Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2021
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    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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    Default Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Hello,

    I've had my CCW for over a year now after coming of age, but the 2 pistols I have are way too big for that purpose. I'd like to get a compact 9mm pistol more tailored to me, but also doesn't break the bank either ($400). I did some looking around and found some possible candidates:

    -Bersa TPR9C
    -S&W M2.0 Compact
    -Glock 48

    If anyone has any experience with these firearms please let me know, all seem good both in reliability and price. However, if you have other suggestions I'd be willing to hear you out. I don't have any experience with compact pistols, so I'm asking for some wisdom if you'd spare it. Thanks-

    added 1/8/2022:
    I got to hold all three today (Glock 43x, sig p365 xl, and s&w shield plus), however no local ranges have them for rent. Long shot, but would anyone be willing to let me shoot theirs? I'd compensate you for it, I just want to know before I sink money into one. Send me a pm, thanks again-
    Last edited by Ramencat57; January 9th, 2022 at 01:47 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Boondocks, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Your best bet is to try some out to see what works for you. There are a lot of options out there.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
    (Westmoreland County)
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Not sure what breaking the bank point is but I will say that I just got a Sig P365XL and really like it. Very slim but pinky still fits. Overall, much more comfortable in the hand than my Beretta PX4 Storm Sub-Compact or M&P Shield. Lots of promos around so definitely shop around.
    "Because I'm an American." - MtnJack

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    In the woods, Pennsylvania
    Posts
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Don*t overlook the recent spat of micro compacts with larger capacity magazines. Sig 365 was the first. Ruger, smith and Wesson, Springfield and Taurus all now have a version.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    jersey shore, Pennsylvania
    (Lycoming County)
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Quote Originally Posted by Ramencat57 View Post
    Hello,

    I've had my CCW for over a year now after coming of age, but the 2 pistols I have are way too big for that purpose. I'd like to get a compact 9mm pistol more tailored to me, but also doesn't break the bank either. I did some looking around and found some possible candidates:

    -Bersa TPR9C
    -S&W M2.0 Compact
    -Glock 48

    If anyone has any experience with these firearms please let me know, all seem good both in reliability and price. However, if you have other suggestions I'd be willing to hear you out. I don't have any experience with compact pistols, so I'm asking for some wisdom if you'd spare it. Thanks-
    This is going to be subjective for everyone. Best bet is to find a range that rents guns and test some out. I know there's one south of Harrisburg fairly close to you.

    As for the ones you listed, I've shot the 48 and S&W before. Either would work fine, whichever fits you better. I have no experience with the bersa.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Glenmoore, Pennsylvania
    (Chester County)
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,577
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    21474854

    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    These threads are silly, because EVERY post will recommend a different pistol.

    Btw, Smith Shield is my carry piece.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Upper Bucks, Pennsylvania
    (Bucks County)
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    P365
    Hellcat

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    PENNSYLVANIA, Pennsylvania
    Age
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Glock 19 can find them used around $ 400 .

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Cranberry Twp, Pennsylvania
    (Butler County)
    Posts
    978
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    Quote Originally Posted by R L Suehr View Post
    This is going to be subjective for everyone. Best bet is to find a range that rents guns and test some out. I know there's one south of Harrisburg fairly close to you.

    As for the ones you listed, I've shot the 48 and S&W before. Either would work fine, whichever fits you better. I have no experience with the bersa.
    ^^This - focus more on something you feel comfortable handling/shooting reliably and accurately, find a range that rents them or maybe ask some friends to try theirs. It's too easy to buy one you *think* is going to be great, then you end up shooting it and/or carrying it and hate it; next thing you know its sitting in the safe.
    -Brandon


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Erie, Pennsylvania
    (Erie County)
    Posts
    75
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    Default Re: Help choosing a compact 9mm pistol

    I'd look at the m&p shield+
    Sig P365
    Mossberg MC2sc
    Taurus GX4
    Ruger Max 9
    Springfield Hellcat
    Glock 43x

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