[-C4-]

In the never ending discussion of carry weapons, I am looking for something good to replace my G19. I also own a P239, but am looking for something that I can carry all day without problems. I have been looking at a Kahr 3" in .45 ACP. Basically I am looking for a good gun/caliber/holster combination for carry to replace my G19 (which is just too large).

[10-Ring]

Wow, tough call...the G19 is one of my faves. Depending on your experience level, I would suggest a j-framed wheelgun or one of the Kahrs -- currently I really like their steel & poly 9's. I like their 45 but I haven't shot one enough yet to form an opinion.

[sm]

Semi:
OLD Colt Lightweight Commander.
IWB using Alessis, Milt Sparks, Galco...too many quality holsters to name.

Revolver:
OLDer 3" K frame in dedicated 38spl , or .357 .

Again, too many quality holsters to name for IWB and OWB

[armed85]

A 3" K-Frame will be no better than a Glock 19 in terms of size and weight.

I like the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact .40 S&W and the Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special +P. The M&P compact is easy to shoot despite it's small size. The J-Frame Smith & Wesson is also a nice choice. It's small enough to fit in a pocket comfortably and the aluminum frame models are lightweight. The sight radius for both guns is small, so long range accuracy is difficult to accomplish.

I you can afford it, buy both. The 642 can conceal very easily in most any type of clothing. The M&P Compact packs more punch, but is still concealable with the proper clothing.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=59148&d=1181461587

[jeepmor]

Shot my neighbor's Kahr PM40 and really liked it. 6+1 or 7+1 IIRC. Very small ,and I even have two Taurus 3rd Gen Mil Pros myself and thought they were small. This thing is even smaller and narrower. You could pocket carry it easily with the proper holster to eliminate printing.

Pretty light trigger compared to my Mil Pros FWIW. I think the Kahr PMXX models are the smallest around in 9mm and up. Of course, there's the new PF9 by KelTec, but I personally prefer a .40cal or larger being over 6' tall, 200 lbs, I have ample space to hide them. But that's just me, YMMV.

Best is a very subjective term as we all know. If they don't fit your hand, aren't comfortable to carry, or don't naturally point well for you, then it's not going to be a good match. As always, go to the gunstore, put your paws on as many as you can decide from there. Springfield has the new 3" 1911 9mm out, but for minimal weight, I'd be looking at poly guns myself. Also, poly won't sweat or chill you depending on the weather if it's riding against your love handles when carrying IWB.


jeepmor

[-C4-]

Don't get me wrong. I really like my Glock and P239, they are just too big on some occasions. I'll take a look at all of those. I never really thought about a revolver since I don't have nearly as much experience reloading, etc. I suppose it may give me yet another reason to go to the range. I have been looking at the Kahrs. I think I may look for a place that carrys them in NOVA (thinking Virginia Arms). Thanks all.

[armoredman]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0242.jpg

Not really a whole lot smaller, but I love it. Another excellent choice, which is smaller with the normal 10 round mag is the CZ RAMI, shown here,

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

and with the extended 14 round mag, with HBE Specialty Leatherworks COMIII IWB holster.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0447.jpg

[cookekdjr]

Well...its hard to beat a G19 for holster carry. A G26 maybe?
-David

[slow944]

I carry either the Taurus MILPRO PT140 or PT145 in a Don Hume IWB. They are both light enough to carry all day and not have your pants fall down. Another plus is you get 10+1rds of either ammo.

[ugaarguy]

For IWB carry Glocks, M&P pistols, XDs, etc all suffer from wide square slides. Guns like the 1911, CZ-75 and Browning / FN Hi-Power have rounded slides contoured to the bbl. Revolvers of course have nice round bbls. and no slides to fuss with.

In addition to what sm suggested I'll add 3" J frames with grips selected to fit the shooter, Ruger SP-101 of any bbl length (again with new grips if needed), and two other 1911s. The current Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion, and the older Series I Kimber Pro Carry are a pair of good alloy frame Commander style guns. Be aware that both use a bushingless slide setup, so try before you buy because it's not for everyone.

[rantingredneck]

Take look at the Ruger P345. It's a full size gun in a slim single stack package. Nicely rounded and contoured for IWB or OWB under an untucked T-shirt. I use a Bianchi Minimalist OWB or Don Hume IWB. Currently looking for a nicer IWB though. :)

[SniperStraz]

+1 on the G26 if barrel length is your problem. You can share ammo and the manual of arms is the same. Not to mention that you must be pretty well practiced with the Glock trigger by now.

[Glockman17366]

"In the never ending discussion of carry weapons, I am looking for something good to replace my G19. I also own a P239, but am looking for something that I can carry all day without problems. I have been looking at a Kahr 3" in .45 ACP. Basically I am looking for a good gun/caliber/holster combination for carry to replace my G19 (which is just too large)."

I think you're making a good choice looking at Kahrs. They're nice, albeit, expensive and a bit heavy.
If you're not married to .45ACP, take a look at a K-9 or an MK9. These are really nice...too heavy for pocket carry, but conceal extremely well under a tee shirt.

I don't know enough about the polymer Kahrs to comment. The folks who own them are better qualified to comment.

Maybe you should buy the Kahr to complement your G19, rather then replace it...

BTW, -C4-, I see you're from Washington DC. Do you really expect to carry concealed there?

[-C4-]

Glockman... I used to live there. Now in NOVA never updated. It not that I am married to the .45ACP cartridge, I just don't think that 9mm has enough power. I would prefer to stay in the .40 or .45 for the added power. The Kahr polymers don't weigh that much. I would also really like another gun to compliment my G19, but my current state of more guns than digits on both hands and toes isn't sitting so well with the SWIMBO. :-/