Carry Gun Advice

[HammerStriker]

Hi all,

I'm considering the below pistols and would love to hear everyone's experience/opinions. I will carry IWB (not Appendix), and concerned with comfort and printing, but also want a reliable gun that I can shoot well with and enjoy training with.

In no particular order, they are:

CZP01
CZPCR
Glock 19
Clock 26
Glock 43
Glock 43x
M&P 2.0 compact
M&P shield
Sig 365

Thank you!

[revchuck38]

All of those pistols have good reputations for reliability and accuracy. There's a wide spread among them in size, though. I'm a fairly big guy (6'1", 195) and am retired, so I can get away with dressing to conceal a full-size gun. How tall and wide are you? How do you dress?

My pick of the choices you listed would be the M&P Compact because it's available with a useable thumb safety.

[Oldherkpilot]

I see two pistols with hammers and the rest are striker fired. All are perfectly suitable for your purposes. I carry CZs and LEM HKs, but if you're starting out, striker-fired would likely be easier to train with. If you hadn't already ruled out AIWB, maybe the hammers would still be in play.

The problem today is that you can't swing a cat without hitting a perfectly adequate pistol. Between all the great gun choices and all the great holster choices, my advice is go get a second job. Its going to cost you a fortune to answer this question. I know it did me.😁

[Jared]

Don’t overthink this too much.

Printing is as much a function of holster selection, belt selection, and clothing selection as it is fun size.

Any of the guns you listed could be carried concealed without issue. They’ve all got good reputations. Pick one and get the support gear you need to keep it hidden and you should be golden.

FWIW, of the ones you listed, I’d take either the G19 or the G26. But I’m not you and you have to find what suits you.

[RJ]

"Printing" is highly individual and dependent on one's personal situation.

What is your waist size? How tall are you? (your "shape" will dictate what get away with. A larger person can carry a larger gun. But a double stack vs. a single stack will be heavier, and weigh down your pants more.)

What is your typical cover garment (T-shirt? Work shift? Suit and tie?)

What belt do you plan to use?

Do you currently have a gun that you enjoy shooting, but is "too large" to "Carry"? If so, what is it?

When you say you want to "train" with your carry gun, what kind of "Training" do you mean? 1,000 rounds a day over multiple days training? Or 100 rounds in a 1/2 day training?


The default solution that works for many is a Gen 5 G17 or G19, plus a Gen 5 G26+12 round OEM mag for carry. You get Glock accuracy, simplicity and reliability, ability to swap mags, huge aftermarket, and disassembly down to component parts with a 3/16" punch. Absent additional information expanding on the above questions, that's where I'd start.

[Rex G]

The double-column mag Glocks, in your list, would be my choice, due to better-established track records. In real life, I did recently buy a new Gen3 G26, which I bought to replace a Gen4 G26, which I had sold to one of my former rookie trainees. I also owned three Gen4 G19 pistols, two of which were thoroughly vetted. (I only briefly owned the third one, to try an RMR on its MOS slide.) 9mm double-column-mag Glocks seem to just work, for me. I only sold/traded my Gen4 G26, and the three G19 pistols, because my aging right hand is now vexed by shooting most compact nines. I replaced the G26, because a G26 is just too useful, even if I will only be shooting it lefty. (I believe in toting second weapons, and am reasonably ambidextrous.) I am keeping my larger Glocks, of “orthopedic” size.

Notably, I could conceal a G17, as effectively as a G19, so rarely carried my G19 pistols, because I liked that I shot the G17 pistols noticeably better. (The exception was @ AIWB, where the G17 was just a bit too large, but AIWB is not a factor, in this discussion, and I never learned to like the G19 for AIWB carry, anyway.)

I have no personal experience with the other pistols, on your list.

I know enough folks, who have had good luck with their M&P-series S&W nines, that I would be comfortable if I had to carry the M&P Compact 2.0 or Shield, on your list.

There are reliable accounts, in this forum, of the G43/43x/48 Glocks being more likely to have functioning issues, than their double-column-mag cousins.

In real life, I will probably buy at least one more G26, because spare/reserve pistols are a good thing, even if they are niche pistols.

[Navin Johnson]

AT least 1K and likely closer to 2K pages here on those here....

[4RNR]

All those are solid makes. Individual guns will vary of course.

Only you can judge what's comfortable.

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[Lost River]

A reliable gun that you can train a lot with, concealed carry, shoot well, and not have to mess with, sounds like a Glock 19.

Yes there are a Brazilian other guns on the market, but sometimes it is simply easier to buy the standard by which everything else is judged (for very good reason) and just start doing the important stuff, which is putting in the work.

When people come to me and they want to start hunting, and they have a long list of hunting rifles, I tell them the same thing. Buy a Tikka T3, scope it with A or B and put in the work.

They are tools.

Skill sets are what is important.

Cheers! :cool:

[BillSWPA]

First choice: P365, second choice: Glock 26.

Both of these are easy to conceal and easy to shoot well. Both can be carried in a pocket (in a pocket holster that completely covers the trigger area) with the right pants. In particular, the P365 is a pocket carry game changer with flat base pad 10 round magazines, and is a very nice IWB gun with 12 round magazines. I know you mentioned IWB and not pocket carry, but having options is important.

