Those looking for a small compact double-stack have a number of pistols they could consider, two of which would be the SCCY 9mm or Glock 26. Both of these guns carry more than 10 rounds of 9mm, and both are compact, and light for easy carry.
However, the defining characteristics of both pistols will mean one is definitely suited to you and one is not. Let's get into how that might be.
SCCY 9mm vs Glock 26: Austrian Pew Machine
The Glock 26 is a no-brainer concealed carry gun. It's an EDC institution. It's been wildly popular for daily carry ever since it was release in the 1990s, whether as a concealed carry pistol for civilians or as a backup gun for police.
Now in its fifth generation, the G26 is still about as popular a CCW gun as it has ever been.
It's compact, with a 3.43-inch barrel and overall dimensions of 6.42 inches long, 4.17 inches tall and 1.26 inches wide in the Gen4 version. The Gen 5 adds about a half-inch in width and the Glock Marksman Barrel. Both models weigh just under 20 ounces unloaded.
Both carry 10+1 of 9mm with the standard flush-fit magazine, but you can get 12+1 extended magazines from Glock if so desired or aftermarket models that do pretty much the same thing. It will even take Glock 19 and Glock 17 magazines, but you'll want a grip sleeve to go with it.
It's everything that's good (and bad, as some people don't prefer them) about a Glock. The tabbed trigger safety, aggressive grip rake and everything else you can imagine.
SCCY 9mm vs Glock 26: Now For Something A Little Different
SCCY pistols are a little different than many other guns on the market.
For starters, they are budget pistols as the price of entry is usually less than $300 in most stores; less than $250 is not uncommon. You could buy two for the price of one Glock 26 without issue.
Where is the cost saved? That's actually hard to tease out; no MIM parts go into SCCY pistols and they're made in the USA such as certain high-quality holsters. The operating system is simple, so lack of mechanical complication may be it.
Another difference is that you can choose between two models of SCCY 9mm, either the CPX-1 or CPX-2. The difference is the CPX-1 has ambidextrous manual safety levers mounted on the frame.
Both have the same basic operating system, which is double-action only. You get a longer, harder trigger pull (about 8 to 9 pounds vs about 6 pounds on the Glock) but that's actually not bad for a carry gun; the double-action trigger acts as a passive safety of sorts.
The tale of the tape: 10+1 of 9mm in a double-stack magazine. The barrel is 3.1 inches, and overall dimensions of 6 inches long by 4.2 inches tall by 1.1 inches wide. Unloaded weight is 15 ounces. Say what you want, it's easy to tote. You also get up to ten choices of frame color and a black or regular stainless steel slide.
SCCY 9mm Vs Glock 26: Which To Get?
Which should you get between the SCCY 9mm vs Glock 26? Well...it depends a whole lot on you and what you want from a carry gun.
The Glock is more expensive. Expect to shell out $500 or more, though you may get lucky in some stores. Some opine that since a carry gun is liable to be seized if it ever has to be used, you should be able to lose it without compunction, which would favor the SCCY.
Glock has more pedigree, this is true. However, SCCY pistols have a reputation for being more accurate and reliable than the price tag would suggest. There are some fantastic budget-friendly firearms out there and the CPX series is known to be one.
Both can be given upgrades. The CPX-1 and CPX-2 have driftable sights, which can be upgraded from the three dots that they wear to fiber optic or otherwise, depending on whom you get them from. There are also lasers available for them as well.
Glock, of course, enjoys incredible aftermarket support, so if you want to mod your carry gun...it's the best brand of gun to get except perhaps for a 1911 pistol.
The elephant in the room, of course, is the SCCY 9mm pistols' heavy trigger pull. There are spring kits out there for them to tame it, but modern shooters don't like double-action guns by and large. If an old-school trigger is a non-starter, the Glock is your lot.
If you prefer a manual safety for carry or for safe storage, you can get one on the CPX but obviously not on the Glock. Some people prefer them, so that's something to bear in mind.
That said, the long DA pull also serves as a passive safety, which some people appreciate. Another thing to consider is that you probably won't be shooting competitions with these pistols; these are concealed carry guns, so the issue is more whether they will run up close and personal.
Both will. Whether YOU can run a double-action gun is the concern. If so, the CPX-1 and CPX-2 are good picks for a compact carry gun. If not, the Glock 26 is as close to a can't-fail proposition as it gets.
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