[Stealthfixr]

My state (NM) is adding a CCW law next year, but it restricts the permit hold to a specific caliber and make/model gun (sounds awfully close to gun registration, but that is another story ...). I have a Kel-tec P-32 that I am very happy with, but I am not sure I would not want a heavier caliber for times when a larger pistol can be concealed. And, if I have to choose one and only one, it may not be my great P-32 ...

So, there may be more choices than are in this poll--I am just trying to capture what I've read as the most common CCW compact/sub-compact guns. I am excluding the 1911 CCW types for legal liability reasons--I feel more comfortable legally with a DA/SA pistol than just SA (that's just me). By the way, there is one gun store where I live, and most of these guns are not carried. I've handled most of these at gun shows over the years, but I will not be able to hold/shoot all of these. I thought this poll might help narrow things down a little.

The main criteria I am considering are: reliability, safety, ease of shooting, concealbility difficulty and lastly price.

Thanks!

Mark

[Spackler]

From that list, there are a few I like.

I like the SIG P239, in any caliber.

I like the USP Compact, but they are a little chunkier than I'd like.

I don't like the mini Glocks, because I don't care for the two-fingered grip.
I'd sure like Glock to make a G19-sized single-stack .45ACP. I think we'll have to settle for one in .45GAP.

Some stuff not on the list:
I like the S&W 39xx series, and the 4013, both pre- and post-TSW.

SIG P225, but it's larger than the 239 or for that matter either of the Smiths.

Kahrs seem nice but I've never shot one. Some people say they're heavy but with a nice holster and belt, that's a non-issue. I see too many people talking about problems with the polymer Kahrs to feel good about those. Maybe they've worked the bugs out by now.

[rappa]

FWIW, I used to have a P239 in 9mm. Great pistol, accurate, reliable, easy to conceal. I sold it b\c I already had a 2nd Gen G19 preban and decided that it is just as accurate, reliable and easy to conceal but with almost double the capacity (9 vs 16). Also, I'm less 'anal' about the G19 considering it's hot and humid here about 360 days of the year. I don't care about sweating on it as much as I did the 239. Price was a wash b\c I bought the 239 used for $450. I bought the G19 in '92 NIB for $450.

[Sean Smith]

Colt CCO-size 1911 (Officer Model grip, Commander slide).

[mini14jac]

The PM9 is working really well for me, but you should change the listing in the poll.
From what I have read, Kahr won't be coming out with a .40 cal. version.

I can't remember if it was too much recoil, or controllability issues or what, but I have read that they won't be making one.

Now, the P40 Covert would be nice..... :cool:

[Berg01]

I like four guns that are not on the list; Sig P225, P228, S&W 3913, and S&W 457 (.45 ACP), and one that is on the list; CZ P-01. My preference for a CCW would be the S&W 457.

[JeepDriver]

Sig 239. I have the 9mm and love it.

I've read many post about the P239 chambered in 357 Sig and those who have them love them.

[Marko Kloos]

All the guns on your list are good CCW pieces, but I'd pick the SIG P239 out of the group. Just big enough to be really useful, small enough to be easily carried and concealed. It offers a full three-finger hold unlike the Baby Glocks, yet the grip is slim and short enough to disappear under a t-shirt without problems. It's also totally reliable, and doesn't have any durability or quality issues from the factory.

[para.2]

Stealthfixr:
FWIW, the NM CCW act states that the license will indicate the caliber , i.e. .38, 9MM, etc and the category ,i.e. semi-auto or revolver, not the specific make and model. Also, the last time we tried this, the DPS rules allowed up to three calibers/categories per license, so you weren't limited to just one, or even one-at-a-time. We'll see what the DPS rules are this time around.:scrutiny:

[10-Ring]

I like the USPc for this purpose. It's well made, polymer frame, has an external safety, easy to shoot well, full grip for the hand (no dangling pinkies!) and vey reliable.

[varoadking]

Yes, we do...:D

[Ian11]

Glock 26/27: A mini-compact that performs like a mid-size compact. My favorite mini-auto if I could CCW. Negatives, a tad thick but holds 9 or 10 rounds in the mag and one of the reason its more easy to shoot. And its a Glock so a holster of some kind is very necessary. For women, not the good choice for just dropping it into a purse with a round in the chamber.

Second choice would be a S&W 3913/908, SIG P239, or CZ P-01. I've read mixed reviews on various Kahrs so I'm not sure what to think of them. Although sizewise they are ideal.

[Arts]

One little known 9MM pistol that deserves rcognition is the S&W CS9.

[Stealthfixr]

Para--thanks for the specifics about our new CCW law. My local range master, and soon to be CCW instructor, was the one to told us about the 'specific caliber, specific model' bit. I am very glad to hear it may be wrong! Still, $100 application fee, plus the finger printing, photos and a $65-$100 CCW class is not cheap for 2 years certification.

Seems the Sig 239 is an early front-runner. I played with one once, and it fit my hand very nicely, but it struck me kind of large with a small round capacity. Is this an *easy* pistol to conceal? The weather gets hot out here in New Mexico, and sometimes all I wear are cargo shorts and a untucked shirt with sandals.

