I'm in the market for a new (or used) compact and had a couple questions for the other enthusiasts out there. First, I've been looking at the Glock 23/23c or the S&W M&P 40 as my first two choices, mostly because I've heard good things about these two models but also because I am on somewhat of a budget. I'd like to go with a .40 since I already have a .45, I am open to a 9mm but just have limited experience with them. Does anyone have any experience with either of these weapons? Is there any other models that I should consider given this relative price range? Any help is much appreciated.

 

I have the HK USP Compact 9mm, and the Glock 23. They are almost exactly the same size. I just got the Glock, and I like it a lot. The HK was about $800, and the Glock was $500.

Glock is a good reliable piece. I think for a mid-priced piece, you can't go wrong with the Glock 23.

I like my HK a little better, probably because I have owned it longer and used it more often. But I think for carrying, you should go .40 cal or above. Even though I'm sure a 9MM hollow point round would work fine, I'd rather be safe than sorry. The HK also has a manual safety, which I like when I carry. Still can't get used to carrying with a live round in the chamber, and no safety. I know it's just a psychological thing, but it exists for me.

The good think about the Glock 23 is the 13 round Magazine. A lot of .40 and .45 have a 9-10 rd mag....

Although again....if it comes down to using it, you'll probably not need all 13 rounds...

 

Just get a Glock 19 w/Trijicons and it's job done.

 

Springfield XD Sub-compact... I have the 9MM, it's nice gun, I like the sub-compact while still having a small tactical rail for lights / laser. Plus with the 16 round extend mag you have plenty of capacity for anything that might happen. Standard short mag holds 10. I think the 40 might be one less round in each. Check them out, they run about the same price as the glock but I like the angle of the grip better. While I don't currently carry (working on getting that soon) I too am a bit freaked about not having a manual safety on a weapon but still feel confident in this gun.

As a side note the H&K USP compact is a great gun I am going to pick one up at some point but they are a bit pricey. Have seen a few at shows for closer to 1k lately. And for that much I get distracted and start looking at other guns.

 

Glock 23 is hands down my favorite go-to gun of the many handguns I own.

Handguns are a personal thing, but for me it is the ideal compromise of size and capacity, and is astonishingly accurate for its barrel length and the fact that it can be easily concealed. It's always for my first recommendation for a starting point for people looking at handguns.

 

You can never have too many .45s. Glock 30 FTW.

Alternatively, Glock 29 FTMFW.

(Both assume you mean "compact" in the "really compact" sense)

 

I have an HK .40 and absolutely love it. Great round, but not nearly as cost effective as the 9mm.

 

+1 Love my Glock 30.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to do some shopping this weekend so hopefully I can find something!

 

Would you mind posting a picture of your G30 when you have some time? I'm really curious to get a size perspective on their "subcompact" line.