9mm single stack

[Bone2bWild]

I'm not new to guns per say but new to handguns. I've settled on 9mm and I'm debating single stack vs double as well as compact vs full. I want a gun for CC mostly and home defense.

Also if I go compact, say a Keltec Pf9, I like the idea of +P.

Keltec's are priced right but I also like the idea of the XDM subcompact with the mag extension as an option, say for HD, and shot mag for CC.

Any thoughts?

 

[mgmorden]

For concealment, single stack works out great. Its thinner, more comfortable, and you still can carry a respectable number of rounds.

For me thickness has always made the difference between comfortable and not, so IMHO the difference between compact and "full" size is less important (I put "full" in quotes because its kinda become a term used to refer to 4" to 4.25" guns these days, but some older guns used full-sized to refer to 5"+ barreled guns which for me is a bit long to conceal).

 

[momano]

Welcome to the forum! I really like my Ruger SR9c. It comes with a short magazine for CC, and with a larger one for HD. While it is a double stack; the grip is pretty narrow and makes it easy to CC. The price is more than a Keltec and less than a XD; about $400 here in St Louis. It's always a good idea to find a range and rent the gun before you settle. I had a Keltec P-11 that aggravated my arthritis- Keltecs aren't fun to shoot for most people. Good luck!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I've noticed that many home invasions now involve multiple attackers. Since any carry gun I use is going to do double duty as a home defence weapon I want as high a capacity magazine as I can comfortably carry.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Those are really two very different uses. The XDm 3.8 compact (they don't make a subcompact) would be fine for HD and you can get away with it for CCW but that double stack mag is pretty wide. I'd think the full size 4.5 would serve your purposes just as well...I personally like the 5.25 Competition, but I wouldn't recommend it for your use.

My favorite recommendation for a current production single stack 9mm for carry is the Kahr CW9...with used alternatives (in ascending cost) being the Sig P6, S&W 3913/3914 or H&K P7. My personal carry favorite are the Kahr or a Springfield EMP.

Only you can decide if you should give more weight to concealability or home defense.

 

[3KillerBs]

I like my Taurus 709 Slim very well. My husband likes it so well that he kidnaps it when he gets the chance. But I probably would have bought the Ruger LC9 if it had been available when I bought the Slim.

The specific points I like about the Slim are the way the grip fits my hand, the visibility of the sights, and the fact that, though it is compact, its not so light as to be uncomfortable to fire.

 

[3KillerBs]

I've noticed that many home invasions now involve multiple attackers. Since any carry gun I use is going to do double duty as a home defence weapon I want as high a capacity magazine as I can comfortably carry.

My take on this issue is that few people are going to stick around to continue to threaten you after you've already shot one or more of their buddies.

Not that if I were at home and had the choice of the household guns I wouldn't be using DH's, double-stack, M&P 9 -- assuming he weren't already using it.

 

[memphisjim]

Thickness is very important for ccw but grip height is too I ccw a glock 19 and forget its there. But if you want thinner check out kahrs line of pistols

 

[CZ57]

For a double-stack compact the XDm is excellent. If I were looking for a slim CC pistol in 9mm it would be the Walther PPS.

 

[verdun59]

If it's a single stack you want try the Ruger LC9 with the idea in mind to get after market parts to cut the long trigger pull. Very nice thin gun, or for more money the Kahr PM9.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

My take on this issue is that few people are going to stick around to continue to threaten you after you've already shot one or more of their buddies.

Are you willing to bet your life on that?

Even if you are correct the last Home Invasion that I read about here in Co Springs involved 5 invaders. I'm not prepared to take on 5 to 1 odds with (for example) an 8 shot M1911A1

 

[Plan2Live]

This is one of those questions where the most common answer posted is "carry what I carry". The real answer is, it all depends on YOU. Shoot as many guns as you can before deciding. Keep in mind that there is not a perfect option, every option comes with compromises. Every feature has it's advantages and disadvantages. You need to explore all of them and decide what fits you, your purposes, your lifestyle, your usual wardrobe, etc. Then, after all that, you will pick one and after using it for a while will still probably second guess your final decision. But the journey is half the fun! Good luck.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Since we're talking single stacks, I'll just say, I really like my PT709 slim. 7+1 is fine with me. I'm so glad I bought a single stack 9mm for those times I need deep concealment. I also like the 2nd strike capability of the 709.
Of course I don't have to concern myself with it having to do double duty, not that it can't.

 

[2WheelsGood]

For a double-stack compact the XDm is excellent. If I were looking for a slim CC pistol in 9mm it would be the Walther PPS.

Funny... you just described exactly my two carry guns.

 

[Pilot]

I carry an HK P7 as my single stack 9MM. None better.

 

[Smoke14]

Have a Kel-tec PF9, Ruger LC9, and a Kahr CW9. Most comfortable to carry - PF9. Most comfortable to shoot - CW9. Accuracy and reliability - CW9. I carry the CW9.

 

[357SIG]

The single stacks are thinner, and it does help when wearing properly-fitted clothing, but even so, I carry a Glock 33 over my Kahr E9. The shorter grip is really the reason for this. Even with dress shirts, I can hide the 33 easily. Something the size of a Kahr PM9 is probably better still. The difference in width between the Kahr and Glock slides are .28". You have to decide if that ~1/4 inch is a big deal over the capacity. For me, the extra rounds are worth the added width.

 

[cato35]

I had this same dilemma and would recommend that you first buy a carry conceal weapon that meets that particular need. If the gun isn't comfortable to carry, you won't have it with you when you need it. This was my first and highest priority. Later I bought a nice home defense/range gun (Glock 19). Very comfortable to shoot, plenty of rounds. That's my two cents.

 

[beatledog7]

I'm not prepared to take on 5 to 1 odds with (for example) an 8 shot M1911A1

Trunk Monkey,

What odds would you take? If you're arming up with a handgun against 5 determined attackers...well, good luck with that.

 

[Loosedhorse]

I carry an HK P7 as my single stack 9MM. None better.

True. Was my favorite, until it became a collector's item.

Now: Walther PPS 9.

 

[solman]

+1 on the Walther PPS.
Nice and slim, easy to cc. If you feel the need for more rounds at home you have many options for capacity. If you can only haave one gun it will always be a compromise.
Just my .02 ymmv
Solman

 

[Trunk Monkey]

What odds would you take? If you're arming up with a handgun against 5 determined attackers...well, good luck with that.

You make a good point.

Having said that, I want to do every thing I can to stack the odds in my favor. If I knew I was going to be facing five attackers I'd much rather have the CSPD waiting when they show up.

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

My wife's favorite "single stack 9" is her S&W 3913LS..






My favorite "single stack 9" is the Ruger LC9.





I'm on the list for a Boberg XR9-S, so hoping it'll be good enough to replace the LC9 when my name comes up, (altho I love the LC9, and would recommend the little sucker to anyone)..

I think for the money the Ruger LC9 in 9MM, and the Ruger LCP in 380 are hard to beat..

No offense to those who might disagree.

Jesse

 

[bigfatdave]

My favorite "single stack 9" is the Ruger LC9.

I think your pistol has mail, or something

Bone2BWild, get the gun that you can shoot well, is comfortable in your hand, will conceal for you, and fits your budget.

That means actually trying some guns, what I carry won't help you, only YOU can help you.

 

[rule303]

Slim, single stack guns have a lot going for them. They are far easier to shoot than the pocket guns, and conceal much better than say a Glock 19. I really like the new Bersa BP9CC, and the Walther PPS.