Subcompact handguns are outstanding tools. They are great for deep carry and as a secondary weapon. The best gun to carry is the gun you have with you. Thus, if circumstances don’t allow you to carry a mid or full size weapon, then a subcompact gun is better than nothing.
However, they are not designed as a primary weapon system and should not be treated as such. Typically, subcompact guns are not as reliable as full size guns, and they are more difficult to shoot fast and accurate. Subcompacts are intended for deep carry, not extended training sessions. Attending a two day course like General Defensive Handgun is not optimal with a subcompact gun. Learn marksmanship and gun handling on a mid or full size gun then work with the subcompact.
Our favorite subcompacts are the Smith & Wesson J-Frame (Model 442 or 642) and the Polymer 9mm Kahrs (PM9 and P9). Both guns are lightweight, easy to conceal, and are chambered in standard defensive rounds. The J-Frame is the king of reliability for the sub compacts. Typically with the Kahrs, it is obvious in the first few hundred rounds whether or not you have a lemon. If it works, then it is a reliable and serviceable gun. We have seen better reliability with the larger P9.
Another to consider is the subcompact Glock, which is fairly easy to shoot and reliable for a subcompact auto. However, they are not very easy to conceal because they are so thick. Additionally, when a magazine extension is added, a Glock 26 ends up being about as easy to conceal as a Glock 19.
Finally, the Kel-Tec P3AT and Ruger LCP are both workable deep concealment guns. While they struggle in the reliability category, they are extremely slim and easily concealed. While not optimal, the .380 Auto is a serviceable self defense round.
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Since it wasn’t covered with the other Kel-Tecs, I feel the need to mention it. The PF-9 is really an outstanding subcompact, and in 9mm at that. Also, I believe it still holds the title of thinnest 9mm available. The only thing I’d really want is an extended magazine. 7+1 is begging for an extra 2 or 3 rounds
November 23, 2009 11:37 pm By: Quine
What’re your thoughts on the P22?
December 23, 2009 2:09 am By: David
If by P22, you mean the Walther P22, then for a self defense gun it is wholly inadequate. .22 LR is not an acceptable self defense round. Additionally, .22 LR firearms are not reliable. If you want a .22 LR for plinking or training, then I would suggest getting a conversion kit for your main defensive gun.
January 11, 2010 8:42 pm By: Jeff Mau
OK-
It’s August, 90 degrees, and I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt to go to the store in my cruddy White Center neighborhood.
Putting on a jacket to conceal my 586 .357 is unrealistic and even a medium-frame is too big and will foot-print.
I bought my gf the P22 and, honestly, it’s a fun little gun to plink with but, as you pointed out, it’s not a real “stopper.”
I certainly don’t want to argue with a cop about weaponry, or about calibre-size, but in the scenario I point out, what’re the options?
In another consideration, what about for jogging?
Even the *horrors* fanny-pack would be disconcerting for wearing during the run, even if I’d wear one without dying of embarrassment.
I tried this thing:
http://www.hogvalleyproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=294
…but it was a piece of junk.
The sort of thing that I could envision carrying either a medium, compact or sub-compact in would be something like that- flat or non-printing.
I’ve even considered buying a universal holster and a woman’s sport-bra and having Tactical Tailor make something.
Thoughts?
January 15, 2010 12:56 am By: David
You can change what you are wearing for hot-weather clothing rather than changing the firearm you are carrying. Instead of wearing a t-shirt you can wear a hot-weather button up (preferably a print, not a solid color) and wear shorts with belt loops.
For running I carry either a Kahr PM9 or a S&W 442 in an pocket holster inside of an Amphipod “CD” carrier. If I was running with a camelback I would carry it inside the pack.
Immediate access to my handgun while jogging isn’t as much of a concern as it is normally. Presumably, I am already running and continuing to do so is probably more important that getting a gun out.
January 15, 2010 7:23 pm By: John Fogh
Immediate access is of concern to me- as I mentioned in an earlier post, I live in South-Park/White-Center.
My gf pointed out the other day that we can walk to more murder scenes than we can to places that serve food.
Oh.
I no longer run very fast.
The CD carrier idea’s a good one, though- I’ll look and see what options are compatible.
January 16, 2010 5:06 pm By: David