Holster availability is critical, and is high for both choices.


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[GAP]

Double post

[GAP]

Full grip: Glock 19 or P365XL

Short grip: Glock 26 or P365

I’d go with either of those four, and form my decision on how short or thin I need to go to conceal appropriately with how I dress.

There are positives and negatives to each, which are ultimately about what is more important to you.

[fixer]

M&P or Glock.

[HammerStriker]

"Printing" is highly individual and dependent on one's personal situation.

What is your waist size? How tall are you? (your "shape" will dictate what get away with. A larger person can carry a larger gun. But a double stack vs. a single stack will be heavier, and weigh down your pants more.)

I'm 5'10, 185lbs, 34in waist. Pretty "athletic" build.

What is your typical cover garment (T-shirt? Work shift? Suit and tie?)

Typically I wear a t-shirt, polo, or light sweat shirt shirt/jacket.

What belt do you plan to use?

Don't know what type of belt yet. something that looks like a normal black leather belt, I suppose.

Do you currently have a gun that you enjoy shooting, but is "too large" to "Carry"? If so, what is it?

Yes, I really enjoy my CZ P01, but feel it is probably too bulky and heavy. I'm kind of a minimalist and hate carrying more than I need. I have a Glock 17 as well, also too big, I think. I have shot G19, 26, M&P 2.0 compact, all were fine...shot the M&P 2.0 compact best. Was surprised by how well I could shoot the G26, about as equal as the 19 and 17 at 7 yards.


When you say you want to "train" with your carry gun, what kind of "Training" do you mean? 1,000 rounds a day over multiple days training? Or 100 rounds in a 1/2 day training?

Mostly just going to the range and putting 200 rounds onto some paper, but, I have and will take more classes where you do put 500+ rounds down range with holster work, etc.


The default solution that works for many is a Gen 5 G17 or G19, plus a Gen 5 G26+12 round OEM mag for carry. You get Glock accuracy, simplicity and reliability, ability to swap mags, huge aftermarket, and disassembly down to component parts with a 3/16" punch. Absent additional information expanding on the above questions, that's where I'd start.


This makes a lot of sense and I'm tempted to go for a G26 or 19, but I am worried about spending the money on the setup and wishing that I would have gone with a single stack/slimmer pistol that conceals well. Anyone switch from a double stack to single stack Glock/M&P and then go back to the double stack?

So far some very good advice, thank you guys!

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Only Glock anecdotes. I went for a G26 for EDC. I found I could conceal it with a cover garment. I don't do the shirt over the gun (discussion for another day). The shorter grip on the 26 was something I liked and I could shoot the 26 reasonably well as compared to the 19. Tried the 43 once at a range, kind of squirmy for me. The 26 worked in some classes.

I don't IWB but OWB and the 26 worked for that. Didn't want to have to buy pants around the gun and I have a bad back and didn't need the pressure against my hips (old man crap). So not relevant to you, just saying.

Going to shoot the 26 in a compact gun match, next month.

[RJ]

This makes a lot of sense and I'm tempted to go for a G26 or 19, but I am worried about spending the money on the setup and wishing that I would have gone with a single stack/slimmer pistol that conceals well.

Good deal. Some don't provide background information with their question, you've given a ton.

Sounds like a G26 might be the ticket for you. I carried a G25 Gen 5 with an OEM 12 round mag. It does the job, and these little Glocks are super accurate. That would be a solid choice. As to cost, FYI, if you join GSSF, these days they will give you a pistol purchase coupon right off, instead of waiting a year.

GSSF price on a brand new G26 gen 5 is $425. And if you don't like it, chances are you could sell it for that or more, possibly.

http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf

(I ordered my G19 Gen 5 MOS that way from GT Distributors in Texas this past summer. Only had to pay shipping, tax, plus the in-bound FFL fee at my LGS.)

As to belts, I've been through a bunch; "for me" the Mastermind Tactics "Specialist" belt works just great. I have a 36" belt and it fits fine for me (I'm 177#, 5'6", 32" waist in non-carry pants, 34" for carry pants).


FWIW, I've been through quite a few of the popular recently introduced slimline 9mms and finally settled on a P365x. The longer grip suits my size M hands fine. I like the 12+1 carry. I like the flat trigger. I like the shorter slide. I like the optics-ready (RMS-c) milled from the factory. (I bought a 407k and screwed it in place in 10 minutes.)

I repurposed a JM CK IWB3 I had for my P365XL I sold last year, and it works extremely well for EDC. It and my Ruger LCR .38 are my two carry guns.

81901

I can shoot it about as accurately as my other pistols. Granted, the below group is not impressive by p-f standards, and you do have to mind trigger control, but I am getting it dialed in, albeit with a scant 200+ rounds so far.

81902


And I bought another Sig (Mrs. RJ's P365 and my P365XL had been traded/sold) despite the fact I kept two Glocks (a 34 and a 19). Yes the Sig 365 mags are arm and leg expensive, but you can find lower price points than OEM (I just bought another four at Osage County Guns for $37 ea, shipped.) For me, the P365X is a really good EDC option. It just flat dissappears on my waist.

