Best 9mm CCW. What do you carry in 9?

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My primary carry gun is a Kimber 45 but I'll sometimes carry a Kel Tec P-11 9mm/40cal as a boot gun.

My next choice in a "9" would be a Makarov or Polish P-64.

The more I shoot the P-64, the more I like it as a small carry gun.

Now before you bad mouth this cheap little Polish import, will your pocket gun do this at 50 yards.:cool:


P-64 -- 50 yards -- Texas 15 yard CHL target

fa45b1e5.jpg
 
Only 9mm I carried in the last 10 years was my CZ75 Compact - fantastic gun, wish I made more money so I wouldn't have to had sold it....:(
 
I just recently got back into gun ownership, and haven't yet carried a concealed handgun because I only just applied for my permit. It should arrive soon, though. (Assuming I haven't done something while sleepwalking that I don't recall.) For my first gun, with lots of input from members of this forum, I bought a CZ 75B, and a Kadet Kit so that I could practice marksmanship without running up my ammo bill too much. I'd be more than happy to carry the CZ concealed, even though it's kind of a big gun. I've been debating which manual of arms to use, and one of the reasons I got the CZ is that it left me with a choice. I decided to carry it hammer down (the safety won't engage in that configuration) mostly for reasons that Jody has already touched upon, but also because I contemplated purchasing a striker-fired weapon someday, and I didn't want to program myself to use two manuals of arms. (I say hammer-down, but actually I carry it at half-cock, because a nerve problem in my right hand means that the DA pull, with such a large grip, is a little difficult. I've ordered a narrower set of grips for the CZ.)

But I also do a lot of cycling, and decided that the CZ is just a little heavy to allow me to carry it on the bike on long solo "century" rides. I needed a smaller, lighter, gun and carry system. So I checked around, considered the S&W Airweights, and eventually bought a lightly used recently manufactured Kahr P9. It's not quite as small as the PM9, but I like the full-sized grip as opposed to the shortened version, and it has a little better aiming radius. It just felt a little better than the PM, and the weight penalty is only an ounce. I also shopped around for a good holster, and considered the C.T.A.C. and a number of leather holsters. One reason I went with the Kahr is that I sweat A LOT on the bike, in hot weather, and the polymer/stainless construction of the Kahr makes it ideal. For similar reasons I decided a Kydex holster would probably be better than leather. Eventually I decided to get a FIST K#1, because it can be reconfigured for a number of different carry circumstances, including the extreme cant that I will probably need to carry on my (recumbent) bike. But I plan to carry the P9 in other situations as well, just because I have it and it's a little easier to conceal than that big ol' loverly 75B.

I'm not sure I understand all the concern about having a safety. I don't consider carrying a striker-fired weapon to be any more dangerous than carrying any weapon in hammer-down DA mode. Even on a bike, during a fall for instance, I simply can't imagine a situation where the Kahr is likely to fire without a deliberate yank on that 7 lb. trigger. It certainly isn't any more likely to fire just whacking on the pavement, than it would were a safety on. And if I were in a situation where I'd need to use it while still on the bike, about the last thing I want to do is fiddle with a safety while steering and balancing with one, or no hands.

I'm watching this thread with interest.
 
Glock 19

My favorite 9mm for carry is a Glock 19 with a standard capacity magazine. Although I realize the original poster ruled out Glocks for lack of manual safety, I concur with some other posters above that a manual safety is dangerous because it can be forgotten when in panic mode, whereas trigger finger control is more natural and easier to master. I consider the holster around the Glock to be a manual safety that is automatically released upon drawing the gun.

I like the Glock 19 because it is reliable, lightweight, has no sharp edges and every trigger pull is the same 5.5 lbs. It is easy to conceal and has high magazine capacity for any eventuality. I don't carry it much anymore because I have moved to .40 caliber and a G23 or Sig P229.

If I were looking for a 9mm CCW gun with a manual safety, I'd probably favor the S&W 3913 or H&K USP9 compact
 
At first I had a Ruger P89, though a good reliable gun, a little to big for CCW. So I traded it for a Sig Saurer P239/9mm, it is small, reliable, easy shooter with a good trigger, it's not as comfortable for me to carry as my Steyr M40 is although the M40 is a little bigger. So right now I'm trying to find it a new home so I can get a Steyr S9. I know it will be a comfortable gun to carry because I have been carrying it's big brother for 2 years, and it will hold 11 rounds. And if it is like the M40 then the trigger will be great and the gun reliable.

