Recommendations for new pistol.

PinoyDDragon · Mar 28, 2021

So I currently have a RAI M1911-A1 MS. I really like the size of it but def want something lighter. I had a Glock 43 and the I did not like the size (mainly the Grip length) was too small for me. The mag with the pinky extension helped but was still not really a fan. So what I'm looking for is something kind of in-between. Feature/spec wise:
9mm
polymer frame
manual safety
NOT a glock.

Any recommendations will help while I research more.

knastera · Mar 28, 2021

PinoyDDragon said:
So I currently have a RAI M1911-A1 MS. I really like the size of it but def want something lighter. I had a Glock 43 and the I did not like the size (mainly the Grip length) was too small for me. The mag with the pinky extension helped but was still not really a fan. So what I'm looking for is something kind of in-between. Feature/spec wise:
9mm
polymer frame
manual safety
NOT a glock.

Any recommendations will help while I research more.

If it has to have a safety, the S&W M&P Shield 9 EZ is great because not only can you get it with a safety, but it also has a grip safety. If you can be happy with only a grip safety, the Springfield XD-S mod.2 is great. I own and carry both guns. If you like RIA and you're willing to go to a 380, the Baby Rock is something to look at.

Wheaton Hills Sportsman · Mar 28, 2021

I am not sure about the manual frame safety, but TFBTV just reviewed the new Ruger and compared it to the Sig 365, the Hellcat, and the new M & P, and some of those 10 shot micro nines had frame safeties.

missedthebarn · Mar 28, 2021

Springfield Hellcat OSP with manual safety if you are looking for ultra compact sizing might be a good fit for you since you mention the grip length.

cstone · Mar 28, 2021

M18 or SIG P320 depending on whether you want the manual safety or not.

Good luck finding what you want in today's market.

Be safe.

Mr.Blue · Mar 28, 2021

If you can get a Sig p365 or p365xl with a safety (I think the XL offers one), I’d go that route. You might like the size of the XL better anyway. I’m not a Sig fan, but I love the P365. Just don’t buy a used one. Make sure it is a current production version. There were some initial problems that have since been corrected. The XL version didn’t have any problems, as it was introduced a couple of years later.

You could go with the new Smith and Wesson Shield Plus. It’s new, but from what I understand, all the internals are the same (no grip safety though). They had new magazines designed to fit 10/13 rounds. The Shield itself is very proven. Assuming the mags are reliable, it should’ve GTG. The version with the thumb safety should be out soon.

The new Ruger is getting excellent reviews, but I’d wait for any potential initial kinks to show themselves and be fixed.

Can we talk you out of a manual safety?

LimaVictor · Mar 29, 2021

ALL polymer striker fired pistols are glocks, right?

Boats · Mar 29, 2021

FN FNP9 is an option as well. I believe CZ makes a poly framed compact version of the 75b

Harrys · Mar 29, 2021

PinoyDDragon said:
So I currently have a RAI M1911-A1 MS. I really like the size of it but def want something lighter. I had a Glock 43 and the I did not like the size (mainly the Grip length) was too small for me. The mag with the pinky extension helped but was still not really a fan. So what I'm looking for is something kind of in-between. Feature/spec wise:
9mm
polymer frame
manual safety
NOT a glock.

Any recommendations will help while I research more.

Try https://www.kahr.com/

Bountied · Mar 29, 2021

Glock? It has 3 safeties. One is manually operated by your trigger finger.

dontpanic · Mar 29, 2021

Boats said:
FN FNP9 is an option as well. I believe CZ makes a poly framed compact version of the 75b

For an external safety on a compact CZ 75, you would need to go with the p-01 Omega. It allows you to switch between decocker and safety. It is an alloy frame though, not polymer.
A bit heavier than a polymer pistol but also much nicer.
28.1oz v. 24.8 for a G19
https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-p-01-ω-convertible-omega/

Boats · Mar 29, 2021

dontpanic said:
For an external safety on a compact CZ 75, you would need to go with the p-01 Omega. It allows you to switch between decocker and safety. It is an alloy frame though, not polymer.
A bit heavier than a polymer pistol but also much nicer.
28.1oz v. 24.8 for a G19
https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-p-01-ω-convertible-omega/

thanks, I am not super familiar with CZ.

teratos · Mar 29, 2021

H&K P30S

sxs · Mar 29, 2021

PinoyDDragon said:
So I currently have a RAI M1911-A1 MS. I really like the size of it but def want something lighter. I had a Glock 43 and the I did not like the size (mainly the Grip length) was too small for me. The mag with the pinky extension helped but was still not really a fan. So what I'm looking for is something kind of in-between. Feature/spec wise:
9mm
polymer frame
manual safety
NOT a glock.