I understand it doesn't have mags that are compatible with my other guns, and "it's a Sig". I get it. However, it has a lot of positive features, and I really like it a lot.

[Rex G]

The times that I noticed a concealment difference between various pistols, it was not a difference between single-column-mag and double-column-mag pistols, but that striker-fired pistols, with their more-rearward protruding, blockier slides were bulging against the cover garment. A hammer-fired pistol has no inherent need for the rear of the slide to enclose a striker mechanism, and a pistol with a spur-less hammer is conceal-ability nirvana. Examples would be a DAK SIG, and my Third-Generation S&W autos.

If a pistol has a blocky slide, and blocky frame, with a blocky accessory rail, well, then it can present comfort challenges, if carried IWB. If carrying IWB, I’d rather wear a weapon that is narrower, and less-blocky, at the muzzle end. Some double-column-mag pistols are nicely streamlined, at the muzzle end. The Browning High Power, and CZ-75 come to mind.

For reference, I am wearing a 4” Ruger GP100, in a Milt Sparks VM-2 holster, using a Tenicor belt. The cylinder is relatively wide, which does not present a comfort problem, and it is nicely streamlined at the muzzle end, where a wide-body auto might be less-comfortable, and more difficult to wear, all day.

For reference, I am 6’, and about 185# to 190#, which is about 20# more than I should weigh, with about a 32” to 33” ideal waist size, but now 34”.

[JAH 3rd]

My observation is a bit generic and not brand specific. Whatever handgun you decide on, try before you buy if you can. Pay particular attention to grip size and your ability to get a secure purchase on the firearm from the holster. There are diminishing returns on going small and then too small with grip size. I have shared before my experiences with a Sig P245. The grip area for me was too small for me to get a secure grip. The pistol squirmed in my hand after each shot. Just something to keep in mind when making your purchase decision.

[KevH]

I never thought I would say this, but...

P365XL

I hate the term "game changing," but it truly is.

I don't think there is a better "carry" gun out there right now that balances size, shootability and capacity with features available such as a very useable manual thumb safety and optic plate and full three finger grip with a built in magwell. It makes it very hard to justify carrying anything else for concealment.

SIG really knocked it out of the park with this gun.

I just bought a Milt Sparks VM2 for mine. One of my favorite carry holsters with my now favorite carry gun. I'll post something on it once I have the gun/holster combo all broken in.

[Duelist]

Sounds like you need a G26 and a JMCK IWB#3 holster. Do some work with that, and you’ll probably set.

[Jared]

So, I’m not a huge fan of the slimline guns, and I’ve shot a few. The 365 (not XL) wasn’t fun for me to shoot. The G48 I tried wasn’t either. Right now I like my Shield Plus shooting wise but in about 100 rounds I’ve had a stoppage already. It was with hand loads (my own) so I’m not toooo worried just yet, but I can’t/won’t trust it for carry until I see more.

I vastly prefer the old school double stacks for carry when I can conceal them, which is 99% of the time for me when I’m not at work. If I need something more concealable I’ve normally gone to a snub revolver. I’ve been trying to replace the snubs with semi autos for a while but I’ve never found something else I liked as well in that role as a J Frame or LCR.

But I’m not you. I know why my stuff is as it is. That doesn’t mean it’ll work for you, or that my stuff is all necessarily in one sock either. I’m learning every day and have been for nigh on a decade here.

I do think you answered your own question earlier though. You have a G17 and you like how it shoots. You shoot a G26 almost as well. You’re built fairly slim. Sounds like a G26 is about ideal to me. Hell, I’ve got a Gen 5 G26 and am contemplating a second one. I shoot a G26 better than I shoot any of the slim lines.

[FNFAN]

I think the answer for you might be the G26 since you've been able to shoot it well. It's a well vetted gun capable of startling accuracy in some people's hands. You could use your G17 for home defense and any classes you go to and have much of that training readily transferrable to the carry gun G26. Unless you just want to experiment with other platforms for the fun of it, it would seem an easy choice!

[1911Nut]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the CZ PCR, but I really think it should not be overlooked. Every one I have owned and/or shot has been scary accurate and reliable as any pistol I have used. They just aren't popular, and I certainly can't argue with the suggestions already provided.

[DrkBlue]

G26 is what I moved to about 15 years ago. It was a compromise, but mixes shootability with a size only slightly larger than a J Frame revolver. I consider it easier to shoot than revolvers and, despite the small size, subjectively shoots within 75% of a larger pistol.

If I was going to switch, the CZ or SIG would be the options I would choose.

The CZ’s don’t fit my smaller hands as well as Glock. Getting a first class trigger seems to take a trip to Cajun Gun Works or the CZ Pro Shop. I have shot a P07 at some length and was very impressed - good enough trigger, great pointability and nothing to complain about except the near-Uzi size.

Those SIG P365s feel awesome - I have been tempted by the size/capacity witchcraft. However, the safety debacle around the P320s have me very shy of the company. I know there has been positive comments on the P365 across the board, but giving SIG my money… Nah. I say that having owned hammer-fired P-Series pistols… and being pretty positive on their older guns.