Anyone interested in Sig Sauer P239?
 
The 3913 seems to be one of the best choices for a reasonably small 9mm, known for reliability that has an active external safety.

Debating between carrying guns only with external safeties vs carrying guns with zero external safeties is about as productive as debating between 9mm vs 45... Each side has its merits and each side has its drawbacks. The biggest merit I see to having an external safety (or the P7) is in an LEO situation, if the bad guy happens to wrestle the gun away, it gives the LEO an extra second or five (depending on the bad guy) to draw and use his/her backup gun. And in that instance, that external safety is very re-assuring.

As a civilian on the street, if I draw my gun, there's about a 99% chance it's going to go 'bang' very soon after drawing so I can see the desire to not have an external safety in that situation.

Thing is, seems like there are LOTS of good carry guns these days with no external safeties... Kahrs, Glocks, SIGs, XDs, KelTecs...
 
I stake my life on six handguns, two of which are 9mm:

SIG 225
Walther P99

I would have included the CZ-75D PCR, but the FTFs were too frequent in mine to warrant its keep. A pity, to be true, since the ergonomics and accuracy of this gun are pretty outstanding.

I have yet to experience any sort of malfunction with my SIG or Walther; both, veterans of the range.
 
I carry a CZ100. Its DAO only so no safety, no hammer its lite has a 4 inch barrel so its not to big. Your not going to be able to unload the lead as fast as some. It has a long trigger pull but its safe reliable & it fires everytime you pull the trigger... & one more positive thing it costs around $360 bucks with 2 clips. Lets see the Berretta fans or colts wilsons browning walther S&M sigs & kimberlys match that price:neener: :D :evil:
 
& one more positive thing it costs around $360 bucks with 2 clips. Lets see the Berretta fans or colts wilsons browning walther S&M sigs & kimberlys match that price
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The Hi-Pointlings and Jenningsites can beat that price. Your point? ;)
 
That 3913 idea is the best one yet for a 9mm with a safety. There are also variants with larger sizes like the 69xx and 59xx series. THose are still relatively compact. Ther are the 908 and other singel stack larger Smiths. I think SMiths are the ticket with the safety issue. Some 1911 makers offer the 9mm with ambi safeties, but I am wary of 1911s in 9mm. I also love the 92 Centurions. They ahve the new Elite2 or soething like that with the shorter slide and barrel. I generally carry a full size 92F Italian. I love the 225/228/228, Glocks, P7, and Walthers. Still, having a safety can be comforting.
 
9mm CCW

KelTel P11... w/ belt clip. JMO but I am more comfortable with the DAO aspect of the P11 than with the safety on my S/W 3914. I just think of it like I do my J-Frame Smiths in that it simply is not going to "accidentally" discharge because of the heavier trigger pull. I haven't found another pistol more compatible with concealed carry than the KelTec.. Small, light, DAO, 11rds. I think many people put down KelTec's because they are so inexpensive, equating price with quality. My S/W 2314, Sig P239, Walther P1, Star BM will all outshoot the little P11 at 15 yards and beyond, but it is as accurate at self defense range (5-7 yards) as any of them. Seems the most people who appreciate KelTec's are the ones who own them. Since shooting someone in self-defense at 15 yards and beyond would be a hard sell in this age of "political correctness" I'm quite happy with 5-7 yard accuracy. But again, what works for one might not work for another, so I recommend you narrow down your selection to 2 or 3 pistols then try and hold, become familiar with and if possible shoot each one. What sounds good as a recommendation might not fit your hand, or feel right to you. If you decide you will throw out all of the pistols without a manual safety you could be throwing the baby out with the dishwater. Remember the gentleman who scared the bad guy off with a loaded automatic with the manual safety ON? JMHO.. Best Wishes, PX :D
 
I really like my SIG P220 and tried to like the P239, but found it top-heavy and kind of big. Kahr's irregular quality and customer service also concerned me.

The S&W Chief's Special 9 is short, thin, light, relaible, accurate, and reasonably priced. That's what I bought.

I liked mine so much I bought a used 3913. The 3913 has a legitimate claim to be the best all-around single stack 9 on the market - easily concealed, but longer than the CS9 and thus better at the range.

cs9_3913_rs.jpg
 
When legal on April 8th or there abouts in OH, I'll use a 9mm CZ 75 P-01 or my CZ 2075 RAMI in .40 cal.

