[Rock_Steady]

Why do I want one? I dunno - I just do. I guess I'm looking for something to fill a niche here. I was kinda hoping for something that is easier to carry. I currently carry a kimber 1911 fullsize IWB at about 4:30. She's rather affectionately called the "drawer-dropper" - kinda heavy for what I like to carry. My other carry option is a .357 taurus 605 revolver in pocket or also IWB, same place. All steel, still kinda clunky.

I'm a big guy so concealment isn't that hard. I don't dress well anyway. I like the way the S&W 99 or the Walther P99 look - they just seem to have a bit more polishing going for them. I like my 1911 grip angle so I was also looking at the XD series. I have never fired a polymer pistol other than my Walther P22 - one I don't like all that much cause its a jammomatic. Suggestions? The pistol will be carried for SD and used for lower-than- .45acp ammo cost practice.

[SolaScriptura139]

I own an XD-9 ported, and I love it so far. Because of the lighter weight from the polymer aspect, felt recoil will be a little more significant. You could try the sub-compact XD-9 for concealed carry. A glock would also be a recommended brand for 9mm.

[Steve2237]

If you can find a MKIII Hipower either Browning or FN they carry very well and the grip angle and controls are similar to your Kimber. Also, right out of the box they need nothing to make them "run".
Steve

[Walkalong]

From a new Taurus admirer, gotta look at them as well as XD's etc. My EMP is sweet, but pricey.

[ravencon]

You might want to look into the Para Ordnance line. They've got some 9 mms that would feel familiar to you as a 1911 shooter.

[Dollar An Hour]

I highly recommend either a Wather P99c or Glock 19/26. Neither one is a 'drawer-dropper' and both are completely reliable. :D

[alpha6164]

So many choices out there.

I along with some very reputable people think that the HK P7M8 is one of the best 9mm handguns every made.Their quality and particularly their accuracy is unmatched.

I just purchased a P7M8 a couple of weeks ago and have put about 500rounds thru it, and I am dumb founded everytime I shoot it. It is freakishly accurate.

My other 9mm is the Sig P226 that I have put over 20,000 rounds thru and as accurate as it is, does not match the P7.

If I had to get another 9mm though, it would have to be one of the following:

1) HK P2000 or P2000SK depending on how compact you wanted to go
2) HK USP or USP Compact
3) Any of the Sig's 9mm depending on what size you want to carry.

You will pay more for the HK and Sig over most guns, but the quality i think is unmatched.

[FPrice]

I would recommend the Glock 19/26. I find both of them easy to shoot and plenty accurate for anything other than pure bullseye contests. I don't recommend the Glock 17 only because I find it a bit too big for my hands. You experience might differ however.

[Jim Watson]

Kahr is the only outfit I know of who pays any attention to the width of a gun for carry. Theirs are flatter than most if not all. My E-9 (As in Economy, plain finish and less contouring.) is very handy. Their all-steel guns have a better reputation than their plastic frame models. But the P guns sure are light to haul around.

[10-Ring]

I would think poly gun in either a HK P2000sk, Glock 26 or Kahr PM9 :D
Enjoy the quest ;)

[kokapelli]

I like the Kahr, but it isn't the only thin 9mm pistol out there!

For example, the Kahr PM9 is 1.04" thick at it's widest point and the KelTec PF9 is .88" thick at it's wides point.

The Rohrbaugh in 9mm is quite a bit thinner than the kahr too.

If you like the the feel of the 1911, why not stay with it?

I recently purchased a 12 round Para Hawg 9 and love it.

http://www.wtv-zone.com/jnib/images/ktog/warthog.jpg

[amprecon]

My next pistol is going to be the Kahr P9, I want something smaller than my G23 for CCW. I've been looking for other quality pistols, but none measure "down" size-wise as well as the P9.

[armoredman]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/CZPO1.jpg

[doubleg]

I suggest a Beretta M9. It is the perfect gun for 9mm and has a metal frame not "tupperware" like other ones :evil: . Rent one at your local range and you will be impressed.;)

[steveracer]

Or a 225. The only real difference is the 225 is single stack, but the 228 isn't much thicker. They are fine, fine alloy framed pistols, and can be had CPO for $550. The next best would be a 239, also single stack.
Steve

[earplug]

I just left the local gunshop and was looking at 1911 based 9MM.
The Kimber in 9mm would match your current 1911 pistol in operation.
I was liking the full size Springfield 9mm for a big toy.

