Single stacks still a worthwhile option?

[OperationKlondikeBar]

I'm currently looking at getting a new edc pistol. Probably moving to something in 9mm and passing on my current xds-45 and Glock 23 both of which I've had for years now.
My first thought was to simply replace the xds-45 with a similar sized single stack 9, likely either a S&W shield or Walther PPS M2 and the Glock for something of comparable size perhaps in German or Czech flavor.

However, after watching hours of YouTube and a few trips to Wilshire Gun to rent/shoot as many options as I can get my hands around I wondering with the new high-cap micro 9s on the scene if a single stack 9 is even a good option anymore or am I just getting too caught up on the hype of having a few more rounds that a backup mag would cover anyway.

 

[Ready_fire_aim]

I’d say choose whichever feels best, points naturally, comfortable in your hand, etc… Focus on those things and worry less about those few extra rounds.

The hi-cap micro 9s are all the rage right now yes, and they are obviously great options for concealed carry. That being said I tend to shy away from trends and mainstream stuff… so personally I could care less about all the new hyper mini 9mms.. I don’t have a damn 6.5 creedmore either haha!

 

[Snattlerake]

You are being smart about it in my opinion. You are a t least trying out a gun to see if you like it. My experience, if you don't like the holster, you won't use it. If you don't like the gun, you won't carry it.

Get something you like, in the caliber that starts with a 4, that won't pinch your hand or fingers when you operate the trigger, slide release, mag reload, etc.

There are a lot of people here that think a gun looks good, buy one, and hate it. That was my experience with the Browning BDA, the forerunner of the SIG P226. I couldn't hit squat with that thing. Probably because the grip angle was not like a 1911 which was what I was used to and trained with.

I thought a Smith M&P might work but the damn thing kept pinching my hand upon firing it.

The Ruger I looked at was just damn awkward with the controls. This is why I am a die hard XD 45 fan.

 

[O4L]

I carried a first gen Shield or a J-frame for several years but as time went by I wanted more capacity than 5, 7 plus one, or 8 plus one so when a subcompact with 15 plus one became available I made the switch and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Good luck in your search for a new EDC.

 

[OperationKlondikeBar]

You are being smart about it in my opinion. You are a t least trying out a gun to see if you like it. My experience, if you don't like the holster, you won't use it. If you don't like the gun, you won't carry it.

Get something you like, in the caliber that starts with a 4, that won't pinch your hand or fingers when you operate the trigger, slide release, mag reload, etc.

There are a lot of people here that think a gun looks good, buy one, and hate it. That was my experience with the Browning BDA, the forerunner of the SIG P226. I couldn't hit squat with that thing. Probably because the grip angle was not like a 1911 which was what I was used to and trained with.

I thought a Smith M&P might work but the damn thing kept pinching my hand upon firing it.

The Ruger I looked at was just damn awkward with the controls. This is why I am a die hard XD 45 fan.

Hoping to avoid the seemingly common scenario which ends up with gun with 50 rounds through it in the classifieds because I ran out and bought the new thing and then didn't like it.

Sure I've spent some coin at the rental counter but I sure have crossed a lot of guns OFF the list of considerations that I had almost sold myself on.
The only problem I'm running into is that not every gun is on the rental wall.

 

[CutBaitNBlowSh*tUp4ALivin]

I kinda went the exact opposite of you. I didn't want to carry my subcompact anymore so I bought a G23 haha

 

[Letfreedomring]

My edc is the xds mod 2 in 9. Fits the bill in what I need and since you had the 45 it should be like second nature. Plus it fits my gorilla mitts pretty good for a compact.

 

[dennishoddy]

I still keep single stacks for EDC since I typically wear shorts and a Tshirt. The Kahr CW-40 has been my carry for many years. Familiar with the controls and shot them enough that there won't be any fumbling in the dark.
There is higher capacity equipment in the vehicle.

 

[RickN]

The average gunfight is 3 shots fired in 3 seconds over 3 yards. With that in mind I think a single stack with twice that number of rounds is probably plenty but I carry a spare mag just in case. That said carry what you are comfortable with.

 

[diggler1833]

I personally believe the single stack pistols are good in states with magazine capacity restrictions, but fall behind a little bit in utilitarian value against their double stack counterparts. I also think that it's easier *sometimes* to conceal a single stack.

However, if one has a single stack pistol and can shoot it and carry it extremely well...then I see no need to buy something else.

There are still guys out there who occasionally pocket carry a J-frame out of convenience (me). My first dedicated concealed carry pistol was an M&P9C. I liked the 12 round capacity, but it did take an extra 2" of waistline in my pants for IWB.