Are Subcompact Pistols Obsolete? Vs Micro Pistols 

My journey through micros and subcompacts took me full circle right back to the G19. Carry what shoots best for you.

This channel is by far the most approachable for the topic of firearms, your method just makes me feel like I’m learning from a COMPETENT friend who is teaching with focus and purpose.

i am 85. i have tried p365, hellcat and other like it. the smallest gun i shoot well and is my favorite was the shield and now the shield plus fills all my my requirements.

I actually think that guns like the hellcat pro, P365macro, Glock 43X; and now with the Echelon coming out (with its new features); they are changing the "game" forever which is the reason why they've been so abundant in the market today. As a gun owner I think it's a very exciting time to be alive and I look forward to seeing what the major companies like FNH, Glock, Sig, S&W, Springfield come out with next.

It is really all about your carry needs. I carried a G19 style Gucci with a dot and a 3 shot extender. Mostly because I had to. But when I am doing daily business, I carry a P365, I live in a dangerous city with loads of "gun free zones," so the smaller profile is what I need. And it's light weight is a welcomed comfort when I am running a 100 miles a week.

Glock 26 is one of the greatest handguns of all time. Before it’s time, still relevant today. Respect

Chris.. always bringing GRADE A Content... real info and not a gun snob... reviewing guns that are the most purchased!! Keep it up, brother!!

One of the reasons I absolutely love my P30SK as my EDC-it is a subcompact that shoots more like a full size, and I can always put a full capacity 20rnd stick mag in if desired. Have had and shot smaller pistols that are easier to conceal sure, but at the end of the day the P30SK is always back as my primary carry

I sold my shield plus for an M&p 2.0 subcompact. Flush fit mag in the sub holds 12 vs 10 in the shield plus, takes standard M&p 9 mags vs special shield plus mags, fatter grip better for my big hands, pic rail for more light options, slightly longer barrel for velocity… it was a no brainer for me. I sacrificed a little bit of weight and comfort but I still carry it everywhere, every day

Definitely not obsolete, but I love shield+. Hands down, my favorite carry gun.

I’ve tried the Glock 43, 43x and 365. Just could not connect with them. Proficient pistol shooter but the thinner guns gave me issues. Got a Glock 26 and can shoot it exceptionally well. Almost as good as my Glock 19.

Sub compact will always have a market in the Midwest. Micro 9s are great for warmer weather with thinner more fitting clothes. But in the Midwest and more northern states, you can stuff a sub compact with more capacity with heavier clothes. Im a smaller guy, so I plan on getting a Ruger LCP or something like it for summer, and carry my Glock 43x during the fall to early spring.

the p365x seems like the best of both worlds. slightly longer grip to make it easier to control and larger capacity while keeping the small overall size

You hit the nail on the head. As much as I want to love one of these skinny micros, that Canik TP9SC just fills out my grip so well.

I still think compact 3.9- 4.0 inch barrel is the sweet spot for concealed carry and performance.

I’ve always felt that my goal for an EDC pistol was not necessarily the smallest possible pistol but rather the pistol that I can comfortably carry and shoot reasonably well. For me, not all the micro nines fit that definition. I’d rather carry a slightly larger pistol that’s still small enough to be comfortably concealable because I can shoot it so much better. The only way I know to figure this out is to shoot a lot of different pistols until you find what works best for you.

All of the internals on the Glock 26 work for the 19, 17 and so on except for the guide rod.

Subcompacts are amazing shooters. If you need deeper concealment or lighter clothes go micro. Current favorite compacts is Hk vp9sk, and 3.6 m&p 2.0. Micros shield plus and Fn reflex.

P365 platform accepts 10 rd flush, 12 rd, 15 rd, and 17 rd magazines. Sig Mags are expensive, but you get all adapters and the adapted magazines fit cleanly without much wiggling. Carry the tiny 10 round when you must, but you can extend the grip with a bigger magazine. I use a combination of the standard P365 (usually with 12 rd sized grip) and the X-macro. I find it easy to be efficient with one platform, and I shoot the standard P365 pretty well because I can practice so much with that style. I swapped out the curved trigger with a flat one in the P365 because I’m that anal. It’s just my mini-macro. The macro is a better shooter and easier to get a good grip, but the smaller the grip, the easier to conceal. Not saying it’s for everyone. Lots of great options out there, including but not limited to the examples Chris used. If you plan/hope to expand on the same platform, my advice is to start small and build up with extended mags.

The P365 does have a 17 round magazine available to it. They can use the 17 round magazines from the P365 X-Macro.

