Compact, lightweight SA/DA 9mm?

[Triggernosis]

Can anyone recommend a small, lightweight 9mm that is both DA and SA? I'm talking about something similar to a Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact or CZ RAMI, but lighter in weight than either.
Also prefer an exposed (i.e. "usable") hammer.

 

[Topspeed]

You can't go wrong with an S&W 3913. It is compact (3.5" barrel) making it easily concealable and it is an excellent shooter. I bought one last year and carry as my everyday CCW. It has also proven to be highly reliable. I have shot various manufacturers rounds and have never had a FTE or FTF. I think you will find that many people on this forum will agree although many others will offer their favorites as well.

 

[jfrey]

Check out the Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro. Not heavy at all and a good pistol. Beware of the Taurus bashers. I had no problems at all with the one I had, just traded it for a shotgun.

 

[bdb benzino]

S&W 908 or the cousin the 3913

 

[18DAI]

Another vote for the 3913. Doesn't get any better than that in a light weight, single stack, concealeable 9mm. TJ

 

[Runningman]

Seems like a CZ RAMI P would fill the bill. The polymer frame makes it lighter than the CZ RAMI. There is also the beretta px4 subcompact.

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.
I need to modify my original post to also specify that I like having an exposed (i.e. "usable") hammer. It's nice to be able to cock a hammer back for an accurate first shot and a groundhog or beaver when out on the farm. I can never get off a decent enough shot in DA in order to take out a varmint, though DA on the first shot will work just fine for me in a self-defense situation.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

3913s typically have "bobbed" hammers that sit flush with the slide. You can however retrofit a 59XX hammer. They are also larger (but more slender) than the Bersa or RAMI.

 

[kup9984]

I would suggest looking at the 3953 or 3954... but I can't remember if there is an exposed hammer on this model or not. I know it's DAO, but the trigger pull is shorter than the 3913 and may be a bit lighter too...? Check them out. Good luck finding a good 9...
Another option to consider would be the Springfield XD/XDm line. I know there's no exposed hammer on this gun, BUT the trigger pull is very much akin to the SA trigger on your typical DA/SA semiauto, which would still afford you the light and precise accuracy you're looking for. They're also relatively light guns and you could use it as your CCW as well.

 

[tekarra]

The Bersa Thunder 9 UC is actually quite a large pistol through the width. Have had the opportunity to check out the cZ P01? It has an aluminum frame, is quite narrow and the ergonomics are very good.

 

[The Tomcat]

Kel-Tec PF-9 is what I carry right now and I love it. Small, light and thin. IWB in a Kholster I forget I'm carrying it.

 

[mccartjm]

The thing that irritates me about the sub compact nines right now is that almost all of them are poymer, and almost all of them are DAO. I bought a CZ RAMI which is a nice gun but i am sending it in for repairs after 200 rounds. Honestly i would go with a 2nd or 3rd generation S&W. Check out the 3913 or the 639/539/39-2. Those arent exactly small guns but they are awesome and if your a big guy you should have no prob concealing them as they are single stacks.

 

[David E]

A spring kit does wonders for the action of the 3913/14

While the stock hammer IS flush to the slide, the top of it is serrated. You can begin the trigger pull and when the hammer is about 1/2 out, cock it the rest of the way.

Much easier and quicker to do than it may sound like.

 

[Triggernosis]

That's interesting, David E.. I hadn't thought of that. That may well work for me when out on the farm.

 

[Bullseye_shooter]

hmmm...
USP Compact in 9mm is a little large
so i'd go with a STI GP5, a little radical i know but it's a nice guin for about $650