Help Choose a CCW to Complement my 642

[D-Man]

I already have a 642 that will definitely serve as a carry weapon, and I'm trying to decide what my second one should be. Here are the options I'm considering:

1) Kahr MK9 (already own). This is heavier than the 642 but similar in size, though the capacity is 2 or 3 more than the 642 and in a larger caliber (9MM). It can be pocket carried if necessary, though it works better IWB or OWB. It's only negatives would be that this is possibly too similar to the 642 sizewise and I'm not gaining a whole lot.

2) S&W M&Pc (already own). This is heavier and larger than the 642, though it carries 13 9MM rounds. It would be carried IWB at times, but probably mostly OWB in colder weather.

3) Springfield EMP (would need to buy). Again, this is heavier and larger than the 642, but carries 10 rounds of 9MM. It would be thinner than the M&Pc but taller and slighly longer than the M&Pc (I may be wrong about the length, as I'm going from memory here).

Right now I think the best option is the 642/M&Pc combo, as it should get me through most any situation I'd be involved in.

Your thoughts/comments?

 

[chupacabrah]

I vote M&Pc, because you already own it, and it holds more rounds than the kahr. and if its like my fullsize, then its a great shooter

 

[Handyguy]

2nd that!

 

[Purple95]

D-Man,

You post makes no mention of how your 642/M&Pc combo PERFORMS for you.

Please don't take offense but are you able to use both adequately for the demands of personal defense situations (can you hit with them? )? Can you comfortably carry and conceal both for extended periods of time? Have you a method of carrying extra ammunition, speedloaders, magazines, etc? Do you train with both regularly?

It you answer "Yes" to all of the above, then you combo is working well for you, it's not broken. If not, then continue your research.

Your 642/M&Pc combo is well based in theory and closely mirrors mine of a
Glock 19 paired with a S&W 642. A mid-sized semi-auto paired with a J-frame is an excellent team.

If you're just hankering for a new gun (we've all been there) might I suggest a quality 3 or 4 inch .357mag revolver. I know most of today's "experts" feel the only way to be properly armed is with the latest maga-blaster, but the mid-sized .357 offers versatility perhaps unmatched by any other handgun.

It can be loaded with mild practice rounds all the way up to extremely capable personal defense and/or hunting loads. They are not that difficult to carry and conceal. Most shooters I've encountered are able to become proficient with the mid sized revolvers and use them well.

Use the .357 in combination with your other two carry guns (mix and match as circumstances indicate) and you will indeed be equipped to handle almost any conceivable personal defense situation.

Cheers,
dan

 

[cookekdjr]

I was going to suggest a Glock 19, but since you have the M&P9c, there's no reason to buy it.
You are already set. If you just have to buy a new gun, get something you think is "fun". You are already good on self defense.
-David

 

[radoson]

i vote you buy the kahr pm9 great iwb or in pocket... shot over 250 rounds no FTF or FTE... only tried and carry reemington 110gr HP

 

[357wheelgunner]

You should buy a 4" barreled S&W K-frame. Nothing goes with a little revolver better than a bigger revolver that can fire the same ammunition.

 

[D-Man]

I appreciate the comments so far.....here is some followup answers and responses:

.357wheelgunner - I do own a S&W 19 6", though obviously it won't be anything I'll be carrying unless I'm out in the woods someplace.

Purple95 - very good advice about using whatever I use best. I am adequate with the guns I currently own, though will admit I definitely need to work on the 642....lightweight j-frames can be tough to get proficient on.

The main reason for this thread is that I want to consolidate my guns and practice on those that I'll be keeping. So instead of spreading practice around the 642, MK9, and M&Pc, I'll only need to learn two of them. And as many have mentioned and I initially thought, the most sense to cover the different situations I may encounter when wanting to carry is to go with the 642 and M&Pc.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Well i just got a 642 to pair with my XDsc to cover CCW in all weather.

Your option #2 is pretty much identical to my setup so i'd say go with that. The fact that you already own your M&P and are familiar with it is a plus

 

[c1ogden]

"Kahr MK9 (already own). This is heavier than the 642 but similar in size, though the capacity is 2 or 3 more than the 642 and in a larger caliber (9MM). "

The 642 is a .38 Special, bore diameter is .357
The Kahr MK9 is a 9mmP, bore diameter is .355

I frequently carry the larger K9 and I love it. The slightly larger size makes it much easier to shoot than the MK9, easily worth the extra weight and size.

 

[orionengnr]

Well, if you really like the Kahr, the PM9 is a lighter, smaller version of the MK9. Smaller than the 642, as a matter of fact, and the polymer frame absorbs recoil to the extent that I shoot it really well, even with +P or +P+.

If you like 1911s, the EMP is a jewel. About the size and weight of the Mk9, but has that 1911 trigger that makes shooting accurately almost like cheating.

I have both and carry the PM9 daily and take the EMP to the range once every couple months. Weight and size matter.