 ·
1911 Officers model 45 acp
 
#11 ·
I have to say Glock...I know they say they are double action, but they are not really. The slide has to be cycled for each shot. They are striker fired 5.5 lb. pull EVERY shot...first to last. With an after market spring, it can be reduced to 3.5 lb. Once you try one, you will probably appreciate it.
It's like shooting a revolver with a 5.5 lb. or 3.5 lb. trigger
 
#12 ·
Kimber Crimson Ultra Carry II
 
#13 ·
There are quite a few options on the market:

  • Any revolver, as folks have suggested.
  • Heckler-Koch P2000SK, USP Compact, and the now-discontinued P7.
  • CZ 2075 RAMI.
  • STI officer's-sized 1911 pistols, such as the Shadow, Escort, LS, Off Duty.
  • Para Ordnance LDA pistols, such as the Carry, PDA (9mm or .45ACP), CCO, Companion.
  • Taurus pistols such as the Millennium Pro, 24/7, 709, 609Ti, 111SSP.
  • EAA Tangfolio Witness Compact, Witness "P" Carry.
  • Smith & Wesson's various 9mm, .40 and .45ACP semi-auto pistols, such as the 3913, 4013, 4513, CS9, CS45.
 
#14 ·
CZ75 P01 and Bersa UC9 are nice for the money. You can pick up a new Bersa for about $350 and a P01 for $500 if you look around. I just acquired a P01 and consider it's quality to easily rival any gun under $1000. I have $518 in this gun including shipping, FFL transfer cost, and 3rd factory mag.
 
#20 ·
Just a quick comment. You said "compact" and the H&K P2000sk is a sub-compact. Don't get me wrong I have and carry everyday a P2000sk or a P2000 which is the real compact. I also chose the DA/SA over their LEM (sort of DAO) trigger. Awesome shooters and as reliable as a rock.

You also can not go wrong with a Sig. If money is an issue the much forgotten Sig Pro 2022 a 3 1/2 inch barrel, night sights, and DA/SA for about $435 at Bud's Gun Shop. It originally was an $800 handgun. The BEST out of the box trigger excluding 1911s.
 
#22 ·
Given the criteria you've mentioned and assuming this is for concealed carry on a belt holster ...

Heckler-Koch, SIG or CZ would be my choices, given the available options in the market.

Of the sizes of handguns available, I would group them roughly in this way for purposes of my recommendations:

  • Compact -- 6.5 to 7.5" OAL.
  • Sub-compact -- 6.0 - 6.5" OAL.
  • Mouse -- Under 6.0" OAL.


Specifically, out of the entire market of available guns, I would recommend one of the following (in no particular order):

  • HK P2000SK -- avail in 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40cal. ~6.5" OAL.
  • HK USP Compact -- avail in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40cal or .45 ACP. ~7" OAL.
  • CZ P-01 -- avail in 9mm, .40cal. ~7" OAL.
  • CZ 2075 RAMI -- avail in 9mm, .40cal. ~6.5" OAL.
  • SIG 239 -- avail in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40cal. ~6.5" OAL.

All of these is well noted in the market for solid reliability, durability, accuracy. All are hammer-based (not striker-fired) trigger systems. All are either of a decocker or non-decocker model. All are well supported by gunsmiths and holster makers.

Ergonomically, each will fit different sized hands. For example, the CZ RAMI and the HK P2000SK are significantly shorter than the others, at least to me. The CZ P-01 and RAMI seem to have a larger circumference grip. The HK P2000SK and USP Compact have the best feeling grip angle, to me, closely followed by the CZ P-01 and RAMI. In terms of reliability, durability and reputation, I'd say the SIG 239 is at the top of the group. IMO.

Many people carry these each day and have reported finding them well suited to the task.

Of these, I have had the CZ P-01 9mm. Refer to my earlier reviews for one opinion. I also have a HK P2000SK 9mm. Both are roughly similar in size, though the P2000SK is a bit smaller. Both have large, easy-to-manipulate controls. The HK is ambidextrous in all controls. If larger/easier controls are required by you, I would recommend either of these two.

If you were forced to purchase any of these sight-unseen, I would recommend one only: HK USP Compact. It'll fit the largest range of hands. It's got the greatest choice in calibers and trigger/safety options.

If looking for even smaller, you might consider some of the Taurus options, such as the PT111, or the Millennium Pro models. Though, I wouldn't class these in the same group as the others in terms of reliability, durability, accuracy or reputation.

Given my preferences in size, controls, ergonomics, I have purchased the P-01 and P2000SK. Though, of the group, I would have no problems relying on any of them.

Good luck in your purchase. Enjoy!
 
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