[InnerVision]

Here's my situation. I am wanting a good ccw piece, and I planned on purchasing multiple pistols until I realized I will be having a baby due at the end of the year. So naturally, I want to be responsible with my money and narrow it down to one best overall ccw gun.

I have most of my bases covered already:

Home defense/Fun guns: Beretta 96, Sig 226, Kimber 1911.

Car Gun- Springfield xd9 4"

Current Carry gun - Ruger LCP


I planned to buy over the next year or so a Glock 17, Sig p220, Kahr cw9, Kahr TP9, and a glock 19..

Since This is now not going to happen, I'm torn between the Kahrs and the G19 for iwb carry.

My lcp is great and easy to carry, but I want something a little bigger in size, capacity and caliber at the same time. I don't want to sell the LCP.


Which one would you go with? The glock wins for size, capacity, durability..the only downside is that it's a little thick...but I'm confident I could comfortably carry it.

The TP9 is basically a slimmer single stack G19, but only 8rnds..but will probably be a bit more comfortable...

The CW9 is the cheapest option and will be even easier to carry, but it has the smallest sight radius and the least capacity.


The reason I don't want to stick with the xd is because it is even bulkier, taller, and just overall chunkier than the G19..but I don't want to sell it, and it will make a great car gun.


EDIT - And please vote what you would pick based off of what I own...not necessarily your favorite gun out of the 3 in the poll...I will eventually acquire them all..it will just be a long while between purchases and I want to get it right the first time.

[GRIZ22]

Glock 19 the best all around 9mm on the market.

[Bobson]

I voted G19 too. Your list of currently owned firearms is irrelevant. I can't imagine a list that would make me recommend anything other than the G19 as an EDC, unless a G23 was an option. Then it'd be a tossup.

[Nullcone]

I voted CW9.

Glock 19 the best all around 9mm on the market.

As sweeping statements go, I actually don't disagree with this one too much.

I've owned 4 Glocks (17, 19, 23, then 19 again (don't ask... )); I currently own none.

I've owned one Kahr (K9 Elite 98)... and it's currently sitting loaded in my nightstand.

I cheated and took into account weapons you currently own.

I'd be tempted to stick with the LC9 for carry unless your a big dude with big hands, in which case I might lean toward the TP9 or even the Kimber. Save your money for el kiddo or a long gun.

[jimbo555]

I voted cw9 because even though the glock 19 is superior,you will want to carry the kahr more often.

[Lawdawg45]

I know this won't settle well with some folks, but here goes. Before you make your purchase, look at the reliability of both weapons and research the forums about the documented problems with the Kahr line. I carried a PM-9 for a while, but eventually traded it off when I couldn't correct the feeding issues. It was disappointing, the gun felt Great in my hands for such a small gun and the feed ramp out of the box looked as if it had been polished by a Smith. The Kahr .380 has been pulled by our large local department here for feeding issues, and other departments have followed suit. I've also carried a Glock 19/26 for years and have never had a single issue with thousands of rounds through it, and they have over 60% of the LE market for a good reason.;)

LD

[Sapper771]

I would prefer the G19, but that's just me. The Southern heat and humidity here recently has move me from my G17 to my G26/G19. You get a compact pistol with service sized capacity in a reasonably concealable package. I have been using a Galco Kingtuk and it does a decent job if concealing it under a larger t shirt/polo/ SS button.

I have owned a Kahr CW9 before. It was a decent pistol. It carried well, I just couldn't adapt to the trigger pull.

What about the G26? With the GAP or standard floor plates, it is slightly more concealable than the G19.

[psyopspec]

I'll state my biases up front:

The G19 is my favorite pistol for CCW, for IDPA, for introducing newer shooters, and for night stand duty. I believe it can easily be carried most of the time with the right holster/belt/clothing (but I would say the same of almost any mid or full sized handgun).