[YVK]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the CZ PCR, but I really think it should not be overlooked. Every one I have owned and/or shot has been scary accurate and reliable as any pistol I have used. They just aren't popular, and I certainly can't argue with the suggestions already provided.

I owned a couple of P01s that are in the same family. I may be special needs with my thumb but I couldn't reliably get to their hammers because of beavertails. For that matter, on all CZs that I've owned.

[tlong17]

19 first, 365 second.

[Oldherkpilot]

I owned a couple of P01s that are in the same family. I may be special needs with my thumb but I couldn't reliably get to their hammers because of beavertails. For that matter, on all CZs that I've owned.

I don't understand your problem with your thumb and hammer. Can you explain what the issue is?

[YVK]

I don't understand your problem with your thumb and hammer. Can you explain what the issue is?

I want to be able to press down on hammer of DA/SA (or LEM, or revolvers) handguns when handling them, especially when holstering. More so on DA/SA guns than others I mentioned. Depending on grip shape and size of beavertail, on some guns I cannot thumb-trap that hammer easily and reliably. That DQs those guns from carry use for me.

[RJ]

I just bought a Milt Sparks VM2 for mine. One of my favorite carry holsters with my now favorite carry gun. I'll post something on it once I have the gun/holster combo all broken in.

Yes please.

My P365x is the first gun I've ever considered a Milt Sparks, or similar leather holster, for.

[KevH]

So, I’m not a huge fan of the slimline guns, and I’ve shot a few. The 365 (not XL) wasn’t fun for me to shoot. The G48 I tried wasn’t either. Right now I like my Shield Plus shooting wise but in about 100 rounds I’ve had a stoppage already. It was with hand loads (my own) so I’m not toooo worried just yet, but I can’t/won’t trust it for carry until I see more.

I vastly prefer the old school double stacks for carry when I can conceal them, which is 99% of the time for me when I’m not at work. If I need something more concealable I’ve normally gone to a snub revolver. I’ve been trying to replace the snubs with semi autos for a while but I’ve never found something else I liked as well in that role as a J Frame or LCR.

But I’m not you. I know why my stuff is as it is. That doesn’t mean it’ll work for you, or that my stuff is all necessarily in one sock either. I’m learning every day and have been for nigh on a decade here.

I do think you answered your own question earlier though. You have a G17 and you like how it shoots. You shoot a G26 almost as well. You’re built fairly slim. Sounds like a G26 is about ideal to me. Hell, I’ve got a Gen 5 G26 and am contemplating a second one. I shoot a G26 better than I shoot any of the slim lines.

I disliked the P365. I also disliked the G43, G43X, G48 and the Shield Plus was...well...meh. I made a regular Shield work for awhile because it sort of did what I wanted it to do.

You owe it to yourself to try a P365XL. It's the gun SIG should have come out with before the P365. It shoots like a much larger gun.

[358156hp]

My carry pistol is a very, very late M&P Gen 1 9mm Compact. I analyzed, reanalyzed, and over analyzed my needs over and over before deciding. I went with a Crossbreed holster, and carry in the left rear kidney area. The combination works very well for me, and I ended up buying another Crossbreed for my P-320 Compact as well, and have very similar results with it as well. The downside to Crossbreed is that they don't make a LH light bearing holster for my other P-320 at all, so I had one made for me by Red River Tactical which scratches all my itches for a holster in this configuration.

[JCN]

Yes, I really enjoy my CZ P01, but feel it is probably too bulky and heavy. I'm kind of a minimalist and hate carrying more than I need. I have a Glock 17 as well, also too big, I think. I have shot G19, 26, M&P 2.0 compact, all were fine...shot the M&P 2.0 compact best. Was surprised by how well I could shoot the G26, about as equal as the 19 and 17 at 7 yards.


YVK it was kind of buried in the thread but the OP thinks his P01 is too bulky.


I never thought I would say this, but...

P365XL

HammerStriker you really can't go wrong with any of the choices. My suggestion would be:

Do your handgun classes with the P01. It's a great all around gun and about the same size as a G19. Or do the classes with the G17.

But for most of the carry you could do a P365x or P365XL and not lose too much ground in a class if you chose to do it with one and you'd only lose about 5-10% performance with one.

Plus, the grip angle of the P365X for me at least indexes the same as with my CZs which is a bonus for going back and forth between them.


https://youtu.be/MFn7-9SSfNA

[KevH]

I'm not one to usually post random people I don't know's YouTube videos, but his review is pretty decent:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzX23XAuAX0AuAX0

I've done a few 300+ round range sessions with mine. I could probably do an all day class with one without issue.

I'm not kidding when I say it shoots like a larger guns. Shooting a G43/43X/48 or Shield would be miserable.

Did I mention I dig this little gun?

[Oldherkpilot]

I want to be able to press down on hammer of DA/SA (or LEM, or revolvers) handguns when handling them, especially when holstering. More so on DA/SA guns than others I mentioned. Depending on grip shape and size of beavertail, on some guns I cannot thumb-trap that hammer easily and reliably. That DQs those guns from carry use for me.

