[USAF_Vet]

Probably getting my CCW later this year or early next year, and need suggestions on a decent 9mm that would fit the bill.

I want to spend no more than $350, prefer an autoloader (or else I'd be posting in revolvers) although a revolver is not totally out of the question.

I prefer 9mm for carry, in large part because I already have a bunch of 9mm laying around, it's abundant and inexpensive (so I'd be more likely to practice) and in general it's a round I like, and am confortable with if it comes to defending my life or those of my family.

So far, this is what I'm looking at, in no particular order:

Walther P1 or P38
Kel-Tec P11
Ruger P-95
Ruger LC-9
Glock 19
Sig P250 compact (despite it being a little more $)

I don't want something so tiny I feel like I'm weilding a kids toy. Something easily concealed IWB, OWB, or armpit/ shoulder. I don't forsee pocket carry, because I really don't want a gun that small. I'm not a fan of the sub compact micro pocket pistols.
I want something my wife could use also, but it would primarily be mine.

Also open to other suggestions as well, provided they fit into the above parameters.

I've considered some of thr 9x18 com-bloc mil surps, and while not out of the question, they just aren't in the cards right now. Want to stick with 9x19 only for this weapon.

[wnycollector]

S&W third gen compacts (e.g. 6904 or 6906) would fit the bill on price, reliability, and concealability. Here is a S&W 6904 for $270 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=245631047

[ColtPythonElite]

For a lower budget gun, I'd consider a S&W 6904. I picked this one up for less than half of your budget a while back.

[CoRoMo]

I've never had any issues with my P11. I highly recommend it.

[USAF_Vet]

I hadn't considered another S&W autoloader. I like my 22a, and thats two suggestions for the 6904. Definetely look into that.

Keep 'em comin'

[Quoheleth]

FYI - There is nothing "compact" about Ruger's P-series.

The Ruger SR9c is a nice semi-compact gun - I've used it for 2 years for my EDC. But, it's still larger than the others in your choices.

Compact gets down more to the Ruger LC9, Kahr CW9, Keltec P11/PF9 size. Almost too big for pocket carry but not impossible to pocket carry. In a good belt holster, they are downright sneaky.

I recently picked up the Kahr CW9, wanting something even more svelte and light than the SR9c. I'm wearing it today for the first time and I can tell a difference between it and the Ruger. While I lose 3 rounds (7+1 vs. 10+1), the slim profile and slightly lighter package is really nice.

Q

[sigarms228]

Per your specifications I say the Glock 19. The smallest pistol I would want to carry would be a Walther PPS but the Glock is a great CCW option also.

[bikerdoc]

Cz 75 Compact has filled that role me on occasion :)

[harmon rabb]

P-95, and P-1/P-38 are not in any way compact.

[SCBradley]

If you found a Glock 19 for $350, I'd say jump on it.

[colt1911fan]

Check out the KAHR cw9 I believe that they are in your price range. I have the CW45 and I love it.

[Pilot]

CZ-75D PCR. Compact, lightweight alloy. Accurate, reliable and classy.

[Prorock]

Kahr CW9 it's a great gun.

[Viper]

Another vote for the CW9 or maybe the CM9 if you can find a deal. The CW was my first Kahr about five years ago, and I've bought four more since. I've never had a problem with any of them, [except the CW9 and PM45 were stolen] and highly recommend them for a CC pistol.

[snooperman]

would be the Glock 19, if you can find one for that price. Otherwise, you may have to settle on a KelTec P11 or perhaps a Bersa BP9, which are very reliable guns. Some of the ones you listed are not "compacts" and neither is the S&W 6906.

[iwilc2]

Another vote for the Kahr cw9, bought one about 3 weeks ago and love it.




Len

[RightCoastBiased]

I carry my LC9 pretty much everyday. I say pretty much, because I got a new holster and have carried my M&P 45 Full Size sometimes. And when I put that LC9 back on my hip I am a lot more comfortable and happy. I've also fired 800+ rounds through my LC9 without a hiccup. 300 of which were after I removed the thumb safety and mag disconnect safety.

[Jeb21]

Smith 3913. You can get one for your budget and it is excellent.

[frank c]

Smith 3913. You can get one for your budget and it is excellent.
++1 The smith and wesson 3913 & 3914 are great CCW pistiols.

