Why no one makes full-size 10-round semi-autos

S

Skorzeny

New member
I'm wondering why is it that, with the exception of a handful of guns (mostly in .45 ACP), it is hard to find full-sized guns with slim, 7, 8, 9, 10 round magazines.

For example, I think that S&W used to make 3906, which was a full-size gun, but held 8 9mm Parabellum rounds in the mag and had really ergnomic and slim grip.

The only thing close to it I can think of is SIG-Sauer P225, but that's really a compact too. Besides, it is not made in the US, but imported from Germany (hence getting harder to find).

With .45 ACP guns that grips are somewhat thicker. I guess I'm looking for guns in 9mm Parabellum with slim 7-9 round mags and grips. It would be even better if they came in single action.

I would think that with the high cap ban, such a gun would be somewhat attractive to civilian owners, but I guess between manufacturing "police" guns (full-size and high cap) and civilian "CCW" guns (compact), there isn't much room for full-size, slim grip and "low capacity" guns particularly in 9mm Parabellum.

Skorzeny
 
If you want 9mm Para, in a
single stack magazine gun, take a look at the Beretta 92 Compact M
The mag holds 8 rounds.
The grip is thinner due to thin mag
Can be had in DA or DAO with or
without night sights.
The DAO has a bobbed hammer and
slick sides with NO external
controls.
It's slightly smaller than it's
big brother, but still has a
4.3" barrel,and 5.3" height.
Don't overlook the Beretta
Couger Series either.It was designed
as a under cover gun.To keep it
trim, they didn't use the open barrel design of the 92. It's closed
in conventional maner.Comes in cal.
9mm,.40sw and 45acp. 10 and 8 Rds.
Each can be had in DA or DAO
The barrel ROTATES and locks-up
for each shot, has low recoil and
inherent accuracy.
Ponty
 
Springfield Armory makes a 9mm 1911 both in full size and compact. I REALLY want the full size. The last time I did a search on GunsAmerica it came it with about 6-8 hits.
 
HK P7M8 or P7PSP (expensive new, but you can pick up refurbs and used guns somewhat reasonably). Also, the Sig P210 (these are rare and expensive always), Walther P5 (somewhat rare and expensive), the Beretta single stack has been mentioned, Sig 228 has been mentioned, there are a few S&W models but I forget the numbers, I think there are some 9mm 1911 clones, and I think that's about it. Anyone else?
 
Full size single stack gun

I only have one, but boy is she a beaut!!! The Walther P5. I believe that it still is in production. :D You might also look at the HK-P7 and the Sig 225.
 
The SIG P-239 is an 8-round single stack, and I think a 10-round mag is available, aftermarket. Quality gun with a small grip (assuming that's why you want single-stack.)

There are bunches of 8-round single stack guns, based on older designs.
 
Check out the Wilson KZ-45. I believe it holds 10 rds. but because of the polymer grip, it feels as slim as the regular 1911's. They were supposed to come out with the compact version, but not sure about it being available yet.
 
Pretty easy... My Kimber holds 8+1. Chip McCormick 10 rd magazines work great. That's 10+1.
I have (2) 8rd and (2) 10rd mags...
 
Slim line grip

The Browning BDM fits the bill. It has a very slender grip and comes with 10 round mags. High caps are available but are expensive. The only problem is that they are no longer made. and parts may eventually be a problem.
 
I don't know if it counts, but a couple of the CZ models hold exactly 10 rounds (in .40 $#).... They're not single stack, but they are slim.

I agree, it's a good idea. My wife would benefit with a good quality, full sized, single stacked 9mm for the house. (She carries a Kahr MK9 when not at the house). I have been looking at the Sig 229 and 239 for that purpose, as well as the CZ75 Compact and CZ 100.
 
908

S&W used to make the 908. This was before the agreement with HUD. It had a great grip, vey reliable and inexpensive at $320 NIB. Too bad they're not around anymore.
 
Why give in to dumb laws? My BHP fits the hand wonderfully and has many 13 and 17 rd playmates. Who needs low cap?
 
Give it some time and I believe Glock will come out with a "slimline" version of their G36 .45 in different calibers. Even though it is labeled as "Compact", it is still around the same size as a G19.

You also have the Makarovs, but then they aren't chambered in 9mm Para.

As to why there aren't many single stack full size weapons on the market, with the exception of those based on the 1911 platform, is because many manufacturers are still producing weapons based on the popularity of older designs. All the newer weapons that are coming out with single stack magazines are primarily designed for concealed carry. They redesigned their weapons to get ten or as close to ten as possible in the smallest package possible. The Glock compact series such as the G27, HK USP Compacts, Sig P245's and P239's, Berettas and others are prime examples of folks scaling down weapon size to match capacity.

Good Shooting
RED
 
The HK P7M8, and P7 are both single stack (8rd) 9mm handguns, with full size 4.13" barrels, despite being very compact, AND thin.

-Morgan
 
Folks, my wife already has a CZ-75B, BHP, 1911 (Springfield SS "Loaded") and so forth. She used to have a BDM, but didn't like it, so sold it.

We are definitely looking into the SIG-Sauer P225. I am unsure of the P7M8. I don't want to add more complexity to her undestanding of manual of arms. Besides, it's quite costly.

I am considering Kahr K9 in SS, but unsure if she can reliably operate the slide. I've been told that the Kahrs have heavy recoil springs.

S&W used to make 3906, which I understand was much like the SIG P225 (single-stack 8 round mag, 9mm Parabellum, DA/SA) and was full-size.

I hope someday someone sees the potential of the niche and makes something like what I described. It doesn't have to be strictly SA, but maybe even DA/SA with an option to "cocked-and-locked" like USPs or CZ-75.

Skorzeny
 
Older star models

Doesn't fit your question, as it isn't currently produced, but if you wanted to try a full sized (1911 style) single stack 9mm you could look at a used Star. I don't know alot of Star's offerings. I got the Super Model B recently from CDNN (169/189 for select). Needed cleaning up and has bluing wear. But it has eaten everything I've fed it (~100 rnds of FMJ and HP) and is reasonably accurate. Main complaint is the take down lever. Mine is finicky and difficult to operate most of the time.

Agree with the earlier posts about Browning's. Love my BHP and quality hi caps are affordable and plentiful. If BDM's were still being made I'd own one of those too. Thinest grip I ever tried in a double stack. I consider it to be a direct casualty of the hi-cap ban.

-K
 
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