Hello everyone. I need some assistance from you. I am in the market for a subcompact hand gun, or a compact handgun, for CCW purposes. I currently own a Glock 17 (full size 9mm), and love it. So, I was thinking on getting the Glock 26 (sub compact 9mm) or 19 (compact). But, I was also interested in the Glock 33 (357 sig) and Glock 23 (compact). The 26 holds 10 rounds and the 33 holds 9, while the 19 holds 15 and the 23 holds 13.

Now, I have not shot the 33 yet, and I plan on it...but what I want to hear from you all is this - Which one will be better, the sub compact or compact...and which caliber? Have you had any experience with them?

There seems to be no shortage of 357 sig ammo around here, but the 9mm are non-existent.

Thanks for the input. Have a great day!



[edit on 20-1-2010 by MarshMallow_Snake]

I have a Springfield armory XD40 with the 4 1/2 inch barrel and one with the 3 1/2 inch which is the subcompact. It's great for ccw use the grip is also shortned for use of a smaller 9 round magazine, it also come with a 12round mag/grip extender. It would be worth a look, if you want to stick with glock you should check out glocktalk I think thats what it's called. That site has all info related to the system.

I have been eyeballing the Walther PPS 40 for a long while. Problem is only 8 shots with the "high" capacity mag. Love my Walther P22 with Stinger ammo.

Glock 29 is superior to all others as far as sub-compact. But if youre a real man like me you would carry the full size Glock 20.

It is best to determine how you want to carry and go from there. If you consider an Inside the Waist Band Holster you may want to try a thinner frame gun that uses a single stack mag. My brother uses a CrossBreed IWB holster with a Sig P239 and loves it. The beauty of IWB carry is that you can also tuck your shirt in to conceal and you don't need any extra cover.

Several .380 variants from Ruger, Kahr, Taurus, Sig Sauer and Walther have gotten some attention lately and present a low profile.

If you go 9mm, the Taurus 709, Sig P239 or Walther PPS9 are thin frame single stack guns that fit comfortably against the body. The Sig P239 is available in 9mm, .40 and .357sig and has been a top CCW choice for years. The Sigs are a little spendy but they are extremely well built and engineered.

I know this isn't exactly what you asking about but I just bought a .380 Ruger LCP and man! - this thing is so light and slim you actually forget you're carrying it. Pretty accurate too for such a small gun.
Also have a Kel-tec p11, shoots great, is smaller than the glocks and costs about half as much. No misfeeds or malfunctions with either pistol.
If I had to get a Glock I'd snag the 36 .45. Happy gun shopping! take me with you - I get a contact buzz from tagging along

I'm a fan of the Glock 26. I had a friend modify a calculator case into a breakaway rig to hold it and 2 mags. Came in handy for college. Nobody ever questioned why I was wearing a calculator case on my belt, but, removed my calculator from my back pack. When extreme concealment isn't necessary I carry a Beretta 92SB.

Originally posted by JIMC5499
I'm a fan of the Glock 26. I had a friend modify a calculator case into a breakaway rig to hold it and 2 mags. Came in handy for college. Nobody ever questioned why I was wearing a calculator case on my belt, but, removed my calculator from my back pack. When extreme concealment isn't necessary I carry a Beretta 92SB.

can i just ask as a non american....why would you feel he need to carry a concealed handgun in college?!!?

I would stay away from the .357Sig load in a sub compact gun. It is a higher pressure round. That translates in to more recoil, flash, and noise. In other words it may be a bit unruly for a short barrel light frame side arm.

Personally I would go with a .380 with Corbon DPX rounds or a 9mm with Winchester Supreme Elite 124gr rounds.