Commander Sized 9mm

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rjohnson4405

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I have a female friend who is 5'4" and barely over 100 pounds. Anyway, she shot a Ruger MK III, XD 9, Sig, and some wheelies (actually pretty good shot, which I imagine is the listening thing she does so much better). After that we entered the gun shop and I had her handle a 1911 because she expressed wanted something slimmer (small hands). She really liked the grip size but preferred the commander slide for balance. She can't conceal carry in California where she's going but she can keep it in her house.

So my question is does such an animal exist? I have found Springfield sells the loaded in 9mm but only in government size. I would like to keep the price around $600 as I offered to buy her a first gun. :eek:

The 9 she thought was pretty loud but it didn't affect her shooting. No flinching so I was thinking a steel 1911 would soak up the 9mm while providing a viable defensive caliber. As opposed to 22 which she liked the best but she shot the 9mm just as well and thinks she can handle it (and so do I).

Thanks!
 
Kahr CW line was also suggested.

I forgot about the BHP, good call, maybe have her look at a CZ Compact.

Springfield EMP I have seen and like but would like a longer sight radius for ease of use as she is relatively new and that makes it easier. Plus the price tag makes it easy to find a reason to dismiss it. :)
 
One issue with the Kahr is that she may have trouble racking the slide. My wife just can't handle the slide on the K9.

Did she try a Sig P239? How about a S&W 3913?
 
If you are open to pistols other than 1911, czech out the CZ-75 compact or PCR. I have a PCR and I love it, great gun, didn't get it long ago but it has been 100% reliable so far and the grip feels just about perfect for me. the grip isn't too short, and it is just long enough. I like it so much a CZ-75 Compact is now on my list.
 
I'm not sure who's making a true Commander-sized 9mm 1911 these days, but the Kimber Tac Pro is available in 9mm. I had one for several years before selling it on when I needed some cash for something else and convinced myself that I had enough 9mm pistols anyway :(. Anyway, ran flawlessly and was one of, if not the, most accurate centerfire pistols I've owned. With the aluminum frame it was good for CCW, but with 9mm recoil was still pretty negligible. Only down side was good quality 9mm mags for 1911s are harder to locate than most of the other calibers out there.

Another option would be finding a used Colt 9mm Commander at a gun show, though prices on those seem to be all over the place when I see them at shows.
 
I have a Colt slide on an Essex frame. That or my 642 is what I usually carry.

John
 
LTC in 9m.m.

PARA ORDNANCE makes a COLT Lightweight Commander in 9m.m. They are very well made and have good triggers.

For a 1911 in 9m.m., I think it would be ideal as a carry gun.

Jim
 
Well a Stoeger Cougar, a Turk made Beretta, is Commander size:

Coug1911.jpg

I really like mine...and think the NIB price tag, $ 369 was well worth it:

StoegerCougar1.jpg
 
Don't know what is up with all the non - 1911 input. Most people know what they like, especially in the case of a 1911 versus anything else.

I recently bought a Kimber Pro Carry II Stainless in 9mm and I really like it. The blued version can be had for around $700 or so I think, so that is not too far off the $600 mark.

This is my first 1911, but I love the feel, the trigger, it's great. I did add some skateboard tape to the front strap though. I wish I would have bought the Tactical Pro in 9mm, but for your situation the blued Pro Carry should be great.
 
If the Star BM was still being made, I'd recommend that. Slim, compact, but a little heavier and should be a soft shooter. Single action, all steel, 9mm.

jm
 
Good info so far guys. The 1911 platform was only suggested because it was the only grip she liked of the guns she handled. She certainly hasn't handled them all so all suggestions are welcome.

A Sig 239 is certainly and option and so is the CZ/BHP and Star BM. If I had to (if it was the only gun she liked) I would get her a Kimber or something similar in price, but I'm still holding out if I can.

Thanks for the replies so far.
 
Also, I was thinking about 38 Super but ammo cost might be prohibitive, although I've never shot one or bought ammo for one.
 
"Commander Size'?

The term 'Commander size' is kinda deceptive.

Sig 228, CZ 75 Compact, Commander, and S&W 39 series are all Commander size, sorta. Two demensions (length and height) don't really mean much except for concealed carry.

How they handle, ergonomics, and total bulk are horses of different colors though.

For a skinny single stack 9X19, the Kahr and 3913 Lady Smith are kinda nice. One is striker fired, the other is DA/SA. I'm not comfortable with a SA for a bedside pistol. Don't know about you or your lady, but sometimes I don't wake with all 8 cylinders firing properly. Revolvers seem to fit my perceived needs as well.

In the double wide class, the BHP and Sig 228 handle well for me. Granted, I do have a short trigger in the DA/SA 228.

The CZ has a loooong trigger reach in DA mode.

salty
 
Single stack seems like she likes it better which most of these guns match (except the CZ). What about the Walther PPS?
 
Try a Kimber Pro Carry II in 9mm. Good sights, and all you need is a few metal form ramped mags. It is an aluminum frame and is snappy with +P ammo, but it is very manageable with standard pressure 115 gr jhp.

The 4" barrel/slide is more reliable than a 3" barrel/slide, you gain a little more velocity, and it can be purchased new for around $700.


 
First, don't believe all the California bashing regarding their CCW policies. It just depends on which county you live in. Some places are shall issue, others are impossible.

For a commander sized 1911, you can try looking for a used STI, although $600 is probably still a little low.

Springfield used to make an officer sized 9mm, the PX9505L. The alloy frame makes it much lighter than a steel framed gun. It's still alright for recoil, although it's probably not going to be as forgiving as a commander. Coincidentally, I'm about to list mine for sale, but again, $600 is a smidge low.

No matter what you do, just make sure you get that gun before she goes to California. Her options would become really limited, as only guns on the roster are eligible for sale from a dealer. Off list handguns can only be bought through PPT.
 
I believe Fusion makes them. Might be worth a look.

How about a used H&K P7M8?? They can be had for under 600. Single action trigger, single stack 9mm.
 
The PSP maybe, but not the M8.
I'd say the Star BM for low budget, or a real Commander in 9mm for around $650.
 
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