Man subcompacts are relevant bro…Yes the micro is great for conceal and fit against the body…but hand-size matter. Larger hands love subcompact and larger.

No definitely not obsolete, I think most micros dream of being subcompacts and best micros are the ones teetering on sub compact size like the XL and the 48 size “micros” Still taking a 26 over the 43x and 48 any day even with the thickness but I’m carry the XL till I die

I love my Walther PDP full size and my SIG P365X. The SIG P365X is on me 16 hours a day. I love my Vedder pocket holster for lounging around at home in comfort!

I run a cz family so running cz p10s is perfect.

I have a g48 and a cz p10S and I usually carry at about the 3:30/4:00pm position and surprisingly I find the cz to be more comfortable and easier to carry.

I feel the Shield Plus for me at least is 3 different gun feel when shooting and carrying with their 3 different magazine options 10/13/15 round mags

I picked a CZ P-10S over a Shield Plus. I can deal with another 1/2 inch of slide and losing 1 round to get that thing on my hip. My single-stack PPS-M2 even has a role still. The thing insanely easy to carry and shoots like a compact. Something you can't do with a Shield is slap a 22 round M&P magazine in it, but I can with a CZ.

I have a very simple and relatively cheap solution if your micro 9mm's grip feels too small. Try getting a Hogue rubber sleeve for it. I have one on a S&W Bodyguard 380 and my P365XL. It gives some additional palm swell to my medium glove sized hands. The weight is negligible and the additional width is so minor that it doesn't cause the gun to print. I am also partial to the grippiness that rubber provides while still being soft pressed against my stomach.

To my mind, the micro-9s are perfect summer carry guns. In the winter I'd probably go ahead and carry my PPQ because concealment isn't an issue.

As a concealed carry permit holder, this breakdown was valuable in understanding the trade-offs and considerations when choosing between subcompact and micro pistols.

Sub compact parts commonality. I agree. I bought full size Canik TP9 Elite mags for my TP9 Elite SC to plink with at the range. Saves me reloading time. Same with my 17 round G3 mags; they work fine in my G2C for range plinking.

Different strokes for different blokes. My G26 gives me blisters and hot spots when I shoot it. My Shield does not. Thinking of trading in for Shield Plus, but man, I hate to give up on the G26. End of the day, gotta go with what works for you, and then train out the deficiencies. And it's so important to TRY before you BUY. Easy to think that just because a gun is known to be good that it'll be good for you too. That's what got me with the G26. Great gun, sure, but maybe not for me.

PURE GOLD insight and advice from 10'25" to the end of this video. Appreciate the descriptions "worming" (never heard that before) and explaining trigger reach.

Great content as always. One small correction though; the P365/P365X/P365XL will all take the 17 round magazine from the XMacro. They even sell grip sleeves for them to match up better.

For instance, I hated my 365 until I discovered the Wilson grip module. It’s my favorite EDC now

I think you answered the question Chris. The trigger finger length, small or big hands, grip circumference, etc. I agree, use what meets one's needs.

Yet another great video. I got the P365 mostly based on Honest Outlaws recommendations. Also had a CZ P-10C. Eventually decided that I wanted a P-10S since I liked the P-10C so much. But the P-10S never fit my hands like the P-10C or the P365. Even with a +2 extension on the magazine. Now, a friend loves the P-10S, and I carry my P365 with pinky extension every day. It feels like it was custom made for my hands. 👍

All good points. I sell guns and constantly tell people who "love" the micros (some are more shootable than others) that they are more comfortable to carry but considerably harder to shoot well. Even worse that the micros in your review are things like the Ruger LCP.

The 43x or p365 is a perfect size in my opinion. Almost fits both categories. Great video.

I honestly don’t think they’ll ever be obsolete because some of us, especially me, need that fatter grip to have good control over the pistol. I just can’t shoot a micro as well.

I have micro sized pistols that I enjoy, but if I had to choose between a subcompact and a micro my larger hands will favor the subcompact. I actually carry a regular compact most days. HK USP compact being my first choice. Great video as always!

excellent video! I prefer SUB Compact over the Micro 9's. Shot side by side the P365 and the (now discontinued) CZ 2075 RAMI. I just did so much better in terms of shooting and handling. The RAMI is now my EDC. Excellent video! KEEP ON ROCKING!

Very well articulated! I have never owned a micro or subcompact for this same reason! I have large hands and long fingers even tho I am a relatively a skinny guy. I just bought my 1st 380 and its of course a doublestack 15+1 3.42" barrel Ruger Security. Its nearly the same size as my G19 clone from Palmetto. Its shoots great too.

