[Sry0fcr]

I got back and forth so often you'd swear I was a teenaged girl. I know what I want I'm just not sure what gun will fit the bill better. Basically I'm looking for a Compact (but not sub compact) 9mm with a BBL length between 3.5" and 4". I'll more than likely be carrying IWB so slide thickness is a concern. Perhaps my biggest concern is the grip length/height. I have girly hands and I want the grip to fit like a glove. An Officer's size 1911 fits me about perfect @ 4.75" OAH anything shorter and my pinky will probably be hanging off and anything longer I'm afraid might print wearing "normal" clothes for East Texas weather. And I also want to carry it cocked and locked. I suck with DA guns and the striker fired guns lack an external safety but I could probably live with that. So far I'm looking at another XD Service but I'd have to get the grip chopped to SC length and use a Pearce extension, or a USPC or P2000 there's probably a lot that I haven't considered which is why I'm asking. Price range is $500ish new or used. I know I'm being fairly specific but I'm sure you are too when picking a weapon to trust your life with so bear with me. I'm pretty much trying to get a list of guns to rent together before buying. Thanks for your help. :)

[SharpDog]

I myself prefer a DAO (pistol or revolver) but your description basically fits an Officer's sized 1911 so just get the best you can afford.

[pinetree64]

SIG 239?

[redneckrepairs]

If you have a rental range near try the kahr p or cw series in 9 or 40 , and the kahr .45 before you buy , the thinness and weight of kahrs make them a joy to carry . The pm series has had some issues in the past , but you ruled it out anyway due to grip size . They are dao, and normaly have a pretty good trigger pull for a dao auto .

[orionengnr]

Kahr P45 has a great trigger, is light for a 45 acp (18 oz) and soft-shooting.
Mine was $500 lightly used.
I love it.

[Trisha]

I forward the HK USP compact. I carry condition 1 often, and like the "second-strike" trigger option on the rare chance of a hard primer (two to date in a few decades of shooting).

[Sry0fcr]

your description basically fits an Officer's sized 1911 so just get the best you can afford.

Here's the root of the problem, I'm having a seriously hard time finding an Officer's or C.C.O. type 1911 in 9mm in my price range or at all. I can't afford to shoot nearly as much .45 as I can 9mm.

[DAVE RICHARDS]

+! SIG 239 9MM DAO/DAK if you don't want the traditional DA/SA. Thin enough to fit any hand. Totally reliable, very accurate, slim and very easy to carry.

[Sry0fcr]

I'll give the Khars a look. I thought they were all DAO guns though? 239's are out unless the come up with a SAO version. The DAK guns I've shot I put down after a mag or 2. Can't stand it.

[ugaarguy]

If you like the 1911 length grip and ergos, but want a 9mm try a FN/Browning Hi-Power. They do have a 5" Bbl, but they're so slim they carry like a compact/midsize whichever you prefer to call it. I've got short stubby fingers and smalish hands myself. 1911s, Hi-Powers, and K/L Frame S&W revolvers are the three guns that fit me best. After that I'd look at a CZ-75 Compact, Springfield XD9, and used HK USP Compact, all of which are close to the 1911 and BHP in gun to hand fit for me. Hopefully those help.

[DawgFvr]

I love my DOA Taurus Millennium Pro PT145. 10 +1 .45 ACP...inexpensive pocket cannon. I use Corbon DPX all copper bullets for this short barrel baby...you certainly could do worse.

[Sry0fcr]

Thanks ugaarguy, I hadn't thought about CZ's or handled a BHP yet. I'm less concerned about bbl length than Grip length, How does the Browning measure up? And can it handle +P or +P+ defense loads?

[up_onus]

i would never get a carry gun that wasnt stainless...too much work, and im lazy. Also, why not a wheelgun? .38 is ballistically similar to a 9mm....

[ACP]

Smith and Wesson Model 3913 (traditional double/single action) or Model 3953(double action only).

These 3rd gen. S&W's have something of a cult status among those who CCW. I have carried two 3953s and they have never, ever failed to fire. Very accurate, too. And they are so slim, in both the grip and width, they are a breeze to carry, esp. IWB. They come standard with dovetailed Novak 3-dot sights, checkered frontstraps and trigger guards, etc. Magazines are flat base and/or a single finger groove. Barrel length is 3.5" and they are rated for +P ammo. Lots of leather available, too.

I would HIGHLY reccomend a S&W 3913 or 3953. Used prices are in the low-to-mid $300s.

I currently carry a S&W 4586, a DAO only 45 ACP the size of a Colt Commander. It is very accurate and totally reliable. I also carry a S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special DAO (Centennial).

Whatever you get, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE until everything is second nature.

[MatthewVanitas]

Another vote for the CZ compact.