Ah, I see. I do the same thing. I thought my thumbs were in a bad way but i can still thumb down my CZs and HKs. Out of interest what pistols suit you best?

[Jared]

I disliked the P365. I also disliked the G43, G43X, G48 and the Shield Plus was...well...meh. I made a regular Shield work for awhile because it sort of did what I wanted it to do.

You owe it to yourself to try a P365XL. It's the gun SIG should have come out with before the P365. It shoots like a much larger gun.

I’ve read quite a few posts, some of them yours echoing this sentiment. The 365XL is on my radar. If I can find one locally without a thumb safety, I may give it a go. The thing I like about the Shield Plus, right now is I can pass some fair tests with it. First 10 rounds I shot from it, I loaded it up and ran The Test. I got a 94 with all 10 holes in the black of the B8.

Now, I know The Test isn’t some Grandmaster level shooting exam, but it’s my favorite out of the box exam for a pistol and it’s a reasonable fundamentals check IMO. So a solid pass on the first ten rounds out of a slim line 9 is solid ground to build on to me.

Basically, what I want a slim line 9 for is 3:00 IWB in clothing that I occasionally wear that precludes a G19 sized pistol. I won’t pocket carry a slim line 9, I’ve found the snub revolvers superior for that particular niche in my own experiments. But very discrete 3:00 IWB, I think I can find something better than a 442. I also don’t realistically expect a slim line 9 to replace my standard AIWB rig of a PX4CC that does 90% of my CCW work.

[JCN]

If I can find one locally without a thumb safety, I may give it a go.

Just as an FYI, if it costs the same you can get a MS model and sell the safety parts to someone else for $50-70 and 15 min of your time.

I switch guns a lot and different sights have different sight pictures and holdovers.

So I don’t like B8s for vetting new guns because can put a nice 3” group all centered 2” low due to the sights and it’ll cost you a shit ton of points when the mechanics and gun were solid.

Something like Gabe White standards is nice because you have a whole A zone to dial in and it also helps get the recoil control sussed out.

[TheNewbie]

The P365 trigger I tried seemed pretty light. Too light for my comfort but a lot of people seem to do well with them.


A G26 with a useable safety and SCD would be the answer to the vast majority of my gun hopes. That or a G26 sized P-07.



The P-07 is a durable, reliable and easy enough to shoot platform. You should give them a fair shake.

[JCN]

The P-07 is a durable, reliable and easy enough to shoot platform. You should give them a fair shake.

He said his P-01 feels too big and IIRC they are extremely similar in size and surprisingly weight too.

EDIT:

81912

Handgun hero says 0.4 oz difference.
27.7 vs 28.1

[revchuck38]

OP - I'll add myself to the dogpile recommending the G26 for you. You're already used to the operating system. An advantage the Glocks have over similar pistols is that you can safely use mags for the full-size versions as spares/reloads for the 26; in similar pistols, you run the risk of bending the ejector when slamming a longer mag in, but the Glocks are designed to avoid this.

Re: training, putting 200 rounds downrange isn't training, though it sure beats not shooting. Most of the folks on this forum have sought out and paid for defensive pistol training, and there are well-thought-of trainers on the forum as well. My unsolicited advice is to use the money you've put aside for the pistol for a weekend of training from a reputable trainer...unless, of course, you can afford both.

[Jared]

So I don’t like B8s for vetting new guns because can put a nice 3” group all centered 2” low due to the sights and it’ll cost you a shit ton of points when the mechanics and gun were solid.

Something like Gabe White standards is nice because you have a whole A zone to dial in and it also helps get the recoil control sussed out.

I’ve had that happen. I usually “solve” the problem by trying a 5 shot group untimed. That’ll either confirm that the sights are drive the dot as opposed to top of front sight or vice versa. At any rate, yeah, I understand the issue and have my methods in place to determine whether I have a sight regulation problem or something else.

My problem with Gabe White standards in this regard is I often don’t have a holster for a pistol that I’m trying out. Sure, I can run GWS from low ready, but then the comparison becomes more difficult if I’m comparing to a pistol that I normally run GWS from the holster on. Since The Test is normally run from low ready, comparisons can be more uniform. That said, I do really enjoy the GWS.

[FPS]

Haven't read all the other posts but it really comes down to preference. I absolutely love the M&P Shield Plus both in how easy it carries and how well it shoots and that would be my first choice. I rented a Sig P365 and although definitely smaller, I did not prefer the feel of the gun. Others love it.

I had a Glock 19 and it printed quite a bit for me due to the blocky shape. It was odd that even though the Walther PPQ is a bigger gun, it didn't print as much on me because of the shape. However, everyone's body is different and some carry the Glock 19 really well. It was a great gun to shoot and I would always recommend anyone to take a hard look at it as an option. I personally prefer some kind of safety mechanism and would not want to carry a Glock without a Striker Control Device. Others are fine with doing so. Again it is preference.

Really it is going to come down to striker vs hammer, carry capacity, size, price, etc.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is a gun can look great on paper but be a completely different animal when shooting it. Narrow the options and do whatever you can to shoot those before deciding. If you can't, try to buy used and if you don't like the gun, you probably won't lose much on reselling.