Micros are nice, but there is just something about the airweight J frame I can't resist. Plus I'm more accurate and I don't have to worry about overpenetration as much with a 38.

You're so correct about finding the right sized gun for your hand. My primary edc started as a P365. It has since morphed into a P365X with a Bushnell RXU-200 micro red dot. It fits my hands perfectly and I'm very accurate with it. I'm a smaller framed guy and decided to try something smaller for summer carry. I got an LCP Max and have practiced plenty at the range. No matter how many rounds I put through it, I can't find a comfortable grip style/position that gives me the accuracy and repeatability I want. Bottom line is that this firearm does not fit my hand size and does not meet my needs. Even though it's popular and highly rated, it's not for me.

I have average-ish size hands and loved the canik mete mc9's trigger and fit so much after shooting a friend's. it'll be my first micro purchase.

As much as people get hung up on the G43X and G48 mag capacity, I own both of them because of the grip/fit/shoot-ability and these were the smallest pistols I tried that I still shot really well! So I do agree with the final point, use what you can still be effective with.

I’ll tell you one thing. I’ve carried a p365 for years since they first came out. About a year ago I ponied up the dough for a 3.25”/10rd Wilson Combat SFX9. I’ve been in sketchy situations with the sig before, and just recently I went through my first sketchy situation with the Wilson. I cannot overstate the difference in confidence that the Wilson instilled in me that night that I would be able to hit the shitstack across the parking lot before he could hit me. The difference in price may be about $2,000… but if you lost your life and got a chance to buy it back for 2k that would sound like a hell of a deal to most people all of a sudden

I got a M&P 2.0 subcompact for $250 a year ago. With the magazine sleeves (not for everyone but I like them) you basically have subcompact to full-size grip/capacity options. Now they have the FPC extended mags too. I have options

It’s a great point about trigger finger placement. I have a Beretta APX A1 full size and a Shield Plus for EDC. While I normally pull the trigger with the pad of my index finger, for my Shield Plus I’m actually more accurate when I use the inside of my first index finger knuckle. In person practice & training = key (as usual!)

Everybody needs at least 2 or 3. Different occasions or dress code may call for different carry options.

I know your probably super busy with reviews of new and old guns but I think you’ll love the P10SC it’s a combo of the F/C and it’s on sale for a great price. Keep up the great work man truly the best guntuber out there!!

Great content. I went from carrying a CZ RAMI to a first generation S&W Shield to now carrying a P365. Even with XL hands I have not had an issue shooting the P365 well.

I do not have big hands and my MC9 shoots incredibly well in my hands. Love what Canik has done with it. I am switching it now with my Macro for EDC. great video

My Glock 26 has been relegated to a backpack/glovebox gun only. Still waiting on my dream gun to replace my Sig p938. That's more than enough to fight to my backpack where I have a glock 26 and multiple 33rd magazines. Statistically, the fight should be done in 3-5 rds anyway.

Started with the XDM compact then I went from P365, to the XL, to sharing the work with the 48, tried the Hellcat too, have carried a 19, then found the Shield Plus Performance Center ported 4" model. I shoot that better than any of the others, and it's actually fun to shoot. I recently got the 80x, which I thought I'd like more, but the size is amazing. My next stop is actually the M&P9 compact, as I think it's slightly slimmer than a 19. The grip and thickness are the pieces that affect me most. It's a journey, that's for sure.

The Wilson Combat XL grip module has been a blessing for my original p365.

My favorite carry is my P30sk. But it is a chunky girl. So sometimes I still enjoy carrying the p365 with an XL grip. So slim you forget it’s there.

As an old guy I don't care for iwb. My edc is 30 years old and all steel. Heavy besturd but I find it comforting. I did like the video. It's always interesting to see side by side comparisons by Chris.

I love your point on modularity and compatibility, I have a bucket load of holsters but for EDC I basically only use two.

love your videos dude! thanks for all you do!

Always appreciate your reviews. Definitely a help in reviewing a firearms, but also what is most important about choosing the right one for each person. Thanks

I think the micro 9s are a fantastic step forward. Easy to conceal with good capacity. I have had the shield plus and a 43x. What I learned is I just don't shoot micros as well as sub compacts. The thin flat micros cause me to shoot left and I really have to hyper focus to hit where I want. With sub compacts I'm much more naturally accurate. I don't think I'm the only person with this experience so I think there will always be a place for sub compacts.

Excellent video! For my hand size the Sig P365 XL works; with the standard size magazine with Mag Guts springs it is a 14 + 1 and easy to carry. The Sig X Macro is also top of the line and easy to carry.

