Looking for a comfortable 9mm subcompact for CCW

[Orion8472]

I will be getting my carry permit soon and am looking for a small carry pistol, chambered in 9mm, that will have exceptional accuracy, comfortable recoil, reliable, and well made. Here are the pistols I have been looking at:

CZ 2075 Rami
Springfield Armory EMP

The handguns that I considered were:

S&W M&P - didn't point right for me, though
Glock 26 - Also didn't point right.
HK P9 M13 - I really like the idea of this gun's functioning, but may not be able to find one, and may be too big.
HK P2000 SK V3

I'm not a big person, and am needing something that will be concealable for my size. Also, where would you say is the best place for me to conceal, and what pistol carrier would be best for the setup?

Thank you!

Ps: How's that for a first post?

 

[TMann]

Another good choice would be one of the Kahr 9 mm pistols. I own a P9 (polymer) and a K9 (steel) and I love 'em both. They are both very easy to shoot and very concealable due to their slim profile. Some folks find the grip to be TOO narrow, so you should obviously try to hold one in a store before buying. Good luck with your choice.

TMann

 

[jocko]

kahr pm9

not much better out there IMO. I have one, with 12,000 flawless rounds through it. I know that is hard to believe but it is the god's honest truth. Weight 14 ounces and rides in my front pocket 24/7. super gun, not cheap, but excellent quality, super trigger system. very accurate. My kahr k9 is over 3000 rounds and is perfect. super range gun for me, compared to my PM9 it weighs a ton,but still is cery concealable, but not pocketable IMO. One hell of a shooter IMO. If you like all steel, this is the gun to have..

 

[romma]

I'm having De Ja Vu all over again...

 

[gilfo]

Love my Rami. Shoots dead on and very reliable. Had a Kahr PM 9 which I sold because it would'nt run right even after a trip back to Kahr. Rami is a little heavy but in my opinion the extra weight is good for recoil and second shot capability. My suggestion is get the Rami and then be prepared to buy more CZ's, it happens to everyone.

 

[NG VI]

The two choices you listed are really good ones, but what fits your needs best really depends on how you are going to carry it. I personally don't have anything good for pocket carry, except maybe my Glock 27 in a winter jacket pocket, but the glock and my CZ PCR are great to conceal compared to the USP I used to carry.

Whatever you get, if you don't end up getting a gun that is easy to pocket carry, be sure you allow yourself the money to buy a GOOD holster for it. I have an assortment of holsters I will probably only use if I have to. If I could do it all over again, I would have dropped the money into 2-3 really good holsters, instead of the 8-10 so-so, crappy, and decent holsters I have now.

And buy a great belt. Gunner's Alley is where I ordered my gunbelt from, they are awesome people.

 

[ochmude]

I don't have a Kahr, but only because they are banned for sale in Massachusetts. From what I've seen they are about perfect for a CCW. Just keep in mind, if you're going for an IWB carry, it doesn't matter if you've got a 3" barrel or a 12" barrel, as long as it's not too thick. A narrow firearm is much more easily concealed, regardless of length.

 

[romma]

I don't have a Kahr, but only because they are banned for sale in Massachusetts.

Ironic isn't it? Kahr is based in MA, and they are banned.

Just like Colt AR15s are banned in CT... New ones anyway.

 

[rogerxd45]

check out the springfield xd subcompact

 

[jocko]

romma

and then people wonder why this country is so f--ked up?????

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

What RogerXD45 said--check out the Springfield XD subcompact. You might also want to look at the new Walther PPS, though I haven't seen one of those in the flesh myself.

 

[Orion8472]

I've only seen the Walther PPS in pictures and my first impression is, looks pretty ugly. I admit that I'm basing it on the beauty of the EMP.

The Kahr PM9 sure is small. How does the recoil feel on such a small gun? Seems as if it would beat the crap out of your hand! Also, in a real world situation, is 6 or 7 shots adequate? That isn't a slam on that gun, as 2 or 3 rounds may be competely adequate for most situations.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Keep them coming.

