Been thinking about upgrading my EDC/ vehicle pistol. Looking at Glock 26 which is a pretty known gun for me, carried a Glock 23 for years on duty. Any of you have any experience with the Springfield Hellcat? Hellcat vs Glock 26 pros and cons? Any +/- going to a Glock 43 instead of the other two?
The Glock has a record of performance that is unmatched. I like my G43 w/ 2 round extension mags for hiking in the back country and my G19 for "civilization"
I had a Glock 26 for several years. To me, it's sort of an oddball. It's not nearly as concealable as the 43, which I currently carry everyday, and it's not a lot smaller than a 19, which I also carry on occasion. Having said that, it all depends on what you like, and what fits you the best.
I've carried a 26 for the last 6-7 years, my favorite concealed carry handgun. I prefer a double stack over the single stacks which is why I've kept my 26 since they've come out with some of the smaller 9's.
I've carried a 26 for the last 6-7 years, my favorite concealed carry handgun. I prefer a double stack over the single stacks which is why I've kept my 26 since they've come out with some of the smaller 9's.
Yep this^ right here.
Other than the past 6-7 yrs (I’ve only carried mine for 1) it’s my EDC & all he said is my opinion.
You just can’t go wrong with a Glock and the bigger double stack with lots of “large cap” MAGs out in circulation is a huge plus.
I have a kimber micro 9 cdp. It shoots great and is easily carried. I also just picked up a hellcat osp and put a swampfox sentinel on it. Still new enough it's not an edc yet but it shoots great, is compact and concealable.
The 26 is built like the usual Glock tank and would be a great gun if you need a tank. But, it is kinda squat and chunky for a small IWB gun or for occasional pocket carry. I can’t speak to the Hellcat, but I must say that I have been carrying a Sig P365 for over two years, and for me it is a lot easier to carry and more accurate than the Glock 26 I carried before I got the Sig. (I used to have two Glock 43s, and both are gone now.)
One brand I would NOT get is Kel Tec. When I bought the P938 several years back, I laid a bunch of different small 9's out and looked at them. The Shield was just out. Subjective Impressions: The Kel Tec was the smallest, followed by the P938. I don't think the 365 was out yet. I've owned two Kel Tec's...I believe it's the "P9" model. Whatever their single-stack 9 is. They were not reliable. They also are rough shooters. They kick pretty good. The P938 doesn't kick bad. The Shield was larger. Personally, I don't see the need for a Shield when the same gun is available in the wide body...the M&P Compact. You get more ammo capacity and a wider grip that while, possibly marginally less concealable, spreads the recoil out over a larger portion of your palm diminishing (for me anyway) the perceived recoil. I've never owned the double-stack Kel Tec...whatever model that is, but I wouldn't buy the single-stack 9.
The 26 is built like the usual Glock tank and would be a great gun if you need a tank. But, it is kinda squat and chunky for a small IWB gun or for occasional pocket carry. I can’t speak to the Hellcat, but I must say that I have been carrying a Sig P365 for over two years, and for me it is a lot easier to carry and more accurate than the Glock 26 I carried before I got the Sig. (I used to have two Glock 43s, and both are gone now.)
Yep if I were going away from G26 I’d skip the Springfield & go P365 I shot Kingston’s P365XL and it’s fantastic.
Look at a Khar cw9 thank me later I tried the glock 43/42 now my edc is a khar cw380 and have the cw9 for dumpster runs still have a glock 30sf in the tooth brush drawer
One brand I would NOT get is Kel Tec. When I bought the P938 several years back, I laid a bunch of different small 9's out and looked at them. The Shield was just out. Subjective Impressions: The Kel Tec was the smallest, followed by the P938. I don't think the 365 was out yet. I've owned two Kel Tec's...I believe it's the "P9" model. Whatever their single-stack 9 is. They were not reliable. They also are rough shooters. They kick pretty good. The P938 doesn't kick bad. The Shield was larger. Personally, I don't see the need for a Shield when the same gun is available in the wide body...the M&P Compact. You get more ammo capacity and a wider grip that while, possibly marginally less concealable, spreads the recoil out over a larger portion of your palm diminishing (for me anyway) the perceived recoil. I've never owned the double-stack Kel Tec...whatever model that is, but I wouldn't buy the single-stack 9.
