Advice for the next "step up" gun

[toddlinder]

Currently have a Taurus PT111 Pro (9mm) used as my carry gun for a few years - it has been good to me. Now I am ready to move up to a $500-600 gun and am looking for:
- lightweight (currently at 19 oz or so empty)
- compact or sub (3.5 or 4" barrel)

I am thinking that puts in the Glock 26 world, or the S&W M&P compact. There are some Sigs out there but they look a little to heavy for me. I would have liked an XD, but when I hold one the "feel" is not quite right for me (bummer). Anything else that you like in that price range? Thanks.

[dcphoto]

Currently have a Taurus PT111 Pro (9mm) used as my carry gun for a few years - it has been good to me. Now I am ready to move up to a $500-600 gun and am looking for:
- lightweight (currently at 19 oz or so empty)
- compact or sub (3.5 or 4" barrel)

I am thinking that puts in the Glock 26 world, or the S&W M&P compact. There are some Sigs out there but they look a little to heavy for me. I would have liked an XD, but when I hold one the "feel" is not quite right for me (bummer). Anything else that you like in that price range? Thanks.

Other than the want of a new gun, if the PT111 has been working for a few years why would you change that?

Have you tried the XDm? You can change the backstrap on the XDm so if you really want one, a different backstrap might be the ticket for you. The store shouldn't have any problem letting you try the different sizes. If they give you grief about changing the backstrap it might be time to find a different store.

[toddlinder]

Yes, I should try the "XDm" with different backstraps and see if that is any better.

I should say that I have a little money and am interested in another gun . . . which may become my carry gun some day. I do like the pt111, but if I had a Kimber I bet that would quickly become my carry gun (but I'm not "stepping up" that far yet).

[G26ster]

Can't go wrong with a Glock sub-compact . You pick the caliber.

[Pinkycatcher]

Try a Glock compact, I carry a G19, which while a little thick and long handled, I can't shoot a smaller grip, it's just too short for comfort. I'm 5'10" 140, so pretty thin, but I still conceal it well without too much of a bump. Though I have to carry it at about 5 oclock, I love it.

[gigag04]

Glock is great.

Can't go wrong with a Khar either.

[OldCannon]

Glock is great.

Can't go wrong with a Khar either.

Yeah, the Kahr 9mm pistol is a little pocket wonder. I agree with the earlier post with Glock 19 vs Glock 26 - carry the G19 if you can. My daughter carries both, with the G26 in a belly band as a BUG. Dimensionally speaking, I don't think that I would give up the comfort and controllability of the G19 for a G26. To each their own though.

Ruger also has a compact version of their SR9 now, although I've never owned/shot one.

[PJK]

The Glock is great! It is the only semi-auto firearm that I have that has never had a FTF. There has never been a single issue with it.

I personally carry a Glock 26. It has the Pierce grip extension to give a place for the pinky. I also have a few 19 Magazines for when I am at the range or sport shooting. It fits great IWB in the Comp-Tac MTAC holster.

There are many on here that think they cannot compare to a 1911. I agree that the 1911's are great guns, and I have 2 now. However when it hits the fan I want something that never fails. That is my Glock.

[.45mac.40]

Not a 5-600 dollar pistol ( approx. 458 bucks ) but....
I find my CW40 fit and ready, for any nasty, Texas weather !
Carried in a Galco Matrix 7 holster.
Six plus one. ( with a spare (( 34 dollars )) sometimes. )
Can't dance any better than that !
Mac .40 > > > >>>>>> # ::: #

[PJK]

I take no credit for this as I just learned about this in another thread. Apparently if you join GSSF for $35 year, you get to buy one Glock at the LEO discount per year. This is about $400 for the Glock 26 with 3 magazines. http://www.gssfonline.com/hot-topics.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I am signing up tonight so that I can go buy the 19 that I have been wanting.

[The Annoyed Man]

Yes, I should try the "XDm" with different backstraps and see if that is any better.

I should say that I have a little money and am interested in another gun . . . which may become my carry gun some day. I do like the pt111, but if I had a Kimber I bet that would quickly become my carry gun (but I'm not "stepping up" that far yet).

The M&P has an interchangeable backstrap too (before the XDM had it). I bought an M&P 45, full sized, at the Forth Worth gun show a few months ago for $599.00, which is right at the top of your price range. I'm sure that the XDM is a good pistol, but don't overlook the M&P. I shot mine just yesterday at the range and was reminded of why I like this pistol so much.

[A-R]

another nod for Glock. Really can't go wrong with one as long as they fit your hands with relative comfort. Very customizable, endless accessories, holsters etc available. Just need to decide which size - small, medium, large - you want and which caliber. A G26 would be an almost direct replacement for your Taurus. A .40-cal or .357-Sig Glock would allow you to switch barrels and fire both calibers (plus conversion barrels also allow you to fire 9mm and conversion kits allow you to fire .22LR - thus four calibers in one gun if you want to go nuts with it). Also the Glock 36 is .45-cal single stack that is very close in size and weight to a Glock 19/23/32 "mid-size" standard caliber Glock.

Also suggest you look at Walther PPS. I've been very impressed with mine. The single stack "thin" design is extremely comfortable to carry inside the waistband. And it functions just like a Glock - trigger safety, striker fired etc - and despite it's thinner profile (less than one inch wide, compared to about 1.2 for a Glock) it can actually use many holsters designed for Glock (as long as they're not "molded" kydex or leather types).

And don't blow of Sig entirely, a P239 wouldn't be that much heavier than your Taurus. Just depends which trigger system you like better - Sig style or Glock style - both are phenomenal weapons.

Also Ruger SR9c, Beretta PX4 series ...

[Stupid]

Walther PPS is nice but not cheap either.

Glock subcompact would be great. XDm is not quite carry-friendly. A little too big.