My preferred order:

M&P Shield Plus
M&P 2.0 Compact/Glock 19 with SCD
Sig P365
Glock 26 with SCD
Glock 43X with SCD
Glock 43 with SCD

Prioritizing a balance of size and capacity. No experience or opinion on the CZ options.

[L-2]

Out of the OP's list, I own and carry a (Glock) G19gen5, G26gen3, and G43. I have several more handguns than the number on that list, all having holsters of various types allowing me to carry any of the ones I own. I don't think I own any guns when I started getting into firearms/handguns in 1988 which also means the decision doesn't have to be forever.

If the OP wanted to do a poll to see what all respondents have and carry, I suppose that's one way of analyzing the list. The OP really needs to make a decision and give whatever is bought a chance. Nobody really cares what someone else decides to buy and nobody needs to be justifying one's decision to anyone else although I agree with the other folks, every handgun on that list looks to be a good choice (nothing quirky, rare, or just plain bad). With too much analyzing, that will become a problem resulting in nothing being bought.

[YVK]

Ah, I see. I do the same thing. I thought my thumbs were in a bad way but i can still thumb down my CZs and HKs. Out of interest what pistols suit you best?

P30 and P2000 series HKs and classic SIGs without beaver tails work the best, and I can do Berettas, both 92 and PX4 series OK. I put flush fit hammers on Berettas and that makes it more challenging. Overall, HKs; I didn't have any issues thumbing down even flush fitting LEM hammer.

[MickAK]

I disliked the P365. I also disliked the G43, G43X, G48 and the Shield Plus was...well...meh. I made a regular Shield work for awhile because it sort of did what I wanted it to do.

You owe it to yourself to try a P365XL. It's the gun SIG should have come out with before the P365. It shoots like a much larger gun.

This is my thought. I get wanting to stay with one platform but if you're considering a 43/48 that's not really the same platform, that's why Glock took so long to make one.

P365XL does a lot of things very well.

[Totem Polar]

Sounds like you need a G26 and a JMCK IWB#3 holster. Do some work with that, and you’ll probably set.

This. Now that you’ve fleshed things out a bit for us, the G26 is sort of floating to the top, out of a solid laundry list of good options. Honestly, the G26 is probably an even easier button for generic joe blow CCW than the venerated G19. Given that you have a 17 already, I’d say get a Gen 5 26, the JMCK, and worry about a really good class (eg. ECQC or other vetted coursework in the same tier) and move on to posting in the unarmed and meme threads.

JMO, but hey, everyone has an opinion.
:)

[Bucky]

Every time see these threads, I start thinking about the P365. The I shoot the range rental and I’m just meh. Doesn’t help I shoot my 43 freakishly well for its size.

[camsdaddy]

Every time see these threads, I start thinking about the P365. The I shoot the range rental and I’m just meh. Doesn’t help I shoot my 43 freakishly well for its size.

Sometimes what makes the most sense on paper doesn't make the most sense at the range. I understand.

[757_Magnum]

HammerStriker

Before you start looking at other guns, I'd look at your belt and holster first. Those two things make a HUGE difference in your ability to carry comfortably and with minimal printing. The choices are overwhelming, and a lot of it seems well made, but the good stuff is designed with little details that sets it apart. Stick with the brands popular on P-F for now (JM Custom, Dark Star Gear, etc), get a good stiff belt, and you're more likely to hit that "ah hah!" moment. At your size and frame, you shouldn't have much trouble carrying the P-01 or G17. I'm 5'5" with a somewhat athletic frame, and I wear fairly close fitting clothes. I can carry a G19 with RMR at 4 o'clock in a JM Custom IWB 3.0 with all but the most form fitting shirts in the summer, and I a little paranoid about printing. I've fallen asleep for a cat nap with that setup on me quite a few times. I carry a G26 with RMR whenever printing is more of an issue.

If you're going to stick with the P-01, make sure to practice that DA transition instead of being lazy and loading from slide lock at a static range with the hammer already cocked. If you do try out a new gun, I'd highly suggest the G19 if you find the 17 too big for you. There's plenty of reasons that so many on this forum and others suggest it. It's not always the right answer in the end, though it usually is, but IMHO it's probably the best baseline to start off with. Take some classes, compete, and learn to shoot well with it, THEN decide whether or not it works for you. If it doesn't, you'll be better able to articulate why it doesn't. I wish I understood this bit of wisdom back when I first started shooting and carrying, but I hadn't discovered P-F back then. Even if I did, I don't think I would have been ready for what it had to offer.

[vcdgrips]

Late to the party.

As you already have a 17 (if I gleaned that correctly from other posts in the thread), I would angle hard toward the G26.

If you wanted to go a different way, the P365 has a lot of fans in the BTDT (LEO/MIL/GOVT/COMP) crowd that would make me take a look.

I concur x100 that a purposed designed belt mated with a purpose designed holster makes all the difference in the world re concealment.
You mentioned a black leather dress belt-I would gravitate toward something 1.25 to 1.5 inches thick ( 1.5 inch tapering to 1.00- 1.25 inches is optimum if you are a traditional IWB (3-4:30 RH)
as the belt faces up less bulky out to the world.