I have a couple of the Kel Tec PF-9s. One was reliable from the factory, the other was not so I sent it back and they fixed. Cheap, and it shows. There is only one JHP load that it feeds reliably. Shoulda bought the Kahr....
Sort of like asking someone to pick a pair of shoes. Narrow it down and then go handle them all and pick the one that fits best and don't worry what other's think.
Look at a Khar cw9 thank me later I tried the glock 43/42 now my edc is a khar cw380 and have the cw9 for dumpster runs still have a glock 30sf in the tooth brush drawer
Pre-p365 I woulda said the same thing.
I’ve got a couple cw9. I’ve shot all types of ammo. (Steel, alum, brass cased ). No problems.
I like my Glock 26. It shoots a lot like a G19 but is more concealable. The single stack Glocks are even smaller. However, because I shoot double stack Glocks in competition, the G26 feels similar and I like that consistency.
A lot of people like the SIG P365 models. They're very good subcompact pistols.
I have the Kimber Micro 9 and the G43...I hate Kimber. OMG, this micro 9 was the worst idea ever. anyone want to buy it? I have a list of reasons I don't like it.
G43, good gun, no issues.--Once you get past the striker fired, no safety, SAO, kindof thing.
I'm a little leery of CC a striker fired, no safety. it's a personal decision.
If I was looking at one of the G43’s I would get the 43x as it holds 10+1 to the regular 43’s 6+1.
Glock 43x is ideal for me. Easy to conceal and still big enough to shoot accurately. 10 round mag seems adequate. Others are probably as good but I doubt I’ll switch. I admit that a Kahr cw9 worked flawlessly for me but I liked the trigger pull and extra capacity of the 43x.
In this size I really like the Sig p938. Very concealable, familiar function. Just be sure to fill it with 124's or 147gr. Had issues with function with light bullets.
Yep if I were going away from G26 I’d skip the Springfield & go P365 I shot Kingston’s P365XL and it’s fantastic.
I have and like the P365XL as well. For the OP's benefit, I have some file photos that show, left to right, a Glock 19, Sig P365 XL, Glock 26 and Sig P365.
sig 365, its the ultimate 9mm carry gun. the glock 26 has been gathering dust every since. the glock 26 is a great gun and shoots just as well as a full size. carried one for 5-6 years. I think its been 3 years with the 365, never ever looked back.
I carried a Glock 27 as my EDC (same size as a Glock 26 except in 40 S&W). When I retired, I started carrying a Glock 43 in a We the people . The magazine has a Pierce +1 mag extension for 7+1. I carry a spare mag with a Tango down/Vickers +2 mag extension in my pants pocket. All loaded with 147 grain Federal HST. I feel pretty well armed for a civilian.
All the the mentioned are great, I've had many of them.. However, there's another to consider, that would be the G48.. Stealth magazines for the 48 have a capacity of 15.. I've shot it quite a lot with these magazines and it has been flawless.
I have the Kimber Micro 9 and the G43...I hate Kimber. OMG, this micro 9 was the worst idea ever. anyone want to buy it? I have a list of reasons I don't like it.
G43, good gun, no issues.--Once you get past the striker fired, no safety, SAO, kindof thing.
I'm a little leery of CC a striker fired, no safety. it's a personal decision.
If I was looking at one of the G43’s I would get the 43x as it holds 10+1 to the regular 43’s 6+1.
This ^^^^^ ... I've got a G43 for CCDW and for open carry around the house and farm. Fits my hand very well with the 2 round EMP mag extension. My LGS dropped a 43X in my hand a week or two after I picked up my 43. I would have skipped the standard 43 all together if the X had been available when I ordered the standard version...
Just retired. Off about a week when the local gun shop owner called looking for help. Started working 3 days a week. Get to handle most brands.
My opinion echoes most of the others. Sig P 365 for the win. I just see no real weakness. Small, reliable double stack we sell in a Tac Pac. Our price is $539.00 which is the pistol, 3 magazines, and a holster. Best buy out there. Also made in USA.
Springfield Hellcat is a fine pistol but trigger is not as good and its made in Croatia.
