9mm CCW

4653 Views 22 Replies 15 Participants Last post by slabsides, Sep 19, 2007

dave

Discussion Starter · Jul 6, 2007

Hello folks,

I wanted to ask members for any input or observations they might have about some of the double action 9mm carry guns with single-stack/column magazines out there not made by Glock. Specifically the Kahr line and the Para-Ordinance Carry 9, the SIG P239, but perhaps others I'm not familiar with. I'm OK with my J-frame .38, but perhaps the better half would do better with a lighter trigger pull and ergonomics of a semi-auto.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.
--dave.

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

briand

· #2 · Jul 6, 2007

Take a look at the 'S&W 3913/908' thread a bit farther down in this section of the board, dave. Good a spot as any to kill time while waiting for this thread to get some hits.

I've had a little trigger time with the Kahr 9mm's, models K9 (all steel) and P9 (polymer frame). Nice trigger pulls on both. The former is easier to shoot, the latter easier to tote around. Either is going to be comfy for even small adult hands.

abninftr

· #3 · Jul 6, 2007

Kahr would be my choice given your criteria.

BarryinIN

· #4 · Jul 6, 2007

The S&W 39, 439, etc also, if you wanted something a little bigger than the 3913.

The Sig P225.

HK P7 is, or isn't, in that category, depending on one's point of view.

I guess the HK P9S is a DA single stack also, and there were some surplus ones around a year or so ago at semi-reasonable prices.

Walther P5 if you want to get even more ritzy.

Oh- Remembered another: Beretta makes, or made, a 92 Compact in a single stack 8-rd magazine model.

oberstlt

· #5 · Jul 6, 2007

I have never seen a Kahr actually work. I know that they can, it is just outside of my experience. I had a Polymer 9 and it failed as did every one I have ever seen. So I sold it for a G26 and despite being shaped like me and a heck of a reliably accurate gun, I sold it for (of all things) a KelTek PF-9. Which is actually in my pocket as we prepare to go for burgers.

It is junk. But it works and I won a $1 for hitting an IDPA silhouette 15 times (only 3 -3s) in a row at 15 measured yards. I have over 400 rounds through it and the butt ugly little POS works. I am not proud of it but it is cheap, reliable, accurate and in my pocket on a 90-\+ degree day! The spare 7 round mag is in the other pocket. However it is not a serious firearm but it works....

Chris Stephens

· #6 · Jul 6, 2007

Hi Dave,

I'd opt for the P-239 in 9mm if given the choice and the latitude. I own one in .357 SIG and do not have any experience in the 9mm platform.

However, I am thoroughly convinced that it is the most reliably designed 9mm handgun out there of the choices you are considering.

Chris

twoguns

· #7 · Jul 7, 2007

Howdy Mr. Dave,

The only Kahr pistols I have ever owned were the K series (steel framed). I have owned one K9 (9mm) and two K40 (40S&W). A K40 lives in an ankle holster as my back up weapon. All 3 of mine have worked exactly as designed, but I have no exposure beyond shooting some other models. I often hear complaints on Kahr pistols functioning properly, but all I can speak of from personal esperience is the K series, and mine have been perfect. The LEO that shares my office also carries a K9 as his back up handgun, and his is totally reliable as well.

When I was married to ex no. 2, I got her a Smith 3913 as her carry pistol when we left GA and moved to so. FL. She shot it well and liked how it fit her hands. She was a bit on the small side, 5'0" and 100, with smallish hands - if that will help you any. I think a Smith of this type would be a good choice. There may well be some police trade-ins or used pistols, that might present a good value as well.

I do think the Sig 239 would make a great pistol for your wife as well. I know you are looking for a 9mm, but just a comment for you to consider with the Sig pistol. If you were to puchase it in either 40 or 357 Sig by simply adding the 9mm down/conversion barrel and a 9mm mag, you would have two (if not 3) calibers in one pistol (depending on how many barrels you purchased). I have the extra barrels for both a 226 and 229, and think having multiple calibers in one platform is a real plus for me. It may or may not be something you want to factor into the mix on deciding on a pistol for your wife.

But the bottom line Mr. Dave, what you, I or other members may think woud be an excellent pistol for your wife is not the crucial point. In reality the pistol that feels the best to your wife while holding and possibly shooting them is the most important factor for your decision in my mind. A pistol your wife does not like, even if an excellent one, is one she will likely not shoot very often or very well.

If at all possible find a range with rental pistols that you are considering and let your wife shoot the ones you are debating. Let her tell you which feels the best to her, and look at her targets. In my opinion, that would be the best way to make your decision. If there is no range in your area with rentals, maybe some of your friends own these pistols and will let your wife shoot them. If neither of these options are possible, I would suggest at the very least, you let you wife handle all of the possible pistols, so she can see which one feels the best to her. Do the grips fit her hands, can she reach all of the controls. Is it too heavy or too light to suit her. Let her give you the important feedback on the best pistol for her.

Just my suggestions for what they are worth.

twoguns

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G

· #8 · Jul 7, 2007

It's hard to beat a Glock 26. Ugly, but durable and reliable.

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corky

· #9 · Jul 8, 2007

Hello. I've owned a number of Sigs and they have all proven to be most reliable. My 239 is at least nine years old and has digested thousands of rounds without a malfunction. A keeper of the first order. However, some find the 239's small grip and balance not to their liking. I suggest that you test fire a number of different 9mm's, then go with the one from a reputable manufacturer that best suits you. Enjoy the search. --c

oberstlt

· #10 · Jul 8, 2007

While the DAK SIG is indeed a fine handgun, they are reliable but not durable in my experience. That appears to be a function of the alloy frame. I am not saying they are disposable but there is a definite service life which is a consideration for the average joe buyer not for a LE agency. The Glock 26 is more durable but it is thick and heavy when loaded. They shoot very accurately. You makes your choices and you pays your money! I replace mine with a KelTec PF-9. I carry it alot and only shoot it a bit. It is probably neither durable or as reliable as either but it is very light duty.

dave

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 9, 2007

Thanks for the recommendations and personal experiences, gents.

