P11 vs. PF9 vs CW9 vs. M&P9C ??

[mr.72]

OK I need a smaller gun (or two) for carry.

On my list are Kel-Tec PF9 and P11, and a Kahr CW9 and on the edge of usability is a S&W M&P9 compact.

My thinking so far is as follows:

PF9 - most compact and concealable of the lot, excellent value
P11 - slightly larger, higher cap like the PF9; some knocks on reliability and trigger feel compared to PF9
CW9 - $100+ higher cost than the Kel-Tecs, slightly larger (mostly grip length, which impacts concealment quite a lot in my case), potentially better reliability than Kel-Tecs, far better trigger feel than Kel-Tecs
M&P9C - I threw this in there since I already have a SW9VE that I like a lot, and the trigger and ergos of the M&P is a little closer to the Sigma than the others. However I think it is much larger than the others and expect this impacts concealment quite a bit. I presume reliability and trigger feel are superior to all of the above.

Comments?

 

[WC145]

I've owned both Kel-tecs and the Kahr. The CW9 is the only one I still have. Yes, it's a bit larger and heavier but it handles and shoots better and certainly the quality is there.
IMO you're talking about a different class of gun with the M&P9, not necessarily better quality but a different size class. Heavier, thicker (double stack), completely different trigger system. And much more difficult to conceal than the others.
I think the Kahr CW series is one of the best bargains out there for concealed or off duty carry. It's my choice.

 

[Disaster]

Unfortunately, the first three all have issues with reliability. It seems some people get good ones, others don't. From what I've read, Keltec is a little better at customer service than Kahr. I like the handling of the Kahr the best of the three.

The S&W is very reliable but much bigger. It doesn't pocket very comfortably (though I've done it on occasion) but works fine in an IWB holster.

 

[presspuller]

I have had zero issues with either of my two Kel-Tecs.
I have the P-11 and I would take it over the P-9 simply because of the number of rounds. The P-9 aint that much smaller.
Don't own the Kahr or the S&W to compare.

 

[jocko]

mr.72

PM sent

 

[Happiness Is A Warm Gun]

The M&P9c is much larger than the others listed. However as others have posted it is a different class of weapon. It has more mass so it has less felt recoil, has double stack, and very good ergonomics.

It really comes down to how much concealment you need. I recommend picking the largest pistol you can conceal based on your lifestyle and wardrobe.

If the 9c fits then I think you will enjoy it more than the smaller pistols.
If it doesn't fit then it doesn't matter how good it is.

BTW The 9c is my primary carry weapon. I do understand it isn't right for everyone, some people need a smaller package. The 9c is more compared to Glock and XD subcompacts.

 

[jlh26oo]

Mr. 72: To Be Carried Belt or Pocket?

P11 vs. PF9 vs. CW9 vs. M&P9C

vs. The Walther P.P.S. or No?



B.T.W. another option is the Kahr PM9 (J.I.C. jocko didn't mention it the P.M. he sent you- he has ~13,000 trouble-free rounds through his)!

 

[chris in va]

I carry my P11 with belt clip on a daily basis. Frankly I realize it's not designed to have 10,000 rounds put through it, so I basically function test it every range session and call it good. So far no problems.

 

[mr.72]

I think I probably will end up going with a CW9. PM9 and PPS are out of the question due to price. Thanks for all of the input.

I think the M&PC is not a whole lot smaller than my Sigma, so it might not gain me much in concealment. If I can conceal the M&P I can probably conceal the Sigma.

 

[WC145]

I got my CW9 from Bud's Gun Shop and it was right at $400/delivered. They list it for $388 but if you pay with a credit card they add 3%. Also, they have spare 8 shot factory mags for $27.

 

[jlh26oo]

I got my CW9 from Bud's Gun Shop and it was right at $400/delivered. They list it for $388 but if you pay with a credit card they add 3%. Also, they have spare 8 shot factory mags for $27.

Yeah I like Buds, usually cheapest prices on GLOCK anyways. But check Gunbroker for the Kahr. Here's a N.I.B. CW9 for $340 + $25 shipping:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=105600249

 

[jon_in_wv]

The M&P 9C is NOT much larger than the P-11. In fact it is so close in size to the P-11 I would eliminate it as a choice. I carried a P-11 for years and switched to the M&P. If you think the M&P is too large than the P-11 will be no better. The PF-9 is MUCH thinner and will be easier to carry and has a better trigger than the P-11. I have no experience with the CW but Kahrs are small, slim and usually have very nice triggers. I really like my M&P. It is one of the easiest guns to shoot well that I have ever handled.

 

[toddmog]

I had been looking for a HC PF-9 to match my HC P3AT. Couldn't find one anywhere. I even tried to find a HC P11...still no luck. Then my wife and I both shot a CW9...we now own two CW9's. Both purchased locally, but I did order two extra mags from Bud's.