I may get a lot of hate for saying this, but I feel like MOST micro sized pistols would be better suited for a softer shooting round like 380. Something like the P365 XL is probably one of the few exceptions to this rule because the extra slide mass & grip softens the blow just enough. But with its longer slide and grip, one can argue about whether it's a true "micro" pistol or not. Yes, with 380 you definitely sacrifice a good amount of power, but accuracy and speed are more important for self-defense in my opinion. Also, if the gun is more enjoyable to shoot, you are more likely to practice with it. And although 380 is more expensive than 9mm, 9mm in a micro pistol presents a much steeper learning curve for MOST people, which equals more required practice and more required ammo. A micro 380 on the other hand can be mastered by most people with much less ammo comparatively speaking, and it's much easier to have fun doing it.

Yhe Sub-Compact is a perfect fit for " ME " it's not too big & not too small. My TP9 Elite SC is perfect for me. I love your content. Nice video 👍🏾🔥

When I’ve had family members with larger hands try to shoot my micro and subcompact guns, I’ve noticed accuracy issues due to poor trigger pull because of where their fingers sit in relation to the trigger, and also skin irritation due to where the back strap of the pistol sits (and thus hits under recoil). If I had large hands, I’d likely stick with a larger “compact” pistol. Unless I want a pocket gun, in which case I’d get a LCP Max and just deal with the poor ergos.

I was looking at micro 9s for over a year. Was not sold on anyone. Pulled the trigger and bought p365. I can carry it with gym shorts on. Night sights. I thought I would regret it. No regrets. Several good ones to carry. Better to have one you can actually carry than the one in the truck or left at the house. I have a full size meta canik and a Taurus in 45 subcompact to carry in easier situations.

Love my shield plus

NYC future ccw permit holder here (applied march 2022 still waiting for approval) i think sub compact is the way to go! That perfect medium between micro and compact.

As much as I love my micro 9 models (Masada 9S, P365XL, etc) I still find myself throwing a compact in the waistband more often than their slimmer brethren. I personally as a skinny individual still find it's not worth the trade off to go smaller when I can carry my compact 509, PX4, or PDP just as easily and conceal pretty much the same. All things being equal, I go compact about 90% of the time these days.

You are spot on with your analysis that the trigger finger reach is essential for an accurate shooting experience. My IWI Masada Slim requires me to combine thumb forward with revolver style grip to achieve a trigger reach that is comfortable and enables a zone hits . My CANIK TP9SC Elite on the other hand allows me to either thumb forward grip it or revolver style - both enable accurate shooting as my trigger reach is perfect out of the box . As for the basic question if compact and SC are still needed? I'll answer that for me next week when I get my S&W M&P 5.7. if all goes well, this will be my next go to EDC. We'll see ... Good video, thanks for sharing your opinion. And yes, you can go into a gun store, let the staff show you a couple of guns and leave without buying one . I have not had a situation where a staff member tried to talk me into purchasing a gun.

For me the subcompact is not obsolete, I found a G26 MOS, it is what I was looking for, the size is easier to shoot, fairly easy to conceal, comparability with my other glocks mags and holster wise. I also have some damage in my wrists and the slimmer guns cause pain issues after a mag or two, the thicker grip of the 26 mitigates.

My intial gut reaction without finishing the video is yes they are still viable because there are plenty of situations and or weather that would warrant a slightly bigger gun. One situation is for my wife. She loves the ruger security 380 and it’s so much easier for her to control being a slightly bigger gun. Another is I spend a lot of time outdoors and sometimes in bear country I usually carry my Glock 27 gen 5. And in winter a lot of times I’ll carry a 19 gen 5 and that’s even larger. But I will say from May to September I rarely carry anything besides a ruger lcp max or standard P365 when I’m not in an outdoor setting and I need to carry a smaller gun to be comfortable and not print super bad.

Subcompacts have their place if they’re a G26, because you can always put a 33 round long stick in it.

I think you hit it with the comments on grip and trigger reach. I wanted a P365 for the size, but I literally had to choose between a clean trigger pull or having a good grip on the firearm. The size and shape of my hands just didn't allow me to do both at the same time. Enter the P365XL and I have a firearm that conceals well for me, that also allows me to maintain a proper grip while executing a smooth trigger pull.

Glad someone finally covered this topic with some common sense points made. I would 100% trade a little discomfort in order to gain a big chunk of shootability, imo. I feel much more comfortable firing a sub compact and am levels better with accuracy.

This is actually a really good question. I think another question that could be addressed is how much benefit there really is between a standard 4"ish barrel and the larger 5"plus barrels with modern ammo and surging pistol quality all across the board by tons of different companies.

