A man once said that an accurate firearm is an interesting firearm.

I’ve got a carry permit for my mainland adventures for which I picked up a Glock 26. I find it’s sufficiently accurate for our 25 yard range. Do any of you chaps have experience with subcompacts and micros that would be suitable for me to enjoy here for challenging target shooting as well as for my mainland carry?

If I get something new I’d like to enjoy it year round.

I'll be at Koko Head pistol range with my Glock 43 at 1:30 today if you want to try it.   About 15 yards is the farthest I would shoot it for self defense.

I’d go with a Glock 19 for all year around carry as first choice but would be ok with a 17.

Don’t own a subcompact or smaller, but if I were to look to get one, I’d likely go with a Shield first. I’ve shoot both the 9 and 40 and I felt they both shot well and weren’t as snappy as other smaller handguns. I’ve also shot the 43 and 42 quite a bit. I’d be ok with a 43, but my personal preference would be the Shield.

As for accuracy, I felt that both the Shield and 43 were “accurate enough” for defensive use and on paper at 25 yards. Never tested it, but I wondered about velocity drops as you go from full size, so compact, to smaller. But think all good for what I envision as typical handgun range for defensive use.

ETA: One more thing about micro pistols is that I’ve noticed I have to watch loading/reloading. The shorter grip on some handguns tends to pinch the pinky pad area of my shooting hand. Especially those mags with extensions. Just something I have to watch out for.

Too late for today and working tomorrow so my gun range weekend is hosed. Thanks for the offer, and I agree about self defense ranges.

That said, I hear guys talk about how accurate the PPK is, see various Internet personalities stretch out the range on tiny guns, and from my own experience consistently hitting  set up clay pigeons at 25 yards with my little SR22 and it gets a fellow thinking.

Just because a fellow can’t get out and shoot doesn’t mean he shouldn’t spend his afternoon daydreaming. 

Keltec p11 w/ mag extension

Rule of thumb: Most people can easily conceal a larger pistol than they believe they can.


A few very basic questions you need to answer about the intended firearm:

Are you looking for more of a pocket pistol to eliminate the concealment clothing issues?

Will you be carrying concealed exclusively?

Is your body type sufficient to conceal a larger than compact pistol?

Weight of the firearm is always a factor. Choosing a polymer frame pistol limits available options. Would you be less apt to choose a heavier all-metal pistol, like a 1911?

Have you decided on a caliber?

Do you intend to use a red dot?

Do you mind being limited to 8-10 rds, or is 15 rds a better idea?  Higher capacity = heavier gun, but it also means more rds without carrying more mags.

The smaller the pistol, the less control you'll have, which is why I'm sure you are asking about accuracy.

I hit the 25ft KHSC pistol target 4 out of 5 rds with my G42 .380, but I really had to concentrate. Everyone else trying it out missed 100% of their rds and gave up.


The Sig P320 is available in Carry and Subcompact configurations. The ergonomics are best of all my subcompacts. I have the G26, G30, G42, & S&W Shield 9mm..  That's not including my .22LR 5rd derringer revolver.


I've been considering divesting my collection of 1-2 subcompacts to get the new Sig P365.  Waiting to make sure all the bugs are worked out first. New models tend to have fixes the first year or two.

I really can’t complain about the G26 as an all around work horse.  I’ve found it to be small enough for pocket carry in cargo shorts. I upgraded to a Kore carry belt and the weight ceased to be noticeable. (Who knew a belt could make such a difference?)

And then of course there’s the magazines.

The 365 is definitely sexy.

I’m definitely looking to take on the challenge of shooting some more difficult pistols proficiently.

Springfield XDS in .45 is my carry weapon. 5+1 and I shoot it at 20 yds quite regularly.

Keep in mind that most sd shooting will be at very close range.  I do most of my practice at 3-5 yds, some at 7 and very little over that.  My goal is to get the gun out and fire as quickly as possible and keep the shots in a 6 inch circle.  A laser sight is a huge advantage in this type of shooting practice.

This is a good read on how accurate you and your gun NEED to be.
http://www.gunrightsmedia.com/showthread.php?419421-Real-world-distances-for-self-defense-shooting

The Ruger LCP was part of what got me thinking down these lines. I did some farting around with it on steel at my parents and was pleasantly surprised that with some persistence I was consistent on a man sized steel target at 25yd.

I took it a step further and decided to see if hitting a 12oz can at 25yds was feasible. Sure enough, with some practice I was 1 for 6 shots.

Colt Cobra, Ruger LCR or SP101 or GP100, S&W J or K frame
revolvers are a good choice too.   

Astra A70.( Sig clone De-cocker DA/SA 9mm)
Excam RX 22.( PPK clone DA/SA in .22 cal)

Accurate, small, and reliable.
Carried them for years.
I always depended on accuracy rather than
spray and pray.
But I used to run through 500 rds a week
when I was on the mainland,
so DA/SA wasn't a problem.

Excellent suggestions gentlemen. SP101 has been difficult for me, although I’ve only had a couple chances to shoot it. I had heard people talk about guns pointing well and the 101 really showed me what that could mean. Sights were lined up naturally when brought level.  I’m sure with some practice I could get my groups tight.  Adding a revolver to my stash has been my short list.

And speaking of PPK clones, I’ve decided to go with a Bersa Thunder 380cc for my one size down from the G26. My mother carries one and it shoots well, looks sharp, has a good reputation, and won’t break the bank.

Thanks for the feedback!