[LSCurrier]

I have a Sig 228 and love it!!

I know that you would too.

Luke

[DC3-CVN-72]

Any HI-POWER, Browning, FN. or CLONE.

[Mark54g]

How about an FN FNP ?

[gudel]

I'd probably pick the 92FS.

[cz4me]

Look at a CZ75B, the most popular handgun in the world, at CZUSA.COM. 4000 rounds plus and still loving it!

[Pro_Gun]

buying one I might try the new for 06 Sprinfield EMP.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-emp.shtml

3 inch EMP
NEW FOR '06 PI9209LP Enhanced Micro Pistol
Caliber: 9 mm
Capacity: 9 + 1
Barrel: 3"
Sights: 3 dot tritium
Size: 23 ozs., 6.6" overall length
Trigger Pull: 5 to 6 lbs.
Magazines: 2

[kokapelli]

Ha! Ha! If you were not confused before, you should be now.-:confused:

[Riktoven]

The Walther P99 is amazing for the money.

Accurate. Truly impressive out of the box.

Super short trigger reset on the AS models; Easy to shoot fast.

Tennifer finish; completely worry free.

23 oz empty.

16rnd magazines.

No Manual Safeties.

No Mag safety.

Lever Mag Release in optimal location.

Grip designed by olympic pistol shooter, w/ 3 backstraps so handsize shouldn't be an issue.

For about $50 more than a Glock.

[Pilot]

Browning Hi Power
CZ-75B or 75D PCR (the PCR is superior to the Sig P228 and I have both)
HK P7M8 or PSP.

[CPshooter]

I agree with Riktoven...

P99 all the way. I just got rid of most of my handguns because i like to try new things and buy different equipment, but most of all because I'm a detail-oriented, very picky guy and i haven't found what im looking for in the handguns I've owned. I've been looking to step it up a bit to the more "high end" autos like H&Ks and Sigs. So i was looking at the H&K P2000 and P2000SKs, and also the Sig P229 and Sig P239. I somehow strayed away from those ideas after checking out the P99. It has everything and more going for it. Everything Riktoven said are basically the main specs of the gun which make it stand out alone, but pick up and hold the gun once and i bet you will fall in love.
It feels so comfortable and with the interchangeable backstraps it will fit your hand like a glove. People claim it has extraordinary accuracy, and after checking one out i wouldnt be surprised. The side to side play movement of the slide was minimal compared to my Glocks or XDs and was more like my Kahr...tight and felt more precision-made. The AS trigger is also my favorite trigger system on any auto. It felt great off the wall, and people say it becomes amazingly smooth and nice after a few hundred shots. The trigger along with extremely comfortable and easy to aim ergonomics make this gun very accurate from what I've been reading. The unique, but sexy look in a very compact package is the icing on the cake. People describe this gun as "a glock on steroids" and compare them to H&Ks and Sigs which are almsot double the price sometimes. IMO price isnt an issue when it comes to weapons, but to some it might be.
I went to a gunshop that said he can order P99s new and charge me $499(he was selling new Glocks and XDs for that price too..pretty cheap) so I'm getting the P99c in 9mm and a P99 full-size in .40S&W:D

In my opinion, you are getting a far better pistol than a Glock or XD(i've owned a few of both) and I would even go as far to say that I like it better than anything Sig or H&K makes:what: ....for 500 bucks! Go to a shop and check one out. I'm sure you will be impressed...make sure it has the AS(basically DA/SA w/ 3rd SA mode) and start drooling.:)

(in the end its personal preference, but i strongly suggest taking a look at the Walther P99 and P99c for your 9mm needs..they are sweet little guns)

[Rock_Steady]

I should know better than to post in a gun board right after I found out that Cabela's is having $100 off any purchase of $450 or more - just kill me, won't you? Now I'm drooling even more.

What do you think of the S&W 99 since I can't find a walther p99 around here? I know it's basically the same gun, but any reliability issues go along with that?

