Help me choose a single stack 9mm

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phred

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I am in the market for a new carry gun. I mainly carry inside the waistband so I am looking for a single stack, and I already have several 9mm's, so I really don't want to stock another caliber. I have mainly been looking at the kahr K9 or the S&W 3913 (pre TSW) / 908s. If someone could post pics of these two guns side by side or at least post the dimensions of each i would greatly appreciate it, or if anyone has some other ideas the would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.
 
I'd recommend any Kahr over the equivalent S&W pistol. You might want to look at the larger T9 or its polymer-frame equivalent - a bit bigger than the K-series, with one more round in the magazine.

If you're on a budget, the RAP 401 is an excellent choice. It's a South African-made clone of the Spanish Astra pistol, and can usually be found for less than $250. Accurate, reliable, slim and trim - the only drawback is that it's a bit heavier than the steel-frame Kahr.
 
I've never shot any of the smallest single stack Smiths but based on my experience with the 910, I don't personally consider them quite equals. I like the Kahrs more in pretty much every single regard.

I've handled but never shot a CS9 and might consider it... but I can't see myself growing to like it as much as the Kahrs. In fairness, I daily carry a Kahr P9 Covert and a TP9 will almost definately be my next firearms purchase over $200.
 
You should consider the Glock 26. 9mm and pretty tiny. It's a tad wider than some others, but it's still comfortable IWB.

Cheers,
ChickenHawk
 
I was never a big S&W fan but was also concerned about the indifferent quality and customer service of Kahr.

I purchased a S&W CS9 after finding it to be much smaller and handier than a SIG P239. I have something under 1,000 rounds through mine and it is accurate, reliable, and durable. Shooting a pistol this small is a challenge at 25 yards, but at 15 yards it's quite good - and that's a football field in personal defense terms.

Since that time, I have purchased a S&W 3913, which is by just about any measure one of the best all-around pistols to be had. It's small and light enough to be readily concealable, but has a long enough sight radius to be usable at the range out to 25 yards. Along with my SIG P220 it has become one of my favorite pistols. If you do a search at the Smith & Wesson Semi Auto forum you'll find a number of threads comparing the CS9, 3913 and variants, and various Kahr and other ompact and sub-compact 9mm's.
SIGP220_SW3913_RS1.jpg


cs9_3913_rs.jpg
 
If you're on a budget, the RAP 401 is an excellent choice. It's a South African-made clone of the Spanish Astra pistol, and can usually be found for less than $250. Accurate, reliable, slim and trim - the only drawback is that it's a bit heavier than the steel-frame Kahr.
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Even better, find the original - the Astra A75. It's presently my favorite single-stack 9mm/40SW compacts...
 
phred, I would strongly suggest you not test fire a Sig229. Don't do it. If you ignore this advice, it will follow you home. You won't be able to avoid it, so be careful out there! Seriously, the P229 is one heck of a single stack 9mm pistol.

Chuck
 
phred, I would strongly suggest you not test fire a Sig229. Don't do it. If you ignore this advice, it will follow you home. You won't be able to avoid it, so be careful out there! Seriously, the P229 is one heck of a single stack 9mm pistol.
Click to expand...
Hey, for that matter the P220 [.45] is single stack!
 
the P229 is one heck of a single stack 9mm pistol.
Click to expand...

Actually, the 239 is the single stack. The 229 is a double. Both can be had in 9mm, .40 and .357SIG. I agree, DO NOT test fire either. You WILL end up with one of them if you do. Also, stay clear of the 225 (single stack 9mm). If you even HOLD one, you will be sold! Out of these 3 SIG models, the 239 is the most ideal CCW. I used to have a 239 in 9mm and a 229 in .40. I was able to carry them pretty securely with a COMPTAC rig and Wilderness belt. Sold the 239 and bought a 225. Traded the 229 towards a 220. I bought my broinlaw a 3913 for his birthday. A nice CCW pistol as well. I just don't like manual safety and mag disconnect. Also, the Glock 26 is a good option if you don't mind the short grip. It's a double stack, but it's a lotta bang for it's diminuative size. It'll take Glock preban mags, so you can carry 10+1 in it and a 15 or 15+2 spare mag (if you're into capacity).
 
Thanks for all the info so far. Regarding the Sig's, I already have a 226 that I absolutely love. The only 225 I put my hands on had a trigger pull that felt like it was close to 20lbs...no kidding, maybe it was just a bad example, or poorly taken care of. Keep the replies coming, you guys are great.
 
may want to take a look at the KT P-11. It is a double stack, but as thin as or thinner than many/most single stacks.

1" wide and takes S&W hi cap mags as well as the flush fitting 10 rounders it comes with.

http://www.kel-tec.com/prod01.htm
 
The only 225 I put my hands on had a trigger pull that felt like it was close to 20lbs...no kidding, maybe it was just a bad example, or poorly taken care of.
Click to expand...

I hear ya'. I really enjoy my 225. It fits me perfectly and carries well, but I admit the DA trigger pull is pretty heavy. IIRC, the manual lists it at around 10-11lbs. I'm practicing and getting accustomed to it, but my 220's DA kicks it's @$$.
 
3913, with Hogue grips. For a long time, this was the only S&W auto that I found interesting.
 
You`ll be very well armed with either the K-9 or 3913. The Kahr is a tiny bit thinner through the slide and the 3913 is a tiny bit thinner in the grip area. The P-9 is thinner all around,but in my hand feels too thin to get a good grip on. The kahr`s are a bit smaller overall. I`ve shot both types pretty extensively and they`re both very reliable and accurate. Personally I have a Smith the same size as the 3913 (a .40 DAO 4053) that I like very much indeed. I chose it over the Kahrs because I liked it just as much but it was half the price (very nice police trade in,$300 with night sights!). :D Marcus
 
I'd have to say Kahr only because my experience with that weapon has been absolutely outstanding. The 39xx series of Smiths is also outstanding, but I think the Kahrs are more refined. Can't go wrong with the HK P7 either.
 
I count three that are interesting...
H&K P7
SIG 239
And the empty spot in the safe where my S&W CS9 is going to go.
Not a fan of smith autos, but the CS9 shoots nothing like the rest of their nines, at very least the ones I shot, anyway. (Haven't shot the 3913.)
 
DONT test fire the P239...

It is a dream to shoot. Its more accurate for me than my P228, and it's got a much light trigger pull (factory specs). It's a real tack-driver. Just my opinion. Plus, its the same function and features of the much more expensive Sigs, but I've heard they've dropped the price point SIGnificantly to compete on the CCW market. It's one heck of a bargain!
 
I have two single stack 9mms right no,w a 1911 9mm and a star bm. I love both, and I hope to add more in the future. My next single stack will be a kahr pm9. If I was looking for a larger single stack, Id recomond the k9, all the models Ive handled seems to be very ergonomical and I really liked the trigger(this is coming from a single action trigger kind of guy).
 
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