--
Mike
 
IMHO I only have one out of the dozen or so handguns I own that is truly my everyday, anywhere handgun and that is my Kahr PM9. It carries two more rounds, is more compact, weighs only a couple of ounces more, is less bulky and has considerably more velocity and energy than my J-frame .38spl. It's far less bulky than my Glock G26 and in my honest opinion is much more reliable than my KT P11. It is very accurate and no malf's in over 1000 rounds fired. It fits in the front pocket of all my shorts and Dockers. When wearing jeans, it disappears in my Threat Solutions IWB holster. Overall it is the best 9mm carry gun that I personally own or have owned.
 
Best 9m CCW

Just another thought... You are planning on using whatever pistol you choose as a last defense option.. Therefore you shouldn't let price, name brand alone, or any other like consideration to make your final decision for you. Buy the pistol that fits YOU.. There are Glock fans, CZ fans, KelTec fans, et al. Makes no difference, buy what YOU feel is right. When it's all said and done the only person who's life will be endangered is YOUR'S. Again, IMHO, buy the pistol you like best that will be 100% reliable (or as close to 100% as can be had in anything of this type), choose the absolute best ammunition available, shoot enough of that particular round thru your pistol to ensure the reliability required, practice, practice, practice and don't 2nd guess yourself everytime a new "flavor of the month" 9mm comes out. Then just when you are completely happy with yourself and your choice you will hear someone say: "Only a Colt 1911 spitting out an ashtray sized 45cal round could stop the drug-crazed Moro natives of Borneo", (or the Philipines, or where ever) so why would anyone want a 9mm anything for "real" self defense? Opinions are like, well you know, we all have one.. Best Wishes, PX
 
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I'm goin with mbott's recommendation. I'll be carrying a CZ P-01 or a CZ RAMI. But I've heard alot of good things about the kel-tec P11 and the Sprinfield XD-9
 
I can't recall whether I've already responded to this thread, but I plan to use a Kahr P9 as my primary concealed carry, and have ordered a Fist K1 and a Fist pocket holster for it. The primary reasons for choosing this over the RAMI (which I really like, btw) are that it's lighter, smaller, and more corresion-resistant. I intend to use it on the bike, and when I've ridden with the 75B noticed that there's a deposit of rust on the outside if I don't immediately remove and clean the gun after the ride. I plan to use as the CZ75B as a concealed carry weapon (although not during athletic activity), and I just installed Trausch grips for it that not only make it easier for my small hands to grip, but reduce the width of the grip to help with concealment.
 
Still carrying a Hi-Power...add a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster and belt and you have a rig that is excellent for concealment and still gives you the advantages of a full-sized handgun.
 
Bartholomew:

Still carrying a Hi-Power...add a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster and belt and you have a rig that is excellent for concealment and still gives you the advantages of a full-sized handgun.
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The Hi-Power is just a little bit smaller than the CZ 75. I've been considering buying a Milt Sparts VM2 for my CZ 75B, but if I end up carrying my Kahr P9 90% of the time that might be a waste. And even though I ordered a very good Kydex concealment holster for the Kahr, it might be better to get the VM2 for the Kahr, instead of the CZ. I gues what I'm asking is, the VM2 works well with such a big gun? No regrets?
 
I guess what I'm asking is, the VM2 works well with such a big gun? No regrets?
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None at all... the VM2 is an excellent rig and conceals my Hi-Power better than the 3 different Galco holsters I have concealed the much smaller Glock 26. I've bought a lot of holsters in my time and I have to say that the VM2 is like a cool drink of water after wandering in the wilderness.

I've done four formal pistol classes and two years of IDPA with the Milt Sparks rig plus everyday carry and it is holding up great with zero maintenance. Four years of steady use and the holster is still tight enough that I can shake it upside down without the pistol falling out; but pull it out smoothly on a draw

The only downsides I can think of with it is that for guns with blocky sides that lock up on the hood of the chamber (Glocks, etc.), the leather adds more thickness to an already thick gun for IWB carry. However, it is about the perfect holster for 1911s, Hi-Powers and CZ-75s.

The other possible con is that it tucks the gun in close to your side, so you'll lose a little time in competition to guys using straight drop OWB rigs with a giant vest for cover. If you start putting on weight those spur hammers on 1911s and Hi-Powers can also be a gentle reminder to skip the super-sizing since it is tucked in close. I'm 6'1 and 210lbs though and I can and have worn it for 18 hours or more, including driving long distance - it is very comfortable.

You can PM me if you have any other questions as I don't want to threadjack; but my experience has been that it is near impossible to go wrong with any Milt Sparks product and this is one of their best.
 
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