Finally, from the legal point of view, concealed means concealed, it does not mean invisible to the trained eye at 1 meter. I fully acknowledge that there may be other drivers other than legal re you not wanting to "print."

[KevH]

Every time see these threads, I start thinking about the P365. The I shoot the range rental and I’m just meh. Doesn’t help I shoot my 43 freakishly well for its size.

Try the P365XL. It's a different animal.

[DM-SC]

Try the P365XL. It's a different animal.P365X is the best variant, IMHO.

For OWB for on or behind the hip, the shorter slide doesn't make a lot of difference.

For AIWB or my favorite position , OWB at 2-3 o'clock, it makes a more noticeable difference.

It definitely makes a difference for pocket carry.

I made my own by installing the XL grip on my P365.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[Shoresy]

I would go Glock 26. I don’t think carrying the 17 is insurmountable, but I’m not you. The 26 is a great option all around especially if you shoot it as well as a 17.

To answer your closing question. I’ve owned and carried both single and double stack pistols. I wouldn’t say it’s as simple as “gone there and back” but I didn’t find that the single stack comfort/concealability (while present) was substantial enough to be a deciding factor. In a gun safe drawdown, a Glock 26 would be one of the last pistols standing.

[RevolverRob]

If you have a G17 - buy a G26 - buy a JMCK or Dark Star Gear holster. - Maybe add a pinky extension to a G26 mag - drive on.

-

Personally, when I think about buying a new gun - I go look at my favorite holster makers and see what they make. For instance, I like all of my Dark Star Gear holsters.

They make holsters for:

Glock: All except G42, but including Polymer80 variants
Beretta: 92 (all variants)
HK: P30 and VP9 (and the HK45C typically fits in P30 holsters)
Sig: P226, P320, P365/365XL
Smith and Wesson: Shield (9/40), M&P 9/40 all lengths, J-Frame up to 3" barrel
Ruger: LCR up to 3" barrel
Walther: PDP/PPQ

--

Maybe won't be a surprise then if my next gun is something on that list. It might also not be, I might go to JMCK or Fury Carry Systems for holsters - I've used them quite a bit too. But in general, I like to maintain support gear - So if it isn't made by Dark Star, JMCK, Fury, or 5-Shot Leather - I probably won't own one.

[RJ]

I made my own by installing the XL grip on my P365.



It's interesting, I'm on a few other sites, and it seems like every time P365 users say they like their gun, they post a picture with the 12 round mag inserted. :cool:

[DM-SC]

It's interesting, I'm on a few other sites, and it seems like every time P365 users say they like their gun, they post a picture with the 12 round mag inserted. :cool:The P365 grip is really short. I have medium-sized hands, and it feels short. That's great for concealment.

I tried the 12rd mag in the short P365 grip.

Once I purchased a P365XL, I liked the feel better. Still concealable, too.

I thought both setups would feel the same, but the XL grip feels better to me.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[Cool Breeze]

If you want to train with a gun that is also your conceal carry, I wouldn't go smaller than G19/M&P Compact. You might be able to pull off at G26 because it shoots well. A g43 is not a training gun and does not shoot close to g26.

[L-2]

As I saw this thread being still active, I decided to check or revisit it to see if any progress (or purchase) has yet been made. It's now been two days since this thread started and no word as to what was/is being bought.

I thought about this thread some more, and decided to add the OP might also want to plan on at least two handguns in the event one is down or lost for any reason. Ammo, holster(s), and other related equipment & supplies will also be needed. Choosing one handgun can easily become three times just the handgun price. Do plan accordingly. No response necessary.

'back to whatever else I was doing now...

[SecondsCount]

I'm a similar size and build, and find that while just about anything can be carried, the more slimmer and lighter the gun, the more likely you are to carry it.

The M&P 9c 2.0 is a nice pistol with soft/contoured edges which will help reduce printing. It has a lot of upgrades that come standard above the other striker models on your list.

[psalms144.1]

Gen5 G26 is the "easy button" if you already have a G17 and shoot it well. When you say you were surprised at how well you shot one at 7 yards, no offense, but that's not a test. Any reasonable competent shooter should be able to pick up a Yeet Cannon and shoot it "well" at 7 yards. The G26 is a good shooter, where it falls behind, dramatically, is in handling and reloads, which are SIGNIFICANTLY harder to pull off under pressure with the G26 than a 19/17.

The other "issue" with the G26 is it's kinda brick like. I don't mind carrying it on the belt, but if I'm using a belt holster, I can just as well carry a G19, which is a lot easier to handle and manipulate under pressure.

The "slim line" pistol are really game changing for EDC guns, IMHO. I very strongly DISlike the G43 because it's really hard to hold onto in recoil, and, compared to similarly sized pistols, is capacity challenged. The P365 family and the Shield Plus, on the other hand, are really something different.

- The P365 is smaller than the G43, but holds 10+1, and, in my opinion, is easier to run at speed than the G43. The P365X and XL are WILDLY better in the hand than the 43, offer twice the capacity, are more mechanically accurate, and easier to shoot at speed, reload, and generally handle. Comparing the X/XL to the 43X/48, I prefer Sig's offerings over either Glock - better trigger, slightly better capacity, softer shooting, and, most importantly, easier to "run" fast given much better texturing on the grip.

