Need help deciding on a 9mm pistol.

I beg to differ on the PM9. It's fun. Recoil is mild and it is more than accurate enough for SD.

That said, you need to specify:

• double stack/single stack
• Traditional SA/DA, DAO, SAO, striker, decocker
• steel, alloy, tupperware

I like single stack DAO (Sig 239, all Kahrs, S&W 3953, KelTec PF9). I Rule out Kel-Tec based on bad past experience with the P11, P40, and P3AT, and Sig due to grip comfort.

Deciding any of the above three bullet points gets you to a more manageable list.

If you don't try before you buy (a friend's, a rental) you will need to rely on luck.

These are all personal choices, kind of like shoes. Do you buy shoes based on viewing the display and reading the numbers on the box or do you walk around the store in them and check 'em out in the mirror?

Sig226 or CZ75

I like to carry a 1911 so I do not consider them too big. Fun to shoot and not plastic

Good rep as well

i like my kel-tek pf9 and my khar pm9

Recommend you consider the S&W M&P. I have a 9c and 40c and have found them 100% reliable, well-made, accurate, and comfortable with 3 interchangeable backstraps. Very concealable in an IWB holster. The 40c is my primary carry pistol. If I feel I need more... I carry my full-size 40, but both have very good mag capacity. I'm so pleased with them that I have just ordered a full-size 9mm to complete my foursome.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...=10001&catalogId=11101&categoryId=15711&top=Y

I own 3 9mm's, SIG P226, P6 and S&W 910. The S&W 910 (value line S&W 5903) is relatively small (~7.25" and 26oz) and would make a nice high cap, inexpensive CCW. If your hands are on the small side the single stack S&W 39XX pistols are wonderful CCW's.

Walther PPS pr a Walther P99C are both exceptional 9mm offerings and both exceptional defensive carry weapons with lots of fans. Then again, you want to get a gun that best fits you hand and eye, not something that was recommended by well-meaning folks on an internet gun board. Whatever you do, be sure to go to a range first and check out a number of 9mm handguns. Narrow your choices and then proceed from there, selecting the one that's best for you.

SAO, Fun, little tack driver..

...

I've owned a SA SAO, 1911, 9mm, 9+1 3" EMP 1911 for 2yrs and it is just pure joy to own and shoot and ccw (when dress is light or formal).

These little gems cost a lot, but being designed, and made, specifically, for 9mm and not a chopped down 3" 45cal, they are a work of beauty, along with, reliably, and accuracy out of the box, with an "adjustable trigger" that being SAO, and being carried, locked and cocked, with 2 safety's, i.e. thumb-slide safety and palm-grip safety, with a choice of 9 + 1 load 9 (single stack mags) and full grip, the balance, IMHO, can't be better for a sc, lighter-weight, 9mm gun.

Comes with low profile 3-dot night sights, very eloquent carved wood grips, and SA's lifetime warranty, no questions asked, and my one time need of their CS was "a joy" to make the call and get the help I needed without any long waits on hold, and a direct talk with a very nice and informative, gunny.

It, IMO, is a complete package and worth "the investment I made" along with the confidence it has shown with some 1450 flawless rounds down range with both, 124gr FMJ and 124gr JHP, with velocity, accuracy, yet docile, balanced, back-on-target, accuracy up close and out to 63ft, max indoor range where I shoot.

Of the 5 forum/s people I have talked with, in regards to what they are like, I have received 5 very "thankful" thank-yous from recent buyers of one, that I know of out of at least 15 people I spoke with via PM's.

Take a look here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PZMyKvYdWM


http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/spemp_010807/index1.html






Enjoy and luck,



Ls

1. What's your budget?

2. How do you plan on carrying? (suit? shorts? overalls?)

I would and did choose a Glock 19 &/or 26

There are tons of good choices.

I'd second the Glock 19/26 recommendation.

The Springfield EMP that Lonestar49 posted above is a very nice weapon. The gun was totally redesigned around the cartridge instead of taking a standard 1911 and try to make it feed and shoot the 9mm reliably. I wish I had bought one but I picked up a Para Ordnance 4" 1911 called the LTC and it is also a lightweight meaning it has an alloy frame. Though I carry it concealed and it is one heck of an accutate shooter, I really like the EMP. Here is my Para LTC


and two different holsters I carry it in:

Go with what is comfortable and fits your hand. I am a fan of DAO for CC. XD makes a great pistol and I love mine, but a tad bulky for warm weather CC. I carry a PF-9 on most days. With the grip exnsion/mag floor plate installed, my big mits fit on it fine. Not uncomfortable to shoot either. If Glock's ergonomics and grip angle work fine for you, it is hard to beat a baby glock. One of the best DAO triggers I've felt. I think fit and pointability is the key.

Consider a variant of the S&W 39.

Here's a vote for the 3rd generation Smith and Wesson, either single stack 908/3913/LadySmith or double stack 6904(blue)/6906(stainless.) As traditional double actions, they're hard to beat. Prices are also very reasonalble if you're patient and willing to shop.

I would love an EMP!!

CZ PCR would be my second choice.

I have a XD-9 and the Wife wanted a XDm-9, My Xd holds 17 rounds in the mag, hers 19, Mine is alot smaller she now wants a "carry" gun, Mine will fit in a shoulder holster nicely. Of course I am 6'2" and 260, she is 5'6" and 115

SIG 229 or Glock G19, both fun to shoot, reliable and accurate as any auto ever.

I'll second the PM9 as a fun to shoot, easy to carry gun. It also oozes quality. You mentioned it with the KT9 as not fun to shoot. You should shoot every choice you narrow it down to (top 6? 8?) before spending your money but 1 of those should be the PM9 just to see.

HK P7M8 Classic!

i say the EMP.
Lonestar already posted pics of mine, but now it has Horned Lizards on it

P7/P7M8 is an excellent choice. Another which I have just discovered is the P30.

The P7M8 is one of the best CCW in 9mm. It is very slim, easy to hide, and it shoots very well.

The P30 is larger, and is a double stack. It is small enough to hide, but does well on the 25 yard targets.

Just bought this little gem...



Have these grips on order....

http://store.mil-tac.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=18

Beautiful handgun!

Rodentman, you'll like the grips. they are the same thing as the Horned Lizards.