[CPshooter]

not too sure about the SW99...just from people talking online, some say that it's not the same quality gun as the Walther. The whole appearance of the SW99 seems cheap alone. I'm not surprised that it's not getting the same credit as the P99...Unless i personally got to inspect/shoot the SW99 I can't jump to any conclusions, but based on looks alone the Walther P99 owns it. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance with the SW99 considering im already confident the P99 will live up to its reputation for only $500. That is a small price to pay for what you get in my opinion. If money were an issue, I would always go with a used P99 even over a brand new SW99.

[Goofyfoot]

I hope this post is not too late and you haven't already purchased. Like you, I too have looking for a compact 9mm for some time. Since I'm not made of money and I never sell any of my guns once I've bought them, I tend to take a long time to make a purchase. Of course, any choice is highly personal so what one person likes may be totally wrong for you. For example, I do not like Glocks because I don't like the feel of the trigger but I acknowledge that they are fine guns. One of my requirements is some sort of DAO trigger so all of the single actions and some of the double actions previously mentioned are out unless they have a DAO option.

After firing many pistols and much consideration I found myself leaning toward the Kahr PM9 or MK9. However, my brother has an extensive firearm collection and on a trip to the range a while back he brought his Para-Ordinance Companion Carry in .45 with the LDA trigger. After firing it, I fell in love with the trigger. It is unbelievably smooth, so much so that it feels like a single action, or at least the next best thing, and that is out of the box. The only problem for me was the .45 since I want it in 9mm. At that time Para-Ordinance made only full sized 1911 style pistols in 9mm. I emailed them to inquire about the possibility of a compact 9mm and they responded that they had no plans for any new 9mm pistols. That was about a year ago. About a month ago while leafing through a gun mag I saw a Para-Ordinance 9mm carry shown at a gun show. Initially there was no info online but now it appears in their 2007 catalog which is available as a PDF download.

Here is a link to the specs on their carry option models, including the new Carry 9. http://www.para-lda.com/pistolsTemp.html#carry9

It is alloy so it weighs 24oz, not as light as a polymer pistol but still lighter than steel and thus less of a "drawer-dropper". It holds 8+1 rounds (single stack); it is spurless, has Novak style sights and comes in a covert black finish. This is the pistol I will purchase when I find a reasonable deal on one. It might not be your cup of tea but I would highly recommend that you try a Para-Ordinance with the LDA trigger and see for yourself what you think of it.

[Marshall]

Howdy,

The Browning or FN Hi Power should be given a strong eye ball. The slim slide makes it easier to carry IWB than about any full sized 9mm I know of. It single action like your 1911 and has a similar grip angle. You won't find a better feeling gun in your hand. Once you own one, it'll be on your don't sell or trade list.

If I went polymer, I would go with an XD-9.

[billsnogo]

Get a cz-75, or if you want a little smaller, get the compact version!:D

[Cousin Mike]

LOL@kokapelli

He's right though. Choosing a carry gun is not easy. Lots of folks end up with a few guns before they find the one that fits best. If you can, find a range that rents handguns, and try to get everything you like in your hands, and choose what fits you the best. Good luck, and let us know what you get!



...but make sure you get a Sig in your hands before you make your final decision. ;)

[ugaarguy]

Listen to Cousin Mike - handle everything and see what fits you best. Go to a range and rent, or borrow from friends/family, and shoot your top 3 to 5 candidates to see how well you actually shoot them, if at all possible. That's the best way to find something you'll really like even after the new wears off. All of the major brands make quality guns that will serve you well. Enjoy the search.

[461]

My compact 9mm is a Ruger SP-101. :D My full sized 9mm is a Ruger Blackhawk. :eek:

Both great guns and love them to death, especially that SP-101, just stirring the pot a little though, I pick up my new Glock 34 the day after Christmas and then I'll have a "real" 9mm pistol.

I went round and round on this purchase, for years I swore I'd have no plastic in my collection but I finally wore down and am willing to give it a try. It's got it's foot in the door, now it has to prove itself.

[LT1coupe]

Try a 3913 S&W. I got one in a trade & it's one of my favorite guns now.

[Bazooka Joe71]

You want a accurate, reliable 9mm that won't break the bank??

Easiest question I've answered all week....

CCW=CZ P01

All around fun at range/HD=Any flavor of the CZ75