Concealed carry 9mm for a slim person

[str8_70s]

I'm slim, male, 5'9" and about 140. Muscular, 4% body fat. I have an issue with concealment that most Americans don't - I don't have a gut to hang over the butt of a gun inside my waist band.

I'm looking for a 9mm for concealed carry. So far the options I've investigated, and my thoughts on them are:

Ruger LC9
+ inexpensive
+ all black
+ popular, so accessories will be available and inexpensive
+ compact, smooth
- lacking fit and finish of other options
- comes with 1 mag
Kahr CW9
+ reasonably priced for quality
+ higher quality than LC9, good fit and finish
+ compact
- stainless steel slide (concealment and highly-reflective finish don't mix)
- comes with 1 mag
Springfield XD9SC
+ high build quality, fit and finish
+ all black
+ comes with nice accessories like case and 2 mag's
+ very reasonable price for the package
+ higher capacity mag's, at 13 & 16 rounds due to double-stack
- fatter, and therefore less comfortable and less concealable due to double-stack


I'd go for the Springfield without hesitation if it weren't for the width of the gun. The weight and width of the LC9 and the CW9 are comparable, and preferable for carry and comfort. I don't really care about the magazine capacity. Two 7-round magazines is more than enough for me to handle anything but the zombie revolution. The extra 0.3 inches of width, extra half pound of weight of the gun, and the extra weight of the extra ammo in the Springfield all comes into play when I consider carrying it all day, biking to and from school, and back to the original point in my post title...

I'm slim. I tend to wear form-fitting clothing. The weight and width of the LC9 and CW9 are appealing. Right now the price of the LC9 is most appealing. The quality of the XD9SC is very appealing.

HELP!

I'm open to these, and any other suggestions. My price cap for a gun is about $500 or so, with a little wiggle room. Student + tuition + low income + high expenses + girlfriend out of work + (you get the idea) = tight budget.

Oh, and I've seen a lot of people chime in on other posts with such complete responses as "XD." Please give me some reasoning behind your response, even if it's simply "XD - mag capacity," or "CW9 - quality and size."

Thanks.

 

[Nushif]

I'm with you on the issues, although not quite as severe as you. I build muscle well and large.

That being said, I think your biggest problem is not so much the gun but rather your clothing. A little bit of loose fit is not only "nice" to have, it is a *must.* I can conceal a Kahr with just a nice open summer shirt an an OWB holster just fine. But I don't think wearing tight clothing and carrying a concealed gun go hand in hand.

Rather than investigate the gun, learn that a little bit of loose is indeed your friend. 8) Especially in summer.

 

[Packman]

I'm about the same size as you, just a little bit taller. Very similar build, from the sound of it though.

I don't know much about the first two guns you asked about, but I do not recommend the XD. I have one in .45, and the width is far more difficult to conceal. Shame really, because that little 9 is a great gun. Fits my hand really well, and I like the way it shoots.

It wasn't on your list, and I don't know how you feel about used guns, but my first selection for a carry gun was a Smith and Wesson 3913. Single stack, 9mm, and it conceals like a dream. I can hide that little monster under a surprisingly tight t-shirt. 8+1 capacity isn't bad either. It is a a Double/Single action though, I don't know how you feel about that. I paid 325 for the gun with 1 mag. I bought some extra mags though, so I was out the door with the gun, 4 mags and 100 rounds of ammo for 409. Fantastic little gun.

Have you considered Appendix Carry? I can't conceal ANYTHING on my hip. Move it to appendix, and the 9mm conceals under a light, small tshirt, while the .45 will conceal under a slightly larger shirt, although it prefers a button-down.

Good luck!

 

[bikerdoc]

With a 30 inch waist I can conceal a full size CZ 75 - Think clothes selection.

 

[Mayo]

Get the CM9 in April.

 

[Doghandler]

The LC9 will be in my pocket... sans California buttons (I hope).

... about 2 years from now!

I'm sure it's going to turn out to be another great gun from Ruger.