I used to carry a PM9. It was finicky through the "break in" period, as they can be. After those initial 200 rounds it ran fine for a few months. It wasn't much fun to train with over extended range sessions, and I felt like that stunted my becoming more effective with the gun I carried to defend myself. One night on a rural highway a cat darted in front of me and I hit it with my car, maiming it pretty bad but not killing it. I went to finish it off with the PM9, and the gun I'd been trusting my life to had a failure to eject. I couldn't trust it after that.

I know there are times and situations where a duty sized handgun cannot be carried, so for your situation I was still going to recommend the Kahr since it would be easy to have with you more often... until you mentioned that you owned an LCP. Since you've already got the mouse gun, I think a G19 would complement that nicely and be great for the IWB purpose you're going after. You'd be going with a more reliable brand with higher capacity that was easier to shoot well.

As a final thought, have you considered splitting the difference and going for an M&P Shield?

[Weevil]

I voted G19 but personally I prefer the G26 for CCW.


I've got the XD40 Service model and really didn't see that big of an advantage with the G19. With The G26 I can use extended base plates for adding one or two more rounds of capacity or I can even use G19 or G17 mags if I really want more capacity or go back to the stock mag with a flat base for maximum concealability.


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/srebough/100_0404.jpg

I haven't gotten a G17 mag yet.

[usp9]

My favorite Kahr is the TP9. I like it better for a CC than the heavier T9 and better than the smaller P or CW. It fits my hand very well. The TP will carry just as well as the CW but give you a longer sight line, better choice of night sights and a polygonal barrel.

Glocks are fine, a good choice, but they don't float my boat.

[spotch]

For carry, G26. G19 second.

[Shipwreck]

4th Choice - M&P Shield

[tjbeck]

I like all of those choices for the reasons you pointed out. If you get a good holster and good belt the 19 can be very comfortable but, I sometimes forget I even have my P9 on when I carry it.

[InnerVision]

I'm not very familiar with the Shield..But since a couple of you mentioned it, I will look it up..

Thanks so far..

[jfrey]

I had a CW9 and it was a good gun. Finicky about reloads and a few FTF issues. I reload and won't have a pistol that won't shoot 'em. Traded for a G19 and it goes bang when I pull the trigger. A little larger than the CW9 but not a lot harder to conceal and I carry OWB. I am seriously considering a Shield as my EDC gun now. Just need to find one. They sell immediately everywhere I check.

[InnerVision]

Since reading up on the shield I've decided that:

1. I like the trigger better (from what I can tell..striker vs DA)
2. Not a fan of the safety (though it's not a deal breaker)..

I've handled the Kahr cw9 several times and the grip was just perfect to get all of my fingers around...the shields grip is a little shorter (which may be a negative for me).

It also seems to have a shorter barrel, but looking at the guns side by side, they appear the same overall size..


Hmm..Decisions Decisions.

I'm still leaning towards the G19..Simply because it is suppose to eat anything you put in it, and it holds twice the rounds...

Basically..I know deep down I want the G19...the only...and I mean ONLY thing that I consider a downside is the thickness...

I experimented the other day with stuffing my full size 1911 and XDservice IWB...Granted I don't have a gun belt or holster, I was just getting a general idea of whether or not I could comfortably carry a larger gun...I realized that I could...(However, this was just walking around the house without a proper belt/holster rig).


I think i'm slowly talking myself into getting the G19..In fact, I think that's what I'll do.

1. I still have the LCP for when I don't want to pack the glock..
2. the Kahr cw9 will be easier to get in the future for me when I have less $$ because it's cheaper.

[wlewisiii]

Glock 19 is so much better an overall pistol that you can't go wrong with it. I've never been able to get a FTF, FTE or any jam in mine even when I've limp wristed it while shooting LRN reloads. It loves the +P RA127TA's I carry in it. Makes a nice little pile of brass about two feet behind and one foot to the right of the pistol - up & over my shoulder with every casing. I really have a hard time imagining carrying any other auto loader any more. The only thing I'd carry instead is if I went to a .357 or .45LC revolver.

Good Luck!

