Looking for a carry 9mm

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MrIzhevsk

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Hey all, I'm looking for a carry 9mm pistol and have a few criteria. Right now I just want to get a basic list of everything that already fits the bill for what I want, and then I'll go out and start looking around the gunstores for how they feel.

Here's what I want:
-9mm
-DA or can be carried cocked and locked
-Under $800
-External hammer
-Compact but not micro

So far the examples I've thought of are the CZ75 compact, and I really like the look and feel of the P2000sk that I've seen used. I also really like the Jericho compact in 9mm since I own one in .45. I'd consider a 1911 pattern officer in 9mm but I don't think I want my first 1911 to be in 9mm :neener:

So, what else is out there? What did I miss?
 
Is the CZ 2075 Rami too small? It is subcompact, but not micro, if that not too fine a hair to split...

Or maybe the Smith & Wesson CS9?

Or HK USP Compact - I think you might be able to squeeze it in for just under $800.
 
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EMP, if you can find a deal. They are worth the asking price though.

The Kahr 9MM's are very nice, and can be had well under your price limit.
 
Plastic or steel? Must have a hammer? Some mighty fine handguns being eliminated here sir. The Kahr line is good. I have a couple, steel and plastic, and like them both. Have a Glock 26, like it as well. The Ruger SR series seems pretty solid as well. Smith 3913's and Sig 239's are both really nice as well. any of these as well as many others are all good choices. If after market goodies catch your fancy the it's hard to beat a Glock. Shoot a few and then choose is always a good tactic.
 
wojownik- What do I get with the Rami that I don't with the 75? If anything, I just like the lines of the 75 better. I like the fact that I can buy parts for it and set it up to my liking, not to mention the availability of parts and gunsmiths. I haven't come across a S&W yet, but its something that hasn't run across my mind, so the next time I'm at the LGS I'll try to get a feel for one. I liked the USP compact, but the P2000sk seemed a better fit for me. Most guns that have the pinky hanging off fit my hand pretty snug.

I would jump on an EMP 9mm in a heartbeat if the deal arises.

I can compromise with having a polymer pistol, carrying a .45 steel jericho has got me aching for something lighter. Shot a buddies compact glock in .40 and didn't really like it much, not just because of the snap, but the grip isn't the one for me. I can live with a bobbed hammer, but I'm just more comfortable with having an actual hammer on the firearm. I suppose I should ask, are there any real drawbacks to having a striker fired pistol?

Shot the SR9, while it was slim, and felt light, I wasn't very impressed with it, I do also want something I can take to the range a lot and become proficient with, without being a pain to shoot.
 
I like having a hammer for the ability to cock the firearm IF there is time. I'm not saying I would rely on this, but if I can, I'd like the option. I also am just more familiar with hammer-fired firearms. I can see the drawbacks to having a hammer, like not being able to fire it in a pocket, or the attacker being able to grab it.

Are there drawbacks to striker fired? While I don't like the notion of not having a second strike capability, I don't think thats something that would make or break a purchase.
 
My two votes may not fit all your criteria but in my personal experience are excellent 9m carry pistols: the Springfield EMP and Para Ordnance Carry 9. My new EMP won't meet your $800 number but my Para bought used was only a bit over that.
 
As far as I can tell, the EMP or any 1911 platform would work, has a hammer, 9mm, can be carried DA with one in the chamber OR cocked and locked. Just finding one in the right price range is all.

What about the Px4 Compact? Anybody have one they can share about?
 
SIG 239 if you don't mind a single stack. Very flat, totally reliable, and very accurate. Recoil is also very mild.
 
CZ PCR fits all of your requirements, minus cocked and locked, plus lightweight for alloy. :)

PCR3.jpg

The CZ-75 Compact can do DA and Cocked and Locked, no decocker, but is all steel.
 
Pt709 has all the features except external hammer - nice and thin but shoots very good. That cz looks nice as well
 
armoredman- If i get the CZ without the decocker, I can convert it to have the decocker right? Can I go backwards with the PCR? As in, convert it fro decocker to cocked and locked?
 
I feel your pain, I recently was in the mood for a 9mm pistol and wanted a "steel" pistol. Didn't want a plastic gun. Shot a few Glocks and didn't care for the way they felt in the hand. Living behind the iron curtain an MA, my choices were limited. Ended up with an M&P FS and couldn't be happier. Hold them all, one will choose you.....

LNK
 
Well I said before, I'm OK with having a polymer pistol, I really like the sound of the P2000SK but I also like the CZ for the fact that its cheaper and has more parts that I can get for it and more support. I'm afraid that should anything need fixed or replaced on the used p2000sk that I buy it'll be "...because you suck and we hate you."
 
You've just about described the Px4 compact.

dsc00616v.jpg
 
Can you pony up the extra $200 or so for an EMP? It's worth it.

Yes, it doesn't have the capacity of some of the others. Yes, it's heavier than some of the others. Yes, it's more expensive than most of the others. But it's such a nice shooter, so perfectly balanced. I don't think anything in its class can touch it in terms of shootability.
 
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