compact 9mm for Concealed Carry

[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]

A good compact 9mm in your price range of $350 ,

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]

+2 on the S&W 3913..an excellent carry gun...

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