Has anyone compared these small semi-autos in terms of their accuracy? Would a Rami compare to the twice priced EMP? How about the quality? These questions can be asked about any of the handguns suggested.

 

[buzz_knox]

The Kahr PM9 sure is small. How does the recoil feel on such a small gun? Seems as if it would beat the crap out of your hand!

It's not bad at all if you don't run +Ps.

 

[mr.72]

recoil on a PM9 is noticeably more than on a midsize 9mm like my Sigma, but not excessive.

 

[Orion8472]

I was doing some searching, online, and found a relatively cheap (priced) gun, called the Skyy CPX-1 and it goes for just under $300. Anyone have any information or experience with this pocket pistol?

 

[Orion8472]

I've fired my brother's FEG small PPK style pistol, in 9X18 makarov, and it lets you know it is in your hand. I wonder if the little Kahr would feel about the same?

 

[M1911]

Are you looking for a pocket pistol or for belt carry? For belt carry, try a Kahr K9. For pocket carry, try a Kahr MK9 or PM9. My Kahrs have been reliable, but some folks have had more trouble with the plastic Kahrs than the metal ones. I do think my MK9 is built better than my PM9, but the PM9 is more comfortable in my pocket than my MK9. YMMV.

 

[Orion8472]

Well, if it would ride in a pocket, that would be good, but mostly I'd try to conceal it at the waste band, under a shirt, with the idea of perhaps one of those holsters that sits between the body and the pants.

The width is somewhat important, but I'm not going to dismiss a "wider" gun. What I'm mostly interested in is the accuracy, pointability, and second shot followup capability, which was why the EMP looked impressive to me. Videos I've seen show it looking quite controlable. Another plus is that it is owned by an American company!

 

[buzz_knox]

I've fired my brother's FEG small PPK style pistol, in 9X18 makarov, and it lets you know it is in your hand. I wonder if the little Kahr would feel about the same?

I find the PM9 far easier on the hand than the Mak.

 

[jimbob86]

Go with the EMP. I love mine. For a decent holster without bankrupting yourself (as if you already hadn't buying the EMP!), a Bianchi model 100, size 10 works for me...........

 

[jocko]

recoil

I personally never notice the recoil of my pm9. to me it shoots like a dream. Goes bang every time and conceals in my front pocket quite nicely. They are not cheap in price but they sure are quality all the way around and also a gun you can shoot until the cows come home to. I have 12,000 rounds through my pm9, and have replaced recoil springs only.. If you have a hankering for an all steel gun the kahr k9 is awfully hard to beat to. I love it for a range gun, and it is also concealable but nothing like the pm9 ..

 

[M1911]

If you are carrying on your belt, then I would definitely go with the K9 before the MK9 and PM9. The longer sight radius, longer grip, and extra weight make shooting it quickly and accurately much easier.

The Kahrs have a long, smooth trigger pull. Think of it as the best DA revolver pull you might imagine. But it is long and the reset is fairly long as well. It is NOT a 1911 trigger (which is lighter and has a much shorter stroke).

I'm sure that the Springfield EMP can have a better trigger -- it might need a trigger job out of the box, but any good gunsmith can tune a 1911 trigger.

The K9, MK9, and PM9 are VERY slim guns. I haven't seen the EMP in person, but it looks very slim to me as well.

 

[t3rmin]

The Sccy (Skky) is a copy of the Kel-Tec P-11 but with an ugly bulky safety. A local gun shop was actually selling them for MORE. Get the Kel-Tec.

 

[guninthewater]

Check out a S&W 3913 (or a S&W 908 to save a few bucks).

 

[jocko]

M1911

IMO just two different guns the springer EMP and any kahr. one is double action, one is typical 1911. One cannot dislike the emp for its looks etc, but to me I want a gun I can stick in my pocket with some firepower and my kahr pm9 fits that bill perfectly. Had a Para carry 9, smaller than the emp and double action with the most fantastic DAO trigger system to me in the world. I shot it very well, but at 24 ounces, it was just not for me to carry unless waist band style. If I had to vote on a beautiful gun, the EMP would be at the very top of my list.