[Autolycus]

My advice is to save up some more money and get yourself a Glock 19 unless you get really lucky and find one at that price. It is a great 9mm and sets the standard for a 9mm compact.

[snooperman]

My sister-in-law has one and carry's it daily. I have shot it and it is very reliable and compact.

[Dr_2_B]

I'm with Auto above, the Glock 19 sets the standard. It's a little bigger than the Kel-tec P11, but I believe the P11 would be a great choice as well. However, given the choice between the 2, the G19 is clearly the better choice.

[rellascout]

Check out the KAHR cw9 I believe that they are in your price range. I have the CW45 and I love it.

+3

For the money it is hard to beat the Kahr CW9. It is not a pocket gun like the CM9 but it is slim and will dissappear under a T-shirt in an IWB holster.

It only comes with one mag but you can pick up more at CDNN for a good price. It is a DAO trigger that is a little longer than the Glock but is is smooth and more importantly very clean & consistant.

Even with the 2nd mag this is a sub $400 gun.

[USAF_Vet]

The LGS has a recently acquired S&W 469 used for $250. How does that compare?

[Screendmon]

Kahr CM9

[rellascout]

The LGS has a recently acquired S&W 469 used for $250. How does that compare?

IIRC it is a double stack 2nd Gen Smith. They are a little heavier than the 3913 and I never liked the grip. Reminds me of the H&K USP grip which is like holding a block of wood.

All that said for $250 you could do a lot worse. I would offer $225 OTD if you like it but in all honesty I think the Kahr is well worth the extra $$$.

[USAF_Vet]

Neither of my LGS' typically carry Kahr. One pretty much only deals in long guns and big bore hunting revolvers.

The other is a S&W, Beretta, Taurus, Ruger and Hi Point dealer. They always seem to have several models of each in the display case. Used, it's a crap shoot. They do a lot of business, especially in the used gun market, so what used guns they do have don't sit in the cases long.

They just put the S&W 469 and a Ruger P-95DC on the used list, both at $250. Easily within my budget with room to spare for extra mags and a decent holster. As stated, the Ruger is not at all compact, so not really a CCW worthy candidate, which is the ultimate goal of the gun.

I'm in no huge rush to pick up the gun, I can wait on something if they need to order it, but I'm one who likes to try before I buy. I can't handle something if they don't have it in stock.

All that said for $250 you could do a lot worse. I would offer $225 OTD if you like it

Sadly, this LGS doesn't really haggle on prices, but they will be inclined to sweeten the pot with a spare mag or something.

[FAS1]

Since I prefer the Glocks to the other models you listed I would probably go with the G19. My CCW is a G26/CBST and my HD gun is a G17/FAS1 Safe. I like the idea of a common platform and controls for both. If you needed either it would probably be a split second decision and I wouldn't want to fumble around with it. If I was limited to one gun for both it would be the G19 as it seems to be the best compromise for me.

[wnycollector]

The LGS has a recently acquired S&W 469 used for $250. How does that compare?

A 469 is a 2nd gen S&W "wonder9". It is very similar to the 6904 that I posted the link to. If you can pick it up for $250 with a spare mag or holster thrown in to sweeten the deal, grab it. One nice thing about the S&W compact 9mm's is that they will take the both their standard 12 round mags plus full sized 17 round mags. Two ex-LEO friends carry the pistols with the 12 rounder, but keep a 17 round mag as their spare.

[MikeNice]

S&W third gen compacts (e.g. 6904 or 6906) would fit the bill on price, reliability, and concealability. Here is a S&W 6904 for $270 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=245631047
I think you hit the nail on the head. In the OP's price range a S&W 5 or 6 series is probably going to be the best bet he can easily find.

Here is a thread I started for guns $400 and under that are new in the box. I bought something that was a little more expensive. It might help though.
The $400 NIB Round Up. (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=599341)

[darkfreedom]

I have my Hi Point C9 set for CC and it works just fine, you can find them at budsguns.com for about $150. I know a lot of people complain saying they r ugly, heavy, or say they can't be all that good since they are not too expensive, but mine has gone bang every time I've fired it (it has about 400 rounds through it so far) and I have complete faith that it will continue to do so for many years to come.

[USAF_Vet]

I went with the S&W 469. Love it.

Not to knock the Hi Point, I do own the .45, but I'd never consider them, any of them for CC. Way too heavy. The Smith, fully loaded weighs significantly less than my Hi Point unloaded. I've open carried my Hi Point since I got it, and may eventually conceal it come winter, but not in the spring, summer or fall.

