Compact/Micro 9mm Suggestions?

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

I have an LCP II and I really like it. It's handy for going armed in places/situations one of my 1911s would prove too cumbersome. That said, I'd really like a step up in power from the .380.

Specs I'm looking for:

- 9x19
- polymer
- single stack
- hammer fired (shrouded or bobbed)
- single action with long takeup or safe action
- no external safety lever save for one on the trigger

Basically, it would be an LCP II beefed up to take 9x19. I see something close to what I want on Ruger's website -- either the Security 9 or the LC9s -- but the Security looks like it only comes in double stack and the LC9 has a thumb safety and is striker fired.

If I could get an LC9s without the thumb safety, I'd consider it, even though it has a striker. Problem is I don't see any made like that.

Any suggestions/recommendations? I wonder if the regular LC9 is what I'm looking for, but only see the LC9s when I look for it. Is it still made?

Thanks!

 

[rperyam]

I’ve been carrying my Kahr PM9 in my pocket for over 20 years with no complaints. Their CM9 is what I would recommend today.

 

[NorthBorder]

I've been pocket carrying a XDS 9 for about 7-8 years with no complaints. It is basically a point-n-shoot. The only safeties are the grip safety and the one between your ears. It is striker fired though. I had an original Ruger LC9 that was hammer fired but the pull was kinda long and heavy. They are about the same size and easy to pocket carry.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

I’ve been carrying my Kahr PM9 in my pocket for over 20 years with no complaints. Their CM9 is what I would recommend today.

Looking at it, the CM9 is actually pretty close to ideal. My one issue is the DAO trigger -- how is it? I liked the trigger on my S&W M19-3, for example, but have never found a semi-auto DAO trigger I like.

 

[zaitcev]

My one issue is the DAO trigger -- how is it?

It's not a DAO. Calling it that was just a marketing ploy. It's a normal striker-fired SAO mechanism with a long motion of the trigger.

SIG used to sell a true DAO single-stack, called P290RS. It was hammer fired. The first time I took it up, I could not complete the shot with one hand. But Kahr is nothing like that. The length of the motion of the trigger is sensible and it's not unduly heavy.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

It's not a DAO. Calling it that was just a marketing ploy. It's a normal striker-fired SAO mechanism with a long motion of the trigger.

SIG used to sell a true DAO single-stack, called P290RS. It was hammer fired. The first time I took it up, I could not complete the shot with one hand. But Kahr is nothing like that. The length of the motion of the trigger is sensible and it's not unduly heavy.

CM9, Matte Stainless Slide

shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com

It says it's a hammer-cocking DAO. Does it not have a hammer, either?

 

[zaitcev]

It says it's a hammer-cocking DAO. Does it not have a hammer, either?

Bruh


Kahr guns always been striker fired. Not different from Glock, just the trigger travel is longer.

 

[Kleanbore]

A micro 9 is a bear to shoot, and very difficult to use and achieve a reasonable balance of speed and precision.

An EZ9 is extremely easy to carry ll day; it is far more shootable,;and it is hammer fired.

Also consider an Avidity Arms PD-10

 

[Doorstopper]

It's not a DAO. Calling it that was just a marketing ploy. It's a normal striker-fired SAO mechanism with a long motion of the trigger.

SIG used to sell a true DAO single-stack, called P290RS. It was hammer fired. The first time I took it up, I could not complete the shot with one hand. But Kahr is nothing like that. The length of the motion of the trigger is sensible and it's not unduly heavy.

I’m

 

[Doorstopper]

K9 Kahr here. Fantastic trigger for me. Very smooth. I watched a stranger at the range borrow mine and put 7 shots in one hole at 8 yards. He is better than me.

 

[DesertFox]

Looking at it, the CM9 is actually pretty close to ideal. My one issue is the DAO trigger -- how is it? I liked the trigger on my S&W M19-3, for example, but have never found a semi-auto DAO trigger I like.

That's because the only DAO trigger worth a darn is in the S&W 1086 IMOHO.

 

[obiwan1]

I like my Kahr K40. If you're looking for hammer fired, try the FN Reflex. That's one of its selling points. The HK P30SK is also hammer fired. I own a USPc LEM and it's an excellent compromise.

 

[southernguy]

The Kahr CM9 fits the bill. However, venturing out to PSA. The microdagger is fairly impressive with 15+1.

 

[MikeInOr]

My CM9 is a well made perfectly reliable 9mm with a trigger I find very pleasing. I would highly recommend one. My only complaint is that it is too big for me to pocket carry. Actually, I can carry it in a pocket easily but I can't draw it from a pocket quickly or easily.

I usually carry my Diamondback DB9. The fit and finish aren't as nice as the Kahr but it is just smaller enough that I can smoothly draw it easily from a front pocket holster (Desantis Superfly). Like the CM9 my DB9 has been 100% reliable.

