Looking for opinions on smaller 9mm...

T

tique

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Oct 28, 2000
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I acquired my concealed carry permit a few months ago, and have been carrying my USP 9 ever since. I love the gun, but it's a bit large to conceal sometimes, so I've been looking at smaller packages. I first thought of the USP 9 compact(obvious choice), but I like the feel of heavier guns, and the USP 9c isn't really all that small. I also like the looks and rep of the Sig 239... but I have no experience with Sig, and can't find one at a local dealer to look at, also about the same size as the USP9c. I'm also thinking Kel-Tec P-11, not sure that I like the smaller size/weight(for handling... better for concealment though), but it does have a 10 round mag, and it takes S&W hi-caps that are sitting at my favorite dealers shop at a pretty good price. The other bad point is that the magazines are not drop free... I don't really like it, but guess I can deal with it. I'm wanting to stick with 9X19 because I like it, shoot it pretty well, and like to simplify everything... multiple guns in the same caliber are easier to work with than multiple guns in multiple calibers, IMHO.

My last choice is a Beretta .32 ACP Tomcat. I'm not sure of the reputation that these guns have, and I rarely see Beretta mentioned when there is a serious firearm discussion going on... but the size is nice, and it feels really good in the hand. I'd probably have the trigger worked on, but outside of that I like the package for a pocket gun when I can't carry something bigger. Also, the .32 ACP is a bit small for defense, but for a "get off me gun" it aint' too bad, and it's better than nothing. Might be fair to decent backup for one of its larger companions as well.

I'm not all that worried about the price of the gun, as I have some spare cash set aside, and I can always sell a knife or two. I don't even mind waiting a bit if I have to... the USP9f works fine for now. I'm just stuck trying to decide what would be easy to carry/conceal, yet give me a good platform to work with if I have to use it at some point in time(hopefully never, but **** happens:(). I'm also strongly considering starting a career in law enforcement, and am thinking my choice right here could be a good back-up gun to my duty weapon if I take that path.

Well... that looks like rambling to me, but if any of y'all can make some sense out of it and have any recomendations on stuff I haven't looked at and/or experience with the choices I mentioned above, I would be greatful for the information you can give me.
 
I have a P11 and it's smaller brother the P32 - both work really well - have yet to have any issues with either, although the earlier generations were supposedly iffy. Mine are both relatively accurate (given size, barrel length, sight radius, etc.. ) easily good enough for SD use, in my experience. If you want really small, hard to beat the P32 - lightweight, easy to conceal, easy to shoot (for me, I have relatively small hands). The addition of the trigger shoe to the P11 really helps the looonnggg trigger pull, but it easily controllable, and points pretty good for me, ymmv. Try to find a range that will let you rent one, see if you like it.

Sam
 
I recommend purchasing a Kahr P9 or a Glock 26. I have both. I find the P9 is easier to carry IWB because it is is lighter (P9 weighs 16 oz.) and slimmer (0.90" wide) than the 26/27. The Glocks and the P9 are both reliable. I also find the P9 to more accurate than the 26/27. The Glocks are more durable than the Kahr and hold more rounds than the P9 (P9 holds seven).

Bottom line: The P9 is easer to carry and conceal. The PM9, Kahr's polymer MK9, will be even easier to carry and conceal because it's 0.5" shorter in height and 0.7" shorter in length than the P9.
 
If you are looking for a smaller 9mm and like the look and style of the SIG 239, you need not look further. SIGs are some of the finest pistols out there. I would own a 239, except my hand is on the larger size. The 229 feels really good in my hands. Go for the SIG 239. I really dont think you will have any regrets. One other point though, they chamber the 239 in .357 SIG. This is basically a 9mm on steroids in a bottleneck cartridge. This bottleneck shaped cartridge never jams, and ammo is very easy to find. Several of the major ammo companies make .357 SIG ammo.

Oh yeah, for my advice, you can just send me a gift certificate for Lambert's restaurant! I love that place! Throw me a roll, baby.
 
Would the Ruger P-95 be too large for you? Priced right, tough as nails, lightweight, smallish-medium sized. I like mine, but don't carry it as we don't have CCW here (yet! Gotta vote out this governor).
 
I used to have a USP .40 and found it too bulky for Summer carry. Whenever I would buy a new pistol and contemplate using it for everyday carry, I still went back to my first pistol, my Glock 19. It is just big enough but compact enough for comfort in the hand and on the belt. 15+1 rounds of +p+ ammo and you have a real firecracker or 15+1 of heavier ammo for more knock down power. Like I said, its easy to conceal and not a bad shooter once you get used to the Glock trigger. It will never fail you and will fire every time no matter what. It might not be the most pretty, but its a scrapper. If not the 19, go with the 26 in 9mm or the 27 in .40. More compact and very very light.
Kev
 
As for Beretta's Reputation, you can rest easy. The 92F is the official sidearm of the US Armed Forces and countless other military, LEO, and SF agencies all around the world. It is a VERY reliable and proven weapon, and I too wonder why the lack of fanfare about it.

I'm going to pick up my new Beretta 96 tomorrow morning!!! :D

Good luck
drjones
 
Another vote for the Kahr. They are great little guns. They are even liked enough in certian circles, that Wilson Combat does an enhanced version. From the article that I read, they found very little to enhance. It is a great solid, small piece. If you want even smaller, you could try the Kahr MK9. It is really small, while still performing as required. I actually carry a Kahr K40 when I want something smaller than my 1911, or Sig220. I live it and never feel under armed with this piece. Good luck, and I hope you find the gun that suits your needs and tastes.
 
My summertime CCW is the G26. If you have a local range, rent one for an hour. You will be impressed :D
 
Well... after a bit more thought and stuff, I think the Sig is probably going to be the winner. I wish I could find a range that had one to rent, but the only local range I know of has only got Glocks and a few other cheap guns for rent. I'll probably be at the range at the first of next week, so I'll give the little Glock 26 a try, but I just don't like the look/feel of the Glock models I have handled.

Danbo, I'd hook you up if I could get close to Lambert's right now, but it's packed solid during the summer. I like eating there in the off season though, good food, and you never go home hungry.
 
I have to agree with Kev.

The Glock 19 with extended mag. (17 rds.) fits my hand better than any other pistol and is very compact.

I love this pistol; got one of the first ones that came out.

The only thing I did to it was to put on a pair of nite-sites.

Make sure the gun feels good in your hand.

That Seacamp .32 is a very nice back up too. ;)

The S&W .38 is for comparision.
 
imho the best small 9MM is the kahr P9 series or the smaller compact version, light weight/reliable/small an excellent gun, am getting one for my wife soon.

#2 would be a glock 26 imho, ya cant beat glocks, but thicker than the kahr, but holds more rounds, so pick, smaller, easier to conceal VS larger/more rounds

either one is great, will serve ya well imho

greg
 
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