Help with my next pistol?

[Scott321]

IMO, if you are really a Glock fan, than anything with even slightly different chracteristics might seem like a compromise to you. I am not that into Glocks myself, but can't deny their functionality and reputation for reliability (although not so much with me). The grip angle angles the slide closer to the hand (why everyone talks about low bore axis). You really need to rent some other types of guns to figure out if you want to retrain yourself to different brands that point differently than Glock or have different triggers (some brands have a similar raked grip).

In regards to muzzle flip and compromised wrist condition...

Back in the day, they had a larger Glock 380 available in europe (not the compact available in the US recently). If you are interested in other types of pistols, the old Colt mustang had pretty light recoil (Sig's 232 had a lot of recoil for a 380). I can only assume that the older Beretta 84 and 85 would be pretty light in the recoil department. The 92 is a joy with 9mm.

I like Kahr, but I do notice some muzzle flip on the 9's, even on the K9 (not a lot of recoil but more muzzle flip than on the longer barreled guns). I didn't notice much difference in kick/flip between my CM9, K9, and a rented G43. I have never tried a ported gun. Additionally, although it's been a long time since I've fired a 26 (probably 15 years), I do remember that it seemed to have less muzzle flip than my K9... I'm not sure if it was because of the grip angle though. Although with a 9mm and proper technique, we might just be splitting hairs. Also, if you're not into shooting revolvers, you probably won't like the Kahr trigger.

Last, I have a friend who is recoil sensitive and ended up purchasing a Commander size 1911 in 9mm. Similarly, an ex-Marine I worked with abroad (no offense meant as he would proudly say that their is no such thing as an 'ex'-Marine, but he is out of the service now) also carries a 1911 style 9mm that he swears by.

Something else to consider, but I can't vouch for it... I heard somewhere that a mounted flashlight reduces the muzzle flip. Similarly, I've heard that heavier guide rods also reduce muzzle flip, but I've never tested them side by side... and as mentioned before, there's always the ported barrels.

 

[Krav]

When I put this light on my glock 17 it reduced felt recoil so much I can put 500 rounds through it in a session without really any wrist issues. Just that extra ounce or so helps a lot on the front.

Guess I'm a glock fan, I think I have more problems with the "labels" than anything. Lol
When first got into firearms I researched alot and came to the conclusion for a amatuer, a glock 17 would be my best first gun. Simple, reliable, easy to stip and clean. Easy to do upgrades, night sites, lighter trigger.

I'll bet if I started with some other firearm I'd probably be a fan of that gun. It's the high bore axis and consistant trigger pull that I like.

I'm open to all firearms, I understand some people don't like the glocks, usually because of the grip angle. I don't mind hearing why people don't like glocks.

I've been researching the sig p365. So these pistols had some issues when they first came out. Primer drag, could fire if dropped a certain way, and after the magazine was empty the slide lock wouldn't lock back.

Sounds like if you get a p365 with a born date of May 2018 or after, these problems have all been fixed. Even hearing of people sending their pistols to sig, and they fix all these issues for you no problem.

 

[PMCsoldier]

The Sig 365 is an outstanding firearm with great recoil to time on target for subsequent shots. I see a lot of guys here are Glock guys, nothing wrong with that, I own them I sometimes shoot them. Glock is definitely not the end all be all of handguns and if the movie Die Hard had never mentioned them it is this soldiers opinion they would have never gained such a following. My advice is definitely go with the Sig. My wife carries one and my mom who has Lupus and severe arthritis carries one as well. I carry one as a back up. Outstanding battle equipment.

 

[Horsewright]

Thanks horsewright, I did see the colt mustang and always wondered how it shoots. Looks like the sig 938 size, but I've never practice shooting with any gun with a safety. I'm not sure if I want to go there.

Your leather work always amazed me, that's some great work. Always Love your photos.

Thanks for the kind words on our leather. Safeties are just training and very easy to acquire that muscle memory. Been thinking about this thread a lot and have re read your original post several times. Sounds like your happy with G26 as a carry gun and are really looking more for a fun gun. How bout something completely in left field but have ya considered a double action revolver. Smith K frame with .38s has very little recoil, they are fun and cheap to shoot and are carry able if needed. Plus and here's the big part, you are widening your skill set. The same could be said about a Commander size 1911 in 9mm. A blast to shoot, very little recoil, the cheapest centerfire to shoot and again widening your skill set. If you are looking at replacing your G26 as a carry gun that Sig 365 looks like a very viable option. If you are looking for something to shoot more for fun. Lots of options.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I will just add ... I've seen ported barrels mentioned a few times ...

a ported barrel can reduce felt recoil ... but keep in mind if this will be a carry gun ... the ported barrel can cause temporary loss of your night vision if fired in the dark ... the gases coming out the ports can be an extremely bright flash ... and wouldn't be my first choice for a carry gun ...

now since you should have a flashlight in any night shooting situation to start with to definately identify your target before firing ... the flashlight does counteract that affect some but it can still interfer with you night vision ... just food for thought.

