With all the rage the last few years of single stack 9’s, 40’s, and for whatever reason a 45 for carry guns as well as the much anticipated single stack Glock 9mm, what place does the subcompacts still have? The Glock 19 is probably the most recommended carry gun as well as the one most often used by instructors. Others like the G17, M&P, VP9, etc. seem to be popular as well for most folks but whenever something smaller is needed I feel like the trend is to go for the single stacks now.
How many of you still have or carry a subcompact (G26, M&P compact, FNS compact)? I have a G17 that I do carry on occasion but also have a G26 that gets carried way more. I sometimes carry it with the 12+1 round mags or even a G19 mag which I know makes it essentially a G19. However there are those times when the flush fitting 10 rounder goes in for a smaller package. I see it as being more versatile than the G19 and for me shoots just as good and almost as good as my 17.
What do you think? Is there still a niche for subcompact double stacks or is that losing ground to the compacts (for greater capacity, sight radius, etc.) and single stacks (when more concealability is desired)?
I don’t think there is much of a niche left for double stack subcompacts. From my observation the vast majority of CCW holders are going with lighter an easier to conceal weapons like the single stack M&P shield. If you want maximum capability a compact pistol like a Glock 19 has better shootability and capacity than a double stack subcompact for not much greater size.
Very little is obsolete. I still see posts / mag articles about CAS revolvers being repurposed for day to day or night stand carry. If it shoots, it is better than fists/knives and not “obsolete”. Better options? Yes. Obsolete, no.
Double stacks offer a different feature set and carry differently with different body types/attire.
The ability to have magazine/holster/sight/training commonality has been a big asset for me (Glock 17/19/26). Also, more ammunition in the firearm is a good thing. (7+1 vs 10+1 for example)
Guns such as the Shield/PPS/PM9 have their place for sure, but firearms such as the Glock 26/ M&P Compact/ P2000SK are still very relevant.
My opinion? No. It’s a toss up whether I carry my 19 or 26 more. For me the difference in size makes for a much more concealable gun, but I still feel that the 26 is sufficient–10 rounds, night sights, and easy to shoot. I don’t have a slim compact, but I plan to add a 42 to the stable as soon as possible. But I see its role as a niche gun–a backup if I felt the need, or something to carry when the alternative is no gun. YMMV, and everyone has their own situation, but for my needs the 26 is a great weapon and still very much relevant.
They were never a great idea. But frankly most of the new single stack guns are not as trustworthy as the old subcompacts. I would certainly trust a G26 over a G42, Shield, Kahr, etc. Of course, I think everybody should be carrying a J-frame.
I don’t they’re obsolete. I don’t have one, if I were a Glock guy I would carry a G19, not a 26. But for some there will always be a place for one. My preference is for a compact single stack, something large enough to shoot well but slender enough to comfortably slip into the waist band.
Not obsolete, but not for me. I can carry an m&p fs most of the time. When I can’t, a smaller gun of the same width won’t work, but a shield hides well. I have no use for a gun thick as a fs but shorter.
I also have no use for a j frame as the shield hold more rounds, and hides just fine and saves training on a new platform. 2 guns works for me.
Single stack are the trend because that’s what’s being marketed heavily and produced and people like new things. Do you prefer more bullets or less? If the latter, can you CCW it or not? etc, etc. I see the single stack as having a niche to fill for some, and far from a replacement for anything that has a higher capacity, be it sub compact, compact, or FS. Personally, I like FS when/where possible, which is most of the time I CCW. Personally, I think people make too big a deal of concealability and you could wear a LAW rocket down your pants and most people never notice it.
Obsolete? No. Like everything else, it runs in cycles. If concealability wasn’t an issue and open carry was not a current societal pariah, I suspect we would see an endless variety of pistols hanging on gun belts…and single stacks would have zero advantage over double stacks. I really don’t understand downsizing though if you can conceal a doublestack. If you can conceal it then carry it. And I am completely confused by single stacks shipped with only one mag. Just charge me the additional and throw in a second mag when I buy it. It’s always about the balance between capacity and concealability. But then I’m no expert.
I have an XDM 3.8 compact that I feel is super versatile. Not obsolete at all. I can make the grip huge for capacity or shrink it down. That being said, I carry my PM9 more because it is easier. Neither have EVER had a failure of any kind so I have the utmost confidence with both.
