Subcompact 9 MM Article

[MRC]

I just received the Oct/Nov issue of Handguns (Guns and Ammo) magazine which has an article on subcompact nines.  Rohrbaugh was not included.  Those tested were the LC9. EMP, Solo, PM9, and the P290.

It probably is a good thing that the R9 was left out because the criteria they were judging the pistols on would not have been kind to it.

By the way the EMP came out with the highest rating and in my opinion it isn't even in the same class.  A steel framed 26oz single action?  How did it get in this test anyway?

[yankee2500]

If I'm going to carry an EMP size and weight gun, it will be in 45 caliber
    

[Robar233]

Yankee2500,

 You are right on the money on going with the .45 ACP with that size and weight.
 I wonder, if an R45 EVER happens what will she weight in at? Under 20 oz?

 Robar233

[tracker]

I bought one of the early Para-Ordnance P-12s in 1994 and it is 24 oz., so it would seem that 20 oz. or less is very doable. The P-12 is quite accurate but a bit full in my small hands.

[Chief-USN]

 I have a Lightweight Bobtailed Nighthawk Talon II (commander sized) . 45 ACP it weighs in at 26oz and is much more gun then an EMP

Chief

[Richard S]

I just received my October/November 2011 HANDGUNS magazine and have read the article at issue. The author's criterion for selecting the five pistols for testing [Ruger LC9, Springfield EMP, Kimber Solo, Kahr PM9, and SIG P290] might possibly be revealed in this single sentence on page 40 of the magazine:

[size=10]I'm happy to relate that all five pistols had the magazine release located in the "proper" position, which greatly facilitated reloading.[/size]

In other words, the author does not like a European-style heel-mounted magazine release. (Shades of the old HK P7 / HK P7M8 "heeler" debates! Are you out there, "Enigma"?)

As mentioned above, the author selected the EMP as the winner of his "Subcompact 9mm Shootoff." Given that the EMP is a stainless-steel, single-action, 1911 design weighing in at 26 ounces, it would appear that the author likes 1911s. So do I, but I would certainly not try to carry an EMP in my pocket. Therefore, I too wonder why it was even included in the "Shootoff."

[MRC]

Another reason for their selection is that every manufacturer represented has an ad every month.  Kimber has the back cover every issue  and usually another ad inside.

I did not bring up the magazine release as I do agree with the author.  In our range qualification for a carry permit, two of the three stages are against time with a reload.  One I know I could not beat the clock with my R9 even though it is plenty accurate enough.

It is all personal opinion, but I really dislike heel releases except for a backup firearm.

[Chief-USN]

 You have timed Magazine changes in order to qualify for a Carry Permit?  Why? What state are you in?

 Chief

[MRC]

Why?  I cannot say.  That was the course of fire chosen by the Deputy at the time of renewal.  That has changed with the new in 2011 law which does not require any range test.  I feel it was a good idea and it is still part of my regular range work.

Iowa.

[Chief-USN]

 I can see as a good thing to do. It just does not fit as a logical item to require before the state grants you permission to carry a firearm. Unless, like some other states they were attempting to throw up as many road blocks as possible to aquiring one.  Hoping one would get discouraged and quit asking.  

 Chief

[MRC]

The Deputy who taught the class was a casual aquaintance of mine and I questioned him about  his course of fire and he said he was very liberal in grading but wanted to stress that practice is needed for proficiency.

We also had to shoot six rounds strong hand, reload and shoot six rounds off hand in 30 seconds at 30 feet from a ready position.  Very easy but it surprised me.

[Chief-USN]

 He may have been getting more into firearms training and less into "Required By Law".  Here in Florida I had to Provide Proof of Military service, Fingerprints, Picture, paperwork, and Money to cover filing costs.
 If not for the Military service I would have been required to sit through 4 Hours of training on the Various handgun Laws of the State (So they could say they told me) and accepted situations where I could use my gun. My wife went through this when she got her permit.  Makes more sense then requiring I be timed on how fast I change a mag. Afterall, the state is just giving us permission to do what the Constitution says is an Actual Right. (Not one of the many made up "Rights" people come up with)


Chief

[MRC]

We also had 6 hours of class time before the range work.  The two were held on different days.

I really think that the range portion is a good idea, but the legislature did not include it in the new law.

I will have to go through the whole thing again in five years unless the law is changed again.

There also is qa guy who comes through here about twice a year who teaches a class that qualifies the students to receive a Florida and a Utah permit which will  pretty well covers the whole country for concealed carry..

[chameleon]

Not for nothing, but I believe the Europeans also were responsible for the first to design a "magazine release in the right place".
With that said, I get zero heartburn with the heel style magazine release in a true pocket pistol, as stated above, would you carry a 1911 type designed pistol in your pocket? Certainly not cocked and locked therefore not a great choice, with the magazine release in the right place.

So not a great comparison among the small 9 mm pistols out there.
I have held most of the mentioned pistol in the article, probably shot most too, I still prefer the R9 over them all.

[ccoorreeyy]

It looks like Beretta is joining the game.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/08/17/beretta-nano-a-new-subcompact-9mm-pistol/