 

[Krav]

Thanks for the kind words on our leather. Safeties are just training and very easy to acquire that muscle memory. Been thinking about this thread a lot and have re read your original post several times. Sounds like your happy with G26 as a carry gun and are really looking more for a fun gun. How bout something completely in left field but have ya considered a double action revolver. Smith K frame with .38s has very little recoil, they are fun and cheap to shoot and are carry able if needed. Plus and here's the big part, you are widening your skill set. The same could be said about a Commander size 1911 in 9mm. A blast to shoot, very little recoil, the cheapest centerfire to shoot and again widening your skill set. If you are looking at replacing your G26 as a carry gun that Sig 365 looks like a very viable option. If you are looking for something to shoot more for fun. Lots of options.

Your right, I guess I have three categories for pistols. CCW, target pistols, home defense.
The G-26 is my CCW, the G-17 is my home defense, the CZ 75-sp01 was my target pistols.


I'm still stuck on the idea of CCW, single stack or the P365. Or just get a fun gun, different, for the range, but also could be used as a carry gun, or home defense. Looks like I'll be able to go to the range tomorrow, I'll definitely try some revolvers, I do like expanded my experience with different firearms.

I'm hoping when I try some different firearms I'll get to one that takes the cake for whatever reason.

The HK VP -9 was a amazing pistol, I had problems with the sight picture. Really weird, if I wanted tight groups I really had to concentrate? I'm going into this open minded, I'm in no rush, even a 1911 is a possibility.

I think I'll know tomorrow after the range which direction I'm going. Thanks for all the input.

 

[Scott321]

...or the P365...

Thought I'd add since you are considering the P365. They are coming out with a P365XL which you might check out too. I told myself I wouldn't purchase any more 9mm's under 3.4" barrels (I have a CM9) so I might check out that XL when it comes out myself.

+1 on the revolver (if you're considering them). I love my 66-8 2.75". Although I mostly shoot magnums through it, .38 target loads are very light.

 

[Krav]

I've seen that, I see the p-365 has a 15-round magazine available. It be great if they had one to rent, if not maybe someone will be using one and let me give it a try.

 

[Lapedog]

I was watching reviews on the FNH FN Five- seveN 5.7x28mm Semi Auto Pistol.

Looks like a really nice gun.

It’s cool and has alot of mystique around it since it is the 5.7mm stablemate of the p90. However if you have never handled one be warned that the polymer slide plus the fact it is actually quite a chunky gun make it feel like a Fischer Price toy. At least to me.

I was surprised by how bulky it was since I figured 5.7mm would translate into a tighter package gun, whereas it feels bulky and awkward and is more of a full service pistol size.

I also found the grip angle extremely awkward but that may be a personal thing and depend on an individual’s hands.

 

[Scott321]

I've only handled the Five Seven (didn't shoot it), but would have purchased it if it was less expensive. I did however, get a PS90. The Five Seven is pretty large, and you might have problems finding accessories. I know a lot of people complain about the cost of FN ammo, but in my area (very anti 2A) its around $35 for 50. Thats about what I pay for WWB 45 JHP. As a comaprison, a 20 round box of 45 HST's is around $35 here. I haven't tried AE 5.7 but rumors had it they were problematic.

Edit: I guess I should add, if you just want a fun gun, if you haven't picked up a .22lr (rifle or pistol) you are really missing out.

 

[hank_rearden]

This old codger has had it with Roscoes. Now I'm looking at dedicated .38 specials that weight at least 2 1/2 pounds, with at least 4 inches of barrel. Also looking for .380 ACP with Glock 17 dimensions.

 

[fishface5]

When you get to the range and start renting everything you can get your hands on, I recommend 2 things:

(1) try shooting a couple shots without using the sights, to see where each gun naturally points for you - I think this is useful to know for reference in a SD firearm that you want to be able to use capably when under stress and in imperfect conditions

(2) spend the money on some hot defensive loads to see how they feel, they are always much stouter than plinking ammo. Hot .380 in a small gun can be surprisingly exciting

I used to have a kahr in 9mm for a if-I-need-to-carry gun, and liked it ok, but when I eventually tried the above 2 tests I realized it wasn't optimal for me. I decided to get an m&p shield, based on reading and then holding one, but then tested it against several other rental guns and ended up with . . . a glock 36! I am more accurate shooting a 1911 target-style, but when shooting grab-and-blast, fill-a-bad-guy-with-lead style the g36 is way ahead. That little guy packs a wallop but works great for me. Whereas my friends with smaller hands and less shooting time hate it. So you never know what will be best for you until you try!

 

[Krav]

Just got back from the range. I was able to rent a sig saurer p365 and a M&P sheild. Both are great guns. I shoot the shield a little bit better than the p365.

The p 365 is a small handy pistol, small grip, not to bad of a kick at all. I like the set up, with the night sites, decent trigger. I checked the casings for primer drag and I didn't see anything crazy so that's good.

The sheild is a great size, bigger than the p365, great shooter also. I only put 50 rounds through each, part of the rule is when you rent a pistol you have to use their ammo for the rentals. Not a big deal. I was shooting from 3 yards and 7 yards, my groups were better with the shield.

