Looking for Pistol

[notebook]

I've been looking at handguns a lot lately, and I can't seem to find something exactly like what I'm looking for. There are a lot of handgun companies that I have never even heard of, so I thought coming to a forum could be beneficial in finding what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for a double stack SA/DA subcompact (or just small) with a decocker in 9mm for a decent price and good track record. It also needs to have a tacky grip rather than one with protrusions. (The main reason I dislike glocks is their grips tend to bite into me when I hold them rather than feeling comfortable.) I've found and considered the Sig p224 and HK P30SK, but they both have their little flaws to me. So, can any of you think of any other pistols?

Thanks!

[Paltares8]

CZ Rami might be worth checking out. Never fired one personally but I've heard a lot of great things about them and I know there's a decocker model

[TunnelRat]

Could you tell us what you find the flaws of those two pistols to be? It would help to avoid suggesting other pistols with the same problems.

[Ryu825]

Sounds like you're looking for a cz 75 d or any of its variants

[rt11002003]

My shooting buddy bought a CZ Rami recently. I've tried it and it's a nice gun.

I have a HK p30sk V1, decocker model. I added the slight extensions to the mags making a place for the pinky to rest. I haven't found anything to fault the gun for, except that it doesn't have a USP type match trigger. But, many folks don't think match triggers are the way to go with a gun intended primarily for carry.

[TailGator]

Have you looked at the Beretta PX4 lineup? The safety can be converted to a decocker.

[+1k ammo]

Ditto Tailgaiter.

My px4 cycles great, has decocker, SA da etc. Never jambs and has soft recoil the way the barrel is made.

My only fault is a long reset on trigger but I prob. Could mess with it but have not.

I would def. Take a look at one!

[carguychris]

If used guns are potentially in the running, I suggest the S&W Models 6904 and 6906. These guns are arguably a bit thick and blocky, and the SA trigger isn't the best, but they're extremely well-built and tend to be an excellent value in less-than-LNIB condition.

They technically have a decocker/safety, but as they also have a trigger-actuated firing-pin block, the lever can safely be used purely as a decocker—i.e. always returned to the FIRE position after decocking. S&W offered a gun similar to the M6906 but with a SIG-style frame decocker as the M6926, but they are rare, and collector interest tends to keep prices pretty steep.

The earlier M469 and M669 are very similar to the M6904 and M6906 respectively, but they lack some refinements of the later 69xx series, and generally aren't that much cheaper in my experience.

I would also suggest looking at the Beretta 92 Compact L, but I'll be honest—as much as I like the gun, it's only compact in relation to the standard 92, and is perhaps better characterized as the 92 Less Large or the 92 Only Moderately Big. It's as big or bigger than many so-called full-size pistols.

[gbclarkson]

Stoeger Cougar
Sig SP series
EAA witness compact
Taurus medium frame series
Bersa thunder

Not subcompacts, but may fit your view of small.

Does FN make compact or sub-compact pistols?

[str8tshot]

S&w 915 is a great gun with the prescribed attributes.

[Smathersfish]

CZP-01 has alloy frame 14 round capacity and is considered a compact, CZ75BD is all steel 16-19 round capacity and is duty sized. You cannot go wrong with either. I don't have experience with the RAMI as it it too small for me. RAMI is subcompact.

[sigarms228]

I'm looking for a double stack SA/DA subcompact (or just small) with a decocker in 9mm for a decent price and good track record

You might want to check out the HK P2000. It has an outstanding track record as a well proven reliable and durable pistol.

http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/p2000/

Not sure why you don't like the P30SK as by pretty much all reports it is a sweet subcompact pistol.

As far as a grip of a pistol having some "bite", that helps control the pistol when firing it to keep it from moving around in your hand so much.

What is your experience level shooting pistols?

[1stmar]

Glock ia not a sa/da. Just FYI. If you are looking for a striker fire pistol than the cz is not for you. If you are looking for sa/da is meets all your requirements and is a great gun.

[carguychris]

Originally Posted by str8tshot

S&w 915 is a great gun with the prescribed attributes.

The M915 is a full-size variant of the S&W 3rd-generation metal-frame Traditional Double Action (TDA) lineup.

The M6904, M6906, and M6926 that I discuss above are the DA/SA double-stack (12+1) compacts, and are smaller than the 15+1 M915, both in barrel and grip frame length.

[notebook]

Wow! What a lot of replies! I honestly didn't expect to get so many helpful replies. Thanks everyone!

Now then,

@tunnelrat I have just heard about some issues breaking sigs in, along with the high price point of the 224. p30 honestly was the gun I wanted for about 2 years until I realized that there were just as good guns out there for half as much, but with the SK's price I'm reconsidering that notion. I don't know much about the SK though and I prefer the decocker on the sig because it decocks slower and seems more pleasing to use.

@sigarms228 Like I said with tunnel rat, my issue with the p30sk is more of worry that it might have issues I haven't read up on yet. I also slightly prefer the slower decocker of the sigs. It's good to know the p30sk might be good though; because I fell in love with the p30 the first time I saw it, but she was a little too pricey to consider given the competition. (Also the P30sk's specs aren't easy to find, it appears.) Oh, and I have very little actual experience shooting. I shot 50 rds of .40 s&w last year and that's it. Most of my knowledge comes from watching a lot of youtube videos. This time last year I didn't actually know how to work a pump shotgun. : P

Overall though, thanks for all the helpful feedback. To help you understand what I have in my head, let me elaborate. I have already decided that the S&W shield will probably be one of if not the first pistol I buy because it's striker fired, single stack, small, and thin for a sort of grab and go gun. Here I've been wondering about more of a mainstay type gun with different features than the shield that makes up for it's inadequacies like double stack for additional rounds and a decocker. I'll look into these other guns you've all mentioned though, it's really a lot of helpful information so thanks all of you! : )

[chris in va]

You keep describing the P01. It's my 'do all' gun...carry, HD, competition, target/plinker.