I bought a micro pistol and sold it to get a subcompact - the micro (hellcat) was so extremely snappy and hard to shoot well and fast even at 15yds that I got a G19 which I shoot WORLDS better. Micros sound good in theory - but shooting them absolutely sucks.

Good video, but something that impacted me and what I edc. Shield arms 15 round mag for the Glock 43x. I love the fact that I can carry a comfortable single stack subcompact with the ammo capacity of a double stack compact. Shooting did take some practice to get used to but was minimal imo.

I'll take my 1st gen S&W M&P.40 with 4.25 barrel for any kind of carry ( because that's what I've got lol ) I put an Apex trigger and a spring kit in it and it's perfect for me with the biggest grip insert. Practice with what ya got fellers, and fellets.

I still love a sub compact(CZ P07 my personal favorite)I have bigger hands and really have issues with a lot of the micros.I like a couple for sure though.

Superb content as usual! I think every firearms has a place. Personally, I haven’t found a reason to move from the 365 XL as my ccw

43x with the flush fit Shield Arms 15 rnd mag, is my carry. Cant beat the size and capacity

For me it really comes down to concealability vs firepower. I live in a high crime area where bad guys carry full auto glocks. I really like my shield plus, but I feel like it's just not enough. I am a pretty big guy, and if I wear a baggy shirt, I can usually carry my PCR with minimal printing. That's why I only carry my shield plus if I have to run errands somewhere I really need to worry about printing.

Very well said. When I go into a gun store and I size fit a gun to my hand I will look down the sites and pull the trigger to see if the sites move much. It's not perfect indicator but it definitely helps determine trigger finger reach.

I greatly prefer the micro 9 category because you're much more likely to carry it, and let's face it, we carry, but more likely than not we'll not have to use our carry gun for anything. In that case being smaller and lighter but still having adequate shootability will win out. I much prefer the micro 9. Now make one in DA/SA!!!

As a bigger guy with bigger hands, my Canik subcompact is more comfortable than my Smith and Weston shield I love my elite sc I can throw a 12 round flush or 33 round extendo on it when I’m home it’s reliable as hell optic ready and probley the best stock trigger on the market all for under 450$ absolutely a steal

Almost hard to tell what's a subcompact vs a compact. What I would consider a compact the company may say it's a sub and vice versa. But it's great to have options

Hard to say they don’t have a place. Micros can be a little more “poppy” than I prefer. CZ p10s is my edc, not only does it hold 12+, you can insert a 2nd Gen p10c mag for 15+ and, if you’re picky, you can pick up a grip sleeve that seamlessly fills in the gap with grip surface. Love your videos, brother. 👍🏻

As a taller guy, I can't run micro-handguns, but a subcompact gun fits pretty well in my hands.

Your channel is awesome. I have a CZ P-10 S that I absolutely love.

G26 + 5rd extension is still shortest height 15 round pistol ever, can’t be dethroned!

This was the subject of my Recent Are Subcompacts Forgotten video....Micros are for the Pocket, Macros....the 3.4"-3.8 or even 4" long slice micros may be best for most to Appendix Carry All day, yet the SubCompact on the hip especially OWB may give better draw master grip recoil control etc where the thickness & usually couple extra ounces helps doesn't hurt to carry. Also wider grip between a 1" and a 1.3" will disperse percieved recoil over more surface area. Also, for those that have good recoil control 40 is still a very nice option contrary to intermet hearsay

Micros are good for deep concealment, all other situations I'll take bigger guns. And sub compacts really aren't that much bigger than micros.

Trigger is also generally much better on a subcompact than the micros. Especially when you are talking about the p10s, m&p, pdp etc. so there is that as well. So yeah I agree there still is a place for them.

Love your videos, channel, and reviews. Really trust your opinion. Curious if you've seen, or have any thoughts about the psa micro dagger or micro dagger 15 rd magazines being flush fit in a 43x??? Could be relevant to this video/debate

The Beretta PX4 Subcompact is my choice. She's a pudgy girl but totally concealable. Proper weight to mitigate recoil (9mm or 40cal..). Good trigger (better with the LTT massage (sub, not the Compact carry. Yep, they work the sub too). For CC, I want a hammer over a striker.. Just a tad more reliable.

I've never had a use for subcompact. Personal preference in what you need and train for. Trends come and go. Longer barrel rifles are making a comeback, just as an example.

This is why I bought the Ruger LCP Max in 380. Smallest gun with less recoil. I can take my time researching which 9mm I want to get while carrying at least something.