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I feel like your XD9 is basically the same thing as the G19... and both are a little big for IWB carry, imo. I don't think the XD is that noticeably bigger. Definitely do-able, but not incredibly comfortable. Honestly, I think the CW9 is your best bet... In fact, you could go with the CW45. With an extra mag and the LCP in your pocket, you'd be very well-armed. You'll hardly notice the CWs in your waistband.

[Firefightermdc]

Glock all the way

[Aiko492]

Glock, Kahr is too finicky for me.

[FruitCake]

Out of the three mentioned, id have to pick the Glock.
Ya its thicker but at least you wont have to worry about the glock going boom anytime you pull the trigger.

[TMann]

If you had to have one handgun for everything, the G19 is one of the best choices out there. However, you already have a number of great handguns, so I think that the CW9 would fill a niche between the LC9 and the XD9. The G19 and the XD9 seem to be redundant choices.

Having said that, if you find that you can comfortably carry a G19 in every situation, then the added size of the CW9 may not be that useful for you.

TMann

[Nushif]

I am seriously predisposed to the Kahr line. They're slimmer than a Glock and my hands and the Glock thickness judt don't get along.

So of thse two ... my choice was clear. As for Kahrs exploding ... *le eyeroll*

[Warp]

Glock.

[eam3clm@att.net]

Congrads on the little one.
My pick would also be a glock. My department issues the Glock 22 and I have purchased a G27 and G23 to go with it. I havent shot a G19, but I have a conversion barrel for my G23 and it shoots nice with very little recoil. Some have suggested the G26 and I will have to second or third or fourth it. The weight is not a problem for me due to the nature of my job, but off duty I want to be as decreat as possiable. My off duty carry is my G27. I have found that the hardest part of a pistol to conceal is the grip. The shorter grip of the G26 makes it easy. I carry in a galco king tuk iwb holster and the gun disappears with just a t shirt. If the short grip is a turn off then you can get an xgrip sleeve that will make the grip the same length as the G19 using G19 mags.
The sight radius on most pocket guns will leave somthing left to be desired. You arlready have the LCP so you have somthing you can carry when nothing else will work and there is nothing wrong with wanting somthing with a little more umph to it. What ever you get dont forget to train with it.

[plouffedaddy]

I voted CM9. Sounds like you're looking for an 'in between gun.' (between the XD and LCP) and the CM9 is a great choice for that. I love the G19 but for your purpose, I think it may be a little big and you'll end up carrying the LCP instead.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/DSC01285.jpg

[Warp]

I voted CM9. Sounds like you're looking for an 'in between gun.' (between the XD and LCP) and the CM9 is a great choice for that. I love the G19 but for your purpose, I think it may be a little big and you'll end up carrying the LCP instead.

[IMG]http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/DSC01285.jpg[IMG]

He said he is confident he could comfortably carry the Glock 19. (IWB)

There is always the Glock 26 if the G19 might in fact be too large. ;)

[19-3Ben]

And please vote what you would pick based off of what I own...

I can't possibly see recommending a G19. It's not going to do much that your XD9 can't already do.

The CW9 fits a niche you have not filled. It's bigger than the LCP, offering slightly more capacity and a lot more power, while also being a gun with which you can rally practice.

It adds versatility to your line up. A Glock 19 would simply either be redundant, or make the XD9 redundant. Either way, if you are stretching the lineup, there is no sense covering bases that are already covered.

[Bobson]

There is always the Glock 26 if the G19 might in fact be too large. ;)
Agreed. In the off-chance that the OP can't IWB-carry a G19 (though he said he can, as you mentioned), I couldn't possibly vote for the CW9 (or any Kahr) when the G26 is right there, beckoning...

a G19. . . [is] not going to do much that your XD9 can't already do.
Frankly though, I agree with this too, in a way. I don't see the point of owning an XD9 Service and a G19. I'd buy the G19, and do yourself a favor and sell the XD9. The Glock will serve every purpose that XD9 did, and then some. Plus, if you're going to be carrying a G19 anyway, not much point in having a "car gun" that's so similar, unless you agree with the one is none, two is one idea.

[plouffedaddy]

He said he is confident he could comfortably carry the Glock 19. (IWB)

I wasn't saying he couldn't, sorry if it came out that way. I frequently carry the G23 as well.

