Help on Inexpensive CCW

With all your restrictions, it seems that you already have your list worked out.

I could recommend a Bersa T380 but for your "no .380" restriction. I could recommend a good used G27 or thereabouts except for your "no Glock" restriction.

The Kel-Tec PF9 is an excellent choice IMO. Very Slim for carry, and the kinks have been worked out. Also, their customer service is excellent...

for the price you will be able to buy a nice holster or two, ammo and range time, while still keeping it under $500

Cz 75b

CZ 75b compact might fit the bill. Other than that, you can get a keltec pf-9 or p11 new. As far as far as used guns go, you should be able to find a ton of used guns that meet that price, like nicer kahrs, some sigs (especially the p6), you might be able to get a new xd9sc to fit the price, or get one used.

Also you might be able to find a used beretta px4 compact, but the new price barely sits above 500. There is also the firestorm 9mm mini, EAA witness compact steel or polymer, maybe a smaller ruger auto, FNP 9m, S&W sigmas or M&P.

Just because he says no .380s or glocks, it doesn't limit his list at all. The world does not revolve around stunted 9mm and plastic fantastic bricks. Lol, that was meant as a joke, not an attack.


My best advice, if you haven't done it already, it take a list of everything you're interested in to the gun shop, and handle every one of them, and if you have the chance, rent some or find friends with some of them. Just handling them is usually enough to rule out certain guns IMO.

I had the kahr cw9 for about a year, and found it was still just a little big for concealing. I am a small person so size played a big factor, I dont ever want anyone in a store, or anywhere in public to see that I am carrying, I think it would just make for an uncomfortable scene for everyone. I ended up trading it in on the pm9, I carry it everywhere I go in a desantis nemisis pocket holster. To me it was worht the extra money to know I could always carry it and feel comfortable.

Like was said above, handle them all before deciding. For me, it'd be between the Taurus and the Kahr. If its your only carry gun, slimmer and lighter is probably better. People don't leave guns at home because they are too small, or not heavy enough.

In the price range, the Kel-Tec PF-9 would be hard to beat.

Boarhunter

FNP 9. Under 5 and comes with 3 mags. One of the best deals going.

S&W M&P. Should be able to get one right at $500 if you look hard enough.

Look at the Sig Pro. Tom at www.topgunsupply.com has these NIB. It'll be right at the upper limit of your price range shipped. You might be able to find them locally for close and save shipping.

I agree the Kel-Tec PF-9 is probably the slimmest, lightest, least expensive 9mm you'll find. Their customer service is great too if you do have a problem.

The kahr PM9 is going to be the smallest 9mm you can find(except a rohrbaugh). The keltec PF9 a close second and the best price.

I'd also take a look at the walther pps and the wilson combat ADP(copy of the sourth african Truvelo ADP)

Those last two, I personally know very little about. I just know that I tried to get my favorite gunshop to order me in an example of them and they couldn't get them in fast enough for me so I bought something else (a bushmaster)

My CW9 is not at all too big for nearly any type of concealment, but that's up to you to decide. I highly recommend it however, as it's been my first choice for CCW for over a year now. I typically carry it in a pocket holster in jeans or in a Don Hume JIT Slide on the belt. Very flat, small package and shoots incredibly like a full-size for me, although it's much smaller.

Cz rami,
I love my 380 LCP it is small and shoots great just got a grip extension.

New, get a CZ75B.

Used, or almost new, you can buy a Sig P6 for under $300. Check out centerfire systems:

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/SIG-225.aspx

Just get a Glock, you'll never go back!

CZ or Kahr will make you look like a better shot.

Kahr CW-9

an excellent choice, as its 25 oz. weight makes it very comfortable
for all day carry. And, its no larger than KEL-TEC's PF-9~!

Hard to beat a Kel-tec PF 9. You may want to spend more, but the Kel-tec will do the job fine for half your budget. Mine's been perfect. If I were you, I'd take the balance and practice some with your carry ammo (more expensive than practicing with target ammo) so you'll have 100% confidence. Add $50 for a good carry rig.

Hmmm. The CW9 I stacked my PF-9 on when choosing sure seemed bigger. It also was heavier.

My vote is the PF-9.

Let me toss out a very reasonably priced .40 that is colt commander sized...the CZ40B. $289 at www.cdnninvestments.com I would spend the balance of my $500 on 500 rounds of ammo ( http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107664143 ) and a GOOD belt and holster!

I'd say a Kahr CW9 or CW40.

But a 9x18mm Makarov PM (or CZ-82) is a good choice as an inexpensive, highly durable, simple, reliable, handy, & concealable autoloader. Makarovs can accept 10 or 12rd magazines.
The FEG PA-63 also fires 9x18mm Makarov, but is basically a copy of the Walther PPK. Both the Makarov PM & PA-63 are very durable & reliable. I generally see both pistols being sold for between $150 & $200, for VG/EX condition specimens.
While not the most modern or advanced autoloaders, they'll go bang everytime you pull the trigger, and the 9x18mm round is very close to the 9mm Parabellum in performance. While there are certainly better 9mm semiauto concealed-carry handguns, it's hard to beat the Makarov for price, concealability, and durability. The Makarov has also been enjoying an increase in aftermarket support for spare parts & upgrades.

Kahr CW9

Why is it when the OP asks about a "small CCW", people recommend full size guns?

smith m&p 9 compact, springfield xd subcompact, and kahr cw9 would be at the top of my list personally