[jyo]

For a smaller 9mm, I went with the Kahr CW9 (two actually, one for me, one for the wife)---they run 100% and both shoot right to point of aim---carry mine when on my property at night. Also own a Walther PPS 9mm and like it as well. There are smaller pistols, but the grip is too small. A local sporting goods chain was selling CW9s for $350 brand new a month ago.

[hmphargh]

I'll put in another vote to check out the Kahr CW9, I have a P9 and have had no issues with it - plus it shoots beautifully. I think the Ruger SR9c is also worth a look. Both the CW9 and the Ruger should be in your price range used.

[ET]

I started out with a $350 Taurus PT111 Mil Pro & a Sigma 40ve. I used these 2 guns for SD/HD for several years. I upgraded to a Glock 27 & a 21sf for sd/hd and a M&P 40 pro series for target/comp use. Now I need to start buying the 1911 type guns that every collection has to have. I wish I had spent a little more up front and started out with the Glocks & M&P and then added a 1911 or two later. The cost of ammo far exceeds the initial cost of the weapons. Spend a little more up front and you will thank yourself later... or you can start out cheap & wish you hadn't a few years from now.

[wristtwister]

Wow, everybody wants to carry the smallest little sissy pistol they can find, but expect to have firepower to keep the zombies off them. All those little 6 and 7 shot pistols are great as long as you don't get mugged by a gang, but then you're going to need to reload A LOT...

I like both the Ruger SR9C and the SR40C for concealed carry, because you can carry the "small magazine" in the gun and either 15 or 17 rounds in your back pocket for a refill. In a "one on one" confrontation, 5 or 6 rounds will suffice, but when you have 5 or 6 assailants (which has already happened to me) you want as much ammo available as possible.

I also like the Smith & Wesson M&P compacts, because you can feed them the full sized magazines if you find yourself in a "crowd" situation with multiple assailants. Smith doesn't have the grip adapters like the SR9's & 40's, but the mags still fit, even with the "rough grip" it creates.

Call me old fashioned, but I just want enough ammo to finish the fight rather than look stylish and hide my gun so it's invisible...

WT

[KenW.]

Fan of the Springfield XD9 subcompact here. 3" barrel and 13 round flush-fitting mags really rock.

Almost as nice as my XDm 3.8 40 compact.

[KenW.]

Doubled mistakenly

[DCB]

Another one for the S&W 3913.



Peace

[FruitCake]

LC9

[msparks]

I Chose the Glock 26 over the 19. Didn't see a reason to needing the 19. I've got a +2 baseplate on one magazine. I can choose either mag depending on my carry needs. I also carry a Glock 19 spare mag in a pouch on the weak side.

Not saying my choice is right or wrong. It's just what I chose to do.

[Alex23]

You might have to stretch the budget a bit but the S&W M&P 9 compact is a sweet CCW piece.

[darkfreedom]

USAF Vet, the C9 is much smaller then HP's .45 I can wear it with the 8 or 10 round mag and it still leaves no print through my shirt. I also have a dual mag pouch with 2 more 10 round mags so I can carry up to 30 rounds without having mags in my pockets if I choose to.

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I also agree with the Kahr CW9. It is comfortable and mechanically superior to anything else in the price range. I found one brand new in my area for, I think, $419. The Kahrs are also very simple, much like the Glocks.

I also highly recommend the Kel-Tec PF9, much improved (in my opinion) over the P-11 and for the same price--You can find both for $300 new. It is slightly heavier, but also slightly smaller than the P-11. The Ruger SR9c is also a great choice.

I believe the Glock 19 (compact 9mm) is a virtually flawless gun and the ONLY flawless gun for its price, but you'd be lucky to find one under $500. The Kahr is the next best, imo.

[Gunner442]

Walther P1 big pistol 8 rounds( great gun though) I'd look at Walther P99(full size and compact) and Walther PPS. Excellent pistols!

[HammerheadSSN663]

P250 subcompact....13 rounds of +P and sweet DAO trigger. forget the naysayers on the length of trigger pull. How fast do you think you need to shoot accurately anyway????

Fact is, I'm selling my 229 and keeping the subcompact 250.

[WinThePennant]

I'll chime in on the P250.

Probably the best value for the money today. GREAT gun.

