Best Subcompact 9mm under $500

quote:

---

This gun will be a home defense gun for a woman

---

If it is dedicated for home defense, it should be full sized. Subcompact guns are very hard to shoot well for anyone. In your own home you are not limited in size and capacity.

It is a common misconception that women can't handle full sized handguns. In fact, I don't ever encourage any new shooter to start on something subcompact, regardless of gender. The full sized handgun is the perfect place to start.

She just needs a gun with a slim grip. The S&W M&P, Ruger SR9, and Springfield XD are good options. If she prefers a revolver, the S&W 686P and Ruger GP100 are good options in the 4" variation.

I actually made a video of it the other day. Look up my YouTube channel, Bigapple0828. I can't link it on my phone. Video is titled "Firearms for Women."

You should watch bapples videos.........they are excellent!

One of the reasons I thought of subcompact as opposed to full size is because I figured it would be slightly easier for her to rack the slide back on the smaller gun. For instance, she struggled with my 1911 to rack it back and wasnt comfortable with that.

quote:

---

I figured it would be slightly easier for her to rack the slide back on the smaller gun.

---

This idea is literally the polar opposite in real life. It's a common misconception, but through no fault of your own. Most men think women need a tiny gun.

My Kahr CM9 (subcompact 9mm) has a dual recoil spring due to its short action. The single, long recoil spring on my Beretta 90 two is much easier to rack, and smoother.

She needs to learn proper racking technique first of all. I explain that in my video. You should use the base of your palm and the tips of your fingers with your thumb pointing towards you. Now grip the gun and push hard with your dominant hand and let the slide retract and go forward hard. Most people try to use the tips of their fingers and their thumbs to "sling shot" the slide. You can't get as much strength into the rack if you do it this way. Using the proper method, you use the large muscle groups of both arms, rather than the forearm muscles controlling your fingertips.

EDIT: The only time I ever suggest NOT buying a full sized handgun is if you plan on carrying it. If it is not to be carried and kept in a home or car, there is little reason to not buy a full sized handgun.

quote:

---

more than likely not CC

---

Go with a full size. I'm a fan of Springfield's but the rugers are fine guns as well

quote:

---

I just bought the Beretta Sub-Compact 9mm. SO far I like it. I have only fired 100 rounds through as of now.

---

This is my truck gun and love it. Fired a few thousand rounds through it. Jammed once but that was operator error on my part.

quote:

---

slightly easier for her to rack the slide back on the smaller gun

---

As Bapple said, Often times the springs are stronger or the same as a full sized gun. Then you are exerting the same force on a much (subcompact) smaller object in the same hands. It's harder to hold onto and more difficult to get proper grip.

Sig sp2022 is a good gun for under $500 at Academy. I carry this pistol quite often.

dnm,
Bapple's advice (as usual ) is spot one. My only other advice is:
1. Since she's new to handguns, consider getting her a 22LR in an action that's similar to the homde defense handgun. She can practice a lot cheaper (and easier) w/ the rimfire compared to the centerfire......assuming the universe returns to normalcy someday and 22LR ammo again becomes available.
2. Give some thought as to what type of action you (and especially HER) want the home defense handgun to have. For example, there's single action only (think of the 1911 where a light pull of the trigger does one thing only, fire the gun), double action only, double action/single action and striker. Personally, I think DA/SA guns are needlesslyl complicated, especially for beginners. It'll prolly take her extra training to learn such a gun. SAO will also prolly require more trainig than a striker or DAO.
3. By all means, make sure the gun is HERS, not yours. She needs to be actively envolved in deciding which one(s) fit her hand best, handles best, can work the controls, shoots best, etc. The final decision needs to be hers, alhtough you should help point her the right directions.