Are micro 9's a trend?

[Gawernator]

With the P365 we see that the larger models, with a little larger grip and barrel have become more popular it seems than the tiny base P365 for various reasons. I've had a Shield for a long time but after being in some tough situations for my work I literally never reach for it anymore and it just sits. It shoots fine, light and easy to carry.

But that's the thing, my P2000SK and PDP Compact are also both easy to carry, and the P2000SK especially with no optic still feels light and is easy for me to conceal. The PDP Compact is my main daily carry and is a little bigger but with a good belt still no issues and doesn't feel heavy or annoying, even when working in the field 8-14 hours a day and driving a lot.

I find myself reaching for the slightly bigger guns with more capacity and shoot-ability it feels like. It's weird because I was so hyped about the modern micro 9's, but after I shot the P365 I was not a huge fan. It was definitely harder for me to shoot that well, as soon as I picked up my PDP Compact or especially my P226 I became a laser beam again. I haven't been able to shoot the higher trim P365's that are larger with a better trigger (I think?).

I'm guessing a lot of CCW'ers here are carrying the very small guns like the P365 or BG 2.0, but is anyone else always carrying double stack or compact handguns, or am I just crazy now

 

[Hamburger Monster]

I'm sure plenty are carrying full sized pistols. I'd love to but I would never be able to make it work except maybe in the winter with heaver clothing

The shootability of larger / full sized pistols over compact is not really contested. You'll rarely see anyone in competition using a compact or micro pistol. But shootability will oftentimes take a backseat to concealability and comfort.

Smaller pistols will definitely take more practice and time to become proficient with them. I shot my G19 way more then my P365. When I went to qualify with my P365 I was surprised and disappointed that the grouping was around 6" at 10 yards. Still passed. A little more practice later and I was shooting twice as fast and the group was half the size. Crazy enough, I picked up a bodyguard 2.0 and was just as good or perhaps better with it then the P365 and no red dot in it too. Just the way it naturally points in my hands might be better. My G19 and M&P 2.0 are still more accurate and easier to shoot overall. But not enough to justify the hassle of trying to conceal them on my body type and attire

 

[Gawernator]

I'm sure plenty are carrying full sized pistols. I'd love to but I would never be able to make it work except maybe in the winter with heaver clothing

The shootability of larger / full sized pistols over compact is not really contested. You'll rarely see anyone in competition using a compact or micro pistol. But shootability will oftentimes take a backseat to concealability and comfort.

Smaller pistols will definitely take more practice and time to become proficient with them. I shot my G19 way more then my P365. When I went to qualify with my P365 I was surprised and disappointed that the grouping was around 6" at 10 yards. Still passed. A little more practice later and I was shooting twice as fast and the group was half the size. Crazy enough, I picked up a bodyguard 2.0 and was just as good or perhaps better with it then the P365 and no red dot in it too. Just the way it naturally points in my hands might be better. My G19 and M&P 2.0 are still more accurate and easier to shoot overall. But not enough to justify the hassle of trying to conceal them on my body type and attire

Full size is too big, I tried carrying my P226 and it just felt like an anchor lol. But Compact and Subcompacts seem perfect.

 

[Hindsight]

I don't feel like I'm giving up too much performance/shootability with a compact sized 2011, especially as I don't mind carrying comped or ported guns, so their performance meets or exceeds their full size naturally aspirated counterparts in most aspects.

4-4.25 inch barrels, compact grips, and standard capacity mags with a spare mean I never feel underprepared and it balances out the weight well while being 24 - 28 ish ounces unloaded so plenty doable.

That being said, the BG 2.0 carry comp with a direct milled optic has gotten me to do something I didn't think I'd do in over a decade - carry something other than a 2011. It's really that good to me. 15 yards and in it's great for as quick as I can pull the trigger and still hit center mass. Literally under 1 lb loaded and it's so thin and tiny I can almost really forget it's there. I've definitely gotten home after a long day or 8+ hour road trip and realized a few hours later I still had it on while I was unloading and unpacking stuff before unholstering for the day.

 

[JackRydden224]

I'm growing very fund of my P365 with a Ramjet and the CR920XP just need the TriggerTech Ace Slim then I'm rocking and rolling.

Two skinny guns with excellent capacity and shootability. The G19 is a big girl compared to those two.

 

[mountain_yokai]

The 365X macro comp has been growing on me everytime I ask to check it out. Not too small that I immediately hate it (I.e. base 365, BG2.0)...the comp doesn't bother me as I'm more concerned with having a weapon that I'm comfortable with.