The XDs are too fat. The Kahr's are, well..., Those single stack autos are the schtick, man. I'm saving up for a K9 as we speak.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I am a big Kahr fan, currently own a K9 and have several friends with the CW9 and all work great.

Recently got the opportunity to shoot a Walther PPS 9mm and was very impressed. Slim, accurate, and easy to shoot. This gun ran really well with four shooters running it including the gal who owned it. Reloads, WWB, and Hornady Defense with zero hiccups.

 

[mbruce]

I have a Kahr pm9 and a Keltec pf9 -- My Keltec pf9 is my go to concealment 9....and its way ahead of the Kahr.....

The keltec is not a shooters gun...not meant to be... it's meant to practice just enough to be good enough...then put it away. it's a beast to shoot...and great customer service --

 

[rellascout]

IMHO its more about the carry rig than the gun in a lot of cases. I can hide a 5" govt 1911 in the right holster with a loose t-shirt well enough to not be noticed by the majority of people.

All the guns you have listed could serve you well in the right holster.

 

[str8_70s]

Nushif - you're right. I'm going to have to loosen up a bit, but I don't want to go baggy or wear two layers. I run warm, so thin is preferable. I do realize that I'm going to have to wear my clothing a bit more loose, and a bit thicker, but I want to stay as close to comfortable as I can.

Packman - thanks for the thoughts. I'm definitely thinking right-hand appendix, IWB. I'm a little nervous about having my gun pointed at my gonads all the time, as the "always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction" seems to contradict the whole "point it at your nuts" idea. I hadn't thought about the 3913, but I like the idea of a black gun. Plus, used brings too many variables into the equation. I've had bad luck with used guns in general, excepting the Colt Lawman snub I just sold. It's a little easier with revolvers - cylinder locks tightly, bluing is good, you're golden.

bikerdoc - I CAN conceal a Colt Lawman snub-nose, but I'd prefer not to sweat a lot in the summer; I am active, and a full-size gun is cumbersome due to weight, and limiting to range of motion. If I walk funny, it's drawing attention, even if you can't see the gun. The XD is actually a little heavier than I'd like, especially with two loaded hi-cap magazines.

MarshallDodge - what about the things I've heard about the slide on plastic causing issues with slide function after a lot of rounds, and shavings coming off the frame, etc. It seems like the Kahr is a generally well-made gun, but this sounds like an issue worth considering, and I hear their customer service and warranty work is slower than molasses. I'd prefer not to pay for a gun that stays in another state most of the time.

 

[jfrey]

Kahr CW9 - hands down. Easy to conceal on anybody.

 

[dieselmech]

5'6" and 140 lbs. 1911 5" slide not an issue.
I cc a glock 26 most of the time though.
remeber most people will never notice printing to a slight degree.

as a side note I were bluejeans, t-shirts and a flanel most of the time.

 

[rellascout]

Quick question. How is the LC9 popular? It has not even started shipping in mass yet. Also remember that Ruger has recalled 3 of their last 3 semi auto releases. They made good on them but there is a chance you will end of being a beta tester for Ruger. Something to consider. I know that at least one reviewer was sent a defective gun. http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-LC9.htm

I would also add the new budget line min Kahr to the list as mayo pointed out. CM9 will be smaller than the cw9 and will be in the same price range. $400

 

[wannasupra]

if you wear A&F or aero style clothes, you're not going to conceal anything. being that most people with your build are very picky about their appearance (nothing wrong with that, you don't get built like that on accident) tend to want to show off their build. if you want to hide a weapon under your clothing, you're not going to be able to do that. so, 3 choices. open carry, loose clothing, or learn to be a ninja.

 

[jon86]

I'm 5'9" 190 lbs and lean. I can carry a glock 17 easily with the right clothes, belt, and holster. Sometimes I wear clothes that "fit" me, and obviously I have to use the j frame in the pocket for this. Concealed carry is all about compromise. Good luck.