[orionengnr]

Having owned two 469s over the years, it is my opinion that this is a great CCW 9mm... if you can shoot a TDA (DA/SA) well. I was never so good at it, so I gravitated away...after owning Glocks and others, my preference is a Kahr PM9.

But you have already expressed your opinion on very small, single stack 9mms.

For me, there is only one reason to own a 9mm, and that is size. My PM9 is the perfect balance of size and power for a pocket pistol. If I am going to carry something larger (and I do 99% of the time) it is a .45acp or .45LC.

[JERRY]

id say any 39XX series S&W 3rd gen for $350.00 is a good bet.

[two gun charlie]

At the risk of getting bashed for my effort I'm going to suggest you look at a Taurus PtT111. I have a PT145, which is essentially the same gun in .45 ACP and it is almost the perfect carry gun.
I have several much more expensive pistols and revolvers I could be carrying but I take the Taurus every time.

:D Another happy taurus customer , Jeff I just so happen to have the Taurus pt 111 , which I have been carrying concealed for the past 6 years , I wouldn't trade this little gun for any other , it is easy to carry , compact , durable and it doesn't complain about a little dirt. Only thing I can say negative about it is that you cant fire +p rounds through it , but all said , I havent seen any other pistol meant for day to day carry , that could make me wish I had bought it instead. and it never fails to go bang , the most important thing.:D

[Jonah71]

I bought a used Glock 26 a few months ago. I carry it often and it really is a good dependable gun. But for CCW in a 9mm, I think I'm going to keep looking for something a bit slimmer and maybe lighter.

[Mastergunner40]

My favorite compact 9 would most definitely be a Glock 19. Relatively lightweight, well balanced, very good ammo capacity and can be concealed well with the right holsters.
My CW9 is an absolute dream to carry, but ammo capacity is limited. Under $400 brand new. Great deal!
A good friend of mine carries a Ruger LC9, and he swears by it. Replaced his Kimber Compact with it for every day carry. Great value and it has been very reliable with over 1000 rounds through her. Alot of good choices these days.

[FruitCake]

Nothing compact about a Glock 19. Maybe compact compared to a Desrt Eagle 50 caliber.
Kahr Cw9, Keltec PF9 examples of compact 9mm,s.

[PT92]

Probably getting my CCW later this year or early next year, and need suggestions on a decent 9mm that would fit the bill.

I want to spend no more than $350, prefer an autoloader (or else I'd be posting in revolvers) although a revolver is not totally out of the question.

I prefer 9mm for carry, in large part because I already have a bunch of 9mm laying around, it's abundant and inexpensive (so I'd be more likely to practice) and in general it's a round I like, and am confortable with if it comes to defending my life or those of my family.

So far, this is what I'm looking at, in no particular order:

Walther P1 or P38
Kel-Tec P11
Ruger P-95
Ruger LC-9
Glock 19
Sig P250 compact (despite it being a little more $)

I don't want something so tiny I feel like I'm weilding a kids toy. Something easily concealed IWB, OWB, or armpit/ shoulder. I don't forsee pocket carry, because I really don't want a gun that small. I'm not a fan of the sub compact micro pocket pistols.
I want something my wife could use also, but it would primarily be mine.

Also open to other suggestions as well, provided they fit into the above parameters.

I've considered some of thr 9x18 com-bloc mil surps, and while not out of the question, they just aren't in the cards right now. Want to stick with 9x19 only for this weapon.
I have both the P-11 and the P95 and can highly recommend them both. Yet they serve different purposes IMO in that the P95 is a true tank and quite large and can be fired thousands of rounds exponentially whereas the P-11 is a great little compact (even pocket pistol) which is a great CCW piece but not something I would fire thousands of rounds at the range with.

So it really depends on how much you will be firing the gun (what's the major purpose).

-Cheers

[PT92]

:D Another happy taurus customer , Jeff I just so happen to have the Taurus pt 111 , which I have been carrying concealed for the past 6 years , I wouldn't trade this little gun for any other , it is easy to carry , compact , durable and it doesn't complain about a little dirt. Only thing I can say negative about it is that you cant fire +p rounds through it , but all said , I havent seen any other pistol meant for day to day carry , that could make me wish I had bought it instead. and it never fails to go bang , the most important thing.:D

Two gun & Jeff,

Totally agree--I have three Taurus', a 92, 25 and 24/7 Tactical in 9mm and they have all been great. I will say that the PT-25 is particular pertaining to ammo sensitivity (many guns are), but once I found the right load, it's been my BUG for a while (along with my Beretta 21A).

*edited just to add that last June I passed 10K rounds fired in my 92 which for me only my Ruger P-95 has matched.

-Cheers

[INMY01TA]

Nothing compact about a Glock 19. Maybe compact compared to a Desrt Eagle 50 caliber.
Kahr Cw9, Keltec PF9 examples of compact 9mm,s.My thoughts exacty.

I also like the Smith & Wesson M&P compacts, because you can feed them the full sized magazines if you find yourself in a "crowd" situation with multiple assailants. Smith doesn't have the grip adapters like the SR9's & 40's, but the mags still fit, even with the "rough grip" it creates.These (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=946044) work great.

Myself, I'm looking at either the Keltec pf9 or the Ruger lc9.

[Alex23]

Still wondering why people love the G19 for carry. It is big and who needs 15 rounds if they have any skill at all? Most CCW engagements are near point blank and less than 4 bullets.

[MikeNice]

Nothing compact about a Glock 19. Maybe compact compared to a Desrt Eagle 50 caliber.
Kahr Cw9, Keltec PF9 examples of compact 9mm,s.

No those are sub compact or micro-compact guns. The Glock 19 is a compact hand gun since it is less than 7" long and right at 5" tall. Compact is meant as, "compact in comparision to a full size service pistol."

The Glock is smaller than my CZ P-07 which is considerred a compact. I carry my P-07 on a regular basis with no issue. So, a Glock 19 shouldn't be a problem to carry IWB for most males of average size.

[MikeNice]

Still wondering why people love the G19 for carry. It is big and who needs 15 rounds if they have any skill at all? Most CCW engagements are near point blank and less than 4 bullets.

A Glock 19 is less than 2lbs. It is 6.85" long and 5" tall. That is not big. I carry a P-07 that is essentially the same size as a Glock 17 . (7.3" x 5.1")

I guess compact is all in the eye of the beholder. I grew up around people that carried 4" .44 specials, 1911s, 6" .357s, and such. To me a Glock 17, Glock 19, or CZ P-07 is a smaller gun. I have no trouble carrying a gun in their size range IWB.

Guns in that size class have a reassuring weight even in polymer. They have full size grips so there is no finger compression. You also avoid the dreaded two finger hold of some smaller 9mms. The recoil is much more managable. They are fun to shoot at the range. So, you get more practice with your carry piece.

There are a lot of things to love about a gun the size of a Glock 19 or a CZ P-07.

The reason for 15 rounds is stated most simply as, it is better to have and not need than to need and not have. The average self defense shooting involves four or less bullets. However, averages map out on a bell curve. Roughly an even number of people will fall on each side of the center. Do you really want to bet that you won't end up on the wrong side of the curve?

I've seen a lot of police reports lately that involve groups of three or more people beating and robbing random folks. When I say a lot I mean more than a dozen in three months. Some of these have involved the "gang" shooting the victim first to make the robbery easier. Other incidents have involved kidnapping, and pistol whipping. Some of them steal cars before going out to committ the crimes so that the cops have a harder time tracing them.

Robbers are also starting to work as duos more. I know of more than a dozen "duo" robberies in the last 45 days. They usually end up assaulting the victim as a form of intimidation. A couple of the victims have been stabbed as a "warning" about snitching.

A year ago I would have bet my life on a five shot revolver. Now I wouldn't carry anything less than nine or ten rounds.

[two gun charlie]

I will say that the PT-25 is particular pertaining to ammo sensitivity (many guns are*-Cheers

@ pt 92 , you mention ammo sensitivity , How ammo sensitive is the 24/7 ?
Cause like I mentioned , my pt 111 can't fire +p , I have fired some in the past , no problem , but taurus has advised against it , so I stopped. Other than +p I have fired all types of ammo with absolutely no glitches , except once when the ammo was not properly loaded due to some experimenting we were doing. I am currently considering buying an extra pistol and the xdm 40 , springfield is a major contender , but the pt 24/7 has been in the back of my mind. :scrutiny:

[Lucky 7]

I'd definitely troll the LGS and (reasonable) pawn shops for a 3rd Gen S&W. Picked up both a 6904 and 3914 for under $400 each in the past year and am very pleased. The triggers are great (in the field of a TDA), they are accurate and very reliable.

I work part-time as a firearms instructor and in the range's shop (I'm not proud of it :p) and get the "under $300" or "under $400" a lot. I try and guide the people into saving up their money as they rarely take into account the cost of the CCW class and license fee, a solid holster and belt, ammo, additional training, etc.

I get money is tight these days (heck, I'm back in college and vets weren't having the easiest time finding work when I got out in '09), but there are certain things one can do in order to get into the gun they want instead of the one they must settle on at a certain price point.

Regards and best of luck,
Lucky

[jimbeaux82]

Two Gun Charlie,

I have a PT 111 Mil Pro and I like it quite a bit as well. According to the Taurus manual, their recommended ammo for this weapon is 124 grain at 1250 fps. I think if you look at most +P specs, this falls right in line with that recommendation. I am curious, did you speak with someone with Taurus that told you not to use +P amm in the PT 111?

It is normally beleived that +P or +P+ ammo will accelerate wear on a pistol but if you shoot it in limited quantities it is not an issue.

FWIW - my carry ammo is 115 gr +P+ Winchester Ranger at 1330 fps. So far , the rounds I have shot have been fine. I just limit it to a couple mags per year then do my practice with normal pressure 115 gr rounds.

Jimbeaux

[digsigs226]

You might have to stretch the budget a bit but the S&W M&P 9 compact is a sweet CCW piece.

+1 You won't be disappointed

[EdJennings]

My FIL used to have a KelTec P11. I thought the trigger was really bad. I have been carrying a KT PF9 (the single stack) for several years. It has never malfunctioned and is surprisingly accurate. Conceals a lot easier than the P11 also.

[patentnonsense]

1) Don't get something too small for heavy practice. I think it's very desirable to shoot at least 100 rounds (preferably 1000 or more) through a carry gun for familiarization. If you need it, you need to not stop to think about what to do.

2) If you run across a Firestar or Firestar Plus, they're likely to be very cheap. They're good quality, and steel frame (so they're not too light). The doublestack version (the "Plus") holds 14+1 of 9mm, but they've also got single stack 9mm and 45 versions. There's a surplus batch being offered now at $339, but I've seen these at gun shows in good shape for 200 or less. They have a nice nickel finish ("Starvel"), which is a plus for some people, but also have a blued or parkerized version.

[Madcap_Magician]

A Walther P1 or P38 for carry? Wow.

The P1, P38, and Ruger P-series are in no ways compact.

The Glock 19, Glock 26, S&W M&P9c, Springfield Armory XD subcompact, Ruger LC9, Kel-Tec PF9 and P11, and Kahr CW9 may all fit your bill. Also, the third-generation S&W metal 9mm guns may fit your bill if you can find them.

[Avidtech]

Considering your price range I would suggest a Ruger LC9. I think it is the best bang for the buck and a sweet pistol. I have a LCP also and it is a slick pocket carry, no muss no fuss everyday but it is 380, just don't use hollowpoints.

I also have a Bersa and I really like their guns. I think they are a good value and well made. The Bersa thunder 380 is their most popular maybe but they make compact 9mm that is sweet. It might be tough to find one for 350 but shurely used would be an option.

[two gun charlie]

Jimbeaux , I have the old pt 111 not the millenium pro , and yes I e-mailed the guys at taurus who told me that with + P I risked getting fractures in the pistol frame. Like I said I have shot a few +p no problems , but for the sake of wear and tear I would rather avoid it.
Must say I am sorry that the millenium pro's came out just a few months after I bought my pt 111 , :D so much sleeker

[MikeNice]

I want to know where people are finding Ruger LC9s and Kahrs for $350 out the door. I want to move to their neighborhood. I haven't seen a used LC9 for sale yet and the cheapest Kahr I've seen locally is a used CW-9 for $390 + tax.

I had another idea for the OP. It isn't a 9mm but I think it might be worth a look. Check out surplus CZ-82s. They fire the 9x18 round. Basically it is a commie .380. However, you can get one in very good shape, plus an extra magazine, a mag pouch, and a ton of ammo for about $370 bucks.

Check CDNN for prices on the gun, mags, and mag pouch. Then check SG Ammo or Ammo To Go for the ammo. I worked up a price on all of it myself. It was $284.95 for the gun, magazine, and mag pouch with shipping and transfer fees. Then it was $83.95 for two boxes of Hornady Custom hollow points and 4 boxes of Silver Bear FMJ. That ammo combination gives you 200 rounds of range ammo and 50 rounds of hollow points. Use one box of 25 hps to test for function and the other 25 will be just enough to fill both mags and carry +1.

The only thing missing at that point is a cleaning kit and a holster. You can buy a BLACKHAWK! universal IWB holster for $14 and it will work fine until your money situation allows for a molded holster. A basic cleaning kit will cost you less than $15. You can hold off on the holster untill you actually get your CC permit.

[savage1r]

What about the Kel-Tec PF-9? It's at my local gun shop for $250 ($272 with tax), I've seen prices as low as $213 on Bud's.

[PT92]

But I brought home the Taurus (PT-145) for half the price of a good Glock and I have no regretted it one second.
Great choice for your CCW piece. I went with the Kel-Tec P-11 as it has the same capacity, is quite a bit smaller as well as price friendly.

However, I love all of my Taurus pistols (in particular my 92 and 24/7 Tactical which are, of course, full size combat guns).

-Cheers

[kcmitch]

I carry a S&W 3913 and it is excellent. Never have had any issues whatsoever. It will eat any ammo I feed it. Any third generation S&W is a good bet. They are no longer made, but sought after. I would seriously look into one. All steel and great quality.

[kcmitch]

Hey, fellow AF Vet. I'd go with any 3rd Gen S&W. I carry a 3913 and it just plain reliable. Check out reviews online for them and I think you will see what I'm talking about. They are great guns. I use a CrossBreed Super Tuck holster and carry it all day without even being aware it's there. Good combo, the 3913 and CrossBreed.

[Avidtech]

I want to know where people are finding Ruger LC9s and Kahrs for $350 out the door. I want to move to their neighborhood. I haven't seen a used LC9 for sale yet and the cheapest Kahr I've seen locally is a used CW-9 for $390 + tax.

I had another idea for the OP. It isn't a 9mm but I think it might be worth a look. Check out surplus CZ-82s. They fire the 9x18 round. Basically it is a commie .380. However, you can get one in very good shape, plus an extra magazine, a mag pouch, and a ton of ammo for about $370 bucks.

Check CDNN for prices on the gun, mags, and mag pouch. Then check SG Ammo or Ammo To Go for the ammo. I worked up a price on all of it myself. It was $284.95 for the gun, magazine, and mag pouch with shipping and transfer fees. Then it was $83.95 for two boxes of Hornady Custom hollow points and 4 boxes of Silver Bear FMJ. That ammo combination gives you 200 rounds of range ammo and 50 rounds of hollow points. Use one box of 25 hps to test for function and the other 25 will be just enough to fill both mags and carry +1.

The only thing missing at that point is a cleaning kit and a holster. You can buy a BLACKHAWK! universal IWB holster for $14 and it will work fine until your money situation allows for a molded holster. A basic cleaning kit will cost you less than $15. You can hold off on the holster untill you actually get your CC permit.
Mike, there has been a price drop on the LC9's. You can get them for less than 350 now. Bud's has not adjusted there price yet as of a few days ago. I bought mine at Kentucky Gun 350 out the door including shipping and credit card charge.

I love the gun, great for carry because of the thin design.

[MikeNice]

Thanks for the heads up Avid. I didn't know the LC9 price had dropped. They are still going for $379 (pre tax) around here. My local gun shop has taken to putting their prices at Bud's plus 3% on most stuff. So, when Bud's fixes the price my local guy might.

[Smoovbiscuit]

I have a ruger p95, its a great gun but good luck concealing it. too big

[harmon rabb]

I want to know where people are finding Ruger LC9s and Kahrs for $350 out the door. I want to move to their neighborhood. I haven't seen a used LC9 for sale yet and the cheapest Kahr I've seen locally is a used CW-9 for $390 + tax.

I had another idea for the OP. It isn't a 9mm but I think it might be worth a look. Check out surplus CZ-82s. They fire the 9x18 round. Basically it is a commie .380. However, you can get one in very good shape, plus an extra magazine, a mag pouch, and a ton of ammo for about $370 bucks.

Check CDNN for prices on the gun, mags, and mag pouch. Then check SG Ammo or Ammo To Go for the ammo. I worked up a price on all of it myself. It was $284.95 for the gun, magazine, and mag pouch with shipping and transfer fees. Then it was $83.95 for two boxes of Hornady Custom hollow points and 4 boxes of Silver Bear FMJ. That ammo combination gives you 200 rounds of range ammo and 50 rounds of hollow points. Use one box of 25 hps to test for function and the other 25 will be just enough to fill both mags and carry +1.

The only thing missing at that point is a cleaning kit and a holster. You can buy a BLACKHAWK! universal IWB holster for $14 and it will work fine until your money situation allows for a molded holster. A basic cleaning kit will cost you less than $15. You can hold off on the holster untill you actually get your CC permit.
SOG sells cz-82's with two mags for under $200. CDNN, usually the low price leader, is a rip on these guns apparently.

definitely not a bad choice of carry gun on the cheap. i've carried mine a bunch, and used to regularly carry it until i bought my EMP. reliable, holds 13 rounds, excellent trigger, no pointy surfaces to poke your side as you carry it, and a sweet shooter.

[Warrior1]

They are highly well made. You get the most value for your dollar. Have a Pt111 Pro, 24/7 C DS SS .45 and a TCP 738. All are excellent reliable weapons and would not trade for any other make.

[gym]

Get a Glock 26, been there and back 37 years of carrying, if you want a gun that will always shoot Glock is it. Or step down to an LCP, at close distance there is not that big a difference, look up the ballistics and stopages between the two. I carried a walther for 20 years and it will kill you at 10-20 feet just as quick as a 9mm.Lcp is perfect for pocket carry and a second mag is so small you won't know you have it. But if you must have a 9, get the most reliable one, the 26 is that gun. I have seen Kahrs jam,Taurus, and many others, My glock 30 is 15 years old, and I would stake my life on it right now. If I pulled it from the safe it would fire every round like the day I bought it.

[hhb]

I own 10 Glocks including 3 19's and 2 26's w/nitesites. Recently lell in fove with the S&W M&P 9c, much better grip for me.

[Dr_2_B]

People seem to be implying that the Taurus isn't reliable

Occasionally, I read these comments and I feel obliged tell my story. My buddy and I got consecutively numbered PT145's a couple years ago right at Christmas - we went together to get the best price. Mine has been great, though I had to send it back to the shop twice. His has given him so much trouble he curses & spits up a vile black fluid at the mere mention of the "T" word.

[gym]

Get a gun that you will carry, big guns and new carry people don't last long.

[searcher451]

Narrow it down to three or four pistols that you think you will like, for whatever reason, and then rent them or borrow them all and take them to the range and give them a test-drive, one at a time, until you find the perfect for your hand and eye. FWIW, I'd include a Walther PPS and/or a Walther P99C in the mix of the handful that you try. Good luck.

[GR8GIFT]

Ruger LC9 around here can be had for $369 NIB. I have one currently at $350 found but haven't decided to go for it yet. They seem to be a good choice for a backup 9mm. I use a Springfield EMP 9mm but they are over 3 times your price range. Excellent pistols though. I have thought about the LC9 as a backup to my normal carry gun Wilson Compact 45 or full size Springfield Range Officer.

[M2 Carbine]

I like my LC9 (1,600 trouble free rounds) so much I bought a second one ($325) at the gun show last week.:)

[Skivvy Master]

I carry the Kahr PM9 and Sig p239. The sig is heavy, so I usually carry the Kahr. Esp since you don't get any more ammo out of the sig, but it shoots like a sig. Every time. The Kahr is much more pocket friendly, and hasn't given me any reason to question it.

Between a D.M. Bullard SOB holster or Dale Fricke appendix, I have been wearing t-shirts all summer with no problems. I am about to get a desantis pocket for the Kahr.. the Sig is a little big to stuff in your pocket.

Neither of these fill your requirement on price though. With your budget, I would look at the Kel Tec PF9, the Ruger LC9 and the Kahr CW9. F&F on the Kahr may be a little better, but the PF9 is the least expensive (to my knowledge.)

Good luck and let us know what you've chosen.

[SharpsDressedMan]

Your choices are super small (PM9, Kimber Solo, etc), for pocket carry, or a compact that will be carried in a holster. If you WILL be carrying in a holster, I'd go with the aforementioned S&W 3913 or 3914. Small enough to conceal with holster, and not only reliable, but upon shooting one today, I believe they are as accurate, or MORE accurate, than guns with barrels 1-2" longer, no matter WHAT make. Head shots at 25 yards without a machine rest. Does a compact gun do any better than that?