And while it's just throwing money at a problem that isn't really there for me with a weapon like this, I could always upgrade the grip...and I also have a 1st gen Shield.40 that I don't mind carrying around if I want a really small carry

 

[vplaza96]

I've been fine carrying my XD9 4" for years. Looking forward to carrying my Echelon 4.0C and PDP Compact once they're on my CCW in a few months.

I'm of the opinion that you carry the biggest gun you can comfortably carry and conceal. If it's a BG or Shield, that's what you carry. If it's a Desert Eagle or a Model 629, more power to you.

 

[Bobalover209]

It all depends on what you are willing to compromise. As others said, the smaller and lighter you go, the harder it is to shoot compared to a larger and heavier gun, it's just physics. That sacrifice typically results in greater comfort and ease of concealment.

Personally, I'm a rather small statured and thin physique, and combined with the over 100 degrees heat wearing shorts and a thin tshirt, it limits what I can easily carry. I have a pocket carry, micro compact, and subcompact to cover all my bases, but pretty much end up appendix carrying the LCP max as my daily. I do have a p365 with an optic, but that is significantly bigger and heavier, and I find the optic does tend to stick out more through my shirt than the LCP max with irons. The LCP max is certainly the snappiest out of the 3, but I can still shoot it well enough at the distance I'd likely find myself using it as a get off me gun in the extremely low chance that I'd have to use it.

 

[Jimi Jah]

I like metal. EMP.

 

[Gawernator]

It all depends on what you are willing to compromise. As others said, the smaller and lighter you go, the harder it is to shoot compared to a larger and heavier gun, it's just physics. That sacrifice typically results in greater comfort and ease of concealment.

Personally, I'm a rather small statured and thin physique, and combined with the over 100 degrees heat wearing shorts and a thin tshirt, it limits what I can easily carry. I have a pocket carry, micro compact, and subcompact to cover all my bases, but pretty much end up appendix carrying the LCP max as my daily. I do have a p365 with an optic, but that is significantly bigger and heavier, and I find the optic does tend to stick out more through my shirt than the LCP max with irons. The LCP max is certainly the snappiest out of the 3, but I can still shoot it well enough at the distance I'd likely find myself using it as a get off me gun in the extremely low chance that I'd have to use it.

How tight is your shirt and how are you carrying? I’ve been carrying my P2000SK all summer with no problems

 

[couragewolf]

I feel like the advice I've always gotten was that getting something more comfortable to carry would always make you more likely to carry it and having it vs having nothing was more valuable than having something that's more comfortable to shoot.

It makes sense. I feel like you can learn to shoot something pretty small well. My dad had one of those TINY Sig 357s and we both got pretty good with it over the years. I never would've chosen to shoot something like that unless I absolutely had to, but then again if you're drawing that's sort of the scenario you're optimizing for.

I also buck popular consensus on calibers for carry. Everyone sort of scoffs at the idea of light caliber carry, but I sort of have in my head that a .22 and a .357 to the middle of the face are probably equally persuasive feeling to the person receiving. I mean what does it feel like to get rattled with a few .22 mags to the eye socket? Probably not great.

 

[Bobalover209]

How tight is your shirt and how are you carrying? I’ve been carrying my P2000SK all summer with no problems

I tend to wear slim fit/athletic shirts (it was my preferred style before I started carrying). Instead of doing a complete overhaul of my wardrobe I've been slowly shifting towards normal and oversized clothing for better concealment which has helped a lot. Once it gets cooler and I can wear sweaters/jackets it won't be a problem.

My mentality for carry has always been to be an additional emergency tool that shouldn't get in the way of my everyday activities. I don't want to have to change what I'm wearing because I want to carry, instead I choose a CCW that is flexible and works with whatever I want to wear for the day.

I'm sure it'll get easier to carry larger guns once my old clothes get phased out with newer clothes that have carry in mind, but I didn't see a point in replacing my closet all at once (I still wear clothes from over 10 years ago lol).

I'm sure the p2000 is perfectly comfortable for most people, I personally don't have any experience with it. If my p365 didn't have an optic I could probably carry it much easier, but it serves that elevated more capable role over my LCP max so I wanted an optic on it.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

I think they were a trend a few years ago, when the single stacks like G43 or the OG Shield were just hitting the scene, but now that they've migrated to double stack I think they're going to stick around.

For me, I rarely carry anything beyond what is considered a micro compact anymore because they are more comfortable to carry and you're not really giving up that much anymore.

 

[ChallengerScatPackClub]

Of course larger guns are easier to handle and shoot, but they are usually harder to conceal, heavier, less comfortable to carry. It depends on your situation. Everyone’s situation is different. Whenever I can, I’ll carry the biggest one that I can conceal (4506). Most of the time I have no choice but to carry smallest as possible (P365), but at the same time even with a small gun it’s not difficult for me to hit my target within self defense range. Just train.