[dude]

none from your list to vote for ..............as you did not include the HK P7 PSP or M8

[Safety First]

Luv my Sig P-239, but I am anxious to find that perfect pocket pistol in at least .380, it looks like the the kel-tec P 3at will get the nod a little later. Besides even if I wanted one now, I have'nt seen one for sale.

[Safety First]

Stealth, if you carry IWB strong side w/good quality holster and you wear the shirt untucked it will conceal and carry just fine,very hard to go wrong with the Sig. Check out Wild Bills concealed carry web site,the Undercover is the holster I purchased along with his 1 1/4" dress belt. Good luck..

[dsgrntldPW]

What I've found that now that I'm carrying more lately is your build has an impact on what you can comfortably carry concealed. Some can carry the wider double stack models IWB with no problem, but because of my generous midsection I'm probably better suited to a single stack in an OWB holster. This may have some impact on your decision. If it ain't comfy, you probably won't wear it much after the newness wears off (I know, it ain't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting; but let's talk reality.). I think the S&W 908s would be a good carry pistol. Compact and relatively inexpensive, I've read almost all positive reviews on it and its reliability. It also has the full safety and the magazine safety. I am considering one for a future buy. I tried a CS40 and it performed well, I just didn't like not being able to get a third finger on the grip. I've also had good performance so far from my Kahr P9.

I'm also back to leather for a holster. Plastic seemed neat at the time, but leather forms to your body better and it just seems to do a better job w/all day carry.

By taking all factors into consideration before you get your CCW gun/holster combo, you may save yourself some future expense and headaches. I wish I had. Good luck.

[txgolfer45]

I voted Kahr PM9. But, I also like the Glock 26. Can't recommend the Kahr P40. It kicks like a mule. The .40 S&W round is too much for such a small handgun.

Scott

[PCRCCW]

This just goes to show you how many of you need to Try/Shoot/Buy CZ PCR's..........:neener:

Shoot well

[yzguy]

love my P-11 :)

[Andrew Wyatt]

you didn't put a commander or defender on your list. those are more robust than the Para LDAs.

[sanchezero]

I'd add the Glock 19/23 to your list. It's the size of most of the other handguns you've picked and more shootable (some will disagree here :) ) than the 26/27. Plus you get extra capacity. Budgetwise, it's in the middle of the pack on your list.

Picking just from your list tho, it'd have to be a compact CZ and then spend the extra on a comfortable rig, lotsa ammo and rangetime or training.

[frettedfive]

Add another vote for the Glock 23 as a great CCW gun. It's the same physical size as a Glock 19, but fires the more powerful .40 S&W cartridge.

I find the gun to be very comfortable to shoot, and to conceal very well even under a t-shirt (given the right holster, that is...)

Overall, I'm really glad I chose the Glock.

Mickey

[jacketch]

I have a P239 in 9mm and although I love it (accurate, reliable, well made) it is not a small gun for CCW. I would consider the small Kahr's or KelTec's. The Glocks are too fat as is the CZ.

[Stealthfixr]

I read in the last Gun Tests (I realize their not held in the highest regard by many) where they compared a Kahr P9, Glock 26 and a SA XD9 Compact, the Kahr showed wear on the rear slide guide after just a couple hundred rounds. It seems the read slide guide is polymer, not metal like a Glock, and therefore (supposedly) not replaceable.

Have any of you seen any wear issues with the polymer Kahr's? Seems the size is right, the price a little high, and it would certainly be easy to conceal. How is the long term reliability and durability? Did Gun Tests just get a bad framed Kahr?

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30498

Seems the thread above raises some of these questions, but does not refer to the Gun Tests review. Any thoughts?

[Stealthfixr]

I've boiled down my choices to the Kahr PM9, Kel-tec P-11 and the Sig P239. There is a huge price disparity between the Sig and Kahr as compared to the Kel-tec (and my P-32 has been great). The Kahr is the smallest of the three by a good margin. The Sig gets rave reviews (and fits my hand very well), but is seems to be a little too large to be concealed anytime, anywhere. I want this pistol to be one I will not hesitate to carry.

Of course, the Kel-tec P-3AT is an option if I comprimise on the caliber choices, and very easily concealable.

Which is more important, concealability or muzzle energy?

Do the Kahr's have quality issues as described above, or any other relevant issues?

Is the Sig easier to conceal than I am thinking, just not as a pocket pistol?

Thanks all for your inputs!

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

You said "best", yet didn't include the flat, accurate, reliable, ambidextrous and safe HK P7.

The Sig 239 is a bargain for a smallish carry gun.

Kahrs, XDs and Glock 26s are even smaller, but absolutely require holsters for chambered carry. The Sig is nicer quality, the P7 nicer still.

[VG]

So, there may be more choices than are in this poll--I am just trying to capture what I've read as the most common CCW compact/sub-compact guns.

I love my SIG P220 but find the P239 too big and unbalanced to be all-the-time concealable. I like the P225 better. I attended the Sigarms CCP course and had a chance to fire a P239 in .357SIG in low light, and it looked like a flamethrower. I was also concerned with the spotty QC and customer service of Kahr. Glocks are good pistols but are too ugly to buy with your own money.

The S&W 3913 is an extremely popular pistol and is TDA. But I bought the 6.25", 20.8 ounce S&W CS9, another extremely popular choice.
http://www.capinc.com/files/High_noon_flap_CS9.jpg