Any recommendations will help while I research more.

Sounds like you already got rid of the G43. I actually extended 2 mags with Strike Industries +2 extensions.
I like it much better. People buying new today can choose a G43x which is basically a grip extended to +3.
Now that that is out of the way, you did say no Glocks. Most smaller firearms designed for concealed carry are likely to have the same issue with grip length that you singled out as a problem. I am particularly found of my handguns in the XD line. I have 2 XDs's (1 in 45, 1 in 9mm) that I often carry with factory+2 mags. They are, to me, generally comfortable and nice shooting guns for smaller carry type handguns. I also have 2 XDM. 1 in 45, 1 in 9mm...for range work and around the home defense. Mine are the 5.25' competition models, but there are 3.8 to 4.5" models of the standard XD and also the XDM if you prefer the possibility of higher cap mags. Even my competition models are somewhat lighter than my 1911s. The 3.8 to 4.5" models should be lighter yet. None of these XD models have an external safety, but all have a grip safety requiring you to have a proper grip on the firearm for it to fire. Some people don't like them, but to me, you can't fire any firearm accurately without a proper grip and, as an old 1911 shooter, I find it natural and not a problem.

ezracer · Mar 29, 2021

Here's a Sweetie. Springfield EMP 9
26 oz., ambi safeties, 9+1, BUT not polymer frame.

TI-tick · Mar 29, 2021

sxs said:
Sounds like you already got rid of the G43. I actually extended 2 mags with Strike Industries +2 extensions.
I like it much better. People buying new today can choose a G43x which is basically a grip extended to +3.
Now that that is out of the way, you did say no Glocks. Most smaller firearms designed for concealed carry are likely to have the same issue with grip length that you singled out as a problem. I am particularly found of my handguns in the XD line. I have 2 XDs's (1 in 45, 1 in 9mm) that I often carry with factory+2 mags. They are, to me, generally comfortable and nice shooting guns for smaller carry type handguns. I also have 2 XDM. 1 in 45, 1 in 9mm...for range work and around the home defense. Mine are the 5.25' competition models, but there are 3.8 to 4.5" models of the standard XD and also the XDM if you prefer the possibility of higher cap mags. Even my competition models are somewhat lighter than my 1911s. The 3.8 to 4.5" models should be lighter yet. None of these XD models have an external safety, but all have a grip safety requiring you to have a proper grip on the firearm for it to fire. Some people don't like them, but to me, you can't fire any firearm accurately without a proper grip and, as an old 1911 shooter, I find it natural and not a problem.

^^^^^^
XDM Compact .45; short flush mags or higher cap extended mags. With the flush mag it's close in size of a G19 which is my next suggestion

Michigander08 · Mar 29, 2021

ezracer said:
Here's a Sweetie. Springfield EMP 9
26 oz., ambi safeties, 9+1, BUT not polymer frame.

How good is that one? I saw a used one advertised for 750 bucks. Expensive for a used gun.

HiStandards · Mar 29, 2021

Not 9mm, but...
How about Ruger 22/45 Mk IV? Similar grip to your 1911 and a lot more trigger time for the same cost.

Topher · Mar 29, 2021

You have to try CZ.
The 75B, or P-01 are steel guns.
The P-10 comes in Compact and Full size.
The P-09 also comes in full size.

All of the above firearms are extremely reliable and accurate.

Good luck.

Kimber45 · Mar 29, 2021

Sig 365XL just picked one up 2 weeks ago and it's a shooter!

They are coming out with the 356X soon. It has the frame size of the XL and barrel length of the 365

Ruger Max 9 looks interesting too

Recommendations for new pistol.

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Member

Just another shooter

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Living In A Bizarro World

Ultimate Member

Broken Member

Short Round

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Broken Member

My hair is amazing

Senior Member

Certified Gun Nut

Attachments

Ultimate Member

ridiculous and psychotic

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Active Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics