Which Compact 9mm?

View · by **PowderBurn14** on Thu May 07, 2015 7:10 pm

I am in the market for a compact 9mm auto. So far I like the S&W Shield, maybe the Ruger LC9 or should I wait for the Glock 43? What about the Springfield XD's? Kahr? I am looking to spend around $400. It would be for carry and some targets. The good, the bad, what works? Any help would be great,Thanks.

View · by **PhilaBOR** on Thu May 07, 2015 11:51 pm

Go to a range that rents guns (Bill's is the only one I know in the area) and shoot your top candidates.
All the ones you mentioned are good. You might want to add Sig P938 to the list.

View · by **Scratch** on Fri May 08, 2015 5:41 am

Some things to think about...
Do you want an external safety?
How are you going to carry it?

I would also see if you can try a Kahr CM9 (or PM9) and Sig P290,

I was looking for a pocket carry 9mm, and wanted something small, and lightweight, no external safety, with a polymer frame, but not so light that it would be uncomfortable to shoot. I ended up getting a Kahr CM9, it's very easy to shoot (for my hands) and met my small and lightweight requirements. I ended up hating pocket carry, but love the gun for IWB carry.

View · by **yukonjasper** on Fri May 08, 2015 10:54 am

Add Glock 26 to the mix for pure functionality and rugged dependability.

View · by **IDPA Shooter** on Fri May 08, 2015 11:10 am

You will not see new Glocks at your $ 400 price point. Doubt the Sig is available at that price point. All listed guns are good solid choices, it comes down to what you personally feel most comfortable carrying and shooting.

View · by **BBeckwith** on Fri May 08, 2015 2:40 pm

I'd say you are really looking for a G26 or M&P9c. Small and compact for carry, fits full size mags with mag sleeve for general range and fun use...

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View · by **fjrdc** on Fri May 08, 2015 6:49 pm

You CAN get a Shield without an external safety , I own one my #1 EDC ! I have a 9mm.
Best out of the box trigger for compacts.

View · by **PhilaBOR** on Fri May 08, 2015 11:12 pm

And of course, get a good holster and a belt designed for carry. Bad belts and cheap holsters are dangerous.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/choosi ... y-holster/
http://www.gunsandammo.com/shoot101/how ... n-holster/

View · by **Spartan** on Sat May 09, 2015 7:43 am

cz 75 bd come on ... try a real gun

View · by **IDPA Shooter** on Sat May 09, 2015 8:11 am

Osseo Gun Club just posted the Shield for sale $330 plus tax today only. I have no involvement with them, just on their e mail list

View · by **Uffdaphil** on Sat May 09, 2015 8:21 am

For compacts I most carry the Walther PPS because it"s thin and accurate for me. CZ 75 PCR compact and Glock 19c are my faves for more capacity. All are more than $400, but i'd rather save up a little more for what I like best.

View · by **smurfman** on Sat May 09, 2015 9:37 am

I currently have a Kahr CW9 as a sub-compact though I don't carry it much. I find it easy to handle and carry for when I can't carry a full sized handgun. In the past I have had Kel-Tecs of one sort or another, a Springfield XD subcompact, and S&W 39 and 69s (though it they are not truly a compact these days but they were thought so "back then"). There have been another one or two in the mix which I can't think of off hand.

I really dislike not having a place on the grip for all my fingers so the sub-compacts tend to leave after a bit. Then I find a situation where I can't easily conceal a full sized handgun and end up with another sub-compact. The Kahr seems to be just large enough for all my fingers while being just small enough to conceal at all times. That it was priced very, very attractively is what caused me to pick one up off the used rack. I've been satisfied with it for the last couple of years but it is not something I carry regularly.

View · by **grimbeaver** on Sat May 09, 2015 10:25 am

I have an XDs and like it. Oddly though I don't care for shooting it with the extended magazines, just doesn't feel right to me. With the shorter mags the Pearce Grip extension really helps with comfort.

If I were looking today I would probably check out the Walther CCP. The ergonomics look really good on it but I have not gotten the chance to hold one yet. I shot a Kahr CM9 once and found it a bit small for 9mm. I would not want to do a lot of range shooting with it that's for sure. The CW9 might be better as it's a little bigger.

View · by **andrewP** on Sat May 09, 2015 1:11 pm

grimbeaver wrote:If I were looking today I would probably check out the Walther CCP.

I would wait a while on that. There seem to be some issues with that gun.

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sat May 09, 2015 2:18 pm

Another vote for Kahr CW9. Had a CM9 but found the grip to be too short and CW conceals just as good.

CDNN has blemished P9 for very good price - take a look.