 

[str8_70s]

jfrey - thanks, probably leaning that way.

dieselmech - I love diesels, and too much gun to carry around, and too much clothing.

rellascout - you're right about Ruger and quality, and I was projecting the popularity based on the LCP.

wannasupra - hilarious! I would love to be a ninja, but don't have time. I hope that a slim gun, IWB will work with a shirt that's a little longer than I generally prefer.

 

[rellascout]

rellascout - you're right about Ruger and quality, and I was projecting the popularity based on the LCP.

I tend to agree that it will be popular. I do give Ruger credit that they owned up to the issues and took care of them on their dime. There are some features about the gun I do not like but if it sells for $300 like it should it will be hard not to consider it. It is the year of the mini 9mm...

 

[LibertySympathizer]

Take the magicians approach. Distract them by providing them something else to look at:

Fake ketchup stain.

Shirt with difficult to read wording, yet eye catching.

Wave "Hi" and smile to everyone as you pass. Works great in big cities. They'll cross the street and think you have the plague.

Or my favorite, have an attractive woman on your weak side.

 

[blackspyder]

At 6' and 170lbs, I know your feeling. I ended up with a Taurus Mil. Pro PT-111. The Keltec PF9 (same as Ruger LC9) was in the list but I like the feel of the Taurus better.

Having held the XDm .40, Khar PM9, and Kel-tec PF9. Added ammo makes up for the weight between the poly XD and the steel Khar. Best thing to do is close your eyes and grip each weapon and see what fits you best.


When Concealing there are 2 methods I employ 1) The Pullover "Hoodie" or 2) The Loose Untucked Button up shirt.

 

[straightshooter9]

You would like the XDm COMPACT better than the XD SC, take a look and good luck.....

 

[Interrupter gear]

The Kel-Tec PF9 is very slim. I have never fired one though. I reccomend that you "try one on" in the shop if the owner has no issues.

 

[Brass Rain]

I've been considering the same things. You could look into the Ruger SR9C. It's not exactly what I have in mind for my own CCW, but it might be for you.

 

[str8_70s]

straightshooter9 -
I have light bones, apparently. I actually am quite muscular, believe it or not. 4% body fat is the key there, and I'm guessing I've got some bird DNA in there somewhere. Hollow bones, just no wings or feathers. 28" waist. And maybe MOST Americans don't have a gut, but many do, and the overwhelming majority of people are carrying more "insulation" than I am. And I don't live in a dorm. I live in my own home on my own 2 acres, and I'm 33. The kids (and they are kids) in school are mostly pretty thin. They're also pretty unobservant, so as long as my concealment isn't poorly implemented, I think I'll be fine. That is, of course, assuming the police chief grants me permission to carry. The UVA policy on firearms is "prior written permission from the chief of police or designee," and I might have gone the wrong route of trying to obtain said permission. It's easier to get forgiveness than permission, but I asked the question for the harder answer. I might have to start a movement here. You'd think Virginia, especially after the Virginia Tech disaster, would be more amenable to legal carriage. As it stands, the only guns on campus are in the hands of cops and criminals, by official policy and definition.

everyone -
And so far I'm actually leaning toward the LC9 due to size and weight, all black appearance, value, and Ruger's service record. Kahr was first in line, but between the shiny, reflective slide and the long, LONG wait for issues to be resolved, I think the Ruger takes it. I'm going to try to get one this week, I think.

Thanks for the feedback. This forum has been quite quick to respond, and very informative. Much appreciated!

Be well

 

[tmoore912]

You aught to consider the AIWB carry. It works well for people with athletic builds. I'm 5'11 195, athletic build, and I can appendix carry a single stack Kahr or 1911 with just a t-shirt. I carry Glocks this way also, but with button downs or Polos. I don't wear tight clothing, but I don't wear baggie clothes either. What happens, is if you have a slim waist with an athletic torso (V shape back and chest) your shirt will just drape over the weapon with very little printing. Wearing the gun up front greatly helps from any casual contact in a crowd. I like it, and it works well for me. I do understand that its not for everyone.

Glock 19 in a Dale Fricke Archangel AIWB



Kahr P9 (same as CW9) in a Neutral Cant MTAC

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I really want to try out the LC9.