purse gun - kahr cw or springfield xds

[andrewP]

Walther PPS is another valid choice in that size range, if you need another option to try. I've not personally tried one, but I've heard good things, and based on my experience with my P99c, I'd expect them to have few, if any, problems and be of generally good design and high quality.

[TTS]

Between the two strictly for purse, I am going to vote XDs. I like kahrs, but it rotates when thrown into a pouch like space and XDs being top heavy rotates to top down as it bounces.

I would recommend trigger guard holster for either one.

This. Or a dedicated pocket in the purse that always presents the gun in a way that makes it easy to grab in a hurry (I've seen guns drawn in training from a purse/bag with the holster still attached).

Has your wife shot any of these yet? My wife shot a friend's Kahr with me a few months ago and didn't like the snappy-ness of it. Much preferred the grip angle on the XDs. However, she actually has issues racking the slide on my .45 XDs. She hasn't tried the 9mm yet, but when I was borrowing a friend's Shield (thanks Dan!) she had a much easier time with that.

On a side note of purse selection.... I would not consider a purse that did not have a dedicated compartment it and holster Velcro'ed or sewn into it.

Some good choices can be found at:
Coronado Leather
Designer Concealed Carry dot com
Gun tote'n mama
Gunhandbags.com

[Series 70]

Agree with the recommendation of a purpose-built carry purse that keeps the firearm in a consistent position. The decision about the particular handgun should come down to what fits her hand best and with which one she can best deliver accurate, quick hits. I have a Shield, my daughter has a CM9. Both are reliable and accurate, but it's up to the user in question.

[msnden]

I know it is not on your list so forgive me, imop nothing beats this for the purse, be it man or woman, point & shoot, no problems, no muss no fuss, .38 or even .22mag is just nice for the purse. again jmop

[ZardozCZ]

I've had two Kahrs, K9 and CM9, over 500 rounds in each and never a fail in the K9 (used NYCPD) and only in the first two mags in the new CM9 which might have been limpwristing.

Trigger pull is long and smooth which is what I'd want in a DA only with no manual safety.

Mags are crap though. Rounds pop out of spares when carried. I bought two 7 round mags and only loaded 6 as many posters recommended, but they'd lose rounds in the fanny pack.

Other than the mag issue, the CM was a daily carry for about a year. For me, the mag issue was a deal killer for carry. I have larger hands and the Kahrs were small enough I didn't shoot them well for bulls, but moment if zombie was ok.

YMMV

[XDM45]

Sig sauer 232 or 290 or 938 ... sold 3 Kahrs ... hated them.... Glock 26? M&P 9 compact? Kimber solo

The XDs or a Smith&Wesson M&P Shield are a couple great choices. The Kahr is OK but not as ergonomic or reliable.

It would be a good idea to try a few at Bills before you choose the gun, only by shooting each one will you know which feels best and shoots best for you.

Thanks gman, I forgot about the Shield since those are in the stores so often - not . Looks like it has a longer grip as well so I will need to check it out.

7 round mag in an XDs will make for a longer grip. You can have 7+1 in an XDs - in .45ACP. best smallest single stack .45 out there that there is. Of course they also make a 9mm as well.