- The Shield Plus is another strong contender. Larger than the 43/365, it offers a VERY good compromise of capacity and shootability. I find it softer shooting than even the 365XL, and light years better than any of the Glocks. I also find it to be the most mechanically accurate of all of the pistols listed, matched to a superb trigger that makes it easy to wring out that potential accuracy. From a size perspective, it's about exactly equal to the 365X, which seems to be the darling of the Sig lineup today.

Lastly to the point of "training with what you carry" - I completely agree. But I would NOT take a professional, intensive training course with any "mini" pistol - not even the G26. And, frankly, I don't find any of the options to be SOO far off from the larger pistols to make training with a "real" gun not translate well to shooting the "carry" pistol.

Right now, I'm enamored of the 365XL MS, mainly because the grip angle most closely mimics that of the 1911s I'm generally shooting as my "real" guns, and the manual safety is a nice touch. I also have a Shield Plus that, frankly, shoots better than the XL, but it points high for me when transitioning from 1911s, which is a PITA that I'd rather not deal with, and the manual safety version is, frankly, craptastic. I have a good friend who's been a "if it's not GLOCK, it's CRAP!" guy for several decades now, who, after shooting my Shield Plus, sold both his EDC 26, and his G43 "pocket" pistol, with no complaints of missing either. He has no trouble going back and forth between his duty G19 and the Shield Plus...

[Cool Breeze]

Gen5 G26 is the "easy button" if you already have a G17 and shoot it well. When you say you were surprised at how well you shot one at 7 yards, no offense, but that's not a test. Any reasonable competent shooter should be able to pick up a Yeet Cannon and shoot it "well" at 7 yards. The G26 is a good shooter, where it falls behind, dramatically, is in handling and reloads, which are SIGNIFICANTLY harder to pull off under pressure with the G26 than a 19/17.

The other "issue" with the G26 is it's kinda brick like. I don't mind carrying it on the belt, but if I'm using a belt holster, I can just as well carry a G19, which is a lot easier to handle and manipulate under pressure.

The "slim line" pistol are really game changing for EDC guns, IMHO. I very strongly DISlike the G43 because it's really hard to hold onto in recoil, and, compared to similarly sized pistols, is capacity challenged. The P365 family and the Shield Plus, on the other hand, are really something different.

- The P365 is smaller than the G43, but holds 10+1, and, in my opinion, is easier to run at speed than the G43. The P365X and XL are WILDLY better in the hand than the 43, offer twice the capacity, are more mechanically accurate, and easier to shoot at speed, reload, and generally handle. Comparing the X/XL to the 43X/48, I prefer Sig's offerings over either Glock - better trigger, slightly better capacity, softer shooting, and, most importantly, easier to "run" fast given much better texturing on the grip.

- The Shield Plus is another strong contender. Larger than the 43/365, it offers a VERY good compromise of capacity and shootability. I find it softer shooting than even the 365XL, and light years better than any of the Glocks. I also find it to be the most mechanically accurate of all of the pistols listed, matched to a superb trigger that makes it easy to wring out that potential accuracy. From a size perspective, it's about exactly equal to the 365X, which seems to be the darling of the Sig lineup today.

Lastly to the point of "training with what you carry" - I completely agree. But I would NOT take a professional, intensive training course with any "mini" pistol - not even the G26. And, frankly, I don't find any of the options to be SOO far off from the larger pistols to make training with a "real" gun not translate well to shooting the "carry" pistol.

Right now, I'm enamored of the 365XL MS, mainly because the grip angle most closely mimics that of the 1911s I'm generally shooting as my "real" guns, and the manual safety is a nice touch. I also have a Shield Plus that, frankly, shoots better than the XL, but it points high for me when transitioning from 1911s, which is a PITA that I'd rather not deal with, and the manual safety version is, frankly, craptastic. I have a good friend who's been a "if it's not GLOCK, it's CRAP!" guy for several decades now, who, after shooting my Shield Plus, sold both his EDC 26, and his G43 "pocket" pistol, with no complaints of missing either. He has no trouble going back and forth between his duty G19 and the Shield Plus...

This is a very thorough post on the subject and I can attest to all of it (except the sig stuff as I have never owned or shot a sig 365). I was just too lazy to write it all out. I did add a hogue grip sleeve to my 43 and it made it a ton more shootable (better support hand grip resulting in a much less snappy pistol).Probably negates the whole super slim 9mm pistol though as it does add a bit of width but I don't really notice it while carrying it. Truth be told - I carry a g19 so its still slimmer than that.

ETA - this is probably going to be a two gun purchase. If I was going to do it, I would go with a g19-sized gun and if that didn't work, you could go slim and trim and use the first purchase as your training gun/carry gun when you want to go bigger. Unfortunately, the 365 series hottness is not something I can comment on but it could be the goldilocks for you. I just have a bad taste in my mouth regarding sig and that's more an emotional thing than it is a functional thing.