Sig P365 (stock night sights) 10+1 flush cap. OR 12 +1 cap, extended mag, IF you have big hands, and don't like "pinky hangers". Sig P365XL (comes with RMR cut out on slide/ stock night sights) 12+1 cap Glock 43 6+1 cap Glock 43X 10+1 cap Springfield Armory Hellcat (avail. with RMR cut on slide).12+1 cap
Above are the most popular small 9mms at my shop. I'm excluding the Sig P938, because while it's a great gun, I'm sticking to striker (vs hammer) fired guns.
I have large hands, so i'll be buying the 365XL. I currently carry a HK VP9 SK every day, but Summer is coming, and the above guns are easier to IWB carry. -TomT
The G43 is too small for my hands, I just can't get a good consistent grip with it. The shield in 45 works well for me. I've never the 9mm shield but it might be worth a look.
What do you guys recommend for those short barrel 9mm’s? My daughter has a Sig P938 and has 124gr +P Speer Gold Dots for her defense load.
Anything else out there that’s better?
I did a little comparison with the 938 because it wasn't feeding 115gr well, and a self defense gun has to be 100% reliable. Sig recommended 124gr so that's a good indicator. I couldn't tell the difference between Hornady Critical Defense, Critical Duty, or the Gold Dots. I also tried 147gr but they didn't seem to expand quite as well. Non - science comparison. I'm sure someone has done videos on YT. Sig now has their own line as well, and one of them now has 135gr as well.
The G-26 is hard to beat & I've had one for several years. I like the Pearce mag base with the extra finger groove as it makes the gun considerably more shootable.
I've gone away from it for the most part as I really just prefer a bigger gun.
But if I was going to buy another gun in that general size category today, it would surely be a Sig 365 of some flavor.
If you want a little more grip, the HK VP9SK is worth a look, great gun.
I like the p365 as well. S&W just released the Shield Plus, which now has p365/hellcat capacity. They also improved the trigger and I think trimmed a couple ounces.
Been thinking about upgrading my EDC/ vehicle pistol. Looking at Glock 26 which is a pretty known gun for me, carried a Glock 23 for years on duty. Any of you have any experience with the Springfield Hellcat? Hellcat vs Glock 26 pros and cons? Any +/- going to a Glock 43 instead of the other two?
I love my Gen 5 Glock 26, and carry it often, but if I were you, I'd take a good look at the new S&W Shield Plus, which is a redesign of the Shield to match the characteristics of the Sig P365.
The 26 is built like the usual Glock tank and would be a great gun if you need a tank. But, it is kinda squat and chunky for a small IWB gun or for occasional pocket carry. I can’t speak to the Hellcat, but I must say that I have been carrying a Sig P365 for over two years, and for me it is a lot easier to carry and more accurate than the Glock 26 I carried before I got the Sig. (I used to have two Glock 43s, and both are gone now.)
Yep if I were going away from G26 I’d skip the Springfield & go P365 I shot Kingston’s P365XL and it’s fantastic.
efw; Good morning to you my cyber friend, I hope the day's looking to be a fine one in your part of the planet and that all who mean anything to you are well.
I'm reluctant to participate in a thread on this subject since as a Canuck only felons and gangsters are allowed to carry compact firearms now.
Anyways, I remain curious to learn however and appreciate the input on threads like this.
Since there's lots of Ruger firearms in the safe, I'm wondering what the thoughts might be on this new one? Is the micro red dot a good idea?
I have a Sig P365XL. I have only had it about 6 weeks and so far it is all I hoped for. It has the front sight big green dot surrounding the night sight. I like it, very easy to pick up quickly. I think they call it their X-Ray sight. Trigger is very good, great all around small 9mm, i think I will keep it. 😎😁
FWIW, the Shield isn't in the same size category as the P365 and Hellcat. I'd say it's closer to a G26 than anything. And I agree that it's a yawner and nothing I'd get too excited about, but I guess it's good to have choices.
I sure can't say the Shield's the best because I haven't carried or shot all of the guns discussed here and at the time when I bought it price was a factor plus S&W was offering a pretty decent rebate to make it even less. Regardless of that I still like the Shield well enough. IMO it's flatter profile makes it more concealable than the Glock 26 I owned and it's been as reliable. Granted the grip was too small for me but with the Hogue grip sleeve at around $10 bucks it handles and feels like a bigger pistol and is still easy to conceal.