If it were up to me, I'd be OK with a mini-Glock, since I like the G-19. We'll try to take a look at those S&W's mentioned. We've looked at the SIG line and also the Kahrs at shows, but we haven't had an opportunity to shoot any of those models yet. Maybe on a trip to SA or Houston where there are bigger rental options. We've got great ranges where we are at, but the rentals are limited to a few "classics," e.g. K-frame revolver, 1911A1, Glock, etc.

Mr. Two-guns:
"But the bottom line Mr. Dave, what you, I or other members may think woud be an excellent pistol for your wife is not the crucial point. ...
If at all possible find a range with rental pistols that you are considering and let your wife shoot the ones you are debating. Let her tell you which feels the best to her, and look at her targets. In my opinion, that would be the best way to make your decision. If there is no range in your area with rentals, maybe some of your friends own these pistols and will let your wife shoot them. If neither of these options are possible, I would suggest at the very least, you let you wife handle all of the possible pistols, so she can see which one feels the best to her. Do the grips fit her hands, can she reach all of the controls. Is it too heavy or too light to suit her. Let her give you the important feedback on the best pistol for her."

--Amen to that. Our concerns include working on speed, which practice will help, but for that reason follow-up shots and the non-subjective aspects of recoil are factors. The last handgun that met all the criteria (I'd guess she's about the size of your ex-no.2 more-or-less, i.e. tiny) was a Star M-43 Firestar 9mm, but while it is fun at the range, it has exhibited reliability issues. My sense is that concealability issues are leading to consideration of Tomcat-sized mini-guns and medium-sized .380s, so I thought I'd at least put in a few 9mm options too.

This list gives us more to think about. Thanks again for your considered opinions and appraisal.

--d.

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twoguns

· #12 · Jul 9, 2007

Howdy Mr. Dave,

Hope it did help a bit anyway. If you think that is the way she is leaning, maybe a Kahr K9 should be a good start if you can find one for her to shoot. If you get it in stainless with nightsights, about the only thing to think about adding would be extra mags and a holster/purse for carry. It is about the same size or smaller than many medium .380s, which is the only reason I suggested you start there - based on your last comments.

My wife only purse carried, but did no religiously. She did not have a problem with the 3913, but something like that would take up more room inside a purse too.

Good luck, and please let us know what you end up with and how your wife likes it.

twoguns

strider72

· #13 · Jul 15, 2007

Take her to a range that rents these guns(if possible). Let her shoot several of them and get what she likes and shoots best.

dave

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 16, 2007

Right-o.

Will do. For now we'll stick with the J-frame, although we have got some "petite sized" arms such as a 20-gauge s/g and so on while looking at semi-auto ccws.
Thanks.

G

· #15 · Jul 28, 2007

I recommend a Smith & Wesson. The 39's as stated afe excellent, but there are many different pistols in Smith's line-up. I also am a believer in finding what is best for you by trying several different pistols.
I have been mainly a revolver shooter, mixed in with a few 1911's and some odd guns that interested me at the time, then I came upon a used S&W 9mm and loved it.
To me, it's the best designed and functioning pistol I have owned in about 35 years of handgun shooting.

BUT...Try a few different brands, see what fits you best.

Enjoy your search.

Mark

shooter58

· #16 · Aug 6, 2007

I am an avid fan of the Smith & Wesson M-39-2. I have had one for 20 years and it has never failed me yet. Love the gun's natural pointablilty, and light weight for an all-metal gun.

dogsoldier0513

· #17 · Aug 6, 2007

I've carried the Kahr K9, MK9 and P9. LOVED the trigger pulls and sights. HATED the disassembly procedures.

Now, for the SIG P239....specifically in .40S&W.

If you have small hands, you can get SIG's 'short trigger'.

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crash

· #18 · Aug 7, 2007

Dave,

I have a Kahr PM9 which has had exactly one malfunction. On the 50th round, it failed to eject. Since then I have had no problems with either FMJs or HPs. However, to get the first round chambered when I insert a fresh magazine, I have to have the slide locked back and then hit the slide release. It will not chamber the round if I try to rack the slide back and release it. No problems other than that.

I know that Glocks are extremely reliable, but the Kahr, at a little over a pound when loaded, is at the limit of what I am willing to carry in my front pocket, which is my normal mode of carry. And the Glock 26 is a little bit heavier than the Kahr.

Crash

adguy

· #19 · Aug 8, 2007

I have a Kahr PM9 that has functioned flawlessly. Once, I decided not to clean it between trips to the range. There was no problem. I was surprised at how mild the CorBon DPX.
This seems to be a nice round and very pleasant to shoot in the Kahr.

I'm planning to get a heavier recoil spring.

The Kahr is a great pistol. I believe NYPD authorizes officers to carry them off duty.

You may also want to look at the CW9. I holds one more round and has a 3.5" barrel. It has a great trigger and I think it would fit well in a pocket.

Good luck.

dogsoldier0513

· #20 · Aug 8, 2007

One other 'problem' with EACH of my Kahrs: The magazines ALL had a VERY ANNOYING habit of 'dumping' the first (2) rounds from the SPARE mag. It didn't matter if the mag was carried loose in a pocket OR in a mag pouch. The only(?) thing that could explain this was a problem with the magazines lips spreading under excessive pressure from the compressed magazine spring.

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