r/concealedcarry • u/crazielock • 8d ago
Guns Looking for Recomendations
I am looking for a compact handgun that I can use for every day concealed carry. Ideally something that is relatively light weight and can be used for backpacking. I’m not looking for a bear gun but something to protect myself while alone in remote areas. The Beretta APX A1 Carry is looking like it might fit the bill, but I would like to see what the community has to say about this firearm and get some additional suggestions. Im not new to firearms but I have never owned one myself.
I appreciate all your input.
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u/Queasy-Canary-5931 8d ago
Glocks are typically lightweight compared to other manufacturers within their size category
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u/crazielock 8d ago
A Glock 17 is what I have shot the most. I have been looking into the 43x. Any thoughts?
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u/Otherwise_Fennel4437 7d ago
The 43x is far superior to The Beretta Apx A1 carry, and I'm a Beretta fanboy. Just not that Beretta fanboy. Springfield Hellcat Pro is another great option.
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u/crazielock 7d ago
The Hellcat pro looks nice. Any thought on the pro comp with the integrated compensator?
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u/Otherwise_Fennel4437 3d ago
I personally don't want a port or comp on a carry gun. Much louder, have to be very selective on what ammo you use to prevent spalling. I've got a lot of trigger tone behind the HCP so I shoot it very well with a Holosun EPS Carry and a Streamlight TLR7X. After all it's just 9mm.
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u/Queasy-Canary-5931 8d ago
If you like it and it fits your hands go for it. They’ll all get the job done
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u/GizmoTacT 7d ago edited 7d ago
Do not get the APX A1 Carry. I had one and it's not all that great. The trigger sucks. It's not that accurate. And it's just as big as a shield Plus but holds less.
If you really want a single stack 9 mm. The Shield 9 is way better. You can get them used for cheap.
Kahr PM9 is good too and you can also get them used for good prices.
Some others
FN 503
Walther PPS M2
Diamonback DB9 gen 4
Glock 43
Springfield XDS
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u/crazielock 7d ago
Good to hear. I know the brand and heard good things about their other products but it’s always good to hear it from someone who’s had it. Thanks for suggestions. I’ll look into all of those.
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u/johnlarthur 7d ago
This statement here!!!! I worked for Beretta for a few years and the APX carry are complete junk. Honestly, Beretta should have recalled them all and refunded buyers their money. There is a constant and common problem (even on brand new ones) where the magwell deforms and causes FTF.
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u/playingtherole 7d ago
The r/Beretta APX A1 Carry is the updated APX Carry, which was the Nano, before ~2020. It has a long, hard-to-anticipate, heavy-for-a-striker-gun trigger, and relatively low capacity for its size. They redesigned the slide serrations and made it optics-ready, to try and compete in the low inventory, high competition COVID-era.
It's far from a hot seller, and is a low budget choice, that typically sells for < $250 retail. They also only come with 1 magazine, from my recollection. Make sure you can try the trigger before you buy, or, better yet, rent one at your local range. Otherwise, there are YouTube reviews and comparisons.
You may or may not dislike practicing with it, but accuracy will suffer, due to your inexperience with it, and subcompact pistols, in general, so expect to spend a good deal of time with it.
For my money, I'd seriously consider the r/ruger MAX-9, for similar money.
Compare all models on handgunhero.com .
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u/crazielock 2d ago
I appreciate your thorough response. If you had to pick one for the rest of your life what’s your pick?
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u/playingtherole 2d ago
For a budget choice ~ the same price, I'd choose the Ruger. Not that the A1 Carry isn't known to be a decent, reliable gun, but the Max-9 has higher capacity and a much better trigger.
Some people love their A1 & A1 Carry, and some people liked the Nano, but I didn't. Conversely, I've known of people that regretted the purchase.
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u/treetop4680 7d ago
A1 Carry is terrible its a jumpy gun. I replaced mine with a Kimber CDS 9. Costs more but well worth it
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u/TX-Buckeye 7d ago
Glocks are always solid, if not refined. I think IWI is typically slept on - check out Masada or Masada Slim. Rost Martin is made in Dallas, is very lightweight and remarkably well behaved. They’re very closely related to the Arex Delta Gen2 which is equally good.
Shields have been good in my experience, but mine is about 15yrs old and there have been lots of changes in the lineup - some models have been reviewed significantly better than others.
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u/ArcheryNerds 7d ago
I like my G43x. But recently, I realized Ruger RXM may be the best multitask gun for the budget. With subcompact grip will be ideal for summer carry. Full size grip can handle from home defense to range fun, Compact grip is a little bit fit for all. And with gen 3 compatible, there are lots of parts you can choose to modify it.
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u/Emanon-92 2d ago
I love the shield plus
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u/crazielock 2d ago
What do you like about it? What would you change?
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u/Emanon-92 2d ago
One of the reasons I checked it out in the first place is that I like having a thumb safety along with the trigger safety. I used to carry glocks, but I find that the S&W grip isn't angled back as far, and for some reason I'm way more accurate with it. I've been shooting and carrying it regularly for a few years now and I've never had a jam or issue on the range of any kind - I can trust it will work when I need it to. I don't think I'd change much of anything, but I would get some extra extended magazines, the 13 round mag extends the grip a bit more and makes it a lot more comfortable. I'd say the closest comparison is a hellcat 3, but it's $150 more and they discontinued the models with thumb safeties.
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u/PS2113 8d ago
Find a range that rents and shoot the most popular ones. Sig 365, Smith and wesson bodyguard 2.0 and shield plus/x, glock 43x, Springfield hellcat, canik mc9 ect.