The first time I shot each of them they were a bit of a handful but it didn't take much practice before shooting them is just as easy and natural as shooting any other pistol. My XDS in .45acp is more of a handful than either 9mm but it to is very shootable with proper practice... for me at least, some people find a LCP to be too much.

Middle row, LCP, DB9, CM9 from top to bottom.

My DB9 is the closest thing I have found to a LCP in 9mm.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don’t philosophize over striker vs hammer, a LC9s is good.
Its safety is on in the drawer, goes off when I insert it in holster, holster in pocket.

Starting from scratch, I would look for more capacity, a Shield Plus or P365 is worth a look.
I am contemplating a Shield + in .30 SC. Still greater capacity and often discounted because Internet Experts don’t like it.

 

[Alex Clayton]

The really nice thing about so many states having CC law now is the market for compact pistols. There is so many now. The downside to asking on line is a ton of people have one they like but, it might not be what you like. So "best" choice? Find a range with rentals so you can test drive some. Failing that go to a shop or two and at least handle anything that looks like it would be to your liking. See how they feel, do they offer replaceable grips, sights, ect. Sadly a lot of people buy some gun because someone else likes it only with later wish they had made a different choice. Then they have to deal with re homing the first one. When I started to carry we had a handful of choices. Now its like a kid in a candy store we have so many.

 

[Pudge]

It's aluminum, but what about the R-51?

 

[Mike J]

If you like Ruger I would suggest you look at the Ruger Max 9. I have one & like it. It has more capacity than a LC9s but there is very little difference in size between the two. It is available with or without an external safety.

Ruger LC9s vs Ruger Max-9 size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Ruger LC9s and Ruger Max-9

www.handgunhero.com

 

[MikeInOr]

It's aluminum, but what about the R-51?

I can shoot just about any trigger well but the R51 has a really bad plastic trigger. I really like grip safety's but the R51 grip safety is really loose and pinches the web of my hand between my thumb and for finger. Mine is also not 100% reliable.

I would equate the R51 to an FP-45 liberator:

It is the gun you use when you have absolutely nothing else.

 

[Tilos]

A micro 9 is a bear to shoot, and very difficult to use and achieve a reasonable balance of speed and precision.

An EZ9 is extremely easy to carry ll day; it is far more shootable,;and it is hammer fired.

Also consider an Avidity Arms PD-10

Yep, A bear to shoot (recoil) or a bear to rack...pick one and only one...
.

 

[Pudge]

I can shoot just about any trigger well but the R51 has a really bad plastic trigger. I really like grip safety's but the R51 grip safety is really loose and pinches the web of my hand between my thumb and for finger. Mine is also not 100% reliable.

I would equate the R51 to an FP-45 liberator:
View attachment 1196907
It is the gun you use when you have absolutely nothing else.

Mine's actually been reliable, and I'm starting to shoot it a little better, but I might not have been completely serious.

 

[cfullgraf]

I like my Kimber Micro 9 for a compact 9mm. I do not find it objectionable to rack or shoot.

I like an H&K P30SK but for regular carry. It is not what I consider as “compact”. I have one with a DA/SA trigger and one with the LEM trigger. Great firearms.

 

[tmd16556]

I like my S&W Shield 9. It can be pocket carried in a big enough pocket. The Rugers are probably good pistols too but just didn’t feel right in my hands. It’s worth handling as many of the options out there. The Beretta micro 9s were in the running too.

 

[tdbmd]

Hello,

I have an LCP II and I really like it. It's handy for going armed in places/situations one of my 1911s would prove too cumbersome. That said, I'd really like a step up in power from the .380.

Specs I'm looking for:

- 9x19
- polymer
- single stack
- hammer fired (shrouded or bobbed)
- single action with long takeup or safe action
- no external safety lever save for one on the trigger

Basically, it would be an LCP II beefed up to take 9x19. I see something close to what I want on Ruger's website -- either the Security 9 or the LC9s -- but the Security looks like it only comes in double stack and the LC9 has a thumb safety and is striker fired.

If I could get an LC9s without the thumb safety, I'd consider it, even though it has a striker. Problem is I don't see any made like that.

Any suggestions/recommendations? I wonder if the regular LC9 is what I'm looking for, but only see the LC9s when I look for it. Is it still made?

Thanks!

Kahr PM9 or Kimber Micro 9

 

[Tallball]

I have or have had some single-stack micro 9's.:

Taurus 709 Slim - horrible trigger and ergos

Original LC9 - hammer-fired, horrible trigger

LC9s pro - the "s" means striker fired, the "pro" means no safety - nice shooter that I've kept

Glock 43 - worked just fine

Kahr PM9 - my preference: smallest, lightest, I like the trigger best (striker fired)

I like the Kahr the best. I held onto the LC9s pro as a "spare". The Glock was fine, but I traded it for the Kahr.

Kahr PM9

• Tallball
• Jun 20, 2023

Ruger LC9s Pro

• Tallball
• Sep 5, 2019