Need a Semi-auto smaller & lighter than Glock 19
- Thread starter joepa150
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Hawthorne2k
Member
www.best9mm.com has a good rundown of 9mm compacts and .380 compacts. Depending on where the street price comes in, the new Ruger LC9 might fit the bill here, and if it doesn't, there's the Taurus 709 Slim and the Kel-Tec PF-9 / PF-11.
hirundo82
Member
I don't have any of them, but KelTec has a number of small autos for under $300--the PF9 in 9x19, the P3AT in .380ACP, or the P32 in .32ACP. They have a pretty good reputation for reliability after the initial break-in period.
The Ruger LCP is very similar to the P3AT and has a better reputation for out of the box reliability. It is also under $300.
The Ruger LCP is very similar to the P3AT and has a better reputation for out of the box reliability. It is also under $300.
COLOSHOOTR
Member
You really should be more detailed about exactly what you are looking for. There are TONS of weapons that meet the requirements you are looking for.
How small and light are you willing to go?
Does ammo capacity matter?
What is the purpose for the smaller weapon, normal CCW gun or just a summer carry piece?
Do you want something more like your G19 (Doublestack, Striker fired) or do you want something else DA only, DA/SA, Manual Safety, Single stack (thin)?
You also have to remember that there will be compromises you'll be taking the smaller you go.
The effictiveness of ammo is reduced due to short barrel.
Because of lighter weight follow up shots will be slower due to more "snappy" recoil.
Smaller sights (or non existant ones on some models) and shorter sight radius will make you less accurate then you are with your G19.
Shot placement... Can you become accurate with the smaller weapon? Less power makes this even more important.
Less ammo means you'll need to carry reloads especially since your ammo effictivness has gone down (might take whole mag to stop threat).
I'd recomend you go to the next step down to a Glock 26 from your G19 if all that matters is smaller and lighter. It will be similar to what you already have but smaller and you can use your G19 mags in it. It will be a good compromise for you and you won't loose much in capacity or accuracy from it. You can usually find some used ones or police trade in's for cheap too!
How small and light are you willing to go?
Does ammo capacity matter?
What is the purpose for the smaller weapon, normal CCW gun or just a summer carry piece?
Do you want something more like your G19 (Doublestack, Striker fired) or do you want something else DA only, DA/SA, Manual Safety, Single stack (thin)?
You also have to remember that there will be compromises you'll be taking the smaller you go.
The effictiveness of ammo is reduced due to short barrel.
Because of lighter weight follow up shots will be slower due to more "snappy" recoil.
Smaller sights (or non existant ones on some models) and shorter sight radius will make you less accurate then you are with your G19.
Shot placement... Can you become accurate with the smaller weapon? Less power makes this even more important.
Less ammo means you'll need to carry reloads especially since your ammo effictivness has gone down (might take whole mag to stop threat).
I'd recomend you go to the next step down to a Glock 26 from your G19 if all that matters is smaller and lighter. It will be similar to what you already have but smaller and you can use your G19 mags in it. It will be a good compromise for you and you won't loose much in capacity or accuracy from it. You can usually find some used ones or police trade in's for cheap too!
COLOSHOOTR
Member
I'd go with the LCP. . I know two people with LCP that like them and have reported them to be reliable. Both complain about the horrible sights and the fact the gun is pretty "snappy" though. Makes for a good pocket gun but I'd feel out-gunned with it for normal CCW carry.
easyg
Member
How about a used Glock 26?
Or maybe a Ruger SR9 compact?
While I love my glock, IMO the Glock 26 is still not a whole lot smaller than my G19 from what I recall when I last held one.
Also I do not like having two guns that are really similar although I know that it can be a good thing since I am familiar with Glock already.
Also I do not like having two guns that are really similar although I know that it can be a good thing since I am familiar with Glock already.
Sauer Grapes
Member
If you don't mind deminished capacity, I carry a PT709 from Taurus. Single stack, 7+1 9mm. I won't carry anything smaller than 9mm.
It's been stone reliable and isn't picky about ammo. {at least mine isn't} Very shootable and accurate out to at least 15yds.
It's been stone reliable and isn't picky about ammo. {at least mine isn't} Very shootable and accurate out to at least 15yds.
InkEd
Member
What is the main purpose of the gun? If it's for ccw then a Ruger LCP is a nice option.
possum
Member
i have a kel-tec pf-9 and though i was skeptical at first it is very nice. It is light weight, and great size for concealment and even pocket carry. it is reliable, and it is ridicilously accurate for as small of a gun as it is. Additionally the triggers on the pf-9's are 5lbs as compared to the 9lb of the p-11 and the like. the trigger is very smooth as well, and it is easy to shoot in that regard. It is not something that you will want to shoot a whole lot in one range trip about 200-250 is the most i go with it.