The 26 is built like the usual Glock tank and would be a great gun if you need a tank. But, it is kinda squat and chunky for a small IWB gun or for occasional pocket carry. I can’t speak to the Hellcat, but I must say that I have been carrying a Sig P365 for over two years, and for me it is a lot easier to carry and more accurate than the Glock 26 I carried before I got the Sig. (I used to have two Glock 43s, and both are gone now.)
Yep if I were going away from G26 I’d skip the Springfield & go P365 I shot Kingston’s P365XL and it’s fantastic.
efw; Good morning to you my cyber friend, I hope the day's looking to be a fine one in your part of the planet and that all who mean anything to you are well.
I'm reluctant to participate in a thread on this subject since as a Canuck only felons and gangsters are allowed to carry compact firearms now.
Anyways, I remain curious to learn however and appreciate the input on threads like this.
Since there's lots of Ruger firearms in the safe, I'm wondering what the thoughts might be on this new one? Is the micro red dot a good idea?
Thanks in advance for any input from anyone.
All the best to you all as we head into spring.
Dwayne
I don’t understand putting a big bulky sight on a compact pistol.
Sig P365 [no safety] 12 round mag up front to stay within the max concealment with acceptable capacity program, two 15 rounders in a back pocket, if those are needed the concealment surprise is obviously already out the fuggin window.
The 26 is built like the usual Glock tank and would be a great gun if you need a tank. But, it is kinda squat and chunky for a small IWB gun or for occasional pocket carry. I can’t speak to the Hellcat, but I must say that I have been carrying a Sig P365 for over two years, and for me it is a lot easier to carry and more accurate than the Glock 26 I carried before I got the Sig. (I used to have two Glock 43s, and both are gone now.)
Yep if I were going away from G26 I’d skip the Springfield & go P365 I shot Kingston’s P365XL and it’s fantastic.
efw; Good morning to you my cyber friend, I hope the day's looking to be a fine one in your part of the planet and that all who mean anything to you are well.
I'm reluctant to participate in a thread on this subject since as a Canuck only felons and gangsters are allowed to carry compact firearms now.
Anyways, I remain curious to learn however and appreciate the input on threads like this.
Since there's lots of Ruger firearms in the safe, I'm wondering what the thoughts might be on this new one? Is the micro red dot a good idea?
Thanks in advance for any input from anyone.
All the best to you all as we head into spring.
Dwayne
I don’t understand putting a big bulky sight on a compact pistol.
Hits count, 1st hit often wins, hitting multiple targets 1st is the goal.
The XL is not really a small gun.......................but yes, it's nice.
MM
They're all trying to be a Sig 365 / Sig 365XL.
S&W Shield Plus latest copycat / usurper. Yawn.
PSA has the Shield Plus on sale for $549.
I like the S&W M&P series. I've got the Compact, which pre-dates the Shield and never saw a need for the slightly thinner pistol with less capacity. The new version of the Shield looks intriguing...but there's the rub. It hasn't been too long back that Shields were on sale for $250. The newer, better version can be expected to be more, but there it is...over twice as high.
I have been carrying a G26 for 12 years now. Recently picked up a 43x and really prefer that over the G26. I am actually thinking about trying to trade out the 26 for a G19 or G17 just to have a mid to full size pistol around when I am not worried about concealment.
I have been carrying a G26 for 12 years now. Recently picked up a 43x and really prefer that over the G26. I am actually thinking about trying to trade out the 26 for a G19 or G17 just to have a mid to full size pistol around when I am not worried about concealment.
The huge advantage of going with a 26 vs one of these new double staggered mag, slimline, subcompacts, is that you can use so many Glock magazines with them, 10 round, 12 round, 15 round, 26 round, and 33 round. So you can carry it with the 10 round mag, and keep a higher cap mag in your glove compartment. Not nearly so much the case with this new type of compact pistol.
I have been carrying a G26 for 12 years now. Recently picked up a 43x and really prefer that over the G26. I am actually thinking about trying to trade out the 26 for a G19 or G17 just to have a mid to full size pistol around when I am not worried about concealment.