However, pretty much everyone I know carrys concealed and whenever I ask the 'what are you carrying today' it seems most are carrying a pocket 380 or slim 9.

[Ben86]

It doesn't bother me if a gun isn't "slim." Guns of average width fit IWB just fine for me. I would go with the G19. It's such an all around ideal sized gun, and a really great shooter. It's my choice for EDC.

[ForumSurfer]

If I could own only one gun, it would be a glock 19. In your case, I'd probably buy a 26 and a handful of g19 or g17 mags. No magazine extension stuff needed, the 26 makes a secent plinker/range gun with full sized mags.

The 26 makes an excellent appendix carry weapon...assuming you don't have any overhang at the belt line. :)

Let me also add that I sold a g26 and bought a Kahr cw9 for the same reasons you mentioned. The xw9 was flawless and I feel that I got more gun than I paid for. However, I sold it in less than 6 months and bought another g26. I carry it most of the time when I'm carrying. It's just a handier handgun for me. The cw9 made more sense when you argued it to yourself, but in practical carry...the g26 was just better for my uses.

Stick with the xd-sc or buy a g26, whichever one works for you. I've owned both (along with m&p's) and I just prefer the glocks. I feel all are an excellent value and didn't view any of them as being "better" or superior quality (even the pro series m&p's or xdm's I owned). It boils down to preference and which you shoot best with.

[GunslingerOne]

Originally bought a Glock G26. It took almost seven months to get it, then, had to send it back for new ejector sysyem replacement. Sold it, have ordered a Kahr K9 Elite Stainless 9MM. Check out the K9 made in USA all stainless, good specs.
Don't know why I didn't good that route initially.

[el Godfather]

No contest.
Glock 19 is the king.

[meanmrmustard]

Glock 19 GENERATION3!!! Not all are created equal.

[holdencm9]

I feel like your XD9 is basically the same thing as the G19... and both are a little big for IWB carry, imo. I don't think the XD is that noticeably bigger. Definitely do-able, but not incredibly comfortable. Honestly, I think the CW9 is your best bet... In fact, you could go with the CW45. With an extra mag and the LCP in your pocket, you'd be very well-armed. You'll hardly notice the CWs in your waistband.

I agree with this. I also agree with the other comment that said the CW9 will fill a role you don't have yet. I also have an LCP and love it, but wanted to upgrade to something a bit bigger for the chillier months. So I got the CW9. The G19 is a great gun, if you were asking what gun should you get for your first (or only) gun, I'd vote for G19, but you aren't. Hence I voted for the CW9, mine has been great. I don't have a G19 but enjoy shooting my 2 friends' that have them.

I just think of it in percentages of carry. If you really honestly believe you will carry the G19 as often as you would the CW9, go for it, but if you think your balance would be more like 50% LCP and 50% G19, versus 20% LCP and 80% CW9, I'd go with the CW9. The extra 1/8" on the Glock doesn't seem like much until it is shoved in your pants for the whole day, but of course everyone is different and what is comfy to one may not be for another!

[Wanderling]

I'd shoot them first. I was all set to buy G19, then I went to the range and rented one. The grooves are spaced in such a way that, even though the grip length is ok, my pinky felt squeezed. I don't have large hands and I am not the only one who had this issue with G19. I then rented G17, at only 1/2" barrel and grip length difference it was much more comfortable to hold and shoot. I don't have CCW yet but I did try carrying it around the house in a simple Glock Sports holster, and I really don't see how 1/2" would make all that much difference. However, for EDC, I would get G26. For me, reliability is paramount to most anything else, and I just feel safer with Glock or Makarov vs Kahr or Bersa - not because the Kahr or Bersa are unreliable, but because I know for a fact that Glock or Mak are very reliable.

[ForumSurfer]

I owned the g19, g17, xdm9 and a few others. The xdm9 felt more like a g17 to me. The g19 is the only one I still own of those.

If I could only have one for carry, I'd prefer a g26 or xd9sc...or an m&p9c.