FAS1
Member
I love my Glocks and my G26 is my gun of choice to carry. However, I too find it large to carry in some situations so I always have a P3AT in my pocket when I choose to leave the G26 in the car.
hardluk1
member
I have a KT pf-9 that weights almost half what the glock does at 12oz and also a p-11 that is 14oz and holds 10 rounds but with a s&w model 59 mag you have 15 rounds for range time or backup. My pf-9 makes for a pocket filling but very workable front pocket gun. And the p-11 can be also if pants are loose and fits ok in my glock 27 holster.. Recoil stinks in lite guns but they are great for carry and do there job well. Also they can be bought for less than 150. I payed 248 fnew or my p-11 about 3 months ago.
Used glock 26s, and subcompact XDs can be found around here if you watch the classifieds.
I'm not sure on the weight of used 3rd gen S&Ws but they are in that price range and solid guns.
The Kahr CW might be what you are looking for. It is notably smaller and lighter than a G19 but still big enough to be easy to shoot and manipulate. It goes for right around $400.
There are the smaller cheaper 9mms which some people love and others not so much. These are personally not what I would be after in a primary carry gun, but people's perceived needs and preferences vary. The Kel tec both the P11 and PF-9. I know nothing about it and have only handled one briefly but the SCCY fits your requirements.
The new LC9 meets those requirements.
If you go down to .380 there are a number of choices. Bersa, kel tec P3AT, Ruger LCP, I'm not sure on what others meet the $400 requirement.
I'm not sure on the weight of used 3rd gen S&Ws but they are in that price range and solid guns.
The Kahr CW might be what you are looking for. It is notably smaller and lighter than a G19 but still big enough to be easy to shoot and manipulate. It goes for right around $400.
There are the smaller cheaper 9mms which some people love and others not so much. These are personally not what I would be after in a primary carry gun, but people's perceived needs and preferences vary. The Kel tec both the P11 and PF-9. I know nothing about it and have only handled one briefly but the SCCY fits your requirements.
The new LC9 meets those requirements.
If you go down to .380 there are a number of choices. Bersa, kel tec P3AT, Ruger LCP, I'm not sure on what others meet the $400 requirement.
beeenbag
Member
I carry a glock 19 when I can but for more comfort or more concealability I carry my kel tec p-11. It has been 100% reliable after around 600 rounds. When I put it on I literally can not tell it is there. I have about $150 in it after some trading I did.
speedway
Member
I have an LCP and it bites the inside of my trigger finger.
SimplyChad
Member
Bursa thunder 380
jad0110
Member
Saw a used Kahr CW9 at a show 6 months ago for $325. If I were going the compact 9 route, it would be a Kahr (a K9 personally, I'm not a polymer fan). My father's K9 is pretty ergonomic for me, as small guns go, it is reliable and has a nice smooth DA only trigger. With tax, the CW9 may bust your budget, but check them out. If you like them, just save up a little longer and your GTG.
Seven For Sure
Member
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The Kahr CW series sell for $350 every day at both of my LGS's. They come with one mag and the front sight is staked on so NS are'nt an option later on. The CW's have tradional L&G rifling and the K's and P's are poly rifling which may get you a bit more velocity and even accuracy with the same length tube. Kahr is pretty pround of their barrels and accuracy is one of the things you don't hear folks complaining about. The K and P series come with two mags and you can get them with NS. My LGS's sell them for around $500-$550 but I've seen them on sale for $460-$480. The CW and P9 have 3.5" barrels, full three finger grip and are 7+1. The slide length is a full inch shorter than a G19 and they are very thin. The CW9 or P9 would make an awsome addition to the stable with your 19. I've got a 23, K40 and P40 and it's worked for me.
hardluk1
member
big bill nothing light about the ruger lc9 and border line smaller,thinner yes.
NMGonzo
Member
bersa
small iwb
ok coat pocket
small iwb
ok coat pocket
denfoote
Member
Glock 26.
Smaller, lighter, and accepts all of your G19 mags.
Yes, it fits in a pocket. You might need to get an actual honest to God gun belt. A decent belt solves so many carry problems.
Smaller, lighter, and accepts all of your G19 mags.
Yes, it fits in a pocket. You might need to get an actual honest to God gun belt. A decent belt solves so many carry problems.
notasfancy
Member
Kahr?
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