The subcompact is the CZ RAMI
The compact w/ decocker is the CZ PCR (or CZ P-01 w/ rail)
The compact cocked-and-locked is the CZ 75B Compact

http://www.cz-usa.com/data/productimg/main036.png
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=36

I'd take a good, hard look at the last one. It's kind of a latter-day Hi-Power. You can find one brand-new on the Net for low $400s.

-MV

[ugaarguy]

How does the Browning measure up? And can it handle +P or +P+ defense loads?
Sry, in comparison to a 1911 the BHP is a bit shorter backstrap to front strap because of the shorter OAL of the 9mm cartridge vs. the 45 ACP; and it's slightly wider because it's a double stack magazine design. The height, from the bottom of the grip to the top of the slide, is very similar. The effect is that the grip feels a little different than a 1911, but remains an excellent, nearly perfect fit for my hand. The CZs are similar, and both are amongst the thinnest double stack 9mms out there. I'm sorry I can't be more specific with measurements, but I'm overseas right now so I don't exactly have access to my handguns.

As for durability, Double Tap ammo used a Hi-Power as one of their test guns for their +P and +P+ ammo. Frequent and steady use of hot ammo will wear the bbl lugs and the bbl to slide and frame fit will loosen up more quickly. This is true of any gun that is subjected to a steady diet of hot ammo. Overall I think the BHP will be as durable as, if not more durable than, any other 9mm service pistol on the market. It's a very smooth pistol. It's also very well built in terms of both materials and craftsmanship.

[jibjab]

47958
Here are a couple of my choices :) the word for today is conceal.

[bp78]

In 9mm you would be hard pressed to find better than the sig-sauer p239.
I own their smaller p230 and larger p228 and have been utterly impressed with both. (obviously partial here, but you probably can't go wrong with any kahr, glock, springy or other quality offering in this product space)

The P239SAS model is particularly attractive:
https://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=9&productid=122

[jibjab]

You could get one these http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976801756.htm now and use it for a back up later.

[Sry0fcr]

Nothing against wheel guns at all I just really prefer manual safeties and single action triggers.

[Beatnik]

I'm about to buy a Steyr M9. Not as a CCW, but I mention it because I didn't like DAO autos either until I saw this.

From what I understand the guy who designed it basically took a Glock and fixed everything he didn't like about it. It is DAO but there is an external safety.

The safety is really clever, too. You set it by flipping a little switch with your off hand, but the release is inside the trigger guard up against the frame, so you release it by pressing up with your firing finger. It also has a trigger safety so it won't go off if you drop it.

The designer apparently put a lot of effort into reducing recoil as well - the 9mm version is supposed to not really move at all. And like the Glock you end up with a pistol where you can't physically pull the trigger faster than it'll spit bullets.

I also hate fat grips (1911 fan here), but this one felt really good.

Of course, the problem is that they're not making them anymore. You can still find them readily for around $450 though - which is around the original MSRP if I remember correctly.

[jibjab]

beatnick, shoot before you buy. I've shot a Steyr 9, and 40 and could'nt hit with them, I'm a 1911 kind of guy the grip angle of the Steyr is beond me. I have not shot there compact, but for some odd reason the compact points well for me :confused:

[Autolycus]

Go get yourself a P2000.

[Sry0fcr]

I went to fondle some pistols last night at Gander Mountain, P2000SK's grip is too small. P2000 and USPC were about right with the flat baseplate, the CZ was decent but felt a little bit wide. I didn't bother looking at SIG, Taurus or Kahr since they can't be carried in condition 1. But they had 3 used P225's one as low as $445. they did have some nice shotguns 870 tac and an FN Police for about $350 ea.

[TOADMAN]

Get yourself a Glock 26 - belt holster it in a Don Hume 710 or J.I.T. Or, get a S&W 642 and pocket carry it in a Uncle Mikes size 3 pocket holster and if you want to belt holster it - the above Don Hume 710 or J.I.T will suffice..

Don't limit yourself and learn how to adapt when it comes to self defense concealed carry...I have concealed carried just about every size pistol/revolver to include calibers from 380 to 44 magnum... After 30 plus years of carrying hadguns both concealed and open, the above works best for me - I think..

[bigsarg99]

Much of this has already been said but i like to throw in my .02 sometimes. I have always felt that the type of handgun one carrys should always be based on what you feel comfortable drawing and shooting. Now with that said stopping power, concealability, and available funds always play a great part in the deciding factor. For concealed carry I chose a Lightweight colt commander ( .45 of course) and she rides in a Milt sparks IWB holster. I use Wilson 47D mags and they ride in a Milt sparks IWB mag holder, whenever I feel that im going somewhere that I feel I might need more ammo. From time to time I also carry my fullsize 1911 colt in a bladetech IWB holster or sometimes in a Don Hume JIT (just in Time) holster. My wife carries a glock 32 in .357 sig in a fobus or JIT rig. Im not a big guy myself and I have tried a few different handguns but with the right rig you can conceal just about anything, well I just dont know about the Desert Eagle .50. But like it was said above its best not to limit yourself to one carry gun if that is feasible. I plan to try out a revolver carry gun soon myself. Good luck with your search!