Both were acceptable with felt recoil, so either one is a possibility.

While I was leaving I seen a sig saurer 320 with a reflex site installed ready for sale.....

They had three revolvers but they were being used at the time, also have a G-43 I can rent, and a 42.

I have large hands, but XL in width. Wide palms, the p365 disappeared in my hands. The owner said I should try a lcp next time, small pistol, but without the extra weight of the p365. I shot one years ago and it seemed a little snappy because of the size. Plus the more I practice the better I get with shooting techniques.

I'll have to stop by there again before I make a decision .

Even the choice between the p365 and the shield is a hard decision. The sig you get one in the chamber and 10 in the mag. And Sig is making a 15 round mag. I'll bet the sig saurer p365 xl is a beauty. Sheild had a 8 round magazine and one in the chamber. Looked like it was a extended mag too. Both were thinner than the G-26. The p365 would be a dream to conceal carry, the shield wasn't much bigger, still thin, and felt great in my hand.

I guess if I had to pick one now. it would be the p365. Shield is much cheaper but a fantastic firearm.

 

[jaseman]

I was watching reviews on the FNH FN Five- seveN 5.7x28mm Semi Auto Pistol.

Looks like a really nice gun.

If are looking at FNH's you shouldn't hesitate trying one. The FNS in one of my favorite pistols. Fantastic trigger imo, really well deigned and just a pleasure to shoot. They are at really enticing prices online atm.

Biggest problem with the Five-seveN is feeding it. Finding ammo can be hit-or-miss depending on where you shop, and is often quite expensive.

I'll gibe another nod to the FNS though. I have an FNS-40c and absolutely love it. Well balanced, sweet trigger, comfortable to shoot even for a compact .40... the only downside is it's a double stack, so can be a bit unwieldy if you carry IWB (OWB is a non-issue).

Thanks horsewright, I did see the colt mustang and always wondered how it shoots. Looks like the sig 938 size, but I've never practice shooting with any gun with a safety. I'm not sure if I want to go there.

Between the two, the 938 is the better gun, just as an FYI.

Sig 938 - mini 1911, father owns one and everyone else i've talked to who does loves it.

The 938 is an absolute joy to shoot for such a compact 9mm. Even better is the 238 if you're willing to go .380. My wife has the 238 as her carry piece, and I like it much better than my LCP. Only problem is I've moved away from external safeties for my primary carry pieces, which is why I haven't picked up a 938 for myself.

 

[DanH45]

If you want a fun gun that can also serve ccw or home def duty it is really hard to beat a 1911. Especially if single stack is in the criteria.

 

[jaseman]

If you want a fun gun that can also serve ccw or home def duty it is really hard to beat a 1911. Especially if single stack is in the criteria.

As much as I love 1911's, I have a hard time recommending them to someone for CCW. There are two primary reasons for this...

1. Size and weight. Let's face it, a 1911 is a heavy gun. Heavy enough that without the proper rig, it can get uncomfortable to wear all day. But it's also very long. I occasionally carry mine IWB, and it goes halfway down my thigh, and I'm a tall guy. The combination size and weight will prevent a lot of people from carrying regularly, choosing to leave it at home more often than not.

Yes, you could go with a commander size, which carries much easier, but a lot of the commander size 1911's can be quite finicky. Especially if the spring weight is off just a hair. Not that a commander can't be reliable, I just know enough that are, that I wouldn't recommend one to carry who isn't already well versed in the platform.

2. The external safety. For carry, I've gone away from guns with external safety. It's just one more thing to go wrong in a stressful situation. I've seen enough people fumble with a safety at the range, to worry about what would happen if they needed to truely rely on their gun. Yes, you can make it muscle memory to automatically thumb the safety off, but the vast majority of gun owners barely practice at the range, let alone do draw and fire drills to build that muscle memory.


Like I said, I'm very fond of the 1911 platform (and even similar SOA guns like the 238/938). And it's a fine carry gun for those who love them and are willing to regularly train. But for the average Joe, who might only go to the range once or twice a year, and isn't gonna build the muscle memory to work an external safety, I'll recommend something else every time.

Just my two cents though, YMMV

 

[DanH45]

I ccw a full size steel frame 1911 every day without issue. My officer size 1911s are very reliable, as are commanders. External safety prevents Glock leg. And, this isn't his primary carry weapon.

 

[DocJD]

Glock leg

Is that shooting oneself ? That's just poor training or lack of practice . Glock "manual of arms" is very simple and perfectly safe if followed . Much easier to master than the 1911, for the beginner .

 

[V-1]

If you can break away from Glocks, I would highly recommend a Sig P365. Had the pleasure of shooting and carrying one for a little while. Extremely impressive design with great fit and finish. It was accurate and never jammed once, Ran about a dozen different HP's through it.

 

[Krav]

I'm working today, but I'm off tomorrow. I might swing back on over to the range to try a couple more pistols. I really liked shooting the p365. I just need to shoot it some more I think, I'm used to double stacks.