[jimithing60089]

Which should I get? Based on purely on looks and cool factor I of course want the Kimber, but based on price I want a g26 or XD9 3". I will be using this gun for self defense and sometimes for conceal carry, so what do you guys think?

<a href="http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/?action=view&amp;current=73391.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/73391.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/?action=view&amp;current=3200182.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/3200182.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/?action=view&amp;current=XD9802SP06copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c365/Jimithing60089/XD9802SP06copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[crazymoose]

What do you normally shoot? If it's a 1911, then the Kimber. Glocks or XDs, then the subcompact models. Personally, though, I'm inclined to trust the Glock most out of the box. Small 1911s are much more prone to problems than larger ones, and XDs in general are just prone to problems.

 

[Cap'n]

I own a G26 and Kimber UCII. Both have been completly reliable. Both are "fun" to shoot.

The UCII was my EDC for many months. However, I'm going through the Glock Phase of my life and now find myself carrying either the G26, G23, or G30SF. Sort of miss the flatness of the UCII, though.

Bet this doesn't help you a lick, and you'll be stuck in the same quandry we all go through. :supergrin:

 

[dekova]

Which do you shoot best?

 

[GSSF17]

:dunno:.....like comparing apples to oranges....to meat loaf.

 

[Rockimook]

Why is it between two 9's and a 1911? Do you not like 45acp Glocks? I say a G30sf. If for some reason it has to be one of them 3 and your not worried about cost go with the Kimber. Doesn't hurt to say you own one.

 

[ithaca_deerslayer]

I will be using this gun for self defense and sometimes for conceal carry, so what do you guys think?

I think you first have to decide whether you want a thumb safety or not.

Then you have to decide what caliber you want.

Then you have to hold the guns and see what grip you like.

Then also think about the size and weight of the gun, for your carry needs.

Then make sure you are ok with the other kinds of safeties, like a trigger safety or a grip safety.

Then see how you like the trigger pull.

Then see how you like the sights, keeping in mind that you can usually change the sights afterwards if you want to, even though you'd probably prefer the stock sights to be right for you from the start.

 

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Also, if you get the chance to shoot them first, that helps a lot in the decision making process.

If you want to know what I prefer (and I have know idea why you'd want to know that), I prefer the Glock 26 for a carry gun. But I also sometimes go with even smaller and lighter guns, such as the Kahr PM9, S&W 642, or Ruger LCP because they conceal better for certain situations.

 

[ChicagoZman]

Have an Ultra CDP and many Glocks (but not the 26). While it appears to be bigger, the Glock 26 is actually a bit smaller than the Ultra, but not where it really helps for IWB carry. The 1911 has a narrower slide, so it fits in the waistband more comfortably (for me anyway).

Where the Kimber has the advantage (IMO) is that its grip is large enough for me to get all fingers on it without any extensions of any sort. Mine is also very accurate and shoots whatever I feed it reliably. I cannot recall ever having a failure and have had mine for almost ten years. Also uses .45 and you get eight rounds with one in the pipe.

Where the G26 has the advantage is a simpler manual of arms (no external safeties) and more firepower (11 vs 8). It also requires less frequent maintenance (spring replacements, cleanings) and is less likely to leave oil/grease on your clothes as you don't use much in the first place.

I carry my Glock 23 OWB but the Kimber when I need to carry IWB as its more comfortable for me than the Glock. Both are great guns.

 

[Bilbo Bagins]

Which do you shoot best?

+1 I shot the XD9 subcompact before. I liked it, yet hated it. Its accurate but top heavy, so with the high bore axis it has a lot of muzzle flip so rapid fire was not as easy as a G26. I like the XD grip and it doesn't give me a pinky rub like my G26.

The Kimber is a sexy gun, but its a 1911, and while I love 1911's I don't like cocked and locked in a small concealed carry gun.

 

[Berto]

Some folks have had good luck with small 1911s, not me.
The full size 1911 is outstanding, but for small pistols, the g26 is the standard by which all others are judged.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

twenty-six

 

[mrsurfboard]

Which do you shoot best?

Agreed, you also may not like a 3in 1911 in 45. If you want a 1911, get a 4in with a compact grip.

 

[KarlThomas]

The 26 is the only glock that I'm 100% on board with. It really is a nice subcompact and I love mine for all roles.

 

[cowboy1964]

I don't like 45 ACP in 3". 45 is a slow round to begin with, I don't need to make it worse. At least the 26 has a 3.5". 4" is my minimum for a .45. The difference in slide length makes virtually no difference for carry purposes.

 

[P99er]

Of the three, the Glock will have the highest bore axis at over an inch.

 

[GlockFanBoy25]

I've owned all 3. I only own the G26 now. The Kimber was uber un-reliable through 500 rounds so I traded it to a gunsmith who said he could fix it...:tongueout: The XD was much more reliable but would still have a failure around every 100 or so rounds. Sent it back to Springfield and nothing changed. My old boss said that was reliable enough for him so he bought it... The G26 is a straight beast. 100% reliable and I've never had a malfunction at all.

 

[mdfd]

I can attest to the G26's reliability. I have had mine since 1995 and it has not skipped a beat. I trust it enough to defend my life with it. The Kimber is dead sexy, but like others, I prefer a 4" minimum...I can't comment on the XDsub as I have not played with them...

 

[ronin.45]

Glock 26

No baby 1911s

XD is a chunky and top heavy

 

[bunk22]

I think you probably need to shoot all three. I have shot all three and have owned 2, the Kimber Ultra Carry II and still have my excellent XD9sc. My Kimber was an excellent shooter, had an excellent trigger and was excellent...when it worked. Mine had too many issues so it went bye-bye. My XD9sc shot over 6000 rounds before I had my first issue, a FTF but it was due to the recoil spring starting to fail. I could tell as some ejections stating to become erratic (like my G19 :supergrin and I finally had a FTF. I replaced the spring and back to normal!! It is a fantastic gun but like others have said, it is top heavy, heavy for a compact and thick. I'm not a fan of Glock subcompacts and shot a G26 before buying the XDsc.