Start SUB compact or Compact? - Page 2

Pete · July 6th, 2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chooie

Others, such as the Glock, have a more swept grip angle, that is uncomfortable for some shooters (myself included). However, many people find the Glock to fit them naturally, and feel awkward handling a 1911 or XD.

Some people are equally fine with either, I'm one of those guys.

Cupcake · July 6th, 2007, 09:56 PM

Thanks for pickin up my slack, Pete and Joe. I like to actually shoot a little without using the sights to get a feel for what aims naturally for me.

Zundfolge · July 6th, 2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean407

However, it just seems in reading various boards that most folks end up getting a smaller gun for CCW.

Hvae any of you started to carry a compact and regretted it only to go to the SUb compact models?

What about the other way around? Started with Sub compact and decided a compact would be better?

I started with a full size gun (because thats all I had), I moved to a compact, then a sub compact ... now I'm much more comfortable with compact so the sub compact is relegated to times when I need to be extra discrete (like church or business meetings).

I would recommend starting with the sub compact and then upsizing as you feel more comfortable carrying.

Quote:

I plan to get premium leather holster for whatever I get.

So a good plan is to get a gun from a company that makes a sub compact and a compact that are based on the same design, then usually the holster for the compact will work for the sub. I have a Kahr K9 holster that my MK9 rides in ... likewise my Steyr S40 is carried in a holster originally designed for an M40.

Quote:

In which order do you feel is the most important considerations as far as size...

1) Gun thickness
2) overall length
3) grip length.

I'd say grip length is the most important factor followed very closely by gun thickness. Overall length is a non issue unless you're trying to pack a longslide.

downrange · July 6th, 2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBrombach

Thanks for pickin up my slack, Pete and Joe. I like to actually shoot a little without using the sights to get a feel for what aims naturally for me.

exactly. that technique shows how you'll react in a tense situation. anywho, when it comes to concealment, compact or sub-compact, it really does come down to butt length and overall thickness.

Dean407 · July 6th, 2007, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the responses. I knew it was a very personal choice. We all need to make our journey to feel a certain comfort level with our carry gear I suppose.

kavity · July 6th, 2007, 10:40 PM

I went with a full size XD9 because people talked me into the "its not much bigger than the sub-compact anyway" idea. I LOVE the gun but its not concealable in the clothes that I wear (during the summer--I should be find carrying it in the winter).

As a new cc-er myself I would recommend getting the smallest, lightest, most comfortable gun you can. If its too big you aren't gonna carry it. I have had my license for week now and I have carried my gun a total of 1 time because its just not feasible to do it comfortably. I am getting a 642 to pocket carry on Monday.

gmitch40 · July 6th, 2007, 11:31 PM

Of the three you listed, grip length was the primary factor for me in concealment. When I bought my XD40, I was surprised how easily it concealed. The choice seems to be a balance of the right gun and concealment method specific to you.

I also liked the larger frame due to recoil management and keeping the gun on target. Any time you have to draw, the situation is most likely intense and you want every advantage you can have.

I carry OWB on my strong side. This conceals well with my build and gives me the fastest draw to get on target. I usually dress casual and can use an untucked shirt for cover.

Ultimately, I echo the other comments that you should try out different guns with different carry methods and see which one you are most effective with.

mark555 · July 6th, 2007, 11:48 PM

I have a .40 XD SC that I like a lot but I am looking at a Glock 19 with longing.

kavity · July 7th, 2007, 12:20 AM

Also, for whatever reason a lot of new CC-ers dismiss revolvers. I know I did. I guess its something about my generation (im 21) and our affinity to tacticool looking glocks, xd's, ect.

Small J-frame hammerless revolvers are lite, reliable, and easily concealable.

BLACKLINEDUNN · July 7th, 2007, 12:26 AM

I'm 5'9" and 180. I can effectivly conceal my Glock 20. But I usually carry my SA compact. If I am going to be riding or sweating alot I carry my Glock due to the finish differences. I hats getting my Springfield bad dirty and sweaty. My Glock is so ugly it doesn't bother me to ruff it up. The main reason I got the compact was for conceald carry. It's the LWT Compact with the aluminum frame. It feels half as heavy and looks halfe as thick as my Glock or my Wheelguns. I deffinitly would rather cary the 1911.

July 6th, 2007, 09:56 PM	#12
Cupcake VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,639	Thanks for pickin up my slack, Pete and Joe. I like to actually shoot a little without using the sights to get a feel for what aims naturally for me. __________________ 30lbs gone. [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] www.zerotoathlete.blogspot.com My journey to fitness.

July 6th, 2007, 11:48 PM	#18
mark555 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Center of the World Ma! Center of the World! Posts: 678	I have a .40 XD SC that I like a lot but I am looking at a Glock 19 with longing. __________________ "Hell of a thing, killin' a man. Take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have." - William Munny (Clint Eastwood in the Unfrogivin) “The graveyards are full of indispensable men.” – Napoleon Bonaparte “My Idea of a fair fight is beating baby seals with a club”

July 7th, 2007, 12:26 AM	#20
BLACKLINEDUNN Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tahlequah Oklahoma Posts: 15	I'm 5'9" and 180. I can effectivly conceal my Glock 20. But I usually carry my SA compact. If I am going to be riding or sweating alot I carry my Glock due to the finish differences. I hats getting my Springfield bad dirty and sweaty. My Glock is so ugly it doesn't bother me to ruff it up. The main reason I got the compact was for conceald carry. It's the LWT Compact with the aluminum frame. It feels half as heavy and looks halfe as thick as my Glock or my Wheelguns. I deffinitly would rather cary the 1911. __________________ "Life is Hard. It's even Harder if your Stupid"

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July 6th, 2007, 10:35 PM	#15
Dean407 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 106	Thanks for the responses. I knew it was a very personal choice. We all need to make our journey to feel a certain comfort level with our carry gear I suppose.

July 6th, 2007, 10:40 PM	#16
kavity Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Tech Posts: 591	I went with a full size XD9 because people talked me into the "its not much bigger than the sub-compact anyway" idea. I LOVE the gun but its not concealable in the clothes that I wear (during the summer--I should be find carrying it in the winter). As a new cc-er myself I would recommend getting the smallest, lightest, most comfortable gun you can. If its too big you aren't gonna carry it. I have had my license for week now and I have carried my gun a total of 1 time because its just not feasible to do it comfortably. I am getting a 642 to pocket carry on Monday.

July 6th, 2007, 11:31 PM	#17
gmitch40 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 59	Of the three you listed, grip length was the primary factor for me in concealment. When I bought my XD40, I was surprised how easily it concealed. The choice seems to be a balance of the right gun and concealment method specific to you. I also liked the larger frame due to recoil management and keeping the gun on target. Any time you have to draw, the situation is most likely intense and you want every advantage you can have. I carry OWB on my strong side. This conceals well with my build and gives me the fastest draw to get on target. I usually dress casual and can use an untucked shirt for cover. Ultimately, I echo the other comments that you should try out different guns with different carry methods and see which one you are most effective with.

July 7th, 2007, 12:20 AM	#19
kavity Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Tech Posts: 591	Also, for whatever reason a lot of new CC-ers dismiss revolvers. I know I did. I guess its something about my generation (im 21) and our affinity to tacticool looking glocks, xd's, ect. Small J-frame hammerless revolvers are lite, reliable, and easily concealable.