[weregunner]

Time to join the fun. Recommend either the Smith & Wesson 3913 series orKahr 9. Both have 3.5 inch barrels. Both are easier to hide, incuding spare ammo, and have less girth than the double column magazines. Steel or aluminum framed pistols will sit rock steady in the hand when the trigger is pulled. Polymer frames will have slightly more recoil making recovery times slighly longer. Not a major handicap but something to consider. If spare mags are carried then one has enough ammo for most occasions. 38 snubbies are still carried and quite popular. Even with the well known combat gun authors who have been there and done it with real world experience. So ammo amount is not a major consideration since there is more ammo in a pistol over a revolver is most cases. The SIG 239 recommendations above are also good.Have a Taurus PT111 Mil/pro and Ruger P series polymer pistols, but am looking for something less bulky. Thus the recommendation here for slimmer guns. My brother in-law has a Ladysmith version of the S&W 3913. It's trigger pull is much lighter and crisper than the standard model. Have shot it on many occasions. So, good luck on your choice.

[cvb]

make the ongoing argument that the use of the internet
has decreased the individual choice- trying to base
a decision in line with what the majority thinks.
Good luck and be at peace with what you already know you
want.

[redneckdan]

Pick a weapon that fits your misson. Yould wouldn't walk around falujah with a little pocket rocket and a M249 would be out of place on the streets of 'frisco. I chose a 1911 in .45 and a 6" k-frame due to fact that up here I'm just ask likely to face a critter as a human. I have a slim athletic build which means I have to limit my wardrobe while carrying these larger weapons. Open or semi-concealed carry is more accepted up here versus farther souh. Take a look at where you will be carrying and what kind of enemy you willl likely face, make a list of needs /. wants and make a choice.

[Sry0fcr]

make the ongoing argument that the use of the internet
has decreased the individual choice- trying to base
a decision in line with what the majority thinks.
Good luck and be at peace with what you already know you
want.

Touche`. I guess I'll have to keep looking for a 9mm 1911 in my price range. If that doesn't work out I have a few choices that I can fall back on. Thanks gentlemen. Always a pleasure. :)

[copper4262]

I just thought I would drop off my .02 on this whole issue - Nothing wrong with a .1911 - but i would go with an H&K - I have used several and find them to be great guns - and you can get them cocked and locked. Personally my favorite is the new LEM trigger - I have a P2000 in 9mm that is a dream to carry and shoot - Its for sale if your interested - Im also always looking to trade - If not you should really try the USP compacts - great guns for the size - Until you find what your looking for you could consider a snubbie revolver - theres a thread here on the 642's check that out - pretty interesting topic.

[banddr2]

you need to find an old ustrastar in 9mm. these were made in Spain and were single column in a polymer frame. It is DA/SA but you can carry it cocked and locked. I had one in .40 and am sorry i traded it in. Holster aren't made for them though, but you could probably find a glock or karh holster that is close.

[ugaarguy]

Sry, you might want to do a search on the Star BM. It's a 1911-esque compact single action 9mm. Not a true 1911 clone, but very similar looking and feeling. They can be found for under $200 on the surplus market.

Armscor also markets a 38 Super 1911 under the Rock Island Armory brand. A 38 super requires only a bbl. swap to run standard 9x19. The RIAs are basic guns, but reported to be of very good quality. Sarco Inc. has the RIA .38 Super for just over $300 right now. A 9mm bbl from a reputable maker runs in the $100 price range last I checked.

[Autolycus]

If you want a 9mm 1911 look at the new Springfield Armory EMP.

[BullfrogKen]

cvb said: threads like these... make the ongoing argument that the use of the internet has decreased the individual choice- trying to base a decision in line with what the majority thinks.
Good luck and be at peace with what you already know you want.


No kidding. Guy says he wants a SAO with a manual safety, guys stop in and recommend a revolver.

Its not about what you want or like, fellas, its about what he wants.


Sry0fcr said: Touche`. I guess I'll have to keep looking for a 9mm 1911 in my price range. If that doesn't work out I have a few choices that I can fall back on. Thanks gentlemen. Always a pleasure.

You know, like ugaarguy said, you can get a 1911 in 38 Super and have your 9mm with a barrel and spring swap. I do it with mine.

Or, you can have it built. Jim Garthwaite builds those CCO guns in 9mm, but as you know, its not cheap.

[Sry0fcr]

I've decided to just have one built. I already knew what I want, no point in denying myself. Thanks for your suggestions, especially cbv.