please help me pick my first striker fired pistol

Lots of good striker models in the compact size. I like the HK VP9, Sig 320, Steyr M9-A1, and Wather PPQ the best and they have the best out of the box triggers in the striker market. The HK is a little bigger than the other three, but still fine for CC work.

My second tier would be the FN FNS and S&W M&P. The Ruger American might fall in this group but, I have not had a chance to shoot one yet. Like the HK, the Ruger is a little bigger than the other two.

Single stack Sub would be the Walther PPS models as my top choice. The S&W Sheild would be a close second. Sub compact double stack would be the Sig 320, Steyr S9-A1 and Walther P99C-AS followed by the FN FNS 9C.

I don't recommend pocket carry with a striker model without a safety or a small holster.
 
compacts:
walther ppq
SA XD
sig p320c
glock 19

for subcompact(pocket carry)

walther ccp

SA xds

S+W Shield(you need a deep pocket)

good luck
 
Any particular reason you specify striker fired for the semi? Do you really mean smooth contours without an external hammer spur to snag? The reason I ask is that the LCP has a bobbed hammer, so it fits description #2 but not #1.

By my way of thinking, you have the pocket pistol covered with the 642, and for a second pistol I might want the higher capacity of one of the larger semis that have been recommended. Pity that you don't like Glocks, because my G26 fills that middle sized slot rather nicely. Similar sized pistols like the Sig P224 would attract me if I didn't like my 26 as well as I do, but you are looking at a hammer again with that one.
 
I've heard some really good things about Canik pistols, particularly their 55's and TP9. The are made in Turkey and are similar to a Walther P99, and are very affordable $250-$350. They might be something to look into if you are not set on having a more famous maker. This is a full size pistol by the way.
 
Another vote here for the Ruger LC9s. The newer "s" model has a very smooth trigger, which is what convinced me to buy one rather than the S&W Shield that I had been planning to buy. In my mind, the LC9s is about as close to a perfect concealed carry gun as exists anywhere. Mine has been super reliable, holds 7+1 and is safe for +p ammo, and I find that I can fire it accurately (for me). It is easy to conceal; I normally pocket carry with a Remora holster or a DeSantis holster. (The Remora allows me to decide on using it either as an IWB or pocket holster depending on what clothing I am wearing.(

I also own an LCP, but I do not recommend this little gun. For one thing, I find it extremely unpleasant to shoot, so I rarely practiced with it. Something about this little gun makes me unable to shoot it even minimally accurately unless I am using the Crimson Trace laser as my sight (I added the CT shortly after buying this gun). When I say minimally accurate, without the laser I had trouble keeping even a dinner plate sized shot group at 5 yards distance, but maybe that is just me.) A second reason is that I much prefer 9mm as a self defense caliber over the smaller 380acp, especially being fired from the tiny barrel on the LCP.

I considered a Glock 26 because of Glock reliability, but the 26 just felt too thick for comfortable concealed carry. Glock makes the 43, which is about perfect, but I don't see any advantage over my Ruger. If I did not own the Ruger already, I would have considered the Glock 43 as well.
 
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I was on a mission to find the best in each size at a reasonable price. This is what I came up with.

Full....................... Sig P250 9mm. Awesome gun at $400
Compact...............SAR/EAA K2P 9mm. Beautiful gun, great shooter at $280
Semi Compact.... Taurus PT111 G2 9mm. My most accurate gun at $240
Concealed Carry...Ruger LCP. 380. Super reliable and loved by many at $205

These are all pistols that I put alot of research in and have served me well for each ones purpose.
 
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For subcompact I'm throwing another vote for the Walther PPS. It's small enough to conceal easily but has enough mass to be comfortable shooting and using for a variety of purposes.
 
I agree . I love the single stack PPS M2. It has a great grip on it and is easily concealable if that's what you're after.
 
You have tons of good responses. If I were you I would get two striker fired pistols...

I would get a small pocket pistol, smaller than your 642, that is super reliable and will be able to be carried anytime any of your other guns, even the 642, do not work. For that I would go with the ruger lcp. I finally make the decision to buy one and it was the best decision I have made in a long time. I wish I would of gotten a gun this size 10-15 years ago. For $200-$250 you can't go wrong.

Then I would get a larger gun with more rounds for when you need to want to carry something bigger or you have a winter coat on, etc. I would look at guns similar to the glock 26 or glock 19 but in the brands you are looking for since you do not want glocks.

I do agree with others that the more the guns function in a similar way the better. As in no safety since the 642 doesnt have one, etc.
 
I would look at guns similar to the glock 26 or glock 19 but in the brands you are looking for since you do not want glocks.
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I chose a S&W SD9VE instead of a Glock 19. It is almost the exact same size and weight as the Glock with a slightly heavier trigger. It was about $200 cheaper and it has been very reliable and accurate.
 
I looked at several compacts before I finally decided on the Smith and Wesson m&p 9c. Fit my hand perfectly. I also like the double stack mag for range fun. My buddy has the shield in 9mm. It's slightly slimmer than the 9c with the single stack mag. Cannot go wrong with smith and wesson!!!
 
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