The huge advantage of going with a 26 vs one of these new double staggered mag, slimline, subcompacts, is that you can use so many Glock magazines with them, 10 round, 12 round, 15 round, 26 round, and 33 round. So you can carry it with the 10 round mag, and keep a higher cap mag in your glove compartment. Not nearly so much the case with this new type of compact pistol.
Thats the main reason I still have it. I have several 12 round mags for it as well as some G15s and a G17 mag.
I bought a 365 tac pack last year and I really like it. It came with 3 12 round mags and I prefer how they fit. The 12 rounds are a step up from the 5 rd 360pd 357 I'd been carrying.
I've really enjoyed my sig P365. Everything you could possibly ask from a small pistol. Concealable, reliable, even accurate plus holds 10 rds. Fits my hand perfectly. Going to be hard to top this one
I am typically a Glock guy and in 9mm have a 19 and 43X. I have had my 19 for around 12 years now and love it but its not easy to carry. The 43X is ok but I’ll also be looking at the Sig 365 and Springfield Hellcat as I am not fully sold on the 43.
Looking hard at the P365 for myself. Have a Colt Commander .45 ACP but it's heavier and much harder to conceal in summer clothing without printing (which is 9+ months in Texas).
Used to have a Kahr PM9 many years ago that was easy to conceal. A little rough on the hands with +P loads After several rounds your hands would feel like you placed them in a bee hive. lol
Say......if I buy a 365xl today.....will someone sell me a box of hollow points?
You'll probably be able to get some from your dealer. Most (if not all) of the dealers around here have ammo in stock for gun purchases. They don't put it out on the shelves.
Fire control Group can be removed from grip with one pin.
P365 grip too small? Swap with p365xl for $40.
Or vice versa.
Trigger swap is easy to. Put a flat trigger in the p365.
Did you get the bigger grip frame?
I really want an xl.
I have a couple "regular" P365's and an XL, but I really want one of these minus the Romeo Zero (P365X = P365 slide with an optic cut on an XL frame from the factory): https://www.sigsauer.com/p365x-romeozero.html
I use a Beretta Nano with a 6 round flush magazine in the pistol and 2 8 round extended magazines for reloads. My son carries a Sig 938 and my daughter a Beretta Pico.
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
I recently bought a Sig 365 sas. Haven't shot it a lot yet, but enough to know that I like the gun as far as the way it handles and shoots and carries for me. The 10 round mags that come with it are to short for my grip but the 12 round mags fit nice. I don't like the bullseye sights on the sas. It's going get a new home as soon as I find something to replace it unless my wife claims it
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
Sig 356? Nope all hype even after Sig allegedly ironed out all the glitches, still hearing reports of broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs with less than a 2000 round count not to mention failure to feed return to battery issues... It's small I'll give it that but no thanks My Hk P2000Sk in 40 fits my bear paws perfectly and has never failed regardless of what I feed it.
After looking that report/review over, and if it isn't internet horsehockey, I feel even better about my decision to go with a P365/Tritium. If it goes tits up, I'll eat my words. The Hellcat didn't feel right to me, and was about $60.00 more. I've never handled the Heckler above. My 2 pennies worth.
Buddy's who are Leo's here in Orange County CA two have had fails with their personal 365's their becoming a running joke in Law Enforcement circles in these parts. So go for it.
Buddy's who are Leo's here in Orange County CA two have had fails with their personal 365's their becoming a running joke in Law Enforcement circles in these parts. So go for it.
Do you know the "born on" dates of the guns? How many rounds did they have through them? What were the problems?
Buddy's who are Leo's here in Orange County CA two have had fails with their personal 365's their becoming a running joke in Law Enforcement circles in these parts. So go for it.
Do you know the "born on" dates of the guns? How many rounds did they have through them? What were the problems?
Again, broken firing pins, broken trigger return springs within less than a 2000 rounds fired failure to feed return to battery problems , Don't know anything about "born on dates" of the weapons in question. I do recall the fails being recent. Don't get me wrong I like my Sigs I have two older P 229's one in 9 and one in 40 one is my night stand gun. I'm just of the opinion the the 365 not been vetted before being released into the market
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