[bamaranger]

Ain't we all.

[Proz76]

Have you checked out the SCCY 9MM for under 300 bucks. Best warranty covers theft and loss, with free replacement with police report! I have almost 1k rounds down range with 0 problems. Worth looking at!!

[Ibmikey]

Added to Proz76 comments: The SCCY 9mm is a DA only pistol, double stack compact pistol that is close in accurate but will sting the hand when fired due to it's blow back operating system. Mine is a "truck gun" and has been shot quite a bit by a variety of folks with a general acceptance of it's capabilities but the unpleasant stinging of the hand has also been mentioned numerous times.

[Proz76]

I always shoot 100 rounds + everytime I have taken it out and it doesnt bother my hand at all, Nothing like my 380. I was suprized it has become my fav handgun. I carry it everday!!

[Limnophile]

There are not many double-stack, DA/SA, decocker-equipped 9 Luger subcompacts to choose from. Go to Genitron.com, scan what's available quickly, make a list of those that meet your criteria, then go back and make detailed comparisons.

The only pistol I can think of that fits is the CZ 2075 RAMI BD. It's big for a subcompact, but it shoots very well and comfortably. It is not cheap. It comes with two mags -- a 10-rounder for concealed carry, and a flush-fitting 14-rounder for spare firepower or range use.

[Proz76]

CPX-2 is a DA or you can get a a CPX-1 that comes with a manual safty. I have good size hands and it fits perfect. The SCCY comes with 2 mags 10 rounds and comes with the extended grip or a flat base plate. I carry it with a Alien Gear IWB and you would never know its there! That and you would not beleive the quiality of this gun for under 300 dollars very well built solid gun!! Plus a ton of color options black or stainless slides. Lower any color you cant dream of getting! I have owned several hand guns and for some reason it has become my personal FAV!! One of reasons I love using it a EDC is the warranty if anything ever happens it it. SCCY will replace it for FREE!! You just have to pay the FFL fee. No other gun company offers that.

[vyse.04]

Wow! What a lot of replies! I honestly didn't expect to get so many helpful replies. Thanks everyone!

Now then,

@tunnelrat I have just heard about some issues breaking sigs in, along with the high price point of the 224. p30 honestly was the gun I wanted for about 2 years until I realized that there were just as good guns out there for half as much, but with the SK's price I'm reconsidering that notion. I don't know much about the SK though and I prefer the decocker on the sig because it decocks slower and seems more pleasing to use.

@sigarms228 Like I said with tunnel rat, my issue with the p30sk is more of worry that it might have issues I haven't read up on yet. I also slightly prefer the slower decocker of the sigs. It's good to know the p30sk might be good though; because I fell in love with the p30 the first time I saw it, but she was a little too pricey to consider given the competition. (Also the P30sk's specs aren't easy to find, it appears.) Oh, and I have very little actual experience shooting. I shot 50 rds of .40 s&w last year and that's it. Most of my knowledge comes from watching a lot of youtube videos. This time last year I didn't actually know how to work a pump shotgun. : P

If you look at used pistols, Sigs can be found around the $500-$550 range (and HK's around $600). I bought a P239 NIB and have had zero issues with it (not counting the couple of times my thumb inadvertently rode the slide release). Fits my hand well, and it's sort of in-between a single and double stack in terms of feel IMO.

HK is another great brand, and personally I think they are worth the price. I've owned two (P2000sk and USP Compact), and have shot four others of various style. The P30 is one of the few full size pistols that feel like it was made for my hands, and the VP9 is good if you decide to go for a striker fired pistol. HK have some negatives (price, trigger for some, size, etc.), but reliability is not one of them. HK and Sig are the only two handguns I've owned that have not had a single stoppage. Decockers work equally as well too, and I didn't have an issue with the one on my P2000sk V3. You should never be in a hurry to decock a DA/SA (and certainly never while on target), so I wouldn't consider that a major drawback. Also, the decocker is located near your thumb on the USP line, should you decided to go that route. But note that HK does not make a true Subcompact, at least not in my eyes.

With all that being said, I think the best thing you could do would be to rent as many handguns as possible at your local range. Many places charge a flat fee of $10-$20, and allow you to swap out firearms as long as you buy their ammo. I'd try some striker pistols along with DA/SA to see what you prefer, and remember that your preferences may change. I went from a steel frame DA/SA, to SAO, to polymer striker, and back to DA/SA over the span of 10 or so years. IMO DA/SA is tougher to shoot initially (compared to something like a Glock with a consistent pull), but you may feel differently.

Either way your ammo cost will probably exceed the money spent on the handgun if you enjoy shooting, so get something you like! There's not a whole lot of things worse than having a gun that just sits in your safe, while you lust for something more. Good luck!

[michael t]

Bersa makes one in 380 and 2 in 9mm full size and a compact Ive owned 2 of the 9mm compact and passed on to family members that needed a pistol .
Great shooting and very reliable 9mm's

[FNS-40]

Look at the Springfield XDM and XDS line.