Variety is the Spice of Life

[TexasTornado]

Because of this I'm considering my next handgun...

I currently own a p238 zombie and a p226-MK25





Looking for something in 9mm in a compact/midsize.

I love my SIGs but I'm open to trying something new as long as it's not a Glock (sorry to the diehard glock fans out there).

The biggest issue for me in choosing weapons so far has been the stiffness of the slide release. I just don't have the thumb strength for some of them (like the p938).

Price range under $800 preferred but for the right pistol I can go up a little.

So any suggestions???

P.S. There are bonus points for pretty/unique & functional

[Middle Age Russ]

YMMV, of course, but some manufacturers refer to these devices as slide stops rather than slide releases. Since utilizing the lever to release the slide works well on some guns but not well at all on others, my default method of releasing the slide after a reload is to actually push or pull the slide fully to the rear and release it. This avoids frustration when I run across a gun with a slide stop that doesn't also release well.

There are a boatload of options, including the 938 you mention, if you manipulate the slide yourself rather than focusing on a tiny hard to move lever.

[TexasTornado]

YMMV, of course, but some manufacturers refer to these devices as slide stops rather than slide releases. Since utilizing the lever to release the slide works well on some guns but not well at all on others, my default method of releasing the slide after a reload is to actually push or pull the slide fully to the rear and release it. This avoids frustration when I run across a gun with a slide stop that doesn't also release well.

There are a boatload of options, including the 938 you mention, if you manipulate the slide yourself rather than focusing on a tiny hard to move lever.

The way I look at it, when paying what I do for a weapon, it should work seamlessly for me from day one out of the box. With as many options as there are out there, no reason not to have one that fits you perfectly right?

[Middle Age Russ]

I fully agree that one should get value for your hard earned money, and whatever path you take is certainly your decision. I simply wanted to mention that there might be a different way of manipulating the firearm. Most trainers emphasize using gross motor skills (and bigger muscles) to perform processes that do not specifically require fine-motor skills -- and they teach manipulation of the slide itself to release the slide stop for this reason. Again, though, if an easily functioning slide release lever is a feature you mandate, please don't settle on anything but that.

[TexasTornado]

I fully agree that one should get value for your hard earned money, and whatever path you take is certainly your decision. I simply wanted to mention that there might be a different way of manipulating the firearm. Most trainers emphasize using gross motor skills (and bigger muscles) to perform processes that do not specifically require fine-motor skills -- and they teach manipulation of the slide itself to release the slide stop for this reason. Again, though, if an easily functioning slide release lever is a feature you mandate, please don't settle on anything but that.

I know a lot who teach that way, but I also know if you release too softly it won't feed right. My little lever may take more focus but at least I know it will fire. Guy hands/muscles rarely have these issues. That I do envy ya'll just a tad.

[parabelum]

You should look into Kriss Sphinx 9mm if you want to try something new.

Incredible shooters right out of box. Swiss quality, reliable and built to last.

[TexasTornado]

You should look into Kriss Sphinx 9mm if you want to try something new.

Incredible shooters right out of box. Swiss quality, reliable and built to last.

I will check that one out!

[parabelum]

https://youtu.be/GHse1GY7x0Y

[TexasTornado]

https://youtu.be/GHse1GY7x0Y

Wow. Ok I'm impressed. Not sure where I'd get my hands on one to feel it out tho, and $1300 is quite the price point, not sure I want to go quite that high, but won't completely dismiss the idea for sure.

[flechero]

The way I look at it, when paying what I do for a weapon, it should work seamlessly for me from day one out of the box. With as many options as there are out there, no reason not to have one that fits you perfectly right?

I wish that were true. Being lefty exaggerates it, but few guns have ever been "just right" for me out of the box.

[vjallen75]

I carry an FNS-9 daily, I like the firearm holds 17+1. It does come in a compact version as well. My wife has a problem with racking the slide on my firearm but my firearm is also still on the newer side.

Also I am considering the M&P 9mm double stack with a 17+1 as well. You can get it in a compact double stack or a single stack (M&P shield I believe). Two firearms to think about, although they may not get bonus points

[TexasTornado]

I carry an FNS-9 daily, I like the firearm holds 17+1. It does come in a compact version as well. My wife has a problem with racking the slide on my firearm but my firearm is also still on the newer side.

Also I am considering the M&P 9mm double stack with a 17+1 as well. You can get it in a compact double stack or a single stack (M&P shield I believe). Two firearms to think about, although they may not get bonus points

I will add them to the list to check out. I've been pretty lucky on the cool factor so far with Zombies and Navy SEALs, not really expecting that trend to continue lol.

[Jusme]

The M&P compact may be an option, I have the full size version and love it, but until it was broken in, the slide stop was a bear to release.
I don't have any experience with them but I have been looking at the Beretta Px4 Storm, compact, the slide release is larger than most, which should provide more leverage, and they make one with a 15 round capacity.

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/px4-storm-compact/#Main

[TexasTornado]

The way I look at it, when paying what I do for a weapon, it should work seamlessly for me from day one out of the box. With as many options as there are out there, no reason not to have one that fits you perfectly right?

I wish that were true. Being lefty exaggerates it, but few guns have ever been "just right" for me out of the box.

I know it has taken me on average 6 months to decide on a pistol each time I've decided to add to my collection. I tend to handle a lot of them before I find something that fits me well. Being a lefty would make that a lot harder tho. Best advice I can give is just to take your time...seems to be a numbers game more than anything. When you have that ahaa moment...order it.

[TexasTornado]

The M&P compact may be an option, I have the full size version and love it, but until it was broken in, the slide stop was a bear to release.
I don't have any experience with them but I have been looking at the Beretta Px4 Storm, compact, the slide release is larger than most, which should provide more leverage, and they make one with a 15 round capacity.

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/px4-storm-compact/#Main

15 rounds would be a nice carry option. Right now I only get 15 with a spare mag and 1 chambered.