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Posted: 11/25/2002 5:22:10 PM EDT
| Why wouldn't you use a subcompact type pistol (Glock 26/27/33, Kahr 9mm or .40, or other proven and reliable type) in your SHTF set up instead of a conventional autopistol? It seems to me that in a SHTF situation your pistol is a role player that provides you with CCW, restricted quarters ops and backup weapon capabilities. All these roles can be performed admirably by a subcompact pistol so why waste weight on a bulky service-type pistol? |
| TBS, I disagree that a CCW would not be a factor in TSHTF. There are times when looking like a sheep while keeping some wolves teeth in reserve might be a good thing. As for velocity or accuracy, at the ranges I would attempt shots at and expect results beyond suppression the difference between a full sized pistol and a subcompact just don't seem too major. |
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HAHHAHAHAHAHAA!!! Yeah right! If the SHTF I would use a Phillips & Rodgers Medusa 47 with the 5 inch barrel! (Lots of ammo choices, unkillable barrel) Perhaps if it were SHTF as in occupation of the US by enemy I would get a silenced .22 Ruger pistol to silently kill some enemy sodliers and "liberate" better weapons. |
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I still have a hard time buying the bigger is better arguement here! In a SHTF situation you are going to be depending upon a rifle as your first tier weapon. A pistol is a secondary tool with a limited mission. I believe a subcompact pistol (if reliable enough) would serve that mission just fine. Weight is always going to be a premium, therefore saved weight by carrying a smaller framed pistol that still performs the mission is advantageous, right? Sight radius is nice but I have no troubles hitting what I want at 50' with a Glock 27. This isn't a main battle weapon, it's a tool exclusively meant for self defense at close range. To expect more is fooling yourself. Fire retardant foam activated 
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| I have been shooting IDPA and IPSC for 3 years with a Glock 26. A sub compact is viable inside 50' in capable hands. Generally anything further should not be dealt with using a hand gun. Today's modern subcompacts are about the only good thing to come from the 10 round limit... |
| It would depend on the kind of S to HTF. There may be time you would wish to blend in with the general population. Stealth might be your best friend, especially in front of cameras. How many times have you seen "unarmed" Palestinians that you know were probably packing heat? It all depends on the situation, keep your options open. |
I Don't care what anyone else chooses, it's just my personal choice. |
4 Reasons why you DON'T want a subcompact as your primary handgun in a SHTF type scenario. #4: Sight Radius - the longer the better/more accuate. You never know when you might have to reach out a bit further. #3: Muzzle Blast - short barrels mean loads that normally are fine will now flash brightly at night. Now you've ruined your night vision and illuminated yourself - not good. #2: Reliability in operation - Particularly for the short Glocks. They are not as reliable as their bigger brothers. I've seen this in the sub-compact 1911s & the Subcompact Glocks (that double spring recoil likes to break much more often in the subcompact than in the full & mid size). You'll go through your spares much faster with a sub-compact. #1: Terminal Performance - handguns are wimpy enough as is. Shorten the barrel and you're reducing the muzzle velocity - that limits penetration and if you're using hollowpoints it might mean that exensive hollowpoint might not open up and will perform like a FMJ round - one that is moving much slower than normal. Even if the round opens up - moving at much lower speed it probably won't penetrate enough to reach the vital organs. A mid size isn't bad (i.e. Glock 19 or 23) as they have a full 4" barrel - its a good compromise between size and the features mentioned above. But subcompacts should only be used as backup sidarms (backing up your primary pistol) or as a CCW pistol (when ranges will usually be very close). Anyway that is my $.02 |
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I think the clothing you can reasonably wear while carrying the largest possible gun without being noticed is the best rule to go by. In cold climates where a jacket won't appear out of the ordinary, a full length, hi-cap handgun is a far better choice than a subcompact. In a hot climate where t-shirts are the maximum worn, I would sacrifice the longer sight radius and better terminal ballistics on the gamble that appearing unarmed would allow you to mix with the masses and avoid trouble. |
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Always select the bigest pistol you can conceal. If you are a man over 6 feet or over 200 lbs you can conceal a full sized pistol just fine. A 5'4" 110 pound female cant do the same. Id never rely on a subcompact though. BTW the Khar K9 is NOT a sub compact its a compact. Subcompacts are good as a pocket pistol (.380 or .32) Id never carry a pocket pistol that wouldnt fit in my pocket. A pocket pistol is fot 20 feet and under head shots. Go as big as you can or as small as you can but a subcompact Glock is just about useless. It has a short sight radius it has a crazy muzzle flip and its just as thick as a regualr Glock. |
| Glock 19 . but if the s really hit the fan any thing I HAVE or CAN GET!!!!! 9mm a little light but ammo is everywhere. ps hollow points penetrate deeper at lower velocity. not trying to be a smart ass or anything but they may in fact over penetrate defeating the purpose of a hollow point ( wound channel and energy transfer). |
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I think DarkNite is right on the money. My bedroom gun is a Glock 26 with 15 round hicap and the grip extension that makes the grip feel perfect IMO. That setup is just awesome for me. And like DarkNite is saying, if it's too far away for a G26, you shouldn't be shooting. You should be moving away. |
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