Compact 9mm for Carry

[PawDaddy]

I need to stay 500.00 or under. I would like suggestions from those who actually own and carry the guns.

 

[Pilot]

How compact? Pocket gun or something larger. I carry a compact, lightweight alloy framed CZ-75D PCR 9MM. While its called a compact, its more of a semi-compact like a G19. CZ's true compact is the RAMI.

 

[PawDaddy]

I am not looking for a pocket gun. Just something small enough to carry comfortably, yet big enough to shoot well. In the past I have carried 5 and 6 shot 38's. I always carried IWB, but am leaning towards OWB carry now.

 

[mbt2001]

Walther PPS seems to be perfect for exactly that. Slim, full size grip for the most part. I have looked at them, haven't ponied up the cash for one yet. I have heard they are reliable units, never really know till you try.

 

[Norinco982lover]

As you said only recommend something we actually carry...

XD9 sub compact. I carry it with a Don Hume 715 IWB. (saving for supertuck).

It shoots accurately, it can take 16 round mags, and it is available in .40 or 9mm. There are multiple safeties built into the gun...none that require anything but the normal shooting motion. These guns are most likely going to be very hard to find. I would recommend going to XDtalk.com and checking their WTS section. YMWV. (Won't Vary...it's a XD!)

~Norinco

 

[PawDaddy]

My son-in-law has a XD9sc, but I haven't fired it.

I have tried out one in .40 IIRC. I have also tried the G26, which was okay. I just want something that is comfortable enough to carry daily.

 

[NG VI]

I really like my FNP-9M, it is the compact FNP-9, perfectly reliable, I got it from CDNN for $389 with three 15 round magazines, it has a grip that is only as loing as it needs to be, since it is a poly frame with steel mags it can have solid 15 rounds of capacity without a tremendous or long grip. 3.8" barrel, it is slim for a compact service pistol, I like the trigger on it, and the sights line themselves up for me.


I also have a CZ PCR and it is a freakin' sweet pistol as well, about the same size as the FNP-9M.

 

[The Ground Truth]

Glock 19 or Glock 26 if you are looking for something on the smaller side

 

[rustygunner]

I have the XD-9 Sub-Compact, but honestly it's not much easier to conceal than my commander-framed .45 ACP. I do carry a Kel-Tec PF-9 if I am needing something covert.

 

[rustygunner]

XD sub is an excellent gun; 100% reliable and quite accurate. Just a little 'fat' IMHO.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Forget the fat and bulky guns and try a Kel Tec P11. If you buy a factory 12 shot mag it instantly converts from a P11 to a "P13."

I like Glocks and have some. I had a Glock 26 that I bought for daily carry but didn't like the way it felt when carrying...too blocky. I sold it and replaced it (plus some $'s) with a Glock 19 and a Kel Tec P11.

The P11 is most most carried handgun...hides away easily in Fobus holster, pocket holster (modified by me probably to maker's remorse), or clipped IWB.

 

[Keoni]

If you need to stay under $500, look at the Kahr CW9, or a lightly used P9. My experience has only been with the P9, but I would expect the CW to be much the same in performance. My five year old P9 has been totally reliable through about 700 rds. and a half dozen different JHP's, and it's a joy to carry IWB. If you plan to shoot lead get the CW, because from what I understand it has conventional rifling. My Kahr leads badly with non jacketed bullets.
I more often carry a .45 now, but if you want a lightweight easy to carry nine, I'd take a look at the Kahr.

 

[NG VI]

Now are you trying to find a compact or a subcompact pistol? I see a compact as a reduced size service pistol, a subcompact is not the same thing, subcompact can be either an even further reduced in size service pistol like a Glock 26/27 or P2000SK, or it can be a very small pistol like the P11/PF9 that has no larger counterpart.


Which one you want will get you very different answers.

 

[putteral]

Have you looked at the Taurus PT-111 Millenium Pro? Mine has been 100% reliable. 12+1 rounds

 

[CPshooter]

Glock 26 is always a great choice for that price range.

 

[CoRoMo]

Another vote and recommendation for THE P11.
+1 on the 12rd magazine too.

I wish I had an awesome picture like Cocked & Locked has, but this will do.

 

[salthouse]

I carry a Steyr S9 in a Crossbreed IWB. Very comfortable, accurate. My wife has a PPS, much thinner than the S9, but not under $500. I know a couple of people that have/carry Kel-tec 9mms and love them. I have a 3AT that I carry in the summer and I am very satisfied with it so I would think the 9mms are a good option as well. Good luck.

 

[SCKimberFan]

I carry a CZ 75 compact all day long. It is relatively easy to conceal and is no problem weight-wise. You may also look at their polymers, which would be slightly lighter.

 

[Gryffydd]

Another +1 on the XD9 SC. I carry it IWB, and it is a tad fat. On the other hand I can shoot it as well as I can shoot my 1911. For me it's the perfect balance between size and shootability. I keep the flush fit 10 round magazine in it with the 16rd magazine as the reload.




My small hands make it look bigger than it is.

 

[chuckusaret]

I have a S&W M&P 9mm compact and Springfield XD40 sub compact, and I like them both but CC the XD40

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Kahr CW series or used S&W 3913.

 

[Va Vince]

I really like my wifes G19. I carry that for now. It conceals fairly well. I am now useing a Galco summer comfort until I get my Milt spaks. The butt sticks out some but its not too bad.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Bersa Thunder Ultracompact.
www.bersafirearmsusa.com
www.bersatalk.com

 

[mrt949]

s@w m@p c 40. same gun diferent caliber.

 

[rscalzo]

Esily under the $500 limit is a used S&W 3913 or any of the compact 3900 series. The are built tough and many are available used.

I carried one off duty for years until I traded it for a small duty weapon which I carried on and off duty.

I never had a problem with one in those year. in fact I still have it.