Looking for a subcompact 9mm

S

strick284

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Apr 10, 2010
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I hope this isn't a commonly posted thread. I just turned 21, have applied for my CCW permit, and I'm looking for a subcompact single-stack 9mm to carry. There's been a flood of these things on the market in recent years, and I'm not sure what to get. I have shot the Kel-tec PF9 and the Ruger LC9. I like the Kel-tec alot. Smooth trigger pull with a clearly discernible break point, super light and thin, 7 round capacity, decent sights. The mag just pops out every time I pull the trigger. I have modified my shooting grip 20 different ways and I can't get rid of the problem, so that one is out even though I like it otherwise. As for the LC9, it's heavier and the trigger sucks. It stacks really bad and gets gritty toward the end. It's also hard to figure out how much takeup it has and where it breaks. Its reliable, but I don't shoot it well. Those are the only ones I've shot or handled.

Other possibilities include the Kimber Solo, Beretta Nano, S&W M&P Shield, and Kahr CM9/PM9. (Taurus may have one too, but I don't have a lot of faith in them anymore). Do you have a favorite among these? Or maybe another suggestion in this class of pistols?
 
Honestly, your best bet is to put a purchase on a few of those weapons and see which FEELs right.
After that, feedback with comments based upon how you like them.

No different from playing a guitar...... feel has ALOT to do with it.
 
For a cheap, simple 9mm, the PF9s on average are good. First time I shot one, soon as I got used to the trigger, was averaging about 8" groups at 20 yards with it. Some people never have a problem with them, others say they jam a lot. I think it's mostly the shooter though in those cases. My boss carries one, has about 700 rounds though it with no cleaning. Had a jam or two when it was new and the slide didn't rack back on the last round all the time, but it didn't bother him.

Forum member Legaleagle had one blow up on him in April. It got him pretty good, not sure what Kel Tec ever did and not sure what Winchester did (he was shooting White Box at the time).

LC9, not bad, not perfect though. Nice it has an easy to use thump safety.

The Nano.....I'd say is dead. Beretta may claim they're selling, but distributors can't give them away and I haven't sold on in a year. So it might be discontinued soon.

The new Solos are nice, and don't appear to be ammo picky. Just hard to get.

The Shield is okay, but I think is getting a lot of hype over nothing just because it's new. I've shot the 40, and it went bang, nothing real special about it.

I've only shot a 40 cal subcompact Kahr, it shot shoot and was accurate, snapped a bit being a 40, but overall I think they're nice.


Another thing to look into is a Sig 938. Good design, no polymer :thumbup:, and very handy and great night sights. Only reported problems (besides limp writing) has been with Winchester white box and Hornady Critical Defense, but I've sure a little polishing would take care of that.
 
Kahr CM9 for me. I'm used to the controls and ergos of Glocks, and Kahr's as close as it gets when it comes to similarity in a single-stack, sub-compact. Diamondback is a close second, though their pistols were waaay to snappy for me, and they're very new to the market with reports of bugs with early models.

Prof.
 
I own a Kahr PM9 and Kel-tec PF9. The PM9 is hard to beat. Its been 100% reliable (the most important factor in concealed carry), and has a very high quality feel to it. But it is expensive, too. I vote for getting what subjectively feels best to you, especially if you can shoot one or more of them. And in this genre, smaller and lighter is generally better, as you will be carrying it a lot and shooting at bad people hopefully never. Any of these small 9mm guns can give you a full grip, especially if the mag has a pinkie extension, but for pocket carry the size of the gun is critical. Every fraction of an inch matters. I use an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

20121027_145932.jpg
 
For myself, I love the Kahrs (any of them, really). The point of aim is very natural for me and it fits my hand well. Find a shop that carries a lot (Cabela's, Gander Mountain, or whatever is near you) and finger them all. Find out what you like, what feels good, what handles naturally.
 
Another vote for Kahr, although I have the P9. Just a little larger, but I get amazing accuracy out of it and it has been dependable for years with no noticed ammo quirks.
 
If you have a shooting range nearby, that allows you to "rent" pistols, go there and try a couple out. Personally, I really like the feel of CZ pistols, and their trigger pull is short, with a very short reset. It's smooth enough, and has a decent break. The one's I've shot are plenty accurate for personal defnese.
Their "RAMI" model has 10 or 14 round magazines in 9mm. In general I find CZ to have quality products at a decent price. Good customer service too.
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-2075-rami/

They also make the same model with a de-cocker and tritium sights.
 
Another vote for Kahr. :)

My CM9 has been fun to shoot and is very accurate (at least I am when shooting it).
 
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