 

[Gawernator]

Of course larger guns are easier to handle and shoot, but they are usually harder to conceal, heavier, less comfortable to carry. It depends on your situation. Everyone’s situation is different. Whenever I can, I’ll carry the biggest one that I can conceal (4506). Most of the time I have no choice but to carry smallest as possible (P365), but at the same time even with a small gun it’s not difficult for me to hit my target within self defense range. Just train.

I have no problem carrying a SK or compact thanks to the Vedder holster. That’s the thing, haven’t found a situation where I needed a gun as small as my shield

 

[RocketF22]

With the P365 we see that the larger models, with a little larger grip and barrel have become more popular it seems than the tiny base P365 for various reasons. I've had a Shield for a long time but after being in some tough situations for my work I literally never reach for it anymore and it just sits. It shoots fine, light and easy to carry.

But that's the thing, my P2000SK and PDP Compact are also both easy to carry, and the P2000SK especially with no optic still feels light and is easy for me to conceal. The PDP Compact is my main daily carry and is a little bigger but with a good belt still no issues and doesn't feel heavy or annoying, even when working in the field 8-14 hours a day and driving a lot.

I find myself reaching for the slightly bigger guns with more capacity and shoot-ability it feels like. It's weird because I was so hyped about the modern micro 9's, but after I shot the P365 I was not a huge fan. It was definitely harder for me to shoot that well, as soon as I picked up my PDP Compact or especially my P226 I became a laser beam again. I haven't been able to shoot the higher trim P365's that are larger with a better trigger (I think?).

I'm guessing a lot of CCW'ers here are carrying the very small guns like the P365 or BG 2.0, but is anyone else always carrying double stack or compact handguns, or am I just crazy now

Just recently picked up a csx. While im not a fan at the range, theres a purpose for it. Its small, double stack 9mm, decent grip, mini 1911 so its got ambi controls. Great for a small ccw, not fantastic for accuracy at distance

 

[bonesurf]

It’s all about whats comfortable for the given individual. The micro 9s are popular because in general smaller easier/more comfortable. For a long time i carried a p365 with the XL grip but standard slide. The grip IMO doesnt affect carry comfort and the difference between the short grip and the XL wasnt much vis a vis printing etc. i found the extra 1/2” or whatever in the macro comp to just dig a little more and not that i couldnt get used to it, but didnt feel like i wanted to bother. I have switched to a cc9 just cause (no particular reason) and it’s basically same size and easy to carry in a variety of ways. IWB, pocket whatever just like the p365. I think this is why they are popular. You can stick ‘em all over and figure it out, whereas as things get bigger you gotta do it “one way” and adjust wardrobe etc to that. Which sure makes some sense, but the biggest thing particularly when starting out carrying is can you do it comfortably

 

[Luciansulla]

My Macro is a blast to shoot. Literally, with the comp. I’m still carrying a stock 365 or have a Tomcat in my pocket 90% of the time.

 

[tomrkba]

Go track the top sales at sites like Gunbroker. Industry news tells us the current trend is towards Micro 9’s. Survey data is in and published and available.

Micro 9’s fill the same role as snubby 38’s. They are just the modern equivalent that offer improved capabilities. It makes sense that they’re popular.

 

[decius_mus]

I think they were a trend a few years ago, when the single stacks like G43 or the OG Shield were just hitting the scene, but now that they've migrated to double stack I think they're going to stick around.

For me, I rarely carry anything beyond what is considered a micro compact anymore because they are more comfortable to carry and you're not really giving up that much anymore.

Those newer micro 9's aren't really double stack. They are stack and a half. That was the original P365's innovation and it's what effectively killed the subcompact (G26, P2000SK) category of carry guns. I think these guns are what OP is referring to.

It honestly makes sense to me why it happened too. subcompact carry guns were thick but weren't long enough for pinky support. By the time you put a longer mag or a pinky ledge you were basically at G19 grip size but with a shorter barrel. The stack and a half guns solved the capacity issues from the single stacks while being thinner than double stacks making them lighter and easier to carry comfortably.

Then they released the stack and a half compact sized guns like the G48 / P365 Xmacro / Hellcat Pro which are basically G19 sized guns but thinner. So now you got a thin gun that has enough pinky support without extensions and a longer barrel. The main tradeoff now is that they tend to be a little snappier than double stacks but there are always tradeoffs.


@Gawernator my take on your question is that they aren't actually a trend. They serve a role in the CCW market quite well. I think the bigger question is if the popularity of CCW is what's actually trendy, not the 1.5 stack micros. I personally carry a shield plus as my edc but I don't love shooting it beyond CCW engagement distances. But it does the job it's intended to do quite well.