[Flatpik]

I'm ready to buy a concealed carry gun and am debating between an alloy S&W .38 (only 5 shots) or compact auto (Sig 239, Taurus Millenium Pro or Kahr PM9). I want something small, light and 100% reliable. Any recommendations much appreciated.

[PCRCCW]

Its not that easy....CCW's are a personal choice...so are holsters, belts etc.
They are also for different environments IMO....so right now.
Id say the best advice anyone can give you is shoot each one and see which you like and shoot the best.
Shoot well

[KahrKarrier]

I'm a died in the wool Kahr booster BUT (and a big BUT) as much as I love Kahrs, I'm not real big on their polymer products. I can't explain why, but the polymer guns are a little more troublesome than the all stainless versions.
I myself own a K40, K9 and recently sold a K40 Covert. All were stainless and all perfom flawlessly after many thousands of rounds with nary a hiccup. From what I have read on many web forums, the poly guys have been known to give problems.
A 15 ounce S&W Airweight (Scandium is way too expensive) Model 37 Chief's Special .38spl stoked with Cor-Bons in a Mernickle hi riding holster on a Mernickle gun belt would make a very attractive and totally reliable CCW carry option. Don't concern yourself with only 5 rounds, think about it, who do you know or how many folks have you read about who have ever had to draw down on someone and if they did how many rounds were fired? Why do you think 5 round revos are so popular? They are light and reliable and good used ones are plentiful.------------Jed

[Bravo11]

I like my Sig 239(9mm) but I agree that you need to shoot some, if you can, before you make a decision.

[The Reverend]

I'm glad you didn't add inexpensive to your list of requirements, because then it really would have been funny.:D

That said, you list some good auto-loaders on your list that you should consider trying out at the range. Many folks have issues with weight in selecting their CCW firearms. Don't be so concerned with the weight that you opt for a lessor gun in a lesser caliber. Most good autoloaders can be had with aluminum alloy frames and some good can be had with polymer. All in all, you have to find the gun that works best with your lifestyle, style of dress, and one that you won't leave home.

I carry several different types of handguns for CCW purposes:

SIG P225 is probably my favorite so the P239 you list woul be at the top of my list.

I have my Kahr E9 with me most of the time. Very reliable and easy to conceal, and the 9mm is about as effective as anything alse out there.

If I am dressed to accomodate them, I will select my 4516-2 or 4506 as a carry piece.

And every so often I will have my old Taurus 85 with me.

The true secret to good CCW is a good HOLSTER!!! So many buy top of the line guns, but buy garbage to carry them in. If you have a good holster, or even better a couple of good holsters to accomodate your own style of dress, you will find that the weight of the firearm is a secondary issue.

Have fun searching for the one for you.

God Bless

[ajacobs]

I love my kahr's and they carry great. I also have carried a full size 1911 for some time. Another favorite of mine was a p7. It is really a very personal choice. I keep going back to a 642. I can just throw it in my pocket so easy.