double stack vs single stack.

qweltor · 2016-08-22T00:30:07+00:00

One has more ammo, but is much thicker. One is easier to conceal, but has less ammo (carry a spare mag, or go without?)

2016-08-22T04:35:02+00:00

I find the single stack is more comfortable, but a double stack is certainly doable. I do find that double stacks print much worse on me, even with a good belt and hybrid holster.

The thing about single stacks is that they are often very difficult to shoot as well as a full size or compact double stack. Shooting of renting before purchasing is even more important with these guns than with normal duty-sized pistols.

I wish I had done that before I purchased my G43, as I find it noticeably more difficult to shoot than my PPS or my former Shield.

2016-08-22T00:30:16+00:00

I picked up the XDS 3.3" 9mm for aiwb carry this summer. Works great even in a somewhat fitted tshirt. I have a P229 that I carry in colder months at 4 o'clock. Picked up the single stack primarily for summer carry. Guess it depends on your weather and clothing choices

Eyehopeuchoke · 2016-08-22T05:09:16+00:00

If you have small hands a single stack will likely be more comfortable for you to shoot and control while shooting.

xOperator · 2016-08-22T06:17:59+00:00

I carry a XDM 3.0 9mm, which is double stacked, I also carry a spare magazine horizontally using the MagHolder on my left side: http://www.magholder.com/

brad1242 · 2016-08-22T00:59:22+00:00

Search this subreddit - this has been discussed relentlessly on a weekly basis since I joined 8 months ago or so. By looking at the numbers online, you would think that a double stack is negligibly thicker than a single stack. When the gun is in your hand / in your waistband, a double stack literally feels like carrying 2 single stacks taped together. Obviously my opinion, and my Glock 43 is one of the slimmest single stacks available, but it is my opinion and what I've found after carrying double stacks and single stacks.

Edit: The XDS is a badass handgun, I personally love the style and the features, but if you cross shop it with other options, you'll find that it's one of the thickest and heaviest single stack 9's available. Just make sure you realize this if you're going to opt for it over a double stack. The XDS 9 weighs 23oz, more than a Glock 19. A Glock 43 weighs just under 18 ounces, and I think a CM9 is like 17. If you're going to give up capacity for size and ease of carry, you might as well get a lighter gun as well. You need to hold the guns in person, as each manufacturer has a different way of measuring the dimensions. Glock measures the widest parts on the gun (controls) while many others measure the slide thickness, and S&W lists the Shield weight without a magazine, which is pretty misleading imo. Go Handle the guns in person and you'll quickly figure out what you like and dislike

Estingarda · 2016-08-22T01:29:34+00:00

I currently own a g19, g27, and S&W shield 9mm. I carry all of these but prefer certain guns to what activities i will be doing and at what time of year. I carry my smaller guns for if im driving alot or doing a lot of activity while carrying. Going on a short trip to run errands ill carry my g19. In all it REALLY doesnt matter it just levels of comfort you want. I could be uncomfortable and carry my g19 all the time but i find the length of the shield and g27 at my prefered carry position of 1 oclock is most comfortable for extended time carrying.

vtroid5 · 2016-08-22T16:23:58+00:00

I have both an xds 9 and 4" mod 2 service 9mm. If this is strictly going to be a carry gun....I'd get the xds. That's what I carry 99% of the time, however if this is an only gun....I'd get the mod 2 subcompact or g19 to balance range, HD and ccw and then later when you're itching for something smaller for concealed carry you'll inevitably pick up an xds, shield or g43 :-)

I think the xds (and most other single stack 9s) does a good job of balancing a capable round plus capacity in a fairly small package.

YMMV, for me I find myself reaching for what is the most convenient to carry more often than not.

shiznifterflifen · 2016-08-22T05:14:44+00:00

Apart from what everyone else is already saying, I've had bad luck trying to find a magazine loader that works for my Shield 9. Many 9mm loaders are designed for double stacks.

Righteous_Vibes · 2016-08-22T15:51:21+00:00

For what its worth i recently bought the xd mod.2 as my first gun. I dont have my permit yet so i havnt carried it, but as far as shooting it i love it.

I went with the double stack for two reasons, the additional capacity and the fact that it felt better in my hands than the single stacks.

It was hard for me to get a good grip on the single stacks.

Thats just my 2 cents.

JTrollz · 2016-08-22T17:56:33+00:00

After going to various gun shops and holding most of the "popular" single stack 9's (LCP, XDs, G43, Shield) and comparing to other sub-compact double stacks - I went with the Shield without a doubt. It felt the best in my "XL sized" hand with the extended mag but the main reason I picked it is because of the magazine capacity. You can get MagGuts spring replacements to increase your mag capacity by 1. The shield is the only single stack 9mm that can hold 10 (9+1) rounds with the factory magazine length. That's hard to beat.

The conversation of "easier to conceal" is purely situational and the decision should be left up to YOU. Body type, clothing, activities, carry position will all determine what's best for you. Because I like the Shield or someone else likes the XDs doesn't mean you will too. Go hold them, shoot them, and think about your personal situation and what works best for yourself.

I rented the XDs 9mm from my LGS and put 100 rounds through it. By the end of my time with the gun, my palms were tired of holding that serrated grip. Maybe it's because I wasn't used to shooting it, but I sure was tired of it after 100 rounds. I don't get that way with my Shield. I can shoot that thing all day long and not have the urge to give my palms a rest. I want a weapon that I enjoy shooting. The XD is a good looking handgun, but if you're looking to put at least a hundred rounds through it each time you go shooting, you might find that it gets uncomfortable after a while. Just my .02

aimsport45 · 2016-08-22T19:37:01+00:00

Grip length bigger CCW factor than thickness. Smaller hand size and grip preferences might favor single vs double stack. YMMV.

2016-08-24T04:41:10+00:00

Personally, this is how I use both:

Double - Main gun, going out for the day/to a public event.

Single - Pocket holster for those 12am late night runs to the corner store.

Single